The Benelli Imperiale 400 cruiser, which will be
launched in the Indian market by March 2020, was spotted at the ARAI facility
in Pune recently. The first image of the Indian-spec Imperiale 400 reveals that it is
identical to the international version. Thus, you would see a chrome mask for
the headlight, chrome treatment for the mirror housing, rubber pad on the fuel
tank and split-style seat among other features. Additionally, it also has a
saree guard, an accessory that is mandatory for all motorcycles sold in the
country.
The Imperiale 400 will be imported from Benelli QJ
factory in Wenling, China in CKD kits, which will be assembled at the company’s
facility in Telangana. Benelli India plans to set up a manufacturing plant in
the country to bring down the costs further and offer the motorcycle at more competitive
prices.
The Benelli cruiser will target the Royal Enfield
350 models. It could be priced in the INR 2-3 lakh (ex-showroom) range.
Mechanical specifications on the bike include a 373.5 cc single-cylinder,
air-cooled, SOHC engine with fuel injection that linked to a 5-speed gearbox.
The motor churns out 19.7 PS of at 5,500 rpm and 28 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm.
It will likely be BS-VI compliant right from the launch.
Hardware specifications are basic, and the
motorcycle uses conventional telescopic forks and the twin spring-loaded shock
absorbers at the front and the back respectively to perform the shock
absorption tasks. Anchoring tasks are performed by a 300 mm disc with 2-piston
callipers at the front and a 240 mm rotor with a single-piston calliper at the
back. The safety net will include dual-channel ABS as standard. The motorcycle
has a halogen headlight and conventional dials to keep the costs low.
The Benelli Imperiale 400 will face competition from
the Jawa motorcycles as well. Benelli India plans to expand its dealership
network to 40 outlets across the country. It has set an annual sales target of
1,500 bikes for the current year and aims to double that number next year.
