Benelli has launched the retro classic Benelli Leoncino 250 in India at INR 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The Leoncino 250 traces its origins to the bigger Leoncino 500 launched in India in August 2019. Bookings for the smaller Leoncino can be made both at Benelli outlets and online with a deposit of INR 6,000.

While most of the visual aspects of the Benelli Leoncino 250 are identical to the Leoncino 500, several mechanical changes can be found on closer inspection. These include a different steel-trellis frame, different swingarm and different suspension. However, the suspension system comprises upside-down unit up front (41 mm) and monoshock at the rear.


Other changes include an LED headlamp and a different digital instrument panel which frankly looks dated as compared to the unit of the Leoncino 500. Brakes include a single 280 mm petal unit in the front and a 240 mm petal disc in the rear. Besides that, the Benelli Leoncino 250 is shod with 17-inch rims and a 110/70 specification wheel at the front and a 150/60 section unit at the rear.

At the heart of Benelli Leoncino 250 is a 249 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC mill. Coupled to a 6-speed gearbox, the engine produces 25.8 PS of power and 21 Nm of torque. The fuel tank can store 12.5-litre of petrol and the bike has a ground clearance of 170 mm. colour options include White, Grey, Red and Brown. Besides that, the Benelli Leoncino is offered with a 3 year (unlimited-kilometre) warranty.


The Benelli Leoncino 250 has no direct competition in India. However, the sticker price of INR 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom, India) is a heavily contested one with several value-for-money offerings, including the KTM Duke 390 and the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. Deliveries of the Benelli Leoncino 250 will begin after Diwali 2019 (27 October onwards).