Benelli has finally entered into the BS6
era in the Indian market by launching the BS6 Imperiale 400, the first
BS6-compliant motorcycle from the Chinese-owned Italian company. The new more
eco-friendly retro-styled motorbike has a starting price of INR 1.99 lakh*
which makes it INR 19,500 more expensive than its BS4 counterpart that retailed
at INR 1,79,500*.
The biggest change in the new BS6 Benelli
Imperiale 400 is the engine. It is the same 374cc single-cylinder air-cooled
mill, however, it has been tweaked to meet the stricter Bharat Stage 6 emission
standards. In its BS6 state of tune, this fuel-injected powerplant produces 21
hp at 6,000 rpm and 29 Nm at 3,500 rpm. For reference, the BS4 Benelli Imperiale
400 used to churn out 21 hp at 5,500 rpm and 29 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm.
Apart from making the Imperiale 400
BS6-compliant, Benelli has implemented no other change in the classic
motorbike. It continues to feature a round halogen headlamp and oval-shaped
side turn signals. The use of chrome in the stalks of the rearview mirror,
spoke wheels, and exhaust shield adds a bit of the retro touch. The motorcycle
also comes with a twin-pod instrument cluster, tank pads, upright riding
position, split seats, and old-school taillamp.
As per the earlier reports, Benelli would
have launched the BS6 Imperiale 400 in April, however, the Covid-19 global
health crisis might have induced some hindrance. Do you think the pandemic is one
of the reasons for the high price of the BS6 Imperiale 400? Let us know in the
comments below. Benelli has started accepting bookings for the new BS6
Imperiale 400 for a token amount of INR 6,000. The deliveries of the
retro-styled motorcycle are expected to commence in the first week of August.
