Benelli was never a motorcycle brand which sold large volumes in India but its range of products are very underrated. The Chinese-owned Italian motorcycle manufacturer made headlines at EICMA last month where it unveiled the all-new Leoncini Bobber 400. This will be the brand’s new entry-level model going forward.
The important question to ask is if this new motorcycle makes its way to India. Benelli has had no locally-assembled, entry-level motorcycle in India for a long time ever since the Imperiale became unavailable for sale in the Indian market, even though it continues to be listed on the company’s official Indian website.
If launched in India, the Leoncini Bobber 400 will most likely be slotted below Leoncino 500 and above Keeway V302C within QJ’s portfolio in India. For the uninitiated, QJ is the parent company of European brands like Benelli and Keeway which are sold in India through a local distributor named Adishwar Auto Ride.
Benelli Leoncini Bobber 400: Design
This is the first Bobber to be introduced by Benelli. Unlike a traditional cruiser, the Leoncini Bobber 400 gets flat handlebars despite a low and laidback riding stance due to forward-set footpegs. Also, the overall design is more modern than classic retro, taking inspiration from modern-day Harley-Davidsons. Visual highlights include a rectangular LED headlight, a chiselled 15-litre fuel tank, a single-sided dual-muffler exhaust, a rear tyre hugger, and a short tail section.
Blacked-out components of the alloy wheels, tank extensions, bar-end mirrors, double cradle steel frame, and air cooler accentuate the bike’s sporty flair. As expected from a bobber, the Leonicini Bobber 400 comes with a single seat for the rider as standard, with the option of a pillion seat available as an accessory. Another big highlight is a small black insignia of a lion mounted on the front fender signifying that it is a Leoncino.
Benelli Leoncini Bobber 400: Specs & Features
Powering the Leoncino bobber 400 is an all-new 384.5 cc ,60-degree V-Twin engine that pushes out 34.5 bhp and 36 Nm of peak torque. Power is transferred to the rear wheel with the help of a 6-speed gearbox via a belt drive – a setup usually seen only on big cruisers.
Underpinning the Leoncino Bobber 400 is a double cradle steel frame that sits on 35mm upside-down telescopic front forks and dual shock absorbers at the rear. Stopping power is achieved from single disc brakes at both ends. The motorcycle rolls on 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-profile road tyres. In terms of features, it gets a circular TFT digital instrument console and LED illumination.
Benelli Leoncini Bobber 400: Expected India launch
It is no secret that Benelli has lost ground in India but the Leoncino Bobber 400 could salvage some pride for the Italian brand. With growing interest in the single-seater bobber styling, the Leoncino Bobber 400 could make an enticing option to consider, if priced correctly. That said, the Leoncino Bobber is expected to be priced at a premium which means it won’t have a strong value-for-money proposition. Therefore, as of now, the launch of Leoncino Bobber 400 seems a little unlikely.