Benelli Leoncino 500 to Launch in India Very Soon

A recent report in Indian automotive industry confirms that 2019 Benelli Leoncino 500 will launch in India very soon and it will be available in a single variant. The motorcycle is on sale in Malaysia and will come straight to India through CKD or local production route. The Indian variant will be road-focused with alloy wheels and standard tires.

In this case, Benelli can play safe and launch the same in India for a lower price tag than motorcycles like Triumph Bonneville and Harley-Davidson Street 750. Most manufacturers either make bikes around 300cc and then jump straight to 650-750cc but Benelli has already broken stereotypes with a 500cc twin-cylinder motorcycle.

They currently retail TRK 502 in the above-given segment and that too with two variants for both regular touring lovers and adventure community. As Leoncino 500 and TRK 502 will share the engine, local production would be the best way to beat taxes and get good sales number out of this midsize engine segment. The India-spec version of Leoncino 500 is expected to be available in two shades. The motorcycle looks exclusive with the one-of-its-kind perfectly carved metal lion on the front fender.

2019 Benelli Leoncino is powered by a 499.6cc, twin-cylinder engine producing 47.6 HP at 8500 rpm and 45 Nm at 4500 Nm. This makes it much more powerful than any other 500cc model on offer in India. The brand offers 185mm of impressive ground clearance while Leoncino will weigh right under 200kg for maximum performance.

Benelli’s exclusive 50mm thick USD forks are used as a front suspension while the rear gets a monoshock with 145mm of overall travel. Benelli will share most parts among TNT 300, TNT 600i, and the Leoncino to keep overall costs lower than any other motorcycle around this segment. Benelli Leoncino 500 is expected to be priced around INR 4.50 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.

Benelli Leoncino 500 Photos