Benelli Leoncino 800 Concept was revealed for the first time at EICMA 2018. The brand targets Ducati Scrambler as a direct rival, with both of them supporting almost similar displacement and usability. The design and development of Leoncino 800 took just 6 months, taking hints from the existing series of motorcycles and adding further styling for more fun. The engine used here is a re-bored version of 752 Street Fighter’s engine, resulting in more power and direct placement against the Italian rival. The launch is not yet announced but one can expect early arrival in India due to favorable competition.
Leoncino 800 Concept is almost production ready from the first look, leaving fans with an option to either go for Scrambler series in 2018 or wait a few more months for a right comparison between both of them. The styling flaunts typical Lion emblem on the front fender, raised fuel tank with muscular design, well-designed seat and typical Leoncino styling on the headlight and tail light. EICMA 2018 had a bunch of other attractive options from the global manufacturers, leaving Benelli a bit stressed between rising competition and problems being faced in various markets. They are ready for the second official entry into India.
Benelli is currently listing 302R, TNT300, and TNT600i on the Indian website, all of them carrying prices that will be asked on the launch day. The value for money machines are great in comparison to locally assembled options but they are not as effective in terms of competition with Kawasaki range. Benelli should have gone for the local production route to lower down taxes and bring all these machines at effective prices. They are yet to launch a lot of bikes that were seen at last year’s EICMA and expecting all of them once would be a wrong logic. Leoncino 800 still carries most character among all.
