Benelli is all set to grace the market with their Imperiale cruiser, which has been designed specifically for competing in the market with the likes of 350cc Royal Enfield classic series, and the 300cc Jawa twins. The brand after its split from the DSK Motowheels has been constantly focusing on rebuilding its power in the automobile market, thus, justifying the launch of its new series of motorcycles in India. Benelli recently relaunched the TNT 300, 302R, and TNT 600i in India. The brand also launched the much-awaited TRK 502 and TRK 502X adventure motorcycles.
Commenting on the launch of Imperiale 400, Vikas Jhabakh, Managing Director of Benelli India stated: “We will be launching Imperiale 380cc to 400cc bikes either by the fourth quarter of the calendar year 2019 or the first quarter of 2020”. In addition to this, he also commented: “With this, we will take on Royal Enfield in the same segment.”
Taking the pioneer like Royal Enfield under the list of its greatest competitors, the Imperiale cruiser gets a 373.5cc single cylinder engine, capable of churning out a maximum power of 20 HP and an utmost torque of 28Nm while the Royal Enfield Classic is powered by a 346cc single cylinder engine that is good for 19.8 HP and 28 Nm of torque.
The all-new Imperiale 400 is also expected to get same wheel specifications as that of the Royal Enfield Classic, with almost similar kerb weight, though, the price tags may vary for the two considering the Imperiale 400 being imported as CKD.
Currently commenting on the Benelli bikes being imported as CKDs in India, the managing director also stated: “Currently, motorbikes are imported in completely knocked down condition and assembled. Going forward, we are planning to put up a manufacturing unit in India”.
