Benelli Leoncino 500 India launch scheduled on 5 August

Benelli has confirmed through its Instagram handle that the new Leoncino 500 will arrive in India on 5 August. The company has posted the photograph of the instrument console along with the text, "The count is on. Just 3 days to go."

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For now, Benelli will introduce the standard model in the Indian market. The middleweight motorcycle is available in three versions internationally – Standard, Trail and Sport. Vikas Jhabakh, Managing Director, Benelli India, confirmed in an interview in July that the Italian brand would introduce a single variant of the Leoncino 500. The other two variants may arrive in India if the company sees sufficient demand.

The mechanical specifications of the Leoncino 500 include a 499.6 cc parallel twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with a fuel-injection system that produces 46.6 PS at 8,500 rpm and 45 Nm at 5,000 rpm. The motor employs a 6-speed transmission. Benelli will launch the motorcycle in BS-IV compliant form.

Premium hardware specifications include 320 mm twin-discs with four-piston callipers and a 260 mm single-disc with a single-piston calliper at the front and rear respectively. The safety net comprises dual-channel ABS. The shock absorption setup includes 50 mm inverted forks at the front and an asymmetrically mounted monoshock (preload-adjustable) at the back.

The spherical headlight and retro styling are complemented by modern equipment. Key features include a projector-style headlight, LED blinkers, digital instrument console and rear tyre hugger-mounted number plate. Being road-biased, the Leoncino 500 will come with 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres.

The LCD instrument console features a split-style layout. The left side of the display shows fuel gauge, temperature, and a digital clock, while the ride side includes tachometer, speedometer and gear position indicator among other information.

The Leoncino 500 may arrive at an aggressive introductory price. Expect the motorcycle to carry INR 4.5-5 lakh* tag. It will face competition from the Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650, which is available from INR 2.50 lakh*. The Leoncino 500 could also lock horns with KTM 390 Duke and the Honda CB300R.

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Benelli plans to launch five motorcycles and introduce up to 45 dealerships in the Indian market by the end of 2019.

*Ex-showroom Delhi