Benelli India not ruling out possibility of entering the scooter market

21/02/2019 - 16:14 Benelli Zafferano 250 EFI, Benelli Suvil Susvirkar

We have already spoken in detail about Benelli’s product strategy for its second inning in the Indian market. The Chinese-owned Italian two-wheeler brand has updated its India portfolio with the launch of the TRK 502 and the TRK 502X. Benelli India would introduce as many as five products (new models and variants) in the Indian market, and the next motorcycles to hit our shores would be the Leoncino 500 and Leoncino 500 Trail.

Benelli Zafferano 250 Red right side — Benelli's portfolio in the international market has the Zafferano 250 EFI. The premium scooter packs loads of features like massive under-seat storage, twin disc brakes at the front, wind protection and much more.

Also read: Benelli to introduce bigger TRK (possibly a Tiger 800 & BMW F850 rival) model

While the company plans to concentrate on the 250 cc to 500 cc segment in the short term, the management has not denied the idea of introducing a scooter in the future. Speaking on the sidelines of the TRK 502 and TRK 502X launch, Vikas Jhabakh, Managing Director of Benelli India said that the company needs a scooter in its portfolio. He did not reveal timelines, and we do not expect to see a scooter arrive in the country this year.

It is interesting to note that the quarter-litre Benelli Zafferano 250 EFI scooter was spotted in India during the company's stint with DSK. However, that never made it to the Indian market. With its new partnership with the Mahavir Group, we could see a premium scooter from the brand arrive in the country next year.

To recap, the Zafferano 250 EFI draws power from a 249.7 cc single-cylinder engine with fuel injection. The motor is tuned to deliver 21.07 PS of max power and 20.83 Nm of peak torque and comes mated to a CVT unit. The premium spec sheet of the Zafferano 250 EFI includes twin discs at the front and a single unit at the rear performing the anchoring tasks. A telescopic fork at the front and an adjustable monoshock at the back take care of the suspension duties.

Benelli Zafferano 250 EFI spied IAB rear close up shot — The Benelli Zafferano 250 EFI (pictured) was spotted in India back in 2017. However, with its partnership with DSK coming to an abrupt halt, the scooter never made it to the Indian market.

Also read: Benelli Imperiale 400 (Royal Enfield Classic 350 rival) to launch before July

In other updates, Benelli India is working towards localisation of parts for offering its products and spares at more competitive prices. However, the localisation of components would be a long process and, as told by Jhabakh, it could take up to 12 months to complete. Until the company works on localisation, all models would come to the country via the CKD route and assemble at the factory near Hyderabad.