Benelli will be launching its Leoncino 500 and Leoncino 500 Trail models in the Indian market later this year. The company has confirmed this at the launch of its TRK 502 range in the country. The regular Leoncino 500 will get alloy wheels and is primarily for road use, while the Leoncino 500 Trail will be more of an -on-off-road product with knobby tyres and wire-spoke wheels.
The Leoncino 500 gets a parallel-twin 499.5 cc eight valve liquid cooled DOHC mill that makes 47 BHP and 46 Nm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission system and the powertrain is a shared one with the Benelli TRK 502 line-up. The Leoncino 500 is a contemporary scrambler with design touches like a round shaped LED headlamp and U-shaped daytime running light complete with a kidney shaped fuel tank and single-piece seat. The bike draws inspiration from the Ducati Scrambler with regard to elements like the digital instrument cluster, steel trellis chassis and its stubby-esque exhaust setup.
The Benelli Leoncino 500 sources a majority of parts from the TRK 502 including the alloy wheels, USD front forks, brakes and rear monoshock. It will take on the likes of the KTM 390 Duke, Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 (when it launches) and Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. Prices are expected to hover around INR 3.5-4 lakh (ex-showroom).
