If you love motorcycles and want a bike that mixes old style looks with new age power, the Benelli Leoncino 500 could be perfect for you. This bike has Italian roots and Chinese backing, and it is gaining fans in India thanks to its great style, strong engine, and bold road presence.
Whether you are new to biking, have years of riding experience, or are just looking at bikes in the 500cc range, this guide will tell you all you need to know. We cover the price, performance, and what it feels like to ride the Benelli Leoncino 500.
The Story Behind the Benelli Leoncino Name
It helps to know the history of the Leoncino before we talk about its features. The word “Leoncino” means “little lion” in Italian. The first Leoncino bike came out in the 1950s. It was famous for its small size and easy city riding. The new version keeps that classic look but adds modern technology for today’s riders.
Design and Looks: Classic Style Meets Modern Flair
Your first look at the Benelli Leoncino 500 will tell you this is no ordinary bike. It has a neo retro design, which means it feels both old and new. You will notice a round LED headlight, a nicely shaped fuel tank, and a lion badge on the front fender. It looks like a bike from a classic collection but with a fresh touch.
The paint comes in both matte and glossy finishes. The steel trellis frame is partly visible, adding to its charm. Among all the retro style bikes in India, the Leoncino 500 truly stands out. It is available in several color choices so you can pick your favorite.
Engine and Performance – Smooth and Powerful Ride
The Benelli Leoncino 500 is powered by a 500cc liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine, which delivers 47.5 PS of power at 8500 rpm and 46 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm.
The engine offers smooth power delivery and a strong mid-range performance. It doesn’t vibrate much and gives a refined riding experience, especially on highways.
Performance Highlights:
- Engine Type: 500cc Liquid-Cooled Twin-Cylinder
- Maximum Power: 47.5 PS @ 8500 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 46 Nm @ 6000 rpm
- Gearbox: 6-Speed Manual
- Smooth power flow for both city and highway rides
So, whether you’re riding in the city or going for a long weekend trip, this engine offers a calm yet exciting performance.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type: | 500cc Liquid-Cooled Twin-Cylinder |
| Maximum Power: | |
| Maximum Torque: | |
| Gearbox: |
So, whether you’re riding in the city or going for a long weekend trip, this engine offers a calm yet exciting performance.
Ride and Handling: Built for Comfort and Control?
So, how does it feel to ride? This is where the Leoncino 500 really wins people over.
- Comfort: The riding position is upright, with wide handlebars. This makes for a very relaxed and comfortable posture, even on longer rides.
- Suspension: It has a 50 mm upside-down fork at the front and an adjustable mono-shock at the rear. This setup soaks up bumps and potholes surprisingly well, making it suitable for varied Indian road conditions.
- Braking and Safety: With a dual-disc brake setup at the front and a single disc at the rear, backed by dual-channel ABS, you get confident and safe stopping power.
- Handling: Despite its weight, the bike feels agile and stable once you’re moving, especially when going around corners.
Benelli Leoncino 500: Key Specifications at a Glance
Here is a quick table summarizing the main technical details:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 500cc Liquid-Cooled Twin-Cylinder |
| Max Power | 47.5 PS @ 8500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 46 Nm @ 6000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| Front Brake | Dual Disc with ABS |
| Rear Brake | Single Disc with ABS |
| Fuel Tank | 12.7 Litres |
| Kerb Weight | 207 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm |
What is the Benelli Leoncino 500 Mileage?
For a 500cc bike, the Leoncino 500 is fairly efficient. In real-world conditions, you can expect it to return a mileage between 25 to 28 km/l. This can be a bit higher on the highway if you ride at a steady speed.
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What is the Price in India?
The Benelli Leoncino 500 price in India starts at ₹5.59 lakh (ex-showroom). On-road prices in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore range between ₹6.40 – ₹6.70 lakh.
Yes, it is slightly premium, but it offers unique styling and performance that justify the price.
Major Rivals:
- Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
- Honda CB500X
- KTM 390 Adventure
- Kawasaki Z650
If you value design, comfort, and exclusivity, the Leoncino 500 is worth every rupee.
Practicality and Comfort – Can You Ride It Daily?
Yes, you can. The Benelli Leoncino 500 offers a very comfortable riding position with a decent 800 mm seat height, suitable for most Indian riders. The seat is wide and supportive for both the rider and pillion.
However, with a kerb weight of 207 kg, it may feel a little heavy for beginners, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The 12.7-litre fuel tank is enough for city rides but may require refuelling on long trips.
Overall, it’s an excellent motorcycle for daily commutes and weekend getaways.
READ MORE:-Honda CBR 300R 2025 Launched– Powerful 286cc Engine, 30 km/l Mileage & Next-Level Sportbike Design!
What’s New in the Benelli Leoncino 500 2025?
The 2025 version brings a few small but important updates that improve comfort and performance:
- Updated ECU for smoother power delivery
- Improved heat management for better performance in traffic
- Upgraded brake setup for stronger stopping power
- Suspension tuned for Indian road conditions
- New and stylish colour options
These upgrades make the 2025 version more comfortable and refined for Indian riders.
Who Should Buy the Benelli Leoncino 500?
The Leoncino 500 is made for riders who want a motorcycle that stands out from the crowd.
Perfect for:
- Riders who love the combination of retro design and modern performance
- Touring enthusiasts who enjoy smooth, long-distance rides
- Those who want a premium and stylish motorcycle
Not ideal for:
- Beginners who want a lightweight, fuel-efficient bike
- Riders focused only on daily commuting
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Benelli Leoncino 500?
The Benelli Leoncino 500 combines Italian design, reliable technology, and a powerful yet smooth ride. It is not just a bike, it is a statement. For riders who want performance, style, and soul, this bike has it all.
It may not be the cheapest 500cc bike available, but it has a unique character that is hard to find elsewhere. If you value good build and being different, the Leoncino 500 is worth your money.
Common Questions About the Benelli Leoncino 500
Q1. What is the top speed of the Benelli Leoncino 500?
It can reach about 170 to 175 km per hour, depending on the rider and conditions.
Q2. What is the real mileage of the Leoncino 500?
You can expect between 25 to 28 km per liter based on how and where you ride.
Q3. Is the Benelli Leoncino 500 suitable for beginners?
It’s friendly to ride but slightly heavy, so it may take a few days to get used to for new riders.
Q4. Is the seat height suitable for short riders?
With an 800 mm seat height, it’s comfortable for most average-height riders.
Q5. How is Benelli service in India?
Benelli has gotten better with service across India, but some smaller cities may still have limited service centers.
Q6. Does the Leoncino 500 have Bluetooth or navigation?
No, it does not have Bluetooth or navigation. It focuses more on the riding experience than digital features.
Q7. What are other bikes like the Leoncino 500?
Good options to consider are the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, Honda CB500X, and Kawasaki Z650.
