Design and styling
The Benelli Leoncino 500 immediately stands out with its neo-retro design. It blends classic motorbike styling with a touch of modern minimalism. The round LED headlamp, sculpted fuel tank, and short tail section give it a muscular yet elegant appearance.
- Front design: A circular full-LED headlight features a unique pattern, giving it a retro yet high-tech feel.
- Tank: The 12.7-litre sculpted fuel tank appears robust and complements the overall aesthetic perfectly.
- Seat and tail: The flat seat and compact rear section enhance its café racer-like stance.
- Leoncino badge: The signature Lion of Pesaro emblem on the front mudguard adds a distinctive touch.
- Build quality: Excellent paint finish and sturdy components make it look premium and solid.
The design clearly pays tribute to Benelli’s historic models, making it a perfect blend of past and present.
The Leoncino 500 is powered by a 500cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine. This engine produces around 47.5 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 46 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox.
The engine feels refined and responsive, offering strong mid-range performance. Whether you’re riding through city traffic or cruising on the highway, the Leoncino handles both effortlessly.
- Acceleration: Smooth and linear, ideal for both beginners and experienced riders.
- Top speed: Around 160–170 km/h, depending on conditions.
- Vibrations: Minimal, thanks to its refined twin-cylinder setup.
- Cooling: Liquid cooling helps maintain the engine's temperature, even during extended rides.
Overall, the Leoncino 500 offers powerful yet manageable performance, making it a joy to ride in different conditions.
Riding comfort and ergonomics
Comfort is one of the key strengths of the Benelli Leoncino 500. It is designed for both city commutes and long-distance rides.
- Seating posture: Upright and relaxed, reducing fatigue during long rides.
- Handlebar: Wide and comfortable, giving the rider good control.
- Seat: Broad and well-cushioned for both rider and pillion.
- Suspension: Inverted front forks and a rear mono-shock provide a balanced ride over Indian roads.
- Foot pegs: Positioned slightly rearward for a sporty yet comfortable stance.
Whether you’re riding through crowded streets or cruising on the highway, the Leoncino ensures a planted and comfortable ride.
Handling and braking
The Leoncino 500 is built on a strong steel trellis frame, which provides excellent stability and balance.
- Front suspension: 50mm upside-down forks that absorb bumps efficiently.
- Rear suspension: Adjustable mono-shock for different road conditions.
- Brakes: Dual 320mm front discs and a 260mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS.
- Tyres: Pirelli tyres offer superb grip and confidence in handling.
The bike feels well-balanced and confident in corners. Whether you’re leaning into turns or tackling uneven roads, the Leoncino maintains excellent control. The braking system is powerful and progressive, giving riders a strong sense of safety.
Features and technology
Benelli has equipped the Leoncino 500 with modern features while preserving its classic charm.
- Full-LED lighting system (headlamp, indicators, and taillight).
- Digital instrument console displaying speed, RPM, fuel level, gear position, and trip data.
- Dual-channel ABS for improved safety.
- Fuel injection and liquid cooling for better performance and efficiency.
- Premium tyres and suspension enhance ride comfort and grip.
The digital console is clear and easy to read, even under bright sunlight. The mix of retro design with advanced tech makes the Leoncino a true modern classic.
In city traffic, the Leoncino 500 performs surprisingly well for a middleweight bike.
- Throttle response: Smooth and predictable.
- Low-end torque: Sufficient for quick acceleration in stop-and-go traffic.
- Turning radius: Manageable, making it easier to handle in crowded streets.
- Gear shifts: Smooth and precise, ideal for daily riding.
Despite its weight of over 200 kg, the Leoncino remains easy to manoeuvre, thanks to its balanced chassis and low centre of gravity.
When you take the Leoncino 500 onto open roads, it truly shines.
- Cruising speed: Feels most comfortable between 90–120 km/h.
- Stability: Excellent, even at higher speeds.
- Wind protection: Limited due to its naked design, but manageable.
- Braking: Strong and confident at all speeds.
The bike’s twin-cylinder engine ensures smooth power delivery for overtaking and cruising, making long rides enjoyable and effortless.
Fuel efficiency and range
The Benelli Leoncino 500 is designed primarily for performance, but it still delivers decent fuel economy for its class.
- City mileage: Around 22–25 km/l
- Highway mileage: Around 26–28 km/l
- Fuel tank capacity: 12.7 litres
- Range: Around 300–320 km on a full tank
For a 500cc twin-cylinder motorcycle, these numbers are quite reasonable, especially given its performance and weight.
Pros of Benelli Leoncino 500
Some benefits of Benelli Leoncino 500 are as follows:
- Eye-catching neo-retro design.
- Smooth and powerful twin-cylinder engine.
- Strong build quality and premium finish.
- Comfortable riding position.
- Excellent braking system with dual-channel ABS.
- Refined performance suitable for both city and highway.
- Distinctive styling that stands out.
Cons of Benelli Leoncino 500
Here is a list of some drawbacks of the Benelli Leoncino 500
- Limited fuel tank range for long-distance touring.
- Slightly heavy for beginners.
- The service network is not as widespread as some competitors.
- Wind protection could be better for highway rides.
Ownership experience
Benelli owners often praise the Leoncino 500 for its solid build, refined engine, and distinctive styling. It offers a premium experience without being overly aggressive or difficult to handle.
The maintenance cost is slightly higher than that of other brands, but it’s reasonable for an international bike of this segment. Spare parts availability has also improved in India due to Benelli’s growing dealership network.
Overall, riders appreciate the reliability, comfort, and pride of ownership that the Leoncino 500 brings.
Pricing and availability
The Benelli Leoncino 500 is priced at ₹5.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It comes in different colours such as Steel Grey, Red, and Black, providing buyers with some personalisation options.
Although more expensive than single-cylinder 400cc motorcycles, the twin-cylinder's performance, styling, and build quality make it a good buy for bikers seeking something premium and unique.
Final words
The Benelli Leoncino 500 is a testament to style and personality. With its Italian lines, smooth twin-cylinder engine, and premium construction, it offers a welcome blend of retro style and contemporary performance.
It's ideal for riders who desire something unique from the norm, a bike that appears refined, rides wonderfully, and seems special each time you fire it up.
The Leoncino 500 is renowned for its harmonious blend of style, performance, and comfort. If you care about craftsmanship and uniqueness in your bike, this "little lion" has a place in your garage.
Frequently Asked Questions
