It’s unclear what’s going on with “Benelli” these days. The company is known to have been acquired by a Chinese corporation, but they are still designing at least some of their bikes in Italy. The design center in Pesaro is responsible for some concepts displayed at EICMA this week, including the Leoncino pictured here. A simple motorcycle … almost strange these days.
The Leoncino is a concept expected to reach production next year. Nevertheless, fairly detailed specifications are already available.
The Leoncino is powered by a 500cc parallel twin engine with DOHCs that produces a claimed 48 hp at 8,500 rpm and peak torque of 33 foot/pounds at 4,500 rpm. Power transfers through a six-speed gear box. The steel trellis frame holds a beefy 50 mm fork and a preload-adjustable shock in back. The wheels (19″ front and 17″ rear) have knobby tires. The dual disc brakes up front are large 320 mm units squeezed by radial mount calipers.
