Video Review: 2018 Benelli Leoncino 500

The Leoncino is the latest LAMS bike from Benelli and has plenty to offer in this highly competitive category, especially from $8,990 on the road...

Benelli’s Leoncino has made its return in 2018, offering a 500cc learner legal option for $8,990 on the road and looks to recall Benelli’s glory days. It’s a stylish scrambler/roadster offering and it’s easy to see the attention to detail the brand’s committed.

2018 Benelli Leoncino Tech Talk

Benelli’s Leoncino features a liquid-cooled in-line two-cylinder 499.6cc powerplant, with a 37mm throttle-body and Delphi MT05 ignition providing smooth fueling and accessible power and torque via a six-speed gearbox.

The in-line twin is an absolute gem…

Bore and stroke at 69 x 66.8mm, with a compression ratio of 11.5:1, with power output of 35kW (47.6hp) and 46Nm of torque which is available by 6000rpm, claimed dry weight is 170kg, with a 15L fuel tank.

The frame is a steel tube trellis affair, with a swingarm using the same material. The licence plate is mounted from the rear axle/swingarm, ensuring a clean tail. Suspension are 50mm inverted forks, with rebound adjustability in the fork caps, while the lateral rear shock offers preload and rebound adjustability, for a firm ride, but compliant at higher speeds. Seat height is 785mm making for a super inviting reach to the ground for almost any rider.

50mm front forks offer good all-round performance

Adjustability allows for a little tweaking

External adjustment on the rear shock offers a bit more convenience

Suspension is definitely a bit more aimed at open road cruising, but doesn’t compromise too much in other areas, for my 70kg weight

Bosch ABS is switchable via a toggle on the front ‘bars, with dual 320mm semi-floating rotors and four-piston radial calipers, while a 260mm rear rotor is matched to a single-piston caliper.
Wheels are aluminium alloy, with a 3.50 front and 4.50 rear, both 17in wheels.

The headlight is an LED item, with super bright indicators also featured on both ends, with large more classically styled lens designs, while the dash is a simple LCD affair that is split into two sections and has two buttons for switching between readout options.

Headlight and indicators look the business and do a great job.

Details include the Benelli and Leoncino badging, including the lion on the front guard, with an adjustable brake lever, external rear suspension pre-load adjuster, clutch perch cover, model branded fuel cap, and flowing bodywork.

2018 Benelli Leoncino

2018 Benelli Leoncino 500 (LAMS)

benelli.com.au

Price: $8,990 On-Road (Ride-Away)
Warranty: Two-year, unlimited kilometre
Colours: Leoncino Red, Vulcan Black, Steel Grey, Terrain Brown

Claimed power: 35kW(47.6hp)@8500rpm
Claimed torque: 46Nm@6000rpm
Dry weight: 170kg
Fuel capacity: 13.5L

Engine: Liquid-cooled, in-line two-cylinder, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valves per cylinder, 499.6cc, 69 x 66.8mm bore x stroke, 37mm throttle body, 11.5:1 compression ratio, Delphi MT05 ignition, NGK CR8E spark plugs
Gearbox: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet

Chassis: Steel tube trellis frame, steel tube trellis swingarm
Suspension: 50mm USD forks, rebound adjustable, lateral rear shock, preload & rebound adjustable, 112mm travel
Brakes: Bosch ABS, dual semi-floating 320mm rotors, radial four-piston calipers, single 260mm rear rotor, single piston floating caliper
Wheels & Tyres: Aluminum alloy, 3.50 x 17in, 4.50 x 17in, 120/70 – R17, 160/60 – R17

Dimensions:
Seat height: 785mm
Wheelbase: 1443mm
Overall Length: 2139mm
Overall Height: 1120mm

Instruments: LCD display