Benelli Leoncino 500

Engine and gearbox

The Benelli Leoncino 500 uses Benelli’s 500cc parallel-twin engine, with eight valves, double overhead camshafts, liquid cooling and fuel injection. Benelli quotes 35 kW (about 46.9 hp) at 8,500 rpm and 46 Nm at 6,000 rpm, with an 11.5:1 compression ratio. It has a six-speed gearbox, a wet multi-plate clutch, chain drive and electric starting. Top speed is quoted at 160 km/h. The official consumption figure is 4.2 litres per 100 km, or about 23.8 km per litre, although real-world use in Pakistan may differ.

Size and practicality

The Leoncino 500 is 2,160 mm long, 875 mm wide and 1,160 mm tall, with a 1,460 mm wheelbase. The seat height is 810 mm and ground clearance is 160 mm. Kerb weight is 207 kg and maximum load is 190 kg. Its 12.7-litre fuel tank is small for a 500cc bike, so range between fuel stops will be shorter than on the TRK models. It is a naked bike with no wind protection, best suited to city riding and shorter highway trips.

Chassis and equipment

The Leoncino is built on a steel trellis frame with aluminium alloy wheels and Pirelli tyres, 120/70 ZR17 front and 160/60 ZR17 rear. Braking hardware is strong for the class, with two 320 mm front discs and a 260 mm rear disc, and ABS on both wheels. The rear mono-shock is preload adjustable with 51 mm of travel, and front suspension travel is 125 mm. Colours listed are Black and Red.

Warranty

Warranty terms are not published on Benelli’s Pakistan website. Confirm the warranty period, service intervals and stock availability with the dealer, as at least one dealer listed this model as out of stock.

Which version to buy

Only one version is listed, at Rs 2,100,000 ex-factory. In our view, the Leoncino 500 is the most stylish way to get Benelli’s 500cc twin in Pakistan, combining retro-inspired design with modern hardware such as ABS, twin 320 mm front discs and adjustable rear suspension. It costs the same as the 502C cruiser according to the price list we used, so the choice between them comes down to riding style: the Leoncino has a more upright, sporty position, while the 502C is lower and better for relaxed cruising. Its main drawback is the small fuel tank. Riders who plan long tours should look at the TRK 502 instead.