Benelli Leoncino: charm and glory invade EICMA 2015 [LIVE PHOTOS]

Benelli leoncino – The Leoncino is an authentic and pure concept that inspired the designers of the new Benelli CentroStile. Not a replica of the classic motorbike, but an attempt to recover the stylistic features that still make Leoncino a fascinating and glorious motorbike today.

The compact shapes of the new Leoncino blend perfectly with graceful and harmonious lines. The Lion, symbol of a centenary history, stands proud on the mudguard and the headlight, round, as tradition dictates, features cutting-edge LED technology. The saddle, accessible and linear, follows the lines of the motorbike, as does the design of the exhaust and tank, which give the Leoncino balanced and modern proportions. The frame, a trellis made of exposed steel tubes, the end part of which is hidden under the tank (15 litres), finds its ideal size in this motorbike, integrating into the design.

The new Benelli Leoncino adopts the brand new 500cc liquid-cooled four-stroke twin-cylinder engine, which is smooth and responsive, and which responds very well in acceleration, with a power of 48 HP (35 kW) at 8500 rpm and torque of 45 Nm (4,6 kgm) at 4500 rpm. Double overhead camshaft distribution, 4 valves per cylinder, double 37 mm diameter throttle body, oil bath clutch and 6-speed gearbox complete the picture of a safe and modern engine-transmission group. The suspension, adjustable and with wide travel, of the new Benelli Leoncino is entrusted at the front to an upside-down fork with legs with a diameter of 50 millimetres, while at the rear there is an oscillating swingarm with lateral monoshock absorber.

The braking system is also excellent, where a double disc of 320 millimeters in diameter is mounted on the front end, with four-piston radial calipers. At the rear, however, there is a 260 mm diameter disc and a double-piston caliper. ABS is obviously also present. The knobby wheels, with spoked aluminum alloy rims, are 19" at the front and 17" at the rear and house 110/80-R19 and 150/70-R17 tyres, respectively. All this means maximum guarantee of stability and guaranteed fun in all conditions and terrain.