Benelli Malaysia has confirmed the launch of the eagerly-awaited Leoncino 500 in the second half of this year. As can be seen clearly from the photos, the motorcycle combines tradition with contemporary style, innovation and performance.
Speaking of performance, the Leoncino 500 is powered by a liquid-cooled 500 cc, twin-cylinder engine that churns out 47 hp at 8,500 rpm and 45 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. Mated to a six-speed gearbox, the engine itself features wet sump lubrication, electronic injection, overhead double camshaft timing system, four valves per cylinder, and hydraulic clutch.
Said to be a fast and compact street bike, the Leoncino 500 rides on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 120/70-R17 front and 160/60-R17 rear tyres. The front suspension is an upside-down 45 mm fork while the rear swingarm is controlled by a laterally-mounted shock absorber. Its braking system consists of two 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers at the front and a 260 mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the rear.
Elsewhere, the Leoncino 500 comes with ABS, digital instrumentation as well as LED projector lights. The price is yet to be set, but according to Benelli Malaysia, the bike will be available at an “extremely competitive” price.
