Motorcycle specifications Benelli500 Leoncino 2018 Leaping on the promenades

After a period of trial and error, torn between its full-bodied past and its sino-accessible present, Benelli has finally found a path that's more in keeping with its history. Not its recent history, but that of a time when the lion scratched most of Italy's roads. After a demo-prototype announcing its arrival, the Leoncino has now set out to conquer the roadster segment. But not the big ones, not the violent ones, not the wild ones. No, the 500s, those with small incisors. And the Italian wants to play on its charm.

Roadster or Scrambler? A bit of both, perhaps. But whichever way you categorize it, the bike's design hits the nail on the head. Inspired, stylish, seductive, the Pesaro lion cub reconciles us with the brand. The tank is a big part of the identity, but so are the pocket-sized frame, the stubborn headlight, the muscular fork, the two-round dashboard, and the little lion on the front fender.

Pleasing; nothing to complain about. A fine example of the Italian school. Once it's caught the pilgrim's eye, the Leoncino can take him along on its tales of the road. The story is told in melody, thanks to a motorization that's light rather than spirited. The 500 cm3 twin-cylinder engine delivers the 35 kW (47.6 hp) required by A2 license regulations. With a torque of 4.6 mkg reached at 4,500 rpm, relaunching promises to be indulgent, in keeping with the fun-retro spirit of the roadster. Not violent, but far from sad. A mere fifty horsepower for a machine weighing 207 kilos already makes for some good laughs.

On the technical side, the 500 Leoncino is strong with its 50 mm inverted fork and dual disc brakes with radial calipers. The rest of the chassis is more conventional, with a tubular steel frame and swingarm, but no less efficient. Then there's the suspension, which is a little more advanced than the usual basics for this displacement range. In addition to the classic rear amorto preload, you'll find rebound adjustment for both damping peripherals. A 6-speed gearbox, 13.5-liter fuel tank and spoked wheels complete the package.

Until recently, small-displacement machines had a hard time arousing any real interest. 250s, 300s... Silhouettes that looked for themselves...and so did the public. All this is changing, and the market's growing inclination to attract A2 licence holders is giving rise to bikes like this 500 Leoncino. Its cubic capacity bridges the gap between the timid 2 and 1/2 and the 650/700s that dominate the market, its design is most pleasing, and its power is calibrated as closely as possible to its conquests. It's been a long time since a Benelli inspired this feeling: the desire to discover.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos