Benelli unveils Royal Enfield-rivalling Imperiale 400 at EICMA 2017

Benelli has unveiled the Imperiale 400 at the 2017 EICMA Show in Italy. A retro motorcycle powered by an air-cooled engine, the Imperiale 400 is expected to be launched in India in 2018 as a rival to the Royal Enfield range. 

One look at the Imperiale 400 tells you that Benelli did its homework before the white board came out. The tubular steel double-cradle frame, teardrop tank, twin-pod instrument console, round headlamp and the engine give the Imperiale 400 a classic look. At the heart of the Imperiale 400 is a 373cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine delivering 19.7bhp and 28Nm of torque. The engine might look old-school with its cooling fins and chrome finish, but it does get a fuel injection system. It is mated to a five-speed gearbox. 

The Imperiale 400 rides on 19-inch front wheel with 41mm telescopic forks, and an 18-inch rear wheel with dual spring suspension. The front wheel gets a single 300mm disc while the rear gets a 240mm disc. ABS is offered as standard. 

Reports claim that Benelli is planning to launch the Imperiale 400 in India in 2018. It is quite clear that the Italian manufacturer is aiming to carve a share off the Royal Enfield market with this bike. The styling seems to be spot on and the brand also ranks high on the aspirational value scale, but will Benelli be able to match the Classic 350 in terms of pricing? We cannot wait to find out.