Benelli Leoncino 250: What to expect

After launching the Leoncino 500 in India, Benelli is now all set to introduce its quarter-litre sibling, the Leoncino 250. The motorcycle is scheduled to be officially launched this week. With the launch just around the corner, we tell you what to expect from Benelli’s upcoming offering.

Design and Features

The Leoncino 250 features a styling closely similar to its 500cc sibling. It sports a circular LED headlamp which integrates a distinctive-looking LED DRL, and is flanked by LED turn indicators. The flat handlebar along with a smooth flowing design from fuel tank to tail lend it a classic scrambler styling. Similar to its larger sibling, it also gets a lion cub emblem on the front mud guard and a rear tyre hugger comprising a license plate holder. In terms of features, the Leoncino 250 sports a blue-backlit fully-digital instrument cluster which displays a host of information.

Engine

The baby scrambler is powered by a 249cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor. Notably, the same mill powered the TNT 25 street bike which has now been discontinued in India. On the Leoncino 250, this powerplant churns out 25.7bhp of power at 9,250rpm and 21.5Nm of peak torque which comes in at 8000rpm. It comes mated to a six-speed gearbox.

Cycle parts

The Leoncino 250 is held on by a steel trellis frame which is suspended by 41mm inverted telescopic forks at the front and a 53mm monoshock at the rear. Braking is handled by a 280mm petal-shaped disc with four-piston caliper up front and a 240mm disc with single-piston floating caliper at the rear. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. The kerb weight of the bike stands at 162kg while the fuel tank capacity is 12.5litres.

Pricing

Once launched, the Leoncino 250 will be the most affordable Benelli in India. It is likely to be pegged in the range of Rs 1.8 lakhs to Rs 2 lakhs (ex-showroom). Considering that pricing, the motorcycle will compete against the KTM 250 Duke, Bajaj Dominar 400, Royal Enfield Himalayan and the Royal Enfield Classic 500.