- Benelli R18i step-through moped launched in Malaysia
- Gets a 174cc engine with a six-speed gearbox
- Available in standard and special edition variants
Benelli has recently launched the R18i step-through moped in the Malaysian market. It is available in a standard variant that can be had either in a black or red shade while there’s a special edition model as well, boasting blue body work with swanky-looking yellow wheels and grab rail.
In Asian countries like Malaysia, there’s a huge demand for sleek, lightweight and peppy two-wheelers which make for an ideal companion to potter around the congested streets and lanes of these countries. Hence, the R18i is perfectly suitable with its compact dimensions. However, it has an abundance of visual aggression with a ferocious-looking front cowl housing predator eyes-like LED DRLs. Meanwhile, the handlebar cowl is equipped with a projector LED headlamp. The design lines are sleek and flow freely up to the sharp rear end that is fitted with a triangular tail lamp.
All the information is displayed on a blue backlit LCD that comprises a host of info in a clear yet sporty layout. Other features include a puny 4.8-litre fuel tank and span-adjustable clutch and brake levers. Powering the moped is a 174cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces around 18bhp at 9,500rpm and 15.1Nm of peak torque at 7,000rpm. And this unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox!
The hardware package is just like a full-size motorcycle with the underbone chassis being suspended by upside-down forks up front and a Kayaba monoshock at the rear. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels that are anchored by a disc at both ends, measuring 240mm (front) and 220mm (rear).
Although Benelli might launch the R18i in more Asian markets in the coming days, it is unlikely to land on the Indian shores given the lack of demand for step-through mopeds here.
