- New Benelli sportsbike spied in China
- Claimed to be a 500cc offering
QJMotor, Benelli’s parent company based in China, has been readying multiple offerings to introduce in its home country. We have already seen pictures of a new 350cc and a 250cc fully-faired motorcycles. Interestingly, a fresh spy shot has appeared on the internet now that’s claimed to be that of a 500cc sportsbike from QJMotor.
The allegation of it being a 500cc offering is believable since its design doesn’t match any of the QJMotor’s sportsbikes we have seen in the past. Nevertheless, it does carry an angry-looking front fascia with split LED headlamp that’s very similar to other fully-faired motorcycles by QJMotor. The brand logo is clearly visible on its angular fairing but no other sticker giving away the model name is present. With a split seat, clip-on handlebar, and rear-set footpegs, the ergonomics should be fairly sporty.
As for the engine, reports suggest that propelling the bike is a 500cc, twin-cylinder motor that’s likely to be the same unit as in the Leoncino 500. The power figures might also be similar at 46.8bhp and 46Nm. Other components evident in the spy image include 17-inch alloy wheels, upside down forks up front, and dual disc brakes at the front.
In China, QJMotor is said to retail this motorcycle with the name Race 500. In the future, we might see this bike being sold in other markets as well, perhaps with slight alterations and Benelli branding.
