- New Leoncino 550 under development
- Gets bigger engine
- Makes 3.4bhp more
Benelli is working on upgrading its middle-weight scrambler, the Leoncino. According to a leak from China, the brand is readying a 550cc version of this motorcycle.
Benelli’s parent firm Qianjiang has received a type-approval for this upgraded motorcycle that will be sold under the QJMotor brand in China. The leaked document suggests that the new Leoncino 550 shares the same base with the 500 cousin. But the motor is now bigger and churns out more power. This new 549cc parallel-twin engine makes 3.4bhp more than the 500cc cousin.
While the leaked pictures are of the Chinese model, the bike that will be sold in India and in Europe is likely to get similar design. In fact, we believe that the Italian company will bring the exact Chinese model to India but with the Benelli logos.
The Leoncino 550 is likely to be sold in two versions –base and premium. The base model will get the same tubular swingarm, Benelli branded braking system whereas the top-spec variant will get aluminium swingarm and Brembo brake units.
We are expecting the company to bring only one version to India and that is likely to be the base model. Benelli India likes to price their motorcycles aggressively, so a base model will help them price competitively.
