If you’ve been waiting for something that combines old-school bobber charm with modern reliability, Benelli just dropped something that might interest you. The Italian brand has officially taken the wraps off their Leoncino 400 Bobber at EICMA 2024 and honestly, it’s quite a departure from what we’re used to from them.
What’s Special About This Bobber
The biggest talking point here is the engine. Benelli has developed their very first V-twin motor for this bike – a 384.5cc liquid-cooled unit that sits at a 60-degree angle. It’s not going to win any speed records with 35 horsepower but that’s kind of the point. This bike is all about that relaxed, thumping V-twin character that bobber enthusiasts love.
The torque is pretty decent too with 27 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm. What’s interesting is they’ve paired this with a belt drive system instead of the usual chain. Less maintenance, quieter operation and it fits perfectly with the bobber’s laid-back vibe.
Design and Build
Benelli hasn’t held back in making this look like a proper bobber. The rectangular LED headlight gives it a modern touch while keeping that chunky, aggressive front end. The fuel tank has been sculpted to look muscular without being over the top and they’ve kept the rear section nice and short – exactly what you’d expect from a bobber.
The single-sided exhaust looks clean and purposeful, though they’re offering an optional pillion seat if you need to carry a passenger from time to time. Most of the parts are blacked out which adds to that tough, no nonsense look.
How It Rides
At 730mm seat height, this bike is super approachable. Even shorter riders should be able to plant their feet confidently at stops. The bike weighs around 180kg which puts it in that sweet spot where it feels substantial but not overwhelming.The suspension is pretty standard – 35mm USD forks up front with 100mm travel and twin shocks at the rear with 125mm travel. It’s tuned for comfort not aggression which is perfect for a bobber. Both ends get disc brakes with dual-channel ABS so you’ve got decent stopping power with modern safety.
Tech and Features
Benelli has kept things simple but modern. You get a circular TFT display that should be readable in all lighting conditions and all the lighting is LED. They’ve also thrown in traction control which is a nice safety net for new riders or when the roads get slippery.
Also Read: KTM Duke 250 Launched with TFT Display and Affordable Price Tag in 2025
The 16-inch cast aluminum wheels might look a bit unusual for a bobber but they’re wrapped in chunky CST tires that should provide good grip and that bobber stance.
Availability and Pricing
Here’s where things get a bit complicated. China gets first dibs on this bike with sales expected to start in early 2025. European markets will follow later in the year but no timeline yet.
For India, it’s unclear. While some reports suggest it might come here at around Rs 4.7-4.8 lakh, Benelli’s current sales numbers in the country make a quick launch unlikely. If it does come here it will go head-to-head with the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Harley-Davidson X440 and Jawa Perak.
Benelli Leoncino 400 BobberSpecifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 384.5cc V-twin, liquid-cooled |
| Power | 35 hp @ 8,000 rpm |
| Torque | 27 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Drive | Belt drive |
| Seat Height | 730mm |
| Weight | ~180kg (wet) |
| Fuel Tank | 15 liters |
| Brakes | Disc (F&R) with dual-channel ABS |
| Suspension | USD fork (F), Twin shock (R) |
| Expected Price | Rs 4.7-4.8 lakh (India, if launched) |
Who Should Buy This Bike?
The Leoncino 400 Bobber is perfect for riders who want that bobber experience without the size and cost of bigger cruisers. It’s approachable for new riders but has enough character to keep experienced riders interested.
If you like the V-twin rumble, enjoy cruising more than aggressive riding and want something that stands out from the single cylinder crowd, this Benelli is worth waiting for.
Final Thoughts
Benelli has done something interesting with the Leoncino 400 Bobber. The V-twin engine is a bold move that should give it a unique character in the 400cc segment. It may not be the fastest or most feature packed bike out there but it offers something different – bobber styling with modern reliability.
Also Read: Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Launched at ₹2.94 Lakh with Bold Looks and Adventure Features
The success of this bike will depend on pricing and availability. If Benelli can get the price right and ensure proper dealer support the Leoncino 400 Bobber can carve out a nice niche for itself among riders looking for something with more personality than your average commuter bike.
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