About Benelli Leoncino 800

Italian Heart, Wild Soul: Expected Specifications and Deep Dive into the Benelli Leoncino 800 (2025)

The name Benelli evokes a rich history of Italian passion, performance, and distinctive design. In the modern era, the brand, now under the Qianjiang Group, has successfully balanced its storied heritage with accessible, feature-rich motorcycling. Few models embody this duality better than the Leoncino (Italian for "Lion Cub") series. With the middleweight segment heating up globally, the arrival of the full-fledged Benelli Leoncino 800 is one of the most exciting prospects on the horizon.

Scheduled for an expected launch in December 2025, the Leoncino 800 is positioned to be Benelli’s flagship neo-retro roadster, competing directly with high-capacity models from Europe and Japan. It aims to offer a step-up experience from the popular Leoncino 500, delivering more power, better components, and a greater sense of occasion. For premium motorcycle enthusiasts tracking the latest launches on platforms like BikeCarHub this motorcycle promises a powerful blend of classic scrambler aesthetics and modern, spirited performance.

This comprehensive analysis delves into the expected specifications, anticipated performance characteristics, projected pricing, and the key features that will allow the Leoncino 800 to command attention in the competitive landscape. Every detail here is based on industry insights and Benelli’s global model strategy, offering an exciting preview of this upcoming Italian machine.

Design and Aesthetic Identity: The Roaring Lion Cub

The Leoncino family is defined by its clean, timeless design that cleverly integrates modern elements without sacrificing its retro charm. The Leoncino 800 will inherit this DNA but with a bulkier, more substantial presence befitting its engine capacity.

Signature Styling and Presence

The key design element that defines the Leoncino aesthetic will remain: the small, proud Lion of Pesaro emblem mounted on the front fender. The 800 model will amplify the existing design language:

• Round LED Headlamp: A signature round headlamp unit featuring a sophisticated, integrated LED Daytime Running Light (DRL) ring. This ensures a classic front profile with modern illumination performance.
• Muscular Fuel Tank: The tank capacity is expected to be generous, around 15 Litres, with deep knee recesses for better rider grip and a sculpted look that emphasizes the bike's powerful stance.
• Minimalist Seat: A flat, single-piece or slightly stepped seat with quality upholstery (often black or brown) will be used, maintaining the scrambler/roadster purity.
• Exposed Trellis Frame: The use of a visible Steel Trellis Frame, painted in a contrasting colour, will be a core design feature, showcasing the bike’s mechanical elegance—a true nod to Italian naked bike design.

Ergonomics for Performance and Comfort

The riding posture of the Leoncino 800 is expected to be a balanced compromise, offering a comfortable, slightly upright stance suitable for daily commutes and light touring, yet aggressive enough for spirited riding.

• Handlebar Position: Wide, slightly raised handlebars (often referred to as 'fat bars') will provide excellent leverage for quick steering and a classic scrambler feel.
• Footpeg Placement: Mid-set footpegs will ensure a natural knee angle and allow the rider to easily shift weight during hard cornering.
• High-Mounted Exhaust: Similar to other scrambler offerings, a high-mounted twin exhaust system with stacked mufflers is a distinct possibility, enhancing both the look and the ground clearance.

Engine and Performance: The 754cc Parallel-Twin Powerhouse

The heart of the Benelli Leoncino 800 is already known globally: the powerful 754cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine. This engine is the same unit that powers the Benelli 752S and its siblings, tuned specifically for a broader, torque-rich powerband suitable for a versatile roadster.

Performance Specifications

This engine is expected to be a performance leader in the mid-to-high capacity neo-retro segment, providing exhilarating acceleration and cruising speed.

The choice of a 270-degree crank is a crucial element often used in modern parallel twins to mimic the sound, feel, and power delivery of a V-twin engine. This configuration ensures a characterful engine note and excellent low-to-mid range torque, making the bike both fun in the city and capable on the highway.

Drivetrain and Refinement

• Slipper and Assist Clutch (SAC): A slipper clutch is expected to be standard, reducing clutch effort in city traffic and preventing wheel hop during aggressive downshifts, enhancing safety and rideability.
• Gearbox: A smooth, precise 6-speed gearbox will manage the power delivery effectively.

Chassis, Suspension, and Braking Confidence

To handle the potent 76.2 HP engine, the Leoncino 800 will be built on a high-specification chassis, featuring top-tier components that are a hallmark of Benelli’s premium offerings.

Frame and Weight

The use of a sturdy Steel Trellis Frame is critical for providing the necessary rigidity and feedback.

• Wet Weight: Given the large engine, chassis, and premium components, the Leoncino 800 will be substantial, likely weighing around 234 kg wet. This weight contributes to stability at high speeds but requires careful management.

High-Spec Suspension

The suspension is where Benelli typically outperforms its rivals in terms of quality and adjustability.

• Front Suspension: High-performance 50 mm Marzocchi Upside Down (USD) Forks. These are expected to be fully adjustable (preload, compression, and rebound), offering the rider a high degree of customization for different terrains and riding styles—a truly premium feature.
• Rear Suspension: A single, centrally mounted Monoshock Absorber with linkage, likely adjustable for preload and rebound. This offers superior damping and stability compared to twin shock setups.

Braking Excellence

Stopping power will be equally impressive, ensuring safety and confidence under all conditions.

• Front Brakes: Dual 320 mm floating discs, clamped by high-specification Brembo or J.Juan radial-mount calipers. This setup provides phenomenal stopping power and feel.
• Rear Brakes: Single 260 mm disc.
• Safety: Dual-Channel ABS will be standard across all variants.

Wheels and Tires

The Leoncino 800 is a road-biased scrambler, meaning it needs robust components for light off-roading but must maintain excellent on-road handling.

• Wheels: Spoked wheels are standard for a scrambler, sized at 17′′ both front and rear, fitted with road-biased but block-pattern dual-purpose tires to hint at its versatile capability.

Technology and Rider Aids: The Connected Italian

The 2025 Leoncino 800 will need to feature a contemporary electronics package to justify its premium segment positioning.

Instrumentation and Display

The bike will be equipped with a high-visibility, full-colour TFT instrument cluster.

• Display Features: The TFT screen will offer multiple display modes (e.g., retro vs. modern), displaying essential information like gear position, fuel level, clock, and average speed.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with a smartphone, offering call alerts, music control, and possibly basic turn-by-turn navigation via a mobile app.

Advanced Electronic Features

While Benelli often focuses on core mechanical quality, essential rider aids are expected:

• Ride-by-Wire (RbW): The use of RbW is expected, which is necessary for precise throttle control and the implementation of electronic rider aids.
• Riding Modes: At least two distinct riding modes (Road and Rain) are anticipated, which would adjust throttle sensitivity and ABS intervention.
• LED Lighting: Full LED lighting across the board—headlamp, tail lamp, and turn indicators.

This high level of electronic integration, particularly the fully adjustable suspension and the powerful braking system, places the Benelli Leoncino 800 as a strong technical contender in the segment, a point of pride for riders reading BikeCarHub.

Specifications & Features Comparison Table (Projected)

This table outlines the projected key technical specifications and premium features expected on the 2025 Leoncino 800.

Expected Pricing, Variants, and Colour Palette

Benelli’s pricing strategy is typically aggressive, aiming to undercut European rivals while offering competitive components. The 800cc class commands a significant premium.

Estimated Pricing Strategy

The Leoncino 800 will be positioned as a performance and component step-up from the existing Leoncino 500 and Benelli TRK 502.

• Expected Price Range (Ex-Showroom, India): The Benelli Leoncino 800 is projected to start between Rs 8.00 Lakh and Rs 8.50 Lakh.
• Variants: Benelli might offer two variants, a Standard roadster model, and potentially a Trail/Scrambler version with wire-spoked wheels, a high fender, and slightly longer suspension travel, though the focus here remains on the base roadster/scrambler model.

Projected Colour Variants

Benelli colour schemes are often deep, metallic, and reflective of Italian style.

1. Rosso Corsa (Racing Red): A deep, rich metallic red that is synonymous with Italian performance bikes.
2. Grigio Scuro (Dark Grey/Graphite): A sophisticated, dark matte grey that highlights the exposed trellis frame.
3. Verde Metallico (Metallic Green): A deep, forest metallic green that gives the bike an instant classic, premium look.

The Competitive Landscape: Benelli Leoncino 800 vs. Rivals

The 800cc roadster segment is rapidly expanding, with bikes that offer high power but remain manageable for everyday use. The Leoncino 800's key advantages will be its premium suspension and braking components, combined with a characterful twin engine and aggressive pricing.

Competitors Comparison Table

Strategic Positioning Analysis

The Benelli Leoncino 800 is expected to directly target the Ducati Scrambler on style and the Triumph Scrambler 900 on presence, while offering technical specifications (like the 50 mm fully adjustable USD forks) that are demonstrably superior to its closest price competitors. Although the BMW F 900 R is more powerful and electronically advanced, the Leoncino provides a massive 76 PS output at a more accessible price point, combining Italian roadster aggression with excellent value. Its powerful engine and premium, often oversized, components will make it a very attractive choice for riders looking for a performance-oriented neo-retro machine.

Conclusion: A Strong Contender in the Premium Neo-Retro Space

The anticipated launch of the Benelli Leoncino 800 (2025) is poised to shake up the premium middleweight segment. Benelli is clearly aiming for a knockout punch by combining a powerful, characterful 754cc parallel-twin engine with componentry typically seen on much higher-priced European machines—notably the 50 mm fully adjustable Marzocchi USD forks.

The Leoncino 800 promises to be a motorcycle that not only looks classically beautiful but rides with a modern, exhilarating intensity. Its strong 76 PS power delivery, combined with the excellent stopping power of its high-spec brakes, ensures that the bike is far more than just a style statement. If the final pricing is as competitive as expected, the Leoncino 800 will be a force to reckon with, offering riders a slice of Italian flair and a whole lot of riding pleasure. We eagerly await its official debut!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Benelli Leoncino 800