Benelli has showcased the Imperiale 400 retro motorcycle at the EICMA 2017.
A few months back, Benelli revealed its plans of entering the 300-400cc segment in our country with a new single-cylinder motorcycle. The designed-for-India product was speculated to be showcased at the upcoming 2018 Auto Expo. Prior to the Delhi-based auto show, the Italian manufacturer has unveiled a new product at the 2017 Milan Motor Show. Whether it’s the Imperiale 400 or the 402S which will make it to India is still not known.
This September, Benelli had filed for trademark rights of the ‘Imperiale’ name which hinted that the company was planning to bring the iconic 1950s motorcycle back to life. As expected, the new Imperiale 400 takes design cues from the original Imperiale, which was a 125cc motorcycle from MotoBi (later acquired by Benelli in 1962). Powered by an old-school air-cooled 373.5cc motor, the Imperiale 400 produces a very conservative 20 PS of power at 5500 RPM and 28 Nm of torque at 3500 RPM. Mated to a 5-speed transmission, the single-cylinder engine uses fuel injection.
Contrary to early speculations, the Imperiale utilises a traditional steel cradle frame. Suspended via telescopic forks at the front and double shock absorbers at the rear, the retro motorcycle features disc brakes at either end. While the front disc has a diameter of 300 mm, the rear one is smaller at 240 mm. ABS is part of standard equipment and the shiny spoked wheels come wrapped in 110-section and 130-section tyres at the front and rear respectively.
Styled in retro-naked theme, the Benelli Imperiale 400 features a dual pod instrument cluster, split seats, chrome-dipped styling elements and the tank gets a deep red livery. Expected to be showcased at the Auto Expo next year, the Imperiale 400 will lock horns with Royal Enfields if launched in India. Looking at the power figures and specifications, this one is going to be an easy-going relaxed cruiser. Benelli might want to revisit its decision of launching it in a market dominated by the Royal Enfield range.
Benelli Imperiale 400
– Showcased At EICMA 2017, along with the 402S cruiser
– Retro-styled motorcycle with disc brakes, ABS and spoked wheels
– Gets Imperiale name from 1950s motorcycle
– Powered by a 373.5cc 20 PS air-cooled engine
Images Source – CarandBike.com
