• Benelli Leoncino 800 picture was leaked from vehicle type approval submissions.

• It will use the 754cc engine from the 752S.

• The bike follows the Leoncino 502’s neo retro design.

The Benelli Leoncino 800 concept was unveiled at EICMA last year but the picture of a production ready prototype was leaked recently.

According to Bennets, the picture came from Benelli’s submission for vehicle type approval. The Leoncino 800 utilises the 754cc parallel-Twin from the 752S (not available in Malaysia), while retaining the neo retro styling of the Leoncino 502.

The engine produces 74 HP and the manufacturer claimed a top speed of 190 km/h. The document also listed its weight at 223 kg, ready to ride.

As the picture shows, the bike features the usual beefy forks clamped by equally thick triple clamps. Braking is handled by Benelli-branded calipers with large brake discs. ABS is standard as the sensor plate is apparent on the left disc.

But unlike the concept, the production bike uses cast instead of spoked wheels.

The bike should be launched officially soon and we shall see if it comes to Malaysia.

While built in China, Benelli motorcycles are designed and engineered in Italy. The brand has grown stronger over the years and the TRK502 is now the third best-selling motorcycle in Italy behind the BMW R 1250 GS and Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin so far this year.

Benelli is currently owned by Qianjiang Motorcycle Company. Recently, Harley-Davidson inked a deal with the company to produce smaller displacement models for China and Asia.

Source: Bennetts UK