Overview
Benelli recently launched a classic retro motorcycle named 'Imperiale 400". This motorcycle resembles Benelli's oldest MotoBi range produced in the 1950s. Benelli is one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers from Italy. It is undoubtedly a retro machine and competes directly with Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Jawa. Let's see what Benelli imperiale 400 has to offer
Styling
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| Instrument Cluster |
As this is a retro motorcycle, we have o start from its looks. It is indeed a retro classic from front to rear. In the front, we get a round headlamp with a clear lens but with a halogen bulb. We even get a round retro headlamp cowl which has been blackened out. The turn indicators are also round with halogen bulbs. Moving further, we spot a dual pot analogue instrument cluster. The left one shows the speed with a digital odometer, and the right one is a tachometer.
The tank is exactly like the vintage Benelli's with thick rubber knee pads. The Benelli logo is in golden with golden teardrop shape outline and looks very retro. The rearview mirrors are elliptical, but chrome finishing makes them look retro. The seat is a two-piece unit. Springs like the older motorcycles support the rider seat. The fenders are made from steel and round-shaped with a wider rear, which gives it a big bike feel. The wheels on this motorcycle are steel-spoked rims. The exhaust is big and the heat plates are finished in brushed aluminium. The thump is there but suppressed with BS-VI norms.
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| Imperiale Engine |
Engine
Imperiale 400 is powered by a 374cc Italian mill churning out 21 PS of max power at just 5500 rpm. The motor is a 4-stroke single cylinder BS-VI compliant motor.
The torque output is 29Nm at 4500rpm means you have all power and torque just from the twist of the wrist. The engine is tuned precisely as retro should be and gives a retro feel. It is a long-stroke unit which allows it giving this output at lower revs. The engine is air-cooled SOHC unit. It is painted in all black theme.
Suspension & Brakes
The motorcycle is underpinned by a double-cradle frame which is nothing new and shouldn't be. The chassis is heavy and sturdy. Front shocks are handled by 41 mm conventional forks and also goes with the looks. The rear one are twin gas-charged units giving it a plush ride. The front brake consist of a 300 mm disc with a dual-piston floating calliper. On the rear, we get a 240 mm disc brake. A dual-channel ABS support this.
The front wheel is a 19-inch wrapped in 100/90 section tyre. The rear 18-inch wheel is wrapped in 130/80 tyres. The low seat height of 780 mm makes everyone to ride it comfortably, and older bikes were low. The ground clearance is also high at 170 mm, which will take over Indian roads easily.
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| Also in Black |
Pricing
Benelli has priced the imperiale very attractively. It is available for Rs. 1.69 Lakhs ex-showroom. The price of its rivals also lies in this segment. Imperiale is available in three colours, red, black and silver. The motorcycle seems perfect from the perspective of what it meant to do. It is a classic looking retro machine. What are your thoughts on this? Do let us know in comments below.
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