Benelli Leoncino, TRK 502 to be launched in India in early 2017

After establishing Benelli brand in the premium motorcycle segment of India, DSK Benelli is gearing up for a product launching onslaught. The Indian subsidiary of the Italian motorcycle maker is reportedly planning to launch TRK 502 adventure tourer and Leoncino early next year.

Among the two, TRK 502 is expected to enter market first. The TRK 502 was unveiled at the 2015 EICMA show in Milan. The dual purpose motorcycle features a twin-cylinder, four-stroke liquid-cooled 499.6cc engine with electronic injection, overhead double camshaft timing system, and 4 valves per cylinder. The mill belts out 47bhp at 8,500rpm and 45Nm torque at 4,500rpm mated to a six-speed gearbox that has hydraulic clutch in place. When launched, the motorcycle will be pitted against the premium adventure motorcycles such as the Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Triumph Tiger range. The TRK 502's price is expected to start at Rs 6 lakh.

The Leoncino is the scrambler model that will go up against the Ducati Scrambler range. Shirish Kulkarni earlier confirmed three motorcycles have been scheduled to be launched in 2017 and one among them will be the Leoncino. Designed at the new style centre of Benelli in its historical stronghold of Pesaro in Italy, the Leoncino bears a lot of resemblance to the Ducati Scrambler range in terms of design. The Leoncino comes with low exhaust position, chunky wheels, USD front forks with 50mm diameter topped with a LED light. The seat is finished in Alcantara leather and the rear gets an LED tail light. The tyres are 110/80 section up front and 150/17 section at rear, which is fitted on 19-inch and 17-inch wheels, respectively.

The Leoncino will be powered by a brand new 499.6cc, twin-cylinder engine with liquid cooling developing 46.9bhp at 8,500rpm and 45Nm torque at 4,500rpm combined with a six-speed gearbox. The Leoncino will be launched as a premium product in DSK Benelli's line-up with an estimated price range of Rs 6 to 7 lakh.