The Mahavir Group-led Benelli India has confirmed to IAB that the Benelli Imperiale 400 cruiser will be launched in India in the first half of this year. The launch plans were revealed on the sidelines of the introduction of the Benelli TRK 502.
The Benelli Imperiale 400 will be a CKD import and assembled at the company's factory near Hyderabad. The company is also looking at part localisation to keep the sticker price competitive. It will rival the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Jawa classic. The motorcycle is expected to be priced in the bracket of INR 2-3 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Benelli Imperiale 400 is powered by a 373.5 cc, SOHC, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that comes paired with a 5-speed transmission. The Euro-4 compliant, fuel-injected motor is good for a maximum of 19.7 PS at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 28 Nm at 3,500 rpm. The power figures are strikingly similar to the Royal Enfield Classic 350.
The Benelli Imperiale 400 features a retro-classic design that includes a wide handlebar, twin-pod semi-digital instrument cluster, cylindrical fuel tank, round headlight, long chrome fenders and split seat. The motorcycle gets chrome detailing to the engine, wheels and the mirrors.
The classic design on the Imperiale 400 is highlighted by the telescopic forks and the twin spring-loaded shock absorbers. Stopping power comes from a 300 mm front rotor with 2-piston callipers and a 240 mm rear disc brake with a single-piston calliper, while dual-channel ABS comes as standard.
Also Read: Benelli Imperiale 400 revealed at the 2017 EICMA Show
Benelli India has also announced that the company will also introduce the Benelli Imperiale 530 in India. However, details about its power figures or other features aren’t available. The Imperiale 530 will be a direct rival to the Royal Enfield Classic 500.
