Benelli India today launched the launch of the Imperiale 400 at an ex-showroom (India) price tag of INR 1.69 lakh. In this post, we compare its technical specifications with its rivals – the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Jawa Classic (dual-channel ABS versions).
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| Model | Benelli Imperiale 400 | Royal Enfield Classic 350 | Jawa Classic |
| Engine | |||
| Displacement & Type | 374 cc, Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, Air-cooled, 4-Valves/Cylinder, SOHC | 346 cc, Single cylinder, 4-stroke, twin-spark, air-cooled | 293 cc, Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC |
| Max Power | 21 PS at 5,500 rpm | 20.1 PS (19.8 bhp) at 5,250 rpm | 27.4 PS (27 bhp) |
| Peak Torque | 29 Nm at 4,500 rpm | 28 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 28 Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 2,170 mm | 2,160 mm | NA |
| Width | 820 mm | 790 mm | NA |
| Height | 1,120 mm | 1,090 mm | NA |
| Wheelbase | 1,440 mm | 1,390 mm | 1,369 mm |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 800 mm | 765 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm | 135 mm | NA |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12-litres | 13.5-litres | 14-litres |
| Kerb Weight | 205 kg | 194 kg | 170 kg |
| Suspension, Brakes and Tyres | |||
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | Telescopic | Telescopic |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Springs | Twin Springs | Twin Springs |
| Front Brake | 300 mm disc | 280 mm disc | 280 mm disc |
| Rear Brake | 240 mm disc | 240 mm disc | Disc |
| Safety Net | Dual-channel ABS | Dual-channel ABS | Dual-channel ABS |
| Front Tyre | 100/90 – 19 | 90/90 – 19 | 90/90 – 19 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/80 – 18 | 110/90 – 18 | 120/80 – 18 |
| Price | |||
| Ex-showroom Delhi | INR 1.69 lakh | INR 1.54 lakh | INR 1.74 lakh |
The newly launched Benelli Imperiale 400 is only available in dual-channel ABS avatar, while the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Jawa Classic can be bought in single-channel ABS form, at relatively affordable prices.
The Jawa Classic (dual-channel ABS) is the most expensive motorcycle in this comparison, although the ex-showroom tag on the model isn’t way higher than that of the Benelli Imperiale 400. For the marginal price premium, the Jawa Classic packs the most amount of power and torque, which is possible due to the liquid-cooled DOHC setup in the engine. In contrast, the Benelli Imperiale 400 and the Classic 350 feature an air-cooled mill.
But while the Jawa Classic may seem like the perfect option among the three, there one major setback. Classic Legends, the subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra Group that has the rights to sell Jawa motorcycles, has overbooked the motorcycles, and the waiting period in several cities is as high as 11 months.
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The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is backed by a comprehensive dealer and service network, which is important for a good ownership experience. Classic Legends has expanded its reach in the country, and it currently offers its products and services through over 100 outlets throughout the country. Do note that Benelli India has aggressive plans to expand its dealer network, although it’s an uphill task to keep up with an established brand like Royal Enfield.
