Benelli India has confirmed that it will launch a new product in October. The company, however, has remained tight-lipped about the product details and the exact launch date of the vehicle.
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While the official details are scarce, we expect to see the Imperiale 400 ride into our market next month. This motorcycle, which will compete with the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic series, the Jawa Classic and the Forty-Two, was spotted on our shores on several occasions in the past. It will be heavily localized for competitive pricing, and we could look at sub-INR 2 lakh (ex-showroom) tag at the launch event.
Benelli India has high expectations from the Imperiale 400, and it hopes to record large volumes with the upcoming motorcycle.
Spy images from the past revealed that the Indian-spec Imperiale 400 will be visually identical to the international version. The retro-style design will bring chrome mask for the headlight, chrome mirror housing, rubber pad on the tank and split-style seat. The Indian-spec model will feature a saree guard.
In terms of engine specifications, the Imperiale 400 will be very close to the Royal Enfield’s 350 series. The motorcycle will use 373.5 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder, SOHC, fuel-injected engine that, in Euro-IV guise, pumps out 19.7 PS of power at 5,500 rpm and 28 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. It will be interesting to see if Benelli retains the existing motor for now and introduce an updated model closer to the April 2020 deadline for the emission norm upgrade or uses a BS-VI motor right from the start. The power mill is linked to a 5-speed gearbox.
Budget-friendly hardware specifications will bring features such as conventional telescopic forks at the front and twin spring-loaded shock absorbers at the back. Anchoring tasks will be handled by a 300 mm disc and a 240 mm rotor at the front and the back respectively. The safety net will most definitely comprise a dual-channel ABS. A halogen headlight and conventional dials for the instrument console further reduce the cost to ensure competitive pricing.
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Benelli India aims to clock annual sales of 1,500 bikes for the current year, and the Imperiale 400 is expected to play a major role in achieving that target.
