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Benelli Leoncino Trail Lands in the U.S. for $6,499 a Pop

It’s not been that long since Italian bike maker Benelli announced the arrival on the U.S. market of the Leoncino 500, one of the company’s “most beloved motorcycles.” Powered by a 500-cc engine good for 47 hp, the bike goes for $6,199. But there is, of course, room for something better, and more expensive.
Benelli Leoncino Trail 5 photos
Photo: Benelli
Benelli Leoncino TrailBenelli Leoncino TrailBenelli Leoncino TrailBenelli Leoncino Trail
In the case of the Leoncino, better means Trail. Likewise inspired by the cafe racers of the olden days, the Trail is the more aggressive-looking member of the family and apparently brings with it a tiny increase in power.

Compared to the 500 sibling, the Trail comes with a slightly modified stance. This is owed to both the use of aluminum alloy spoked wheels boasting Metzeler Tourance tires, but also the longer suspension travel than can be achieved thanks to the 50-mm (2-in) fork tubes and the laterally mounted single shock in the rear.

The rider’s position is a bit different, too, thanks to the deployment of a taller handlebar. In front of the rider sit digital instruments and controls for the ride’s systems, including the full LED lighting front and rear.

The frame of the motorcycle holds the same 500-cc parallel-twin engine of the family. Linked to a six-speed transmission, it develops 48 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. That's an increase of just one horsepower compared to the 500, if we are to trust the latest figures provided by the Italians.

All these changes, albeit minor, warrant a price hike of $300: the Benelli Leoncino Trail goes for $6,499, plus the $350 destination charge. For that, you’ll get something that, “like the adventurous spirit of the Benelli brothers a century ago, and the proud sporting heritage of Benelli Motorcycles throughout the golden age of motorcycling, [...] will forge ahead even when the road gets rough.”

You can find out all there is to know about the new Leoncino family for the U.S. market by following this link.
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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