Benelli 402S: What To Expect

Ever dreamt of owning a Ducati Diavel but are on a tight budget? You might want to look at the Benelli 402 S

The Bajaj Dominar 400 set the stage for power cruising, or as Bajaj would call it, ‘Hyper-riding’ in India, and ever since, the hyper-touring market has been quite stale in terms of options. Companies like UM have tried their hands in the segment with a couple of sporty looking cruisers, but the trend doesn’t seem to have caught on. Will Benelli be able to change that equation with its premium tourer in the 400cc segment? Let’s take a look at what the 402S has in store for us and where it will be positioned.

Design -

The 402S looks almost identical to the Ducati Diavel. The teardrop-shaped tank, chunky radiator shrouds, an exposed trellis frame, double-barrel exhaust, all are reminiscent of the Diavel. It’s a similar story with the tail section too, with the only difference being the indicators that sit on either sides of the tail light which sits bang in the centre. On the Diavel, however, the tail lights which are placed below on either side of the tail. The pillion seat seems to be petite and looks more like a design element rather than an actual seat with some functionality. The Benelli 402 S' toned down size, skull-shaped LED headlamp and the exhaust design further differentiate it from the Diavel. The Benelli 402 S features an all-digital instrument console, a much-needed departure from the dated consoles on the current generation bikes.

Its forward-mounted foot pegs, wide, swept back handlebars and comfortable looking seat are the perfect recipe for touring as well as short city rides. The bike sits quite low with all the mass concentrated towards the front, a typical trait of a power cruiser. A generous amount of plastic has been used to cover up the exhaust pipes and give it a cleaner look, although, it will add to the overall weight of the bike.

Engine -

A maximum power of 40PS at 9000rpm and peak torque of 35Nm at 7000rpm comes from a 399cc in-line two-cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engine. A six-speed transmission sends power to the rear wheel via a chain drive. Adding to the touring capabilities of the bike is a 16-litre fuel tank.

Underpinnings -

The Benelli 402 S employs a tube trellis frame with 41mm upside-down front forks that are not adjustable. However, the rear monoshock does get preload adjustability. Suspension travel stands at 125mm for the front and 45mm at the rear.

Braking duties are handled by twin 260mm discs with four-piston calipers up front and a single 240mm disc coupled with a twin-piston caliper at the rear. Dual-channel ABS comes as standard. Its 17-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in 120/70 section and 160/60 section tyres at the front and rear respectively. Being a cruiser at heart, the seat height is 740mm, which should make it manageable for riders of all sizes. The Benelli 402 S weighs in at 160kg, dry.

Competition and Expected Price -

Expected to be launched some time next year and priced around the Rs 4 lakh mark, the Benelli 402 S doesn’t have a direct competition as it’s positioned as a premium cruiser. But segment wise, its closest rivals are the Bajaj Dominar 400, Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X and the UM Motorcycles Renegade Sports S.