Benelli Imperiale 530: What To Expect

From powertrain, design, underpinnings to its expected price, here’s what you could expect from the Imperiale 530

Earlier this year, Chinese two-wheeler manufacturer Benelli held a press conference where it revealed its plans for 2020. The strategy involved launching multiple motorcycles via existing platforms including a bigger Benelli Imperiale 530. Here’s what you could expect from the bigger Imperiale.

More Displacement, More Power:

The engine casing on the 530 suggests the mill is a bored out or stroked out version of the Imperiale's current 374cc unit. More displacement means the reworked single-cylinder engine will belt out more power than before -- around 28PS and 30PS. It will also help the motor comply with BS6 emission norms. The Benelli Imperiale 400, for instance, makes 21PS and 29Nm.

Similar Hardware:

While the larger Imperiale 530 is expected to use the same underpinnings as its younger sibling, it’s expected to be retuned to take the added weight of the larger engine. In essence, it’ll continue to use the same telescopic fork and a twin shock absorber setup. The front disc may increase in diameter to offer better braking power. It may retain its rear braking configuration. Dual-channel ABS will come as standard. 

Looks Identical To The Imperiale 400?

The 530 is based on the same platform as the Imperiale 400, which means it shares the same parts and bodywork. Heck, we'd even go as far as saying that they look almost identical. That said,  the only aspect that helps differentiate the 530 from the 400 is the single piece seat with a dual-tone colour scheme on the former. Aside from this, the Imperiale 530 gets the same teardrop-shaped fuel tank and its signature classic round headlight. 

Expected Price:

The bigger motor, single-piece seat and tweaked mechanicals on the Imperiale 530 is expected to garner a price tag that brings it quite close to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, which starts at Rs 2.56 lakh (ex-showroom), especially if Benelli imports the bike via the CKD (complete knocked down) route.

This puts the Chinese brand in a tough spot considering the Interceptor’s bigger parallel twin engine offers more value for money. Besides, the Interceptor 650 has better brand presence, making it illogical for Benelli to bring the Imperiale 530 to India.  

Images used for representative purpose*