Benelli Leoncino: Same Price, Other Options

Here’s what else you can get for Rs 4.79 lakh

Update: We have ridden the Leoncino 500. You can read the complete road test review here. 

The Benelli Leoncino is priced at a really sweet spot of Rs 4.79 lakh (ex-showroom India). Although it is not the most affordable mid-capacity motorcycle in the country, only a few motorcycles are similarly priced. Your options are pretty much limited if you have a sub-Rs 5 lakh budget. Here are the other motorcycles that you could look at:

CFMoto 650MT - Rs 4.99 lakh

A 650cc parallel-twin adventure tourer at under Rs 5 lakh. Sounds too good to be true, right? But it is. Chinese bike maker CFMoto launched its 650MT last month at a delicious price of Rs 4.99 lakh. The bike looks rad as it is styled by KISKA, the same design firm responsible for the KTM Duke series. Of the 650 triplets from CFMoto, the MT has the most power on tap - 70.70PS. Plus, it comes with an adjustable USD and Metzeler Roadtec Z8 rubber.

2. Kawasaki Versys-X 300 - Rs 4.69 lakh

By plonking the Ninja 300’s sweet parallel-twin motor in an adventure tourer setup, Kawasaki had the right makings for a neat adventure motorcycle. The ‘X’ in its nomenclature suggests that it can handle a bit more of the dirty stuff but likes to stick to tarmac, just like the other Versys siblings. The pricing of the motorcycle is a big ask at Rs 4.69 lakh (ex-showroom India). What is more heart-aching is that if you primarily want a touring-focused motorcycle with the same parallel-twin motor, the Ninja 300 is a whole Rs 1.69 lakh more affordable.

3. Kawasaki Ninja 400 - Rs 4.99 lakh

Speaking of heart-aches, Kawasaki also has the Ninja 400 in its India portfolio. Carrying a price tag of Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom India), the Ninja 400 is nearly twice as expensive as its fiercest rival, the KTM RC 390. The motorcycle is a beauty as it has a powerful 399cc mill that pumps out 49PS, 4PS more than its European-spec model. This is a motorcycle that you would love to ride but think a thousand times before putting your hard-earned money down for.

Honourable mention: Benelli TRK 502 - Rs 5.10 lakh

Prior to the small price hike of Rs 10,000, Benelli had priced the TRK 502 at Rs 5 lakh. It gets the same engine as the one found on the Leoncino. However, the TRK 502 has an intimidating stance which makes the bike seem larger than even 800cc adventure motorcycles.