Benelli Leoncino Vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Real-World Numbers Compared

How does the Italian neo-retro motorcycle compare against the Indian heavyweight in the real world?

The Benelli Leoncino is the Italian bikemaker’s first neo retro offering in the country. Although Benelux might call the Leoncino a scrambler, the limited suspension travel, comparatively low slung exhaust (for a scrambler) and road-biased wheels make it more of a retro roadster just like the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. Now both bikes have a twin-cylinder engine and offer similar power outputs. So which one fares better in the real world?

Also read: Benelli Leoncino: Road Test Review

Acceleration:

While both bikes have the same twin-cylinder engine layout, the Interceptor has a 270-degree crank which allows it to access 80 per cent of its torque as low as 2500rpm onwards, providing fantastic mid-range punch. Comparatively, the Leoncino has a 360-degree crank that gives out a more linear power delivery. While both bikes make similar power outputs of around 47PS, the Interceptor at 52Nm offers 6Nm more torque. This added torque output allows the Interceptor 650 to be quicker than the Leoncino despite weighing 7kg more.

Also read: Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Road Test Review

Roll-ons:

Despite the Interceptor being 1.7 seconds quicker than the Leoncino, both bikes have almost similar roll-on figures. This is due to the Leoncino’s shorter gearing. It makes the Leoncino quite tractable at low city speeds. In fact, you can ride the Leoncino in 5th gear at speeds as low as 30kmph without fuss. The only difference is while you are sustaining low revs on the Interceptor, you have to rev the Leoncino a bit more to maintain the same city speeds. 

Also read: 2019 Benelli TRK 502, TRK 502X Review: First Ride

Braking:

Thanks to the dual 320mm discs with four-piston radial calipers and a large 260mm rear disc, the Leoncino offers strong braking performance. While feedback from the levers are not as good at low revs, it gets better as speeds increase.  In comparison, the Interceptor has a single 320mm disc with conventionally mounted two-piston caliper and 240mm rear disc. Despite that, it offers better braking times when compared to other 650cc bikes.  

Fuel efficiency:

The Interceptor 650 has a taller gearing that allows it to run at a relaxed pace on the highway. Also, its low-end performance feels unstressed in the city even at higher gears. These traits make the Interceptor 650 more fuel-efficient than the Leoncino.