Honda CB300R BS6 vs Benelli Leoncino 250: Photo Comparison

Benelli’s recently-updated Leoncino is a perfect rival to the just-unveiled Honda CB300R. Take a look at the differences in images

Honda recently unveiled the CB300R BS6 at the India Bike Week 2021. The naked roadster is expected to be launched on 22 January 2022. Meanwhile, Benelli has also taken the wraps off its Leoncino 250 Euro 5 model globally, which is again expected to arrive at our shores in the first quarter of 2022. Before these bikes are launched in India, here's a detailed photo comparison between the two. 

On the design front, while the Leoncino 250 carries a retro scrambler look, the CB300R BS6 on the other hand, is a full-fledged neo-retro naked. The CB300R BS6 gets a classic-looking circular LED headlight with twin DRL's while the Leoncino 250 accommodates an oval-shaped LED headlight with an upside-down 'U' shaped LED DRL.

The side profile of both the bikes looks completely different. While the CB300R gets a split seat configuration, the Leoncino gets a single-piece set up, in tune with its demeanour. Moreover, we do feel that Honda's exhaust looks better and appears more coherent to the bike's design language. 

The aesthetic difference doesn't end here as the Leoncino 250 gets a lean tail section with a rectangular-shaped LED taillight while the CB300R BS6 mounts a chunky LED taillight. 

The Leoncino 250 as well as the CB300R BS6 feature a blue backlit LCD instrument cluster. While the console in both bikes shows all the necessary information, they do not get smartphone connectivity or turn-by-turn navigation. 

Powering the Leoncino 250 is a 250cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that is housed in a steel tube trellis frame and which churns out 25.83PS and 21Nm. Meanwhile, the upcoming CB300R BS6 draws power from a 286cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that produces 31.1PS and 27.5Nm. Moreover, both engines come mated to a six-speed transmission. However, the Leoncino 250 misses out on a slip-assist clutch which the CB300R BS6 gets. 

There are a few similarities between both bikes as they both roll on 17-inch alloy wheels and ride on a 41mm USD fork and a monoshock suspension setup. While the design of the alloy wheels is somewhat similar, the Leoncino 250’s front fender gets a classy-looking ‘Lion Of Pesaro’ emblem.

For braking, while the Leoncino 250 uses a 280mm disc upfront with axial caliper, the CB300R BS6, on the other hand, employs a 296mm disc with radial caliper. Both bikes also use a disc brake at the rear, the Leoncino 250 employs a 240mm disc while the CB300R uses a 220mm unit. The CB300R BS6 apart from having a larger disc upfront also gets IMU-enhanced dual-channel ABS.

Both Benelli and Honda are likely to price their respective motorcycles (Leoncino 250 and the CB300R BS6) each at Rs 2.5 lakh ex-showroom. While Honda is yet to reveal the CB300R's colour options, the Leoncino 250 Euro 5 on the other hand, will be available in four paint schemes: white, anthracite, red and green. Which one would you pick? Let us know in the comment section.