Should You Buy The Benelli Imperiale 400 Or Wait For The 2020 Royal Enfield Classic 350?

We weigh the pros and cons of each bike to see which one makes better sense

Benelli launched its first properly classic motorcycle, the Imperiale 400, in October. We tested the motorcycle extensively and realised the Imperiale is actually a pretty impressive motorcycle as an overall package. 

In a lot of areas, it was even better than the existing Royal Enfield Classic 350. However, Royal Enfield has been working on the next-generation version of the venerable retro motorcycle for quite some time now. Going by the spy shots, it promises to be much better in many areas than the existing one. The updated motorcycle is likely to be launched early next year and honestly, the wait isn’t that long now. However, should you buy the Imperiale 400 now or wait for the 2020 Classic 350?

2020 Royal Enfield Classic: Promises to be a much better overall package

The spy shots of the 2020 Royal Enfield Classic 350 reveal a completely new engine architecture and the gearbox casing looks oddly similar to the one on the Royal Enfield 650 twins. This indicates that the next-generation motor could have a 6-speed transmission. The engine’s head also appears to be completely different from the existing UCE counterpart, and this coupled with the new gearbox casing hints that it could offer much better performance, particularly improved highway cruising capabilities over the existing model.

What’s more, Royal Enfield also offers the advantage of the wide presence of its service network. That should offer peace of mind to prospective customers too. Royal Enfield does not just offer a product, it offers a lifestyle. The brand has many tailormade rides and events scheduled over the year and not to mention a whole range of accessories, apparel and other merchandise.

Benelli Imperiale 400: Buy if you want an authentic, capable classic that stands apart from the rest

The Benelli Imperiale 400 looks the part of a quintessential retro roadster and it really stands apart in a segment that’s overpopulated with the Royal Enfield Classic 350. It not only looks the part but also rides pretty well. Thanks to the smooth engine, the Benelli Imperiale 400 has no qualms in sustaining 100kmph out on the highway either.

Also Read: Benelli Imperiale 400 vs Jawa vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Road Test Comparison

Add to this, the reasonably low seat height, comfortable, upright riding stance and you get a capable highway mile muncher. At Rs 1.69 lakh (ex-showroom), the Imperiale 400 is just around Rs 16,000 dearer than the Classic 350, and more importantly, it is available right now.