Quick Analysis
ATHER 450 Apex
1.5 pts
Unweighted: 2 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Benelli Leoncino 500
28.0 pts
Unweighted: 19 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | — | 500cc |
| Engine Type | — | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve |
| Power | 7.0 kW | 35kW at 8500 r/min |
| Torque | 26 Nm | 46N·m/6000 r/min |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | — | 12.7 l |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 111.6 kg | 207 |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 810 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Hydraulically actuated triple-piston calliper disc | Disc 320 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic forks | 50mm inverted forks |
| Rear Brake | Hydraulically actuated single-piston calliper disc | Disc 260 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Symmetrically mounted progressive monoshock | Hydraulic Monoshock (Rebound & Preload adjustable) |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 90/90 - 12 | Pirelli 120/70 ZR17 M/C |
| Rear Tyre | 100/80 - 12 | Pirelli 160/60 ZR17 M/C |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED | — |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 3.7 kWh Lithium-ion | — |
| Bike Image 1 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/leoncino500silver.webp |
| Color Options | Edium Blue | RED GREY |
| Cons | Relatively expensive — might feel like overkill if you only need basic commuting. Suspension and ride comfort may feel a bit firm on rough or potholed roads. Storage and seating/space may feel limited if you need more room or are a taller rider. Real-world range drops noticeably with aggressive riding or heavy load — and reliability depends on having charging access. The premium features and extra cost may not feel “worth it” for riders who don’t use them often. | The bike is on the heavier side, and this weight becomes noticeable during low-speed maneuvers, U-turns, or parking in tight city spaces. Fuel tank capacity is relatively small for a 500cc motorcycle, meaning touring riders may need more frequent fuel stops. The suspension can feel firm over broken roads, and sharp bumps may not be absorbed as smoothly as expected. The engine, while smooth, is not aggressively powerful — riders seeking quick acceleration or sportbike-like performance may find it a bit gentle. Some components and fit-and-finish details do not feel as premium as other bikes in the same price bracket. Limited dealership and service network in certain regions may affect ease of ownership. |
| Detailed Overview | From the moment you swing a leg over the Ather 450 Apex, you quickly realize this isn’t just another electric scooter — it’s meant for people who care about performance, control and smart urban commuting. The heart of the ride is a well-tuned 7.0 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). Thanks to that, the Apex produces up to 26 Nm of torque and delivers brisk acceleration. The numbers are impressive on paper — 0 to 40 km/h in about 2.9 seconds — but on the road that translates to a quick launch off the traffic light, a feeling of immediacy and confidence in start-stop city traffic. What really stands out is the top-end power: the Apex can push beyond the 100 km/h mark, which is rare for an electric scooter in everyday commuter territory. That means the scooter doesn’t just shine in stop-and-go traffic — it’s also capable enough for longer rides, smoother expressway bursts, or overtaking with composure, rather than relying on brute throttle. Under the floorboard lies a 3.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. According to the maker, a full charge delivers a certified “IDC” range of up to 157 km — though real-world results will depend heavily on riding style, mode selected, and load (rider + pillion + cargo). In everyday mixed use, you might see somewhere between 110–130 km on a charge if riding moderately, or closer to 75–95 km if you’re leaning on the scooter’s performance edge with aggressive acceleration or using “Warp+” mode. That makes the Apex genuinely practical for daily commuting and occasional long-ish rides. Recharging doesn’t take forever either: with the standard home charger, going from zero to full takes roughly 5¾ hours. For many users, that means a single overnight charge can give you more than a day’s worth of commuting — convenient and low-friction. Of course, power is nothing without control — and on that front, the Apex doesn’t disappoint. Braking is handled by disc brakes at both the front and rear, paired with a combined braking system plus regenerative braking. The regenerative braking is enhanced via a feature called “Magic Twist”: simply releasing the throttle initiates deceleration and regeneration, which smoothens urban rides and helps squeeze out a bit more from the battery. That also means less reliance on brake levers for everyday slowing, making riding more intuitive — especially in stop-heavy traffic. Ride quality strikes a balance between agility and comfort. The suspension setup — telescopic front forks and a monoshock rear — combined with relatively light kerb weight (about 111.6 kg) and compact 12-inch wheels, makes the scooter nimble and easy to manoeuvre through crowded lanes or narrow city roads. For you, that translates into easy overtakes, nippy turns, and less stress when weaving through traffic, while the suspension does enough to absorb most urban bumps and potholes without jarring you. Practicality isn’t ignored either: there’s an under-seat storage of generous 22 litres — handy for a helmet, groceries or a backpack — and seat height is accessible for most riders. In real life, that means you don’t have to worry about where to stash your stuff, and mounting or dismounting remains easy even in everyday use. But what really makes the Apex feel like a “modern scooter of 2025” is how connected and smart it is. A sharp 7-inch touchscreen dashboard offers smartphone connectivity, navigation (via Google Maps), music and call controls, notifications and more. You don’t need to dig out your phone for directions — just glance at the dash. Features such as auto-cancel indicators, “guide-me-home” lights, emergency stop signal, and even “infinite cruise” (cruise-like comfort for longer trips) lend the scooter a layer of convenience and modernity that gets appreciated in day-to-day life. For many riders, having multiple ride modes — ranging from Smart Eco and Eco to Sport and the aggressive Warp+ — is a big plus. It means you can tailor the ride depending on traffic, terrain or mood: ride efficiently during daily commutes, or unlock full power when you want a spirited ride. What this all adds up to — in simple human terms — is an electric scooter that doesn’t force compromises. You get the zippy agility and ease of a scooter tailored for city roads, combined with enough punch, speed, and sophistication to make longer or faster rides genuinely reasonable. Whether you’re weaving through street traffic in tight lanes, commuting to work, or taking a leisurely evening ride out of town, the Ather 450 Apex feels ready for it. | When you swing your leg over the Leoncino 500, the first thing you notice is that it doesn’t feel like a heavy, intimidating “big bike.” Its 500 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine—built with a DOHC, 8-valve layout and a bore/stroke of 69 × 66.8 mm—offers a nice balance: enough punch to make each twist of the wrist satisfying, without being overly fierce or jerky. With around 35 kW (≈ 47.5 PS) at 8,500 rpm and 46 Nm torque at 6,000 rpm, the power delivery doesn’t spike — it builds progressively. In practical riding, that translates to a throttle that’s forgiving in traffic, yet confident when you want to overtake or cruise smoothly on open roads. It won’t throw you back in the seat, but it will carry you along with reassuring steadiness. Mated to a six-speed gearbox and a conventional chain final drive, the riding experience feels grounded. The wet multi-plate clutch gives clean, predictable engagement — useful when pulling away at traffic lights or crawling in city bustle. Because the engine isn’t hyper-aggressive, clutch work stays manageable; the Leoncino remains friendly even for someone transitioning into a middle-weight bike. The chassis and underpinnings do more than just hold things together — they shape the ride’s character. A steel trellis frame gives the Leoncino a firm backbone that also offers a touch of flexibility to soak up minor road flaws. Up front, a 50 mm inverted fork works together with a preload-adjustable rear mono-shock to deliver suspension behaviour that’s more composed than harsh — meaning city potholes, speed-breakers, or imperfect tarmac aren’t punished on your spine. The 17-inch alloy wheels shod in reasonably sporty tyres (120/70-R17 front, 160/60-R17 rear) enhance stability and responsiveness when carving corners or cutting through slow-moving traffic. The geometry and ergonomics strike a clever balance: at roughly 2160 mm long, 875 mm wide and 1160 mm tall, with a wheelbase around 1460–1490 mm, the Leoncino has enough presence to feel stable — not twitchy or nervous. A seat height of ~790–815 mm keeps reach manageable for many riders, striking a middle ground: upright enough for comfort on longer rides, yet low enough for confidence at stops. What this means on Indian roads is that the Leoncino can be surprisingly practical for both city and occasional weekend highway duty — though its 207 kg curb weight does remind you to be smooth in heavy traffic or U-turns. When it’s time to slow down or stop, the Leoncino doesn’t let you down. Dual 320 mm discs up front, paired with a 260 mm disc at the rear — all with dual-channel ABS — give braking that’s confident and progressive, not grabby. Whether you’re carrying a pillion, riding solo, or braking hard in a sudden traffic stop, the setup inspires control. Fuel-wise, its 12.7-litre tank might not scream “long-distance tourer,” but combined with the relatively efficient 500 cc twin, it makes the Leoncino handy for daily commuting and short-to-medium rides. For a rider commuting in mixed city-highway conditions, occasional fuel-ups aren’t a chore. And because the bike isn’t tuned for maximum range, the ride still feels alive — engaging for morning traffic and evening returns alike. In terms of attitude and feel, the Leoncino 500 defines a sweet middle ground. It doesn’t pretend to be a stripped-down commuter, but nor does it put on airs as a heavy cruiser. Its modest displacement, manageable weight, and composed suspension make it friendly enough for newer middle-weight riders, yet its engine character, chassis solidity, and braking setup give it enough credibility for seasoned riders seeking a reliable everyday or weekend bike. Yet no machine is perfect, and Leoncino 500 comes with trade-offs—ones you’d want to understand before committing. The modest fuel tank means long rides will require more stops than larger adventure or tourer bikes. The 207 kg weight, while manageable, can feel substantial when manoeuvring in tight traffic or parking in cramped city lanes. If you’re expecting aggressive acceleration or a sportbike-like rush, the Leoncino will seem restrained — it’s tuned for balance and usability, not adrenaline-fueled bursts. For long highway runs or two-up touring, the comfort is decent but not plush — it’s not designed as a luxury tourer. In essence, the Leoncino 500 feels like an honest, grounded middle-weight — one that doesn’t oversell itself. It aims to be versatile: a companion for daily commutes, a weekend ride when you want to stretch your legs, and a reliable machine for short trips and errands. It isn’t flashy in performance terms, but in everyday ownership it delivers a satisfying mixture of practicality, character, and rideability. If you’re the kind of rider who values balance over extremes, who wants a bike that handles city chaos yet isn’t out of place on a highway — the Leoncino 500 is likely to make a lot of sense. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the top speed of the Ather 450 Apex? A: The top speed is around 100 km/h. Q: How fast does the Ather 450 Apex accelerate from 0–40 km/h? A: It accelerates from 0–40 km/h in about 2.9 seconds. Q: What is the battery capacity of the Ather 450 Apex? A: It comes with a 3.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. Q: What is the real-world range of the Ather 450 Apex? A: You can typically expect around 110–130 km in mixed riding, and about 75–95 km in hard riding. Q: What is the certified range of the Ather 450 Apex? A: The official IDC-certified range is up to 157 km per charge. Q: How long does it take to charge the Ather 450 Apex? A: A full charge through the home charger takes roughly 5.75 hours. Q: What kind of motor does the Ather 450 Apex use? A: It uses a 7.0 kW PMSM motor that produces up to 26 Nm of torque. Q: Does the Ather 450 Apex have fast charging? A: It supports Ather fast charging, letting you top up quickly on compatible chargers. Q: What ride modes are available on the Ather 450 Apex? A: Modes include SmartEco, Eco, Ride, Sport, and Warp+. Q: What type of brakes does the Ather 450 Apex have? A: It has disc brakes at both front and rear, with combined braking and regenerative braking. Q: What is Magic Twist on the Ather 450 Apex? A: Magic Twist is a regenerative braking system that slows the scooter when you release the throttle. Q: How much does the Ather 450 Apex weigh? A: It weighs around 111.6 kg. Q: What is the under-seat storage capacity? A: It offers 22 litres of under-seat storage. Q: Does the Ather 450 Apex have navigation? A: Yes, it has onboard navigation integrated into the touchscreen display. Q: What size is the instrument display? A: It has a 7-inch touchscreen dashboard. | Q: What is the engine configuration of the Leoncino 500? A: It comes with a 500cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin DOHC engine with 8 valves. Q: How much power and torque does it produce? A: The bike makes around 47–48 PS of power at 8,500 rpm and about 46 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Q: What type of gearbox does the Leoncino 500 have? A: It uses a 6-speed manual transmission paired with a wet multi-plate clutch. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and expected mileage? A: The fuel tank capacity is 12.7 litres, and you can expect real-world mileage of roughly 20–25 kmpl depending on riding conditions. Q: What is the seat height and kerb weight? A: The seat height is approximately 790–815 mm, and the kerb weight is around 207 kg. Q: What suspension setup does the bike use? A: It gets a 50 mm upside-down front fork and a rear mono-shock with preload and rebound adjustability. Q: What wheels and tyres come with the Leoncino 500? A: It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres sized 120/70-R17 at the front and 160/60-R17 at the rear. Q: What braking system is offered? A: The bike features dual 320 mm front discs with 4-piston calipers and a 260 mm rear disc, supported by dual-channel ABS. Q: What are the key dimensions of the motorcycle? A: It measures about 2160 mm in length, 875 mm in width, with a wheelbase of around 1460 mm and ground clearance close to 160 mm. Q: Is the Leoncino 500 suitable for long rides? A: Yes, the smooth twin-cylinder engine makes highway riding comfortable, though the small fuel tank means slightly more frequent fuel stops. Q: Who is this bike best suited for? A: It’s ideal for city riders, beginners stepping into the 500cc segment, and weekend tourers who want a stylish, easy-to-ride motorcycle. |
| Price Variants | | 189999 | | 560000 |
| Pros | Strong, responsive acceleration — fun and confident around city traffic or during quick overtakes. Good top speed for an electric scooter, making it usable not just for city commutes but occasional longer or faster rides. Smart, modern features and a connected dashboard — adds convenience, navigation, and a premium feel. Adequate real-world battery range for daily commuting and moderate longer rides. Low maintenance compared with petrol scooters — simpler upkeep, no fuel hassles. | The Leoncino 500 has a very distinctive neo-retro design that instantly stands out, giving it a stylish presence that many riders appreciate. Its 500cc parallel-twin engine is smooth, predictable, and friendly, making it easy to manage in city traffic while still delivering enough power for enjoyable highway cruising. The low seat height and upright ergonomics make the bike accessible and comfortable for a wide range of riders, especially those who want a relaxed riding posture. Handling feels confidence-inspiring thanks to wide handlebars, good weight distribution, and a planted feel through corners. Braking performance is strong due to the dual front discs and ABS, offering stability and reassurance even during sudden stops. Build quality feels solid and the bike gives a “big-bike” road presence, which appeals to riders upgrading from smaller displacement motorcycles. The exhaust note has a pleasing, refined twin-cylinder character that many owners enjoy. |
| Starter | — | Electric |
| Transmission | — | 6- Speed |
