Quick Analysis
Benelli Leoncino 500
21.0 pts
Unweighted: 15 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
KTM 250 SX-F
10.5 pts
Unweighted: 5 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid cooled |
| Displacement | 500cc | 249.9 cc |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve | 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 46.1 bhp @ 13900 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 26.5 Nm @ 9500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.7 l | 7.2 L |
| Mileage | — | 40 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 207 | 104 kg |
| Seat Height | 810 | 958 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc 320 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston | Disc 260 mm |
| Front Suspension | 50mm inverted forks | WP XACT-USD (AER), Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc 260 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston | Disc 220 mm |
| Rear Suspension | Hydraulic Monoshock (Rebound & Preload adjustable) | WP XACT Monoshock with linkage |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | Pirelli 120/70 ZR17 M/C | 80/100 - 21 |
| Rear Tyre | Pirelli 160/60 ZR17 M/C | 110/90 - 19 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Other Specifications |
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| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/leoncino500silver.webp | — |
| Color Options | RED GREY | Orange |
| Cons | 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. | High Power-to-Weight Ratio: The 249.9 cc 4-stroke engine produces very strong power, and the bike is quite light — making it very agile and fast. Advanced Electronics: Comes with launch control, two engine maps, traction control, and quickshifter — very race-oriented features. Premium Suspension: Uses WP XACT forks and rear shock (310 mm / 300 mm travel) that are very capable for jumps and rough track terrain. Excellent Chassis Flex & Control: Updated frame in newer models improves flex, which helps in cornering and gives more control. Electric Start: Equipped with a self-starter (lithium-ion battery), which is very handy on the track. Strong Brakes & Clutch: Uses Brembo hydraulics for the clutch and good brake setup — helps with precise control under race conditions. Good for Track Riders: Designed for serious motocross use — responsive, fast, and optimized for racing-style riding. |
| Detailed Overview | 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. | The KTM 250 SX‑F is a purpose-built motocross machine that combines race-ready performance, lightweight agility, and advanced electronics to deliver an exhilarating experience for serious off-road riders. As part of KTM’s renowned motocross lineup, the 250 SX‑F is designed for track dominance, providing the perfect balance of power, handling, and precision for competitive riding. Its 249.9 cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine is tuned to deliver strong, high-revving power that is immediately responsive to throttle inputs. This makes it exceptionally capable on tight corners, jumps, and technical track sections, giving riders a confident and aggressive edge in race situations. One of the standout features of the 250 SX‑F is its lightweight chassis. The bike benefits from KTM’s proprietary trellis frame, which offers a perfect blend of stiffness and controlled flex. This results in excellent stability at high speeds while also allowing precise feedback through the handlebars and footpegs. The frame’s low weight, combined with the compact engine, ensures the bike is agile and easy to maneuver—qualities that are especially important when navigating tight motocross tracks or technical off-road terrain. The overall kerb weight remains impressively low, which reduces rider fatigue and enhances the bike’s responsiveness. The 250 SX‑F’s suspension system is another highlight. It features WP XACT 48 mm inverted front forks and a WP XACT rear shock with linkage, delivering around 310 mm of front travel and 300 mm of rear travel. This setup allows the bike to absorb big jumps, handle rough terrain, and maintain traction even under extreme stress. Both the forks and the rear shock are fully adjustable, enabling riders to fine-tune the bike for their preferred riding style or track conditions. The combination of suspension, frame geometry, and lightweight design makes the KTM 250 SX‑F exceptionally capable at both high-speed sections and technical, slower parts of the track. Modern electronics further enhance the riding experience. The 250 SX‑F is equipped with launch control, which optimizes starts and reduces wheel spin. Additionally, it offers selectable engine maps and traction control, providing riders with the ability to adapt the bike’s power delivery to track conditions or personal preference. The inclusion of a quickshifter enables seamless clutchless gear changes, maintaining momentum during aggressive racing. While minimal compared to street motorcycles, these electronic aids give riders an advantage without sacrificing the raw, track-focused feel that motocross enthusiasts demand. The ergonomics of the 250 SX‑F are designed with performance in mind. A tall seat height, wide handlebars, and a compact, upright riding position make it ideal for both sitting and standing on the pegs, which is essential for maneuvering over rough terrain and jumps. The bike also features an electric start, a convenience that eliminates the need for kick-starting and enhances usability on the track. Despite its racing pedigree, the 250 SX‑F comes with some compromises. Its fuel tank is relatively small, limiting the bike’s range to short race sessions rather than long trail rides. Maintenance is more frequent compared to casual dirt bikes, as high-performance components require careful attention. The tall seat height may also challenge shorter riders, and its race-oriented suspension can feel harsh on less demanding trails. In summary, the KTM 250 SX‑F is a high-performance motocross machine designed for riders who demand precision, agility, and race-ready power. Lightweight, technologically advanced, and built with competition in mind, it offers an exhilarating experience for those seeking to dominate motocross tracks. It is not a casual trail bike, but for dedicated racers and serious off-road enthusiasts, it stands out as one of the most capable and exciting 250-class motocross motorcycles on the market. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | 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. | Q: What is the engine capacity and type of the KTM 250 SX-F? A: It is powered by a 249.9 cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. Q: How much power and torque does it produce? A: The KTM 250 SX-F produces around 40 PS of power (approximately) — tuned for high-rev motocross performance. Q: What transmission does the 250 SX-F use? A: It uses a 5-speed gearbox. Q: Does the 250 SX-F have an electric starter? A: Yes, the KTM 250 SX-F comes with an electric self-starter, which is very useful for motocross starting. Q: What suspension setup does it have? A: It features WP XACT 48 mm USD forks at the front and a WP XACT linkage rear shock, tuned for motocross performance. Q: What are the brake specifications and ABS on the 250 SX-F? A: The 250 SX-F is fitted with disc brakes front and rear. Since it's a motocross (off-road) bike, it does not typically have road-legality ABS — it's built for track use. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance? A: The seat height is very high (race-MX spec) — it's designed for standing and aggressive riding on dirt. Ground clearance is also high, optimized for motocross terrain. Q: What is the fuel capacity of the 250 SX-F? A: The fuel tank is relatively small, designed more for race duration than long touring. Q: Does the 250 SX-F come with any electronic rider aids? A: It has selectable engine maps (for different performance characteristics) and traction control, though it's minimal compared to street motorcycles. Q: What kind of instrument or dash does it use? A: The 250 SX-F typically does not use a full digital dash like street bikes — it's race-oriented and focuses on weight savings. Q: Is the 250 SX-F good for both racing and trail riding? A: It’s primarily designed for motocross racing (track use), but experienced off-road riders might use it on trails — performance and setup are more race-oriented than touring. |
| Price Variants | | 560000 | | 958000 |
| Pros | 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. | High Power-to-Weight Ratio: The 249.9 cc 4-stroke engine produces very strong power, and the bike is quite light — making it very agile and fast. Advanced Electronics: Comes with launch control, two engine maps, traction control, and quickshifter — very race-oriented features. Premium Suspension: Uses WP XACT forks and rear shock (310 mm / 300 mm travel) that are very capable for jumps and rough track terrain. Excellent Chassis Flex & Control: Updated frame in newer models improves flex, which helps in cornering and gives more control. Electric Start: Equipped with a self-starter (lithium-ion battery), which is very handy on the track. Strong Brakes & Clutch: Uses Brembo hydraulics for the clutch and good brake setup — helps with precise control under race conditions. Good for Track Riders: Designed for serious motocross use — responsive, fast, and optimized for racing-style riding. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric starter |
| Transmission | 6- Speed | 5 Speed Manual |
