Quick Analysis
Benelli Leoncino 500
14.0 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 390 DUKE
12.5 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid cooling with radiator |
| Displacement | 500cc | 398.63 cc |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 8-valve | Single Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, DOHC, FI Engine |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 33.8 kW @ 8500 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 39 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.7 L | 15 L |
| Mileage | 23 Kmpl | 30 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 207 | 168.3 |
| Seat Height | 815 | 820 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual-channel ABS with SUPERMOTO mode |
| Front Brake | Disc 320 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston | 320 mm Disc with Radially mounted calliper |
| Front Suspension | Upside-down forks Ø 50mm with rebound brake adjustable | 5-click Compression & Rebound adjustable, Open Cartridge, WP APEX USD forks, 43mm diameter |
| Rear Brake | Disc 260 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston | 240 mm Disc with Floating calliper |
| Rear Suspension | Rear swing arm with lateral shock absorber with spring preload adjustment and hydraulic rebound brake adjustable | Adjustable WP APEX Monoshock, 5-step Rebound damping, 10-step preload adjustable |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | Pirelli 120/70 ZR17 M/C | 110/70 - ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | Pirelli 160/60 ZR17 M/C | 150/60 - ZR17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED | Full Split LED Headlamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12V / 8AH | 12 V, 8 AH MF battery |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/leoncino500silver.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KTM-390-Duke-Electric-orange.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KTM390DukeBlack_Booking.webp |
| Cluster | — | 5" TFT dash display |
| Color Options | RED | #B11226 GREY | #A9A9A9 | GUN METAL GREY | #4A4F55, #FF6600 ELECTRONIC ORANGE | #FF6600 ATLANTIC BLUE | #2F5D7C, #FF6600 |
| 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. | Firm (harsh) ride: The suspension can feel stiff over potholes or uneven surfaces, which may be tiring for long rides. Limited wind protection: Being a naked bike, you feel a lot of wind at highway speeds, making long-distance touring less comfortable. Engine heat: In slow or stop-go traffic, the radiator fan can dump hot air toward the rider’s legs, which many find uncomfortable. Seat comfort: The stock seat can feel firm and less comfortable for long rides; also, pillion comfort is limited. Vibration: Some riders report noticeable vibrations in certain RPM ranges, especially between ~4,500–6,000 rpm. Reliability concerns: There are occasional reports of reliability issues or quality control, especially in older models. |
| Detailed Overview | The Benelli Leoncino 500 is a middleweight bike that tries to balance daily riding with weekend highway use. It comes with a 500 cc twin-cylinder engine that makes around 47.5 PS and 46 Nm, and it is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The engine feels smooth in most situations, whether you are riding in the city or cruising on the highway. It can go up to around 150–160 km/h, but in real use, it feels more comfortable at normal speeds. The bike is built on a steel frame and uses upside-down front forks along with a rear monoshock. This setup keeps the bike stable, especially on straight roads, but the suspension is slightly stiff, so you will feel bumps on bad roads. It runs on 17-inch wheels with wide tyres, which help with grip and balance. Braking is handled by dual discs at the front and a single disc at the rear, along with ABS for safety. In terms of size, the Leoncino 500 weighs around 207 kg, so it is not very light, but still manageable once you get used to it. The seat height is about 785 mm, which makes it easier for most riders to handle in stop-and-go traffic. Ground clearance is around 160 mm, which is fine for city roads but you may need to slow down on bigger speed breakers. The fuel tank is 12.7 litres, so for longer rides, you might need to plan fuel stops. The bike comes with a digital display that shows basic information like speed, fuel level, and gear position. It also gets LED lights, but there are no advanced features like Bluetooth or navigation. In everyday riding, mileage usually stays around 22 to 25 km/l depending on how you ride. Overall, the Leoncino 500 is set up in a way that keeps things simple, with a focus on smooth performance and a straightforward riding experience. | The KTM 390 Duke is built with a layout that focuses on keeping the bike compact while still offering strong performance for its size. It uses a 399cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces around 45–46 bhp and close to 39 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and comes with a slipper clutch and a quickshifter, which help make gear changes smoother in both city traffic and faster riding conditions. The throttle is controlled electronically through a ride-by-wire system, which adjusts how the engine responds to inputs. The bike is based on a steel trellis frame that works along with a lightweight subframe to keep the structure balanced. With a kerb weight of around 168 kg, it remains relatively light, which affects how easily it moves in traffic and how quickly it responds to steering inputs. The fuel tank capacity is about 15 litres, and the seat height is close to 800 mm, making it manageable for a wide range of riders. The riding position is upright with a slight forward lean, supported by a wide handlebar. Suspension is handled by WP Apex units, with upside-down forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Both ends are adjustable, allowing changes based on riding conditions. The bike runs on alloy wheels with wide tyres, which influence grip and stability during cornering as well as everyday riding. The setup is designed to maintain control without making the ride feel too soft. Braking is managed by a single disc at the front and a disc at the rear, supported by dual-channel ABS. The system also includes cornering ABS, which adjusts braking force based on the bike’s lean angle. These systems work automatically and are meant to provide stability in different riding situations without requiring constant input from the rider. The electronics package includes a TFT display that shows speed, fuel level, ride modes and other basic information. It also supports smartphone connectivity and allows the rider to switch between different riding modes, which change throttle response and system intervention levels. Features like traction control are also included, reflecting the level of technology now available in this segment. The design follows a sharp and compact naked bike style, with minimal body panels and exposed elements around the frame and engine. The tank, panels and overall proportions give it a tight and focused appearance. While many bikes in this category try to balance multiple roles, the 390 Duke’s setup keeps things centered around a specific type of riding, and that focus is visible in how its engine, chassis and features are put together. |
| Expert Review | The Benelli Leoncino 500 is a roadster-style motorcycle that focuses on a mix of everyday usability and mid-range performance in India. It uses a 500 cc twin-cylinder engine that feels smooth and predictable, making it easier to ride in both city traffic and on highways. The riding position is upright and comfortable, which suits daily use, but the overall weight of the bike is noticeable at low speeds and in crowded areas. The suspension setup is on the firmer side, so rough roads can be felt more clearly, although it helps with stability at higher speeds. Braking performance is strong with dual front discs and ABS, offering good control in normal riding conditions. The bike keeps its features simple with a digital display and LED lighting, without advanced connectivity. In India, its relevance comes from offering a balanced riding experience, but factors like service network and maintenance cost still play an important role for buyers., 4.0, MotoAutiv Team | In a segment where most motorcycles are expected to manage daily commuting along with occasional highway use, the KTM 390 Duke takes a slightly different direction. Its 399cc single-cylinder engine produces around 45–46 bhp and close to 39 Nm of torque, placing it among the more performance-focused options in its category. At the same time, changes in the latest version have made the power delivery smoother at lower speeds, which helps in typical city traffic conditions. The lightweight chassis and compact design make it easier to handle in tight spaces, something that suits Indian roads where traffic and road conditions can vary a lot. It also includes features like ride modes, traction control and a TFT display, reflecting how buyer expectations in this segment have evolved over time. In the broader context, the bike shows how the Indian market is gradually moving towards motorcycles that combine everyday usability with a stronger focus on performance and technology., 4.4, 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 does the Benelli Leoncino 500 perform in city traffic? A: In city use, the Benelli Leoncino 500 feels smooth and manageable, but heat and weight can make slow traffic slightly tiring. Q: What mileage does the Benelli Leoncino 500 give in real conditions? A: The Benelli Leoncino 500 usually gives around 22–25 km/l depending on riding style and traffic. Q: Is the Benelli Leoncino 500 good for long rides? A: The Benelli Leoncino 500 is comfortable for highway rides, thanks to its upright position and stable feel at higher speeds. Q: Is the Benelli Leoncino 500 beginner-friendly? A: The Benelli Leoncino 500 may not be ideal for beginners because of its weight and engine size, especially at low speeds. Q: Does the Benelli Leoncino 500 heat up in traffic? A: Like most 500cc bikes, the Benelli Leoncino 500 can feel warm in heavy traffic, which is normal for this segment. Q: What are common issues reported with the Benelli Leoncino 500? A: Some users mention small issues like sensor faults, vibrations, or minor parts wear, but nothing major is widely reported. Q: How is the service and maintenance of the Benelli Leoncino 500 in India? A: The Benelli Leoncino 500 can be costlier to maintain compared to smaller bikes, and service reach depends on the city. Q: Is the Benelli Leoncino 500 comfortable for shorter riders? A: With a seat height of around 785 mm, the Benelli Leoncino 500 is relatively manageable for shorter riders. Q: What makes the Benelli Leoncino 500 different from other bikes? A: The Benelli Leoncino 500 stands out for its twin-cylinder engine and scrambler-style design, which is not very common in this price range. | Q: What engine does the KTM 390 Duke have? A: It uses a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine. Q: What is the displacement, power & torque of the 390 Duke? A: The displacement is about 398.6 cc. In the newer versions, it produces around 46 PS at 8,500 rpm and 39 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Q: What is the seat height and weight of the 390 Duke? A: The seat height is 800 mm (or optionally 820 mm) depending on the version. The kerb weight is about 168.3 kg per KTM’s specification. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and what is the mileage like? A: The fuel tank capacity is 15 litres in many versions. According to some sources, real-world fuel efficiency is around 25–30 km/l, depending on riding style. Q: What brakes and suspension does it use? A: It comes with WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front forks and a WP APEX monoshock at the rear. For brakes, there is a 320 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc, with a radially mounted caliper up front. Q: What is the ground clearance of the 390 Duke? A: The ground clearance is around 183 mm according to KTM India specifications. Q: What is the seat configuration and ergonomics like? A: It has a two-part seat design, with a slightly aggressive but comfortable rider position thanks to its upright handlebars. There’s also a “Supermoto mode” which lets you limit ABS intervention to the front brake, great for sliding control. Q: Does the 390 Duke come with smartphone connectivity? A: Yes, some variants support KTM MY RIDE via the 5-inch TFT dash, allowing for calls, music, and navigation integration. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 560000 | Standard | 339002 |
| 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. | Excellent performance for its class: The 390 Duke’s single-cylinder engine delivers punchy acceleration and strong mid-range performance. Lightweight & nimble: With a relatively low kerb/wet weight, its chassis is very agile, making it easy to flick through corners and manoeuvre in traffic. Advanced electronics suite: Comes equipped with ride modes, traction control (MTC), cornering ABS, supermoto ABS, quickshifter, and a modern TFT display. Adjustable suspension: The front and rear suspension are adjustable (WP APEX), allowing riders to tune the setup depending on road conditions or riding style. Sharp styling & design: Features such as an exposed steel trellis frame, LED headlight, and aggressive design make it visually striking. Good build quality: Reviews note improved fit and finish on newer models, giving a premium feel. Decent fuel efficiency: Compared to its performance, it offers reasonable fuel efficiency for sporty riding. |
| Starter | Electric | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | 6- Speed | 6 Speed Manual |
