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Quick Analysis

Benelli Leoncino 500

34.0 pts
Unweighted: 23 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther

KTM 65 SX

6.5 pts
Unweighted: 3 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Specification
Benelli Leoncino 500
Benelli Leoncino 500
Benelli
KTM 65 SX
KTM 65 SX
KTM

Engine Specifications

Cooling System Liquid-cooled
Displacement 500cc 64.9 cc
Engine Type 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 8-valve 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine
Power 35kW at 8500 r/min 11.2 bhp @ 11500 rpm
Torque 46N·m/6000 r/min 10.8 Nm @ 7500 rpm

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Tank Capacity 12.7 L 4.5 L
Mileage 23 Kmpl 30 kmpl

Dimensions & Weight

Kerb Weight 207 62 kg
Seat Height 815 730 mm

Brakes & Suspension

ABS Dual Channel ABS
Front Brake Disc 320 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston Disc 198 mm
Front Suspension Upside-down forks Ø 50mm with rebound brake adjustable XACT 35 WP Upside-Down fork, Ø 35 mm
Rear Brake Disc 260 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston Disc 180 mm
Rear Suspension Rear swing arm with lateral shock absorber with spring preload adjustment and hydraulic rebound brake adjustable XACT WP mono shock

Tyres & Wheels

Front Tyre Pirelli 120/70 ZR17 M/C 60/100 - 14
Rear Tyre Pirelli 160/60 ZR17 M/C 80/100 - 12
Tyre Type Tubeless Tubed
Wheel Type Alloy Spoke

Features & Technology

Headlight LED

Other Specifications

Battery 12V / 8AH
Bike Image 1 https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/leoncino500silver.webp
Color Options RED | #B11226 GREY | #A9A9A9 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 maintenance: being a 2-stroke race bike, it needs frequent servicing and top-end rebuilds. Costly parts: replacement parts (especially race-specific ones) can be expensive. Kick-start only — no electric starter, which may be difficult for smaller/younger riders. Limited fuel capacity: small fuel tank means more frequent refuels. Size limitations: while great for its class, more advanced or heavier riders may outgrow it soon. Not road legal — strictly made for off-road/motocross use.
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 65 SX is one of the most iconic and trusted youth motocross bikes in the world, built for young riders who are ready to step into competitive racing. Designed as a bridge between mini dirt bikes and full-size motocross machines, the 65 SX gives young racers the taste of real racing performance with features inspired directly from KTM’s bigger SX lineup. For many aspiring riders, this bike marks the beginning of a serious motocross journey. At the core of the KTM 65 SX is its 64.9 cc 2-stroke, liquid-cooled engine, designed to deliver smooth yet powerful performance. The engine is known for its sharp throttle response and punchy powerband, which helps riders tackle jumps, corners, and straights with ease. With its race-tuned powervalve system, the bike offers strong torque and acceleration across the rev range, making it highly competitive on the track. The 6-speed gearbox paired with a hydraulic clutch further enhances control, allowing young riders to shift smoothly and confidently during intense racing situations. One of the major highlights of the 65 SX is its lightweight chassis, which gives the bike excellent agility. Weighing just around 53 kg, it allows young riders to maneuver easily, even in technical sections. The frame is built using high-strength chromoly steel, offering a perfect balance of rigidity and flexibility. This helps maintain stability during high-speed riding while still giving enough flex to absorb rough terrain. Suspension plays a huge role in motocross, and KTM has equipped the 65 SX with premium WP XACT suspension. At the front, it features a 35 mm AER air fork, which allows easy adjustment based on the rider’s weight and riding conditions. At the rear, a fully adjustable WP monoshock ensures consistent damping performance. This suspension setup works beautifully on jumps, whoops, and rutted tracks, making the bike feel planted and confidence-inspiring. Braking is equally impressive, with hydraulic disc brakes on both ends providing sharp stopping power. This is especially important for young racers learning advanced braking techniques such as trail braking and hard corner entries. The wave-style discs also help manage heat buildup during longer motos. The ergonomics of the KTM 65 SX are carefully designed to suit growing riders. The seat height, footpegs, and handlebar position give young riders a natural and balanced stance, allowing them to ride longer with less fatigue. The slim bodywork also makes it easier for riders to shift their weight when cornering or navigating obstacles. Another advantage is its “grow-with-the-rider” setup. Many components, including the handlebar and suspension, can be adjusted, making the bike suitable for a range of ages and sizes. This is one of the reasons why parents and young racers prefer the 65 SX — it adapts as the rider’s skills and physical size improve. Overall, the KTM 65 SX is a race-ready machine built to deliver high performance, reliability, and confidence to young riders entering the world of competitive motocross. With its strong engine, agile handling, premium suspension, and race-focused design, it remains one of the best choices for aspiring motocross champions.
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 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 is the mileage? A: The mileage of the KTM 65 SX is around 20–25 kmpl, depending on riding style. Q: What is the engine capacity? A: It comes with a 64.9 cc 2-stroke engine. Q: What is the top speed? A: The top speed is approximately 95–100 km/h. Q: Does the KTM 65 SX have electric start? A: No, it features a kick-start mechanism. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is roughly 750 mm, suitable for young riders. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: It has a 3.5-liter fuel tank. Q: Is the KTM 65 SX road legal? A: No, it is not road legal, as it is built specifically for motocross. Q: What type of brakes does it have? A: The bike uses hydraulic disc brakes on both front and rear. Q: What is the weight of the bike? A: The KTM 65 SX weighs around 53 kg (dry weight). Q: Is the KTM 65 SX good for beginners? A: Yes, it’s ideal for young riders with some basic experience entering competitive motocross.
Fuel System Fuel Injection
Price Variants STD | 560000 | 546500
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. Very lightweight chassis (~53 kg) makes it super agile for young riders. Powerful 64.9 cc 2-stroke engine tuned for competitive performance. High-quality WP XACT suspension (air front fork + mono-shock) gives great control over jumps and bumps. Hydraulic clutch & 6-speed gearbox for smooth gear shifts. Adjustable ergonomics: seat height, handlebar, and bodywork can be tuned to grow with the rider. Strong braking with disc brakes front and rear for reliable stopping power. Built with true “race ready” pedigree — shares tech with bigger KTM SX bikes.
Starter Electric Kickstarter
Transmission 6- Speed 6 Speed Manual

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