Quick Analysis
Benelli Leoncino 500
11.0 pts
Unweighted: 7 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
KTM 890 ADVENTURE R
18.5 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid cooled |
| Displacement | 500cc | 889 cc |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 104.6 PS @ 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 100 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.7 l | 20 L |
| Mileage | — | 22.2 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 207 | 215 kg |
| Seat Height | 810 | 880 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc 320 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston | Disc 320 mm |
| Front Suspension | 50mm inverted forks | WP XPLOR-USD, Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc 260 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston | Disc 260 mm |
| Rear Suspension | Hydraulic Monoshock (Rebound & Preload adjustable) | WP Xplor PDS shock absorber |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | Pirelli 120/70 ZR17 M/C | 90/90 - 21 |
| Rear Tyre | Pirelli 160/60 ZR17 M/C | 150/70 - 18 |
| 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 | — |
| Cluster | — | Electric starter |
| 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 Seat Height: With a tall seat (~880 mm), the bike can be challenging for shorter riders to manage, especially off-road. Wind Buffeting / Aerodynamics Issues: Some riders report significant wind turbulence and buffeting due to the screen design. Complex Electronics Overload: With so many electronic systems, new riders may be overwhelmed, and there may be occasional software glitches. Reddit users report issues like random throttle shut-offs. Reliability Concerns: There are reported cases of camshaft issues, throttle body problems, and other mechanical issues on the 890 platform. Maintenance Cost: As a premium mid-weight adventure bike, maintenance (especially for suspension, electronics, and engine) can be expensive. Limited Wind Protection: The stock screen offers minimal protection compared to more road-biased adventure bikes, making high-speed touring less comfortable. Weight: Though relatively light for its capabilities, it's still on the heavier side for serious off-road maneuvering, which some may find limiting. |
| 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 890 Adventure R is KTM’s assertive take on a mid-weight, rally-capable adventure bike that balances spirited performance with genuine off-road capability. At its heart is an 889cc parallel-twin engine that produces around 104.6 PS and 100 Nm of torque, delivering a strong and flexible ride both on highways and rough terrain. This powerplant is tuned for quick throttle response and ample mid-range, making the bike ideal for riders who want to explore off-road tracks or punch through tight elevation changes in the hills. Its 20-litre fuel tank gives it a very commendable range, making it well-suited for long-distance adventure rides. On the chassis side, the Adventure R stands out with a high 880 mm seat height and an impressive 263 mm of ground clearance, emphasizing its off-road lineage. The suspension setup is especially thoughtful: WP XPLOR USD forks at the front and a WP XPLOR PDS monoshock at the back provide a long travel, plush yet controlled ride capable of absorbing harsh terrain while maintaining composure during spirited cornering. Brakes are up to the task too, with large discs and Bosch 9.1 MP ABS offering various modes including cornering and an off-road ABS configuration. Electronics are where the 890 Adventure R shines. It features multiple ride modes like Street, Rally, and Off-road, Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), Quickshifter+, Launch Control, and cornering ABS. For touring convenience, it also offers Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which uses radar to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead — a rare feature in this class. The 5-inch TFT display is clear, adjustable, and easy to read, offering a wealth of information such as ride mode status, fuel range, and navigation when paired with KTM’s Connect app. Comfort is balanced with the bike’s adventure nature: the raised handlebars, ergonomic footpegs, and broad windscreen give a comfortable riding posture for long journeys. That said, the tall seat and firm suspension may be challenging for shorter riders or those who predominantly ride on city streets. Despite its rugged build, the ride is refined enough that it feels just as at home on tarmac as it does off-road. The steel frame is strong without being overly heavy, contributing to the bike’s agility and stability. In summary, the KTM 890 Adventure R is a highly capable, rally-inspired adventure motorcycle that delivers on performance, electronics, and real-world off-road usability. It’s designed for adventurers who want serious capability without jumping up to 1200cc territory — providing a blend of horsepower, versatility, and technological sophistication that’s rare at this mid-weight level. |
| 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 specification of the 890 Adventure R? A: It is powered by an 889 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine. Q: How much power and torque does it make? A: The engine produces around 104.6 PS at 8,000 rpm and 100 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and range? A: The 890 Adventure R comes with a 20-litre fuel tank. With its fuel consumption, it offers an estimated riding range of up to 444 km per full tank according to some sources. Q: What kind of brakes and ABS does the bike use? A: It features 320 mm front disc and 260 mm rear disc brakes. It uses Bosch 9.1 MP ABS with cornering ABS and also has a special off-road ABS mode. Q: What suspension setup is used on the 890 Adventure R? A: The bike is equipped with WP XPLOR USD 48 mm front forks and a WP XPLOR PDS rear monoshock. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance? A: The seat height is 880 mm. The bike has very high ground clearance of 263 mm, which is excellent for off-road riding. Q: What’s the kerb (wet) weight of the bike? A: The kerb weight of the 890 Adventure R is around 215 kg. Q: What type of instrument cluster is used? A: It uses a 5-inch TFT display that shows rider information, trip data, gear position, and more. Q: Is the bike good for both on-road touring and off-road? A: Yes. With its high ground clearance, long-travel suspension, and off-road ABS mode, it is very capable off-road. At the same time, its powerful engine and large tank make it suitable for long-distance touring. Q: What is the fuel efficiency / mileage of the 890 Adventure R? A: It is claimed to deliver around 22.2 km/l. Q: What common issues do owners report? A: Some owners mention speed wobble at high speeds (80 km/h+) under acceleration. Others report reliability concerns such as cylinder start issues, valve cover leaks, and electronic glitches (e.g., throttle or dash problems). |
| Price Variants | | 560000 | | 1580000 |
| 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 & Torque: The 889cc parallel-twin engine provides a strong, torquey character that works very well on and off road. Advanced Electronics: Features like multiple ride modes (Rally, Off-road, Street, Rain), cornering ABS, MTC traction control, and Quickshifter+ make the bike very versatile and safe. Capable Off-Road Performance: With long-travel WP XPLOR 48 mm USD forks and a high ground clearance (263 mm), the R is tuned for serious off-road riding. Excellent Suspension: The suspension is fully adjustable, offering great control whether you're on rugged trails or cruising highways. Good Fuel Efficiency for Touring: Owners report good fuel consumption (around 4.4 L/100km in some tests), which makes it practical for long-distance rides. Strong Build Quality: The steel frame, durable engine design, and rugged components make it reliable for adventure applications. Rally-Ready Ergonomics: Features like rally pegs, skid plate, and a 5-inch TFT display with GPS make it a true adventure machine out of the box. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric starter |
| Transmission | 6- Speed | 6 Speed Manual |
