Quick Analysis
Benelli Leoncino 500
12.0 pts
Unweighted: 7 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 890 DUKE R
17.0 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger |
| Displacement | 500cc | 889 cC |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 121 PS @ 9250 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 99 Nm @ 7750 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.7 l | 14 L |
| Mileage | — | 21 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 207 | 180 kg |
| Seat Height | 810 | 834 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc 320 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston | 2 x Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper |
| Front Suspension | 50mm inverted forks | WP APEX 43 |
| Rear Brake | Disc 260 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston | Brembo single-piston floating calliper, brake disc |
| Rear Suspension | Hydraulic Monoshock (Rebound & Preload adjustable) | WP APEX - Monoshock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | Pirelli 120/70 ZR17 M/C | 120/70 - ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | Pirelli 160/60 ZR17 M/C | 180/55 - ZR17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED Headlights |
Other Specifications |
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| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/leoncino500silver.webp | — |
| Color Options | RED GREY | Atlantic Blue |
| 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: 834 mm seat height may not be ideal for shorter riders. Limited wind protection: As a naked bike, there’s minimal fairing, so windblast can be fatiguing on fast highway rides. Premium running costs: High-performance parts (tires, brakes) and maintenance could be expensive. Potential reliability concerns: Some users report cam wear or top-end issues over time. > “clunk … on low-mileage … they think … scarring” Ergonomics trade-off: Sporty, aggressive ergonomics may be tiring over very long rides. Price: Being a high-spec naked bike, its cost is on the higher side, which might limit its appeal to more performance-focused buyers. |
| 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 Duke R** is a high-performance naked streetfighter that builds on KTM’s “Duke” legacy by amplifying power, handling, and electronics, making it a thrilling choice for riders who want sportbike-level performance without the full fairing. At its heart, the 890 Duke R is powered by an **889 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin** engine, which churns out approximately **121 PS at 9,250 rpm** and **99 Nm of torque at 7,750 rpm**, delivering a broad and usable powerband that makes the bike both fast in the high revs and surprisingly agile at lower speeds. The frame is a lightweight chromium-molybdenum steel trellis chassis, which uses the engine as a stressed member, helping the bike remain nimble and responsive. The suspension setup employs WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front forks and a WP APEX monoshock at the rear, giving the 890 Duke R a great balance of comfort, stability, and sporty feedback whether you’re pushing hard through corners or cruising around town. Braking is handled by Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers on twin 320 mm front discs, paired with a 240 mm rear disc, offering strong and precise stopping power. One of the strengths of the 890 Duke R is its advanced electronics package. It comes with **multiple ride modes** (Street, Sport, Track, Rain, and a configurable “Rider” mode), lean-sensitive traction control (MTC), cornering ABS (Bosch 9.1 MP) with a Supermoto mode, a quickshifter, and a PASC anti-hopping clutch. These systems make the bike safer and more versatile, allowing the rider to exploit its performance on a track or tame it for daily riding. The instrument cluster is a crisp **5-inch TFT** display that provides all the critical information clearly and dynamically. Ergonomically, the Duke R offers a sporty but relatively comfortable riding position. With a seat height of **834 mm**, it’s accessible for many riders, though it may be slightly tall for those with shorter legs. The fuel tank holds **14 litres**, giving a reasonable range for a performance bike. Ground clearance is 206 mm, which helps in handling kerbs or uneven roads without feeling too fragile. In terms of weight, the 890 Duke R is commendably light — the dry weight is around **166 kg** per technical specs — which contributes significantly to its agility and sharp handling. This lightness, combined with the powerful engine and electronics, makes the bike feel very alive and dynamic under throttle. It’s a machine that rewards aggressive riding but stays manageable enough for weekend use or spirited city runs. However, potential buyers should be aware of some trade-offs. While its performance is impressive, some owners on forums note early “cam wear” or engine top-end issues if not maintained well. > “There are dozens … cam wear issues … on 790/890 …” Also, being a high-performance naked bike, wind protection is limited — at high speeds, the rider will feel more exposure compared to full-faired sportbikes. Maintenance and running costs (tires, high-spec brakes) are also higher than more entry-level motorcycles. Overall, the **KTM 890 Duke R** is a highly capable, technologically advanced, and extremely fun-to-ride naked bike. It strikes a compelling balance between raw performance, agile handling, and modern rider aids, making it a top choice for enthusiasts who seek a street weapon that feels as good on the track as it does on a winding road. For those willing to invest in its maintenance and manage its aggressive character, the 890 Duke R remains one of the most exciting bikes in the middleweight naked segment. |
| 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 engine does the KTM 890 Duke R have? A: It is powered by an 889 cc parallel twin (LC8c) engine with a bore/stroke of 90.7 mm × 68.8 mm. Q: What are the power and torque figures? A: The engine produces about 121 PS (89 kW) at 9,250 rpm and 99 Nm of torque at 7,750 rpm. Q: What is its seat height and weight? A: The seat height is 834 mm, and its dry weight is approximately 166 kg (some sources list around 180 kg as “ready to ride”). Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and mileage? A: The fuel tank capacity is around 14 litres. The claimed fuel consumption is about 4.74 L/100 km for some variants. Q: What kind of brakes and suspension does the 890 Duke R use? A: It comes with WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front forks and a WP APEX mono-shock at the rear. For brakes, it uses Brembo Stylema calipers with dual 320 mm discs in the front, and a 240 mm disc at the rear. Q: What electronics and rider aids are available? A: The 890 Duke R has a modern electronics suite including ride-by-wire, multiple ride modes (Street, Sport, Track, Rain, and Rider), cornering ABS (Bosch 9.1 MP), lean-angle traction control (MTC), Supermoto ABS, and a PASC anti-hopping clutch. Q: What is the frame type and chassis design? A: The frame is a chromium-molybdenum steel trellis that uses the engine as a stressed member, which helps reduce weight while providing stiffness and agility. Q: What is the expected first service interval or maintenance requirement? A: While KTM’s official manual should be consulted, many users suggest being careful with break-in; some reports mention limiting revs and usage before first major service / oil change. |
| Price Variants | | 560000 | Standard |1450000 |
| 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. | Strong, high-revving engine: The 889 cc parallel-twin makes 121 PS at 9,250 rpm and 99 Nm of torque. Great electronics package: Includes lean-angle traction control, cornering ABS (Bosch 9.1 MP), Supermoto ABS mode, multiple ride modes (Street, Sport, Rain, Track), and optional Track mode. Premium suspension & brakes: Fully adjustable WP APEX 43 mm fork and monoshock, plus Brembo Stylema calipers on 320 mm twin front discs. Agile chassis: The steel trellis frame (engine as a stressed member) gives it a stiff yet flickable character, very suited for spirited riding. Good fuel efficiency for its performance: The spec sheet shows about 4.74 L/100 km fuel consumption. Light weight relative to its power: With a dry weight around 166 kg, it's quite light for a high-performance “R” naked bike, which helps handling and responsiveness. Distinctive and aggressive styling: Sharp design, LED lighting, orange frame, and muscular tank extensions make it visually striking. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric starter |
| Transmission | 6- Speed | 6 Speed Manual |
