Quick Analysis
Benelli Leoncino 500
9.0 pts
Unweighted: 7 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Pan America 1250 Special
25.5 pts
Unweighted: 17 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 500cc | 1,252 cc |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 8-valve | Revolution Max 1250 V‑twin (DOHC, VVT) |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 150 HP (112 kW) @ 8,750 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 125 Nm @ 6,750 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.7 L | 21.2 L |
| Mileage | 23 Kmpl | 18.33 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 207 | 258 in running order |
| Seat Height | 815 | 850 mm / 875 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Cornering ABS, dual-channel |
| Front Brake | Disc 320 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston | 320 mm Disc (dual rotor) |
| Front Suspension | Upside-down forks Ø 50mm with rebound brake adjustable | 47mm inverted fork with electronically adjustable semi-active damping control. Aluminum fork triple clamps |
| Rear Brake | Disc 260 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston | 280 mm Disc |
| Rear Suspension | Rear swing arm with lateral shock absorber with spring preload adjustment and hydraulic rebound brake adjustable | Linkage-mounted monoshock with automatic electronic preload control and semi-active compression & rebound damping |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | Pirelli 120/70 ZR17 M/C | 120/70 R19 Michelin Scorcher “Adventure” radial |
| Rear Tyre | Pirelli 160/60 ZR17 M/C | 170/60 R17 Michelin Scorcher “Adventure” radial |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Radial, tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Cast Aluminum |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12V / 8AH | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/leoncino500silver.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Black-5.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Blue-burst-1.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Whiskey-Fire-4.avif |
| Cluster | — | 6.8″ full‑color TFT touchscreen |
| Color Options | RED | #B11226 GREY | #A9A9A9 | Blue Burst | #1F4FA3 Billiard Gray | #6B7074 Vivid Black | #0F0F10 Whiskey Fire / Raven Metallic | #A64B22, #2A2A2D |
| 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. | Physical Size Can Be Intimidating – Even with Adaptive Ride Height, the Pan America remains a large adventure motorcycle that requires confidence when manoeuvring at low speeds. Weight Becomes Noticeable Off-Road – On challenging terrain, the motorcycle's mass is difficult to ignore, particularly when compared with lighter dual-sport machines. Engine Heat Can Be Felt During Slow Riding – The high-performance V-twin generates noticeable heat in traffic and during low-speed technical riding. The TFT System Has a Learning Curve – The extensive electronics package offers many adjustment options, but new owners may need time to become familiar with the menus and settings. Premium Purchase and Ownership Costs – The motorcycle competes in the premium adventure-touring segment, where purchase prices, accessories, servicing, and insurance costs are typically high. Wide Bodywork Can Feel Bulky in Urban Traffic – The fairing, handlebars, and overall dimensions are optimized for touring rather than filtering through tight spaces. Off-Road Capability Depends Heavily on Rider Skill – Although the motorcycle is capable of leaving paved roads, managing a large adventure bike on difficult terrain requires experience. |
| 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 Pan America 1250 Special represents one of the most significant departures Harley-Davidson has made from its traditional product formula. For decades, the company’s identity was closely linked to cruisers and touring motorcycles powered by large air-cooled V-twin engines. The Pan America was developed for an entirely different category: the adventure-touring segment. As a result, its design, engineering, and intended use differ substantially from most motorcycles that carry the Harley-Davidson badge. At the heart of the motorcycle is the Revolution Max 1250 engine, a 1,252cc liquid-cooled V-twin that serves as a structural component of the chassis. Rather than sitting inside a conventional frame, the engine acts as a stressed member, with the front, middle, and rear chassis sections attached directly to it. This construction method helps reduce weight while contributing to chassis rigidity. The engine itself is designed around a broader operating range than Harley-Davidson’s traditional V-twins, producing power across a wide span of engine speeds. A six-speed gearbox transfers power to the rear wheel, while electronic throttle control allows the motorcycle’s various rider-assistance systems to interact with the powertrain. The chassis is built around the requirements of adventure touring, which means it must function across a variety of road conditions. Long-travel suspension provides greater wheel movement than would typically be found on a road-focused motorcycle, helping the machine cope with uneven surfaces and off-pavement terrain. The Special variant is equipped with electronically controlled semi-active suspension that continuously adjusts damping characteristics based on riding conditions and rider inputs. Depending on specification, the motorcycle may also be fitted with Adaptive Ride Height, a system that lowers the suspension when the motorcycle comes to a stop and returns it to normal height once underway. Wheel sizes follow established adventure-bike practice, with a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel. The motorcycle uses tubeless tyres, which simplify puncture repairs compared with tube-type setups. Ground clearance, suspension travel, and riding position are all designed with mixed-surface riding in mind, allowing the motorcycle to operate on highways, rough roads, gravel tracks, and other unpaved surfaces. The riding position reflects the motorcycle’s touring and adventure focus. A wide handlebar provides leverage and control, while the upright seating posture allows the rider to remain comfortable over extended distances. The seat height is adjustable, and the relationship between the handlebar, seat, and footpegs is intended to accommodate both seated and standing riding positions. This becomes particularly relevant when riding away from paved roads, where riders often stand on the footpegs for greater control. Technology plays a significant role in the Pan America 1250 Special. A colour TFT display serves as the central interface for vehicle information, navigation, smartphone connectivity, and ride settings. Multiple riding modes allow the motorcycle’s behaviour to be adjusted for different environments, while electronic rider aids include cornering-enhanced ABS, traction control, wheel-lift mitigation, drag-torque slip control, hill-hold control, and engine braking management. These systems rely on sensors and onboard electronics to monitor the motorcycle’s behaviour and adjust intervention levels as conditions change. The motorcycle carries a 21.2-litre fuel tank, reflecting its long-distance touring role. Luggage systems, crash protection accessories, and other adventure-touring equipment can be added to expand carrying capacity and functionality. Combined with the large-capacity engine, long-travel suspension, electronic rider aids, and upright ergonomics, the Pan America 1250 Special is configured around the demands of extended travel across a variety of road surfaces rather than a single riding environment. |
| 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 | The Pan America 1250 Special stands apart from most Harley-Davidson motorcycles because it was developed for a category that has traditionally been dominated by European and Japanese manufacturers. The Revolution Max 1250 engine is central to that effort. It delivers performance in a manner that feels more typical of modern adventure motorcycles than of Harley-Davidson's cruiser lineup, with a broad operating range and a willingness to rev that would be unfamiliar to riders coming from the company's air-cooled V-twins. The chassis, suspension, and electronics package follow the same philosophy. Features such as semi-active suspension, multiple ride modes, cornering-sensitive rider aids, and Adaptive Ride Height place the motorcycle firmly within the expectations of the premium adventure-touring segment. On paved roads, the combination of an upright riding position, long-travel suspension, and stable chassis allows the motorcycle to cover large distances comfortably. Away from smooth asphalt, the suspension travel and riding modes provide the flexibility expected from an adventure platform, although the motorcycle's size and weight remain important factors in more demanding terrain. The Pan America does not feel like a cruiser adapted for adventure use; it feels like a motorcycle engineered specifically for the adventure-touring category, with Harley-Davidson's influence appearing more in the design language and engine architecture than in the riding experience itself., 4.6, 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: Which engine powers the Pan America 1250 Special? A: It uses Harley-Davidson's 1,252cc Revolution Max liquid-cooled V-twin engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Q: Is the Pan America Harley-Davidson's first adventure motorcycle? A: Yes. The Pan America marked Harley-Davidson's entry into the adventure-touring segment. Q: What is the power output of the Pan America 1250 Special? A: The engine produces approximately 150 hp and 128 Nm of torque. Q: What is Adaptive Ride Height (ARH)? A: Adaptive Ride Height is an electronically controlled suspension feature that automatically lowers the motorcycle when coming to a stop and raises it again once moving. Q: Is Adaptive Ride Height standard? A: No. It is offered as an optional feature in many markets, though availability can vary by region and model year. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The Pan America 1250 Special has a 21.2-litre fuel tank. Q: Does it have tubeless tyres? A: Yes. The motorcycle uses tubeless tyres, making puncture repairs easier during long-distance travel. Q: What wheel sizes does it use? A: The motorcycle uses a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel. Q: Does the Pan America have cruise control? A: Yes. Electronic cruise control is standard on the Special variant. Q: Does it have riding modes? A: Yes. Multiple ride modes are available, including Road, Sport, Rain, Off-Road, Off-Road Plus, and customizable modes. Q: Does it have cornering ABS and traction control? A: Yes. The motorcycle includes cornering-enhanced ABS, traction control, wheel-lift mitigation, drag-torque slip control, and other rider-assistance systems. Q: Does the Pan America have electronic suspension? A: Yes. The Special variant comes equipped with semi-active suspension, which continuously adjusts damping based on riding conditions. Q: What is the seat height? A: Depending on suspension settings and seat position, the seat height ranges from approximately 850 mm to 875 mm. Models equipped with Adaptive Ride Height can effectively feel lower when stationary. Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The Pan America 1250 Special weighs approximately 258 kg in running condition. Q: Is the Pan America suitable for off-road riding? A: Yes. It is designed to handle gravel roads, dirt tracks, and light-to-moderate off-road terrain, although its size and weight remain important considerations. Q: Does it support smartphone connectivity? A: Yes. The TFT display supports Bluetooth connectivity, navigation functions, call management, and media controls through Harley-Davidson's connected features. Q: Does it come with luggage? A: No. Panniers and top boxes are generally offered as accessories rather than standard equipment. Q: Is the Pan America comfortable for two-up touring? A: Yes. The seat size, suspension travel, passenger accommodations, and touring ergonomics allow it to be used for long-distance riding with a passenger. Q: How is the Pan America different from the BMW R 1300 GS? A: Both are premium adventure tourers, but the Pan America uses a liquid-cooled V-twin engine and offers Adaptive Ride Height, while the BMW uses a boxer-twin engine and follows a different chassis philosophy. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 560000 | | 2716000 |
| 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. | The Revolution Max 1250 Engine Shapes the Entire Experience – The liquid-cooled V-twin delivers power very differently from Harley-Davidson's traditional engines. It revs freely, produces strong performance across a broad range of engine speeds, and feels equally comfortable on highways and mountain roads. Adaptive Ride Height Is a Unique Feature – Depending on specification, the suspension can automatically lower the motorcycle when coming to a stop and raise it again while moving. This addresses one of the common challenges associated with large adventure motorcycles. Capable on a Wide Variety of Roads – The chassis, suspension travel, and wheel setup allow the motorcycle to operate across highways, rough roads, gravel tracks, and unpaved routes without requiring significant compromises. Comprehensive Electronics Package – Ride modes, cornering ABS, traction control, wheel-lift control, engine braking management, hill-hold control, and semi-active suspension are integrated into the platform. Long-Distance Comfort Is a Major Consideration – The upright riding position, wide handlebar, windscreen, and spacious ergonomics are designed around spending extended periods in the saddle. Strong Highway Stability – At cruising speeds, the motorcycle feels planted and composed, particularly when carrying luggage or a passenger. Large TFT Display and Connectivity Features – Navigation, smartphone integration, ride settings, and vehicle information are accessed through a modern touchscreen interface. Adventure-Touring Practicality – The motorcycle supports luggage systems, touring accessories, and a variety of configurations suited to long-distance travel. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Transmission | 6- Speed | 6‑speed manual |
