Quick Analysis
Benelli Leoncino 500
24.5 pts
Unweighted: 14 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
SUZUKI GIXXER SF 250/ GIXXER 250
9.5 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | — |
| Displacement | 500cc | 249cm³ |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve | 4-Cycle, 1-cylinder, Oil cooled |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 26.13 bhp @ 9300 rpm |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 22.2 Nm @ 7,300 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.7 l | 12 L |
| Mileage | — | 35 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 207 | 161 kg |
| Seat Height | 810 | 800mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc 320 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston | Disc 300 mm Front 2 Piston |
| Front Suspension | 50mm inverted forks | Telescopic |
| Rear Brake | Disc 260 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston | Disc 220 mm Real 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Hydraulic Monoshock (Rebound & Preload adjustable) | Monoshock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | Pirelli 120/70 ZR17 M/C | 110/70R17M/C 54S |
| Rear Tyre | Pirelli 160/60 ZR17 M/C | 150/60R17M/C 66S |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | — | Maintenance free, 12V 6Ah |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/leoncino500silver.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gixxersf250metmatblackmetmatbordeauxred.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gixxersf250metallicmatteblack.webp |
| Color Options | RED GREY | Met Triton Blue / Pearl Glacier White Met Mat Black / Met Mat Bordeaux Red Metallic Matte Black |
| 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. | Fuel tank capacity is modest, which limits long-distance range between fill-ups. It’s not built for rough off-road or hardcore touring — more suited for smooth roads and occasional rough patches. As a 250-class bike, performance is modest compared to larger motorcycles — may feel underpowered for those seeking outright speed or heavy touring. Rear suspension setup and seat may feel basic for very long rides or heavy pillion + luggage combos. Fuel efficiency and mileage will depend heavily on riding style — aggressive riding can reduce the “balanced” efficiency benefit. |
| 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. | Riding the Gixxer SF 250 feels like driving a well-tuned middle-shafted balance between everyday usability and sporty flair. Under its sleek fairing lives a 249 cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, oil-cooled engine with SOHC and fuel injection. With a bore and stroke of 76 mm by 54.9 mm, this engine generates about 26.5 PS at 9,300 rpm and around 22.2 Nm of torque at 7,300 rpm. What this translates into on the road is a friendly yet spirited ride — you don’t get a sudden, harsh surge of power but a smooth, linear and predictable pull once you twist the throttle. That makes city commutes relaxed and manageable, and when you open it up on highways or open roads, the engine responds eagerly enough to keep pace comfortably. Paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and electric start, the Gixxer SF 250 makes everyday usability straightforward. Shifting through gears is light and intuitive, which helps in stop-and-go traffic as well as during overtakes. The oil-cooling keeps engine temperature under control, which means you can expect stable performance even when traffic snarls or you’re riding under Indian weather conditions. Physically, the bike has a compact yet sporty stance. With an overall length of 2,010 mm, width of 740 mm, height around 1,035 mm, and a wheelbase of 1,345 mm, it’s nimble enough to weave through city lanes yet stable enough for open roads. Seat height at 800 mm offers decent ground reach for many riders, while the kerb weight of about 161 kg strikes a balance — light enough for urban handling, but heavy enough to feel planted at speed. Ground clearance is 165 mm, which helps in dealing with broken patches, speed-breakers or uneven surfaces common on many Indian roads. The suspension setup — telescopic front forks and a rear swing-arm monoshock — brings a comfortable ride over a variety of surfaces. On city potholes or rough patches, it absorbs most of the bumps without transferring harshness to your seat. On smoother roads or while cruising, the suspension doesn’t feel floaty; the bike remains stable and confidence-inspiring when you push a little harder. Stopping power comes from disc brakes on both ends, supported by dual-channel ABS. That gives a usable level of braking confidence — whether you’re slowing down in traffic or braking suddenly on a slippery surface, the bike stays composed, and ABS helps prevent wheel lock-up, adding a layer of safety many riders appreciate. The tyres — 110/70-17 at the front and 150/60-17 at the rear, on cast alloy wheels — deliver a balanced grip/play between city and open-road riding. They help the bike stay agile at lower speeds yet stable when leaning a bit during spirited riding. The ride feels planted and predictable, not twitchy. Practical touches add to the everyday value of the SF 250. The 12-litre fuel tank may seem modest, but given the engine size and its reasonable fuel demand, it’s adequate for city-to-highway rides without making the bike heavy. The electricals — including LED headlamp and tail-light — give modern looks and better visibility at night. The presence of a digital instrument console adds convenience for riders wanting clear readouts without fuss. In short: the bike doesn’t pretend to be over-equipped, but gives you the essentials done right. What emerges from the combination of all these details is a motorcycle that doesn’t force you to choose between practicality and fun. For daily commuting, traffic weaving, and city errands, it stays light, nimble, and easy. For weekend rides, open roads, or spirited bursts, it has enough in reserve to keep things engaging. It doesn’t carry the bulk of a heavyweight tourer nor the ferocity of a high-end sportsbike — but therein lies its charm: it’s a genuine “do-it-all” middle-class street-sport machine that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for performance. For a rider in real-life Indian conditions — where you might deal with crowded city streets, potholed roads, occasional long stretches and mixed traffic — the Gixxer SF 250 behaves like a well-rounded companion. It’s not an extreme performer, but a balanced, sensible machine that gives you flexibility, reliability and enough thrill for a variety of riding situations. If you want a bike that feels at home in traffic, yet doesn’t shy away from open roads — the Gixxer SF 250 delivers exactly that. |
| 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 mileage? A: The mileage is around 35–38 kmpl under normal mixed usage. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 12 litres. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is 800 mm. Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The kerb weight is approximately 161 kg. Q: Does it have disc brakes and ABS? A: Yes — it comes with disc brakes front and rear and dual-channel ABS. Q: What size tyres does it use? A: The front tyre size is 110/70-17 and the rear tyre size is 150/60-17. Q: What is the engine displacement and power? A: The engine is a 249 cc single-cylinder oil-cooled unit producing roughly 26.5 PS and 22.2 Nm torque. Q: What kind of suspension does it have? A: It has telescopic front forks and a monoshock rear suspension. |
| Fuel System | — | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | | 560000 | | 192051 |
| 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. | Smooth and manageable 249 cc engine — good balance of enough power for city and highway without being intimidating. Light, nimble handling and reasonable kerb weight make it easy to maneuver in traffic and tight spaces. Comfortable seat height and posture for both city rides and longer journeys. Suspension does a decent job of absorbing bumps and uneven surfaces, giving a comfortable ride even on rough roads. Disc brakes front and rear with dual-channel ABS provide dependable stopping power and added safety. A good balance of sporty feel and everyday usability — suitable for daily commutes as well as occasional spirited rides. |
| Starter | Electric | ELECTRIC |
| Transmission | 6- Speed | 6- speed |
