Quick Analysis
Benelli Leoncino 500
20.0 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
YAMAHA R15 S
11.5 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid-Cooled |
| Displacement | 500cc | 155 CC |
| Engine Type | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 8-valve | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve |
| Power | 35kW at 8500 r/min | 13.5kW(18.4PS)/10000 RPM |
| Torque | 46N·m/6000 r/min | 14.2 Nm (1.4 kgfm) @7,500 RPM |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.7 L | 11 L |
| Mileage | 23 Kmpl | 40 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 207 | 142 |
| Seat Height | 815 | 815 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc 320 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston | Disc brake (282 mm) |
| Front Suspension | Upside-down forks Ø 50mm with rebound brake adjustable | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Brake | Disc 260 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston | Disc brake (220 mm) |
| Rear Suspension | Rear swing arm with lateral shock absorber with spring preload adjustment and hydraulic rebound brake adjustable | Monocross (link suspension) |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | Pirelli 120/70 ZR17 M/C | 100/80-17M/C 52P |
| Rear Tyre | Pirelli 160/60 ZR17 M/C | 140/70R17M/C 66H |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12V / 8AH | 12 V, 4.0 Ah |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/leoncino500silver.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/new-matte-black.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/racing-blue-1.avif |
| Cluster | — | Digital |
| Color Options | RED | #B11226 GREY | #A9A9A9 | Racing Blue | #1B4FAF Matte Black | #1A1A1C Matte Black (New) | #1A1A1C, #C62828 |
| 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. | Aggressive Riding Position for Daily Commuting – Although more comfortable than the R15 V4 due to its single-piece seat, the clip-on handlebars and sporty ergonomics can still become tiring in heavy traffic and during longer city rides. Misses Out on USD Front Forks – The R15S uses conventional telescopic front forks, whereas the R15 V4 and R15M come equipped with upside-down forks that offer a more premium feel and appearance. No Traction Control System – Unlike the higher-spec R15 V4 and R15M variants, the R15S does not offer traction control. No Quickshifter – Riders do not get the clutchless upshift functionality available on the R15M and selected R15 V4 variants. Basic Instrument Cluster Compared to Newer Rivals – The display provides essential information but lacks the advanced connectivity and modern interface offered by some competitors. Performance Requires Higher RPMs – The VVA engine performs best when revved, meaning riders often need to shift gears frequently to access its strongest performance. |
| 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 Yamaha R15S is aimed at riders who like the sharp styling and sporty character of the R15 range but want something a little more practical for everyday use. While it shares most of its mechanical components with the R15 V4, the biggest difference is the single-piece seat, which offers more room for both the rider and pillion. As a result, the R15S sits in an interesting space where it carries the DNA of a small supersport motorcycle while remaining usable for daily commuting. Power comes from Yamaha’s familiar 155cc liquid-cooled engine, which has been a key part of the R15 lineup for several years. The motor uses Variable Valve Actuation (VVA), a technology designed to maintain performance across different engine speeds. In normal city riding, the motorcycle feels smooth and manageable, but as the revs climb, the engine develops a more energetic character. The six-speed gearbox works alongside an assist and slipper clutch, which keeps clutch effort light in traffic and helps make downshifts feel smoother when riding enthusiastically. One of the strongest aspects of the R15S is its chassis. The motorcycle is built around Yamaha’s Deltabox frame, a setup that has long been associated with the company’s performance-oriented motorcycles. On the road, this translates into a motorcycle that feels stable when cornering and predictable when changing direction. Whether navigating through city traffic or riding on a winding road, the bike responds accurately to rider inputs without feeling nervous or heavy. The suspension setup consists of telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock. Unlike the R15 V4, the R15S does not use upside-down forks, but the overall setup is tuned to provide a balance between everyday usability and sporty handling. The ride quality tends to feel firm rather than plush, which suits the motorcycle’s sporty nature but also means rough roads can be felt more clearly through the seat and handlebars. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends, supported by dual-channel ABS. This allows both wheels to benefit from anti-lock braking intervention during sudden braking situations. The braking performance matches the motorcycle’s overall character, offering a controlled and confidence-inspiring feel without requiring excessive effort from the rider. Visually, the R15S continues to look every bit like a member of Yamaha’s R-series family. The full fairing, sharp bodywork, sculpted fuel tank, and aggressive front-end design give it the appearance of a larger supersport motorcycle. LED lighting at both ends further adds to the modern look, while the fully digital instrument console provides information such as speed, fuel level, gear position, and trip details in a clean layout. With a kerb weight of around 142 kg and a seat height of 815 mm, the R15S remains approachable for a wide range of riders. The 11-litre fuel tank offers a useful balance between range and overall weight, making the motorcycle suitable for both daily travel and occasional weekend rides. Rather than being defined by outright performance numbers, the Yamaha R15S is a motorcycle whose character comes from its combination of a high-revving engine, precise handling, sporty ergonomics, and a more accommodating seat layout. It takes the core ingredients of the R15 platform and presents them in a package that feels slightly more practical without moving away from its sportbike roots. |
| 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 Yamaha R15S occupies an interesting position within Yamaha's sportbike lineup because it combines the mechanical foundation of the R15 family with a slightly more practical approach to everyday riding. The 155cc VVA engine remains the centerpiece of the experience, delivering its performance in a manner that encourages riders to explore the upper reaches of the rev range while still offering enough flexibility for routine commuting. The motorcycle feels composed when leaned into corners, and the Deltabox frame continues to provide the sense of precision that has long been associated with the R15 platform. Compared with the R15 V4 and R15M, the single-piece seat improves day-to-day usability and pillion accommodation, though the riding posture still reflects the motorcycle's supersport origins. On uneven roads, the suspension setup prioritizes stability and control over outright softness, which means sharper bumps can be felt through the chassis. The overall package focuses more on rider engagement, chassis balance, and sport-oriented dynamics than on advanced electronics or touring comfort, resulting in a riding experience that remains closely aligned with the R-series identity., 4.4, 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: Is the Yamaha R15S good for daily use? A: Yes, the R15S is often chosen by riders who want a sportbike for everyday commuting. The single-piece seat makes it more practical than the R15 V4, although the riding position is still sport-oriented. Q: What is the real mileage of the Yamaha R15S? A: Most owners report mileage figures between 40 km/l and 50 km/l, depending on traffic conditions, riding style, and maintenance. Q: What is the top speed of the Yamaha R15S? A: Under suitable conditions, the Yamaha R15S can reach around 135–140 km/h. Q: Does the Yamaha R15S have dual-channel ABS? A: Yes, the Yamaha R15S comes equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard. Q: Does the Yamaha R15S have traction control? A: No, traction control is not available on the R15S. Q: Does the Yamaha R15S get a quickshifter? A: No, the R15S does not come with a quickshifter. This feature is available on the R15M and selected R15 V4 variants. Q: What is the seat height of the Yamaha R15S? A: The seat height is approximately 815 mm, which is the same as the R15 V4. Q: Is the Yamaha R15S comfortable for long rides? A: It is more comfortable than the R15 V4 because of its single-piece seat, but the sporty riding posture can still become tiring during very long journeys. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Yamaha R15S? A: The motorcycle comes with an 11-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Yamaha R15S? A: The Yamaha R15S has a kerb weight of approximately 142 kg. Q: What is the difference between Yamaha R15S and Yamaha R15 V4? A: The R15S uses a single-piece seat and conventional telescopic forks, while the R15 V4 gets split seats, USD front forks, traction control, Bluetooth connectivity, and additional premium features depending on the variant. Q: Which is better for daily use, Yamaha R15S or Yamaha R15 V4? A: Riders who prioritize comfort often prefer the R15S because of its single-piece seat, while the R15 V4 offers more features and a sportier overall package. Q: Is the Yamaha R15S suitable for beginners? A: Yes, many new riders start with the R15S because the engine is manageable, the bike is lightweight, and the handling is predictable. Q: Does the Yamaha R15S have VVA technology? A: Yes, the R15S uses Yamaha's Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system, which helps maintain performance across different engine speeds. Q: Is the Yamaha R15S good for highway riding? A: The motorcycle is capable of highway cruising, and the fairing provides useful wind protection. However, the committed riding position may not suit every rider on very long trips. Q: Does the Yamaha R15S have an assist and slipper clutch? A: Yes, the Yamaha R15S comes equipped with an assist and slipper clutch as standard. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 560000 | | 155600 |
| 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. | Refined 155cc VVA Engine – The liquid-cooled engine with Variable Valve Actuation delivers smooth performance across a wide rev range and remains one of the most technologically advanced engines in the segment. Sportbike-Inspired Handling – The Deltabox frame provides excellent chassis balance and precise handling, especially while cornering and changing direction. More Comfortable Than the R15 V4 – Unlike the split-seat setup on the R15 V4, the R15S uses a single-piece seat that offers improved comfort for both rider and pillion. Strong Highway Stability – The aerodynamic fairing and well-sorted chassis help the motorcycle remain composed at higher speeds. Good Fuel Efficiency – Despite its sporty nature, the engine is capable of delivering fuel economy figures that remain competitive in the 150cc category. Aggressive R-Series Styling – The design closely resembles Yamaha's larger supersport motorcycles, giving the bike a premium sportbike appearance. Assist and Slipper Clutch – This reduces clutch effort and helps improve stability during downshifts. Lightweight and Manageable – The motorcycle remains easy to handle in urban traffic while still offering a sporty riding feel. LED Headlamp and Tail Lamp – The LED lighting setup contributes to visibility and modern styling. |
| Starter | Electric | Electric starter |
| Transmission | 6- Speed | Constant mesh, 6-speed |
