Quick Analysis
KTM 50 SX
6.0 pts
Unweighted: 2 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
Benelli Leoncino 500
30.5 pts
Unweighted: 20 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
||
| Cooling System | — | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 49.9 cc | 500cc |
| Engine Type | 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine | 2-cylinder/4-stroke/8-valve |
| Power | 5.3 bhp @ 11500 rpm | 35kW at 8500 r/min |
| Torque | 5.2 Nm @ 7500 rpm | 46N·m/6000 r/min |
Performance & Efficiency |
||
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 2.3 L | 12.7 l |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl | — |
Dimensions & Weight |
||
| Kerb Weight | 41 kg | 207 |
| Seat Height | 653 mm | 810 |
Brakes & Suspension |
||
| ABS | — | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc 160 mm | Disc 320 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston |
| Front Suspension | XACT 35 WP Upside-Down fork, Ø 35 mm | 50mm inverted forks |
| Rear Brake | Disc 160 mm | Disc 260 mm Caliper - Rear 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | XACT WP mono shock | Hydraulic Monoshock (Rebound & Preload adjustable) |
Tyres & Wheels |
||
| Front Tyre | 60/100 - 12 | Pirelli 120/70 ZR17 M/C |
| Rear Tyre | 2.75 - 10 | Pirelli 160/60 ZR17 M/C |
| Tyre Type | Tubed | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Alloy |
Other Specifications |
||
| Bike Image 1 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/leoncino500silver.webp |
| Color Options | Electronic Orange | RED GREY |
| Cons | High Maintenance: As a 2-stroke engine, it requires frequent servicing and tuning. Small Fuel Tank: Limited capacity means more frequent refills. Kick-Start Only: No electric start, which can be tricky for very young riders. Limited Power for Older Kids: The 50cc engine may not be enough as the rider grows or becomes more skilled. Sensitive to Tuning: Owners report issues like fouling spark plugs or needing to frequently re-jet the carb: “Used to run great … then started fowling plugs … Moved to a 95 main jet … About 15 kph slower …” Parts Cost & Availability: As a race‑oriented bike, some parts can be expensive or harder to source for older models. | 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. |
| Detailed Overview | The KTM 50 SX is a purpose-built mini motocross bike, tailored primarily for very young and beginner racers who want to get a genuine motocross experience without jumping straight to bigger bikes. It’s more than just a “toy” — KTM has packed serious race-bike DNA into this 50cc model, making it a standout choice for youth motocross training and competitive racing. At the heart of the 50 SX is a 49.9 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke engine, which delivers a punchy yet manageable power output. According to KTM’s specs, this engine is paired with a centrifugal automatic clutch, meaning there’s no manual clutch lever to worry about — the clutch engages automatically, which is ideal for young riders still building coordination and confidence. The engine uses a Seletra 2p D36 system for fuel delivery (on some models), which helps in precise tuning and reliable performance. KTM has thoughtfully designed the chassis for both strength and agility. The frame is made from chromoly steel, which keeps it light but sturdy. The overall design ensures that the bike is highly maneuverable, making it easier for young riders to learn balance and control on a real race-ready structure. The 50 SX isn’t just about motor and frame — it comes with serious suspension too: a WP XACT 35 mm upside-down fork at the front and a WP mono‑shock at the rear.The front suspension travel is around 200 mm and the rear is close to 190 mm, giving enough give for track bumps and jumps. In terms of ergonomics, the seat height is just 653 mm, making it very accessible for younger riders. Ground clearance is around 233 mm, giving the bike enough space to handle uneven terrain without scraping too much.The fuel tank capacity is modest — 2.3 liters — but that’s more than enough for short motocross sessions that young riders typically do. For braking, KTM hasn’t compromised: the 50 SX is equipped with disc brakes both front and rear, each 160 mm in size. This provides good stopping power and control, which is very important for safety and learning advanced braking techniques. On the wheels front, the bike uses spoke wheels, keeping things light and rugged for off-road racing. Despite its small size, the 50 SX is very race-focused. The frame has been redesigned to mimic the flex and rigidity characteristics of full-size MX bikes. The new frame also comes with frame protectors, which help reduce damage in case of falls — a common occurrence when young riders are learning. The handlebars are lightweight aluminum, with a bend that suits smaller riders, and the footpegs are designed to give a solid grip even when things get muddy or rough. KTM also includes power-reduction kits in its parts catalog for the 50 SX. These kits let parents or coaches limit the power output while the rider is still learning, which is a smart way to scale the bike’s performance to the rider’s ability — and once they’re better, the full power can be unlocked. When it comes to reliability, the 50 SX has a liquid cooling system for better thermal management. The engine’s central crankshaft design helps in keeping the mass well-balanced, which contributes to smoother handling. As for maintenance, like all 2-stroke motorcycles, it does need regular care — but KTM has made key parts (like the clutch) durable, using a reinforced clutch basket for longevity. Overall, the KTM 50 SX is a very well-engineered youth motocross bike that brings real race performance to younger riders. It balances power, weight, and control in a way that helps beginners grow into serious racers. Whether for track training, competitive racing, or just building early riding skills, it’s absolutely one of the top choices in the mini-moto world. | 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. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine capacity of the KTM 50 SX? A: It has a 49.9 cc 2-stroke engine. Q: What kind of transmission does it use? A: The KTM 50 SX has a single-speed automatic transmission. Q: How is the KTM 50 SX started? A: It uses a kick-start. Q: Does it have a clutch? A: Yes — a centrifugal (adjustable) clutch, so the rider doesn’t have to use a manual clutch lever. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 2.3 litres. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is 653 mm. Q: What is the weight of the bike? A: The dry (or “without fuel”) weight is about 43.5 kg for recent models. Q: What kind of suspension does the KTM 50 SX use? A: It comes with WP XACT suspension — a 35 mm upside-down fork in the front and a WP mono-shock at the rear. Q: What brakes does it have? A: It has disc brakes both at the front and rear, each 160 mm. Q: What power does the KTM 50 SX produce? A: The KTM 50 SX produces around 5.3–5.4 PS at ~11,500 rpm. Q: Is the KTM 50 SX road legal? A: No — it's designed for off-road / motocross use, not for street-legal riding. Q: What kind of clutch does it have for young riders? A: It uses a centrifugal clutch, which automatically engages at high RPM — good for beginners or young riders who don’t manually operate a clutch. Q: What is the ground clearance? A: The ground clearance is 233 mm. Q: Is there a guarantee or warranty for KTM 50 SX? A: According to specs, it has a 2-year standard warranty. Q: What is the typical maintenance challenge or issue to watch for? A: Some owners report carburetor tuning issues | 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. |
| Price Variants | | 475000 | | 560000 |
| Pros | Very Lightweight: Makes it easy for young riders to handle and build confidence. Automatic Transmission: The centrifugal clutch and automatic gearbox simplify riding for beginners. Adjustable Suspension: High-quality WP fork and shock can be tuned to rider weight and track conditions. Racing‑Oriented Build: Frame and components are derived from KTM’s full-size SX range, giving a race-ready feel. Power-Reduction Kits Available: Helps beginners by limiting power until they’re ready for more. Good Cooling: Liquid cooling ensures the engine stays healthy even under hard off‑road use. Tool-Free Adjustability: Seat height, suspension, and other parts can be adjusted without special tools. | 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. |
| Starter | — | Electric |
| Transmission | Manual | 6- Speed |
