Classic Styling? Check. Lots of Chrome? Check. Now, if you’ve been trying hard to find an alternative that stands out amidst the Sea of Royal Enfield Classics, the size of which only swells further each day, your search should end this year. Called the Benelli Imperiale 400, this retro-styled, single cylinder motorcycle should go on sale in India by mid-2018.
Revealed at the EICMA 2017, it is also where the manufacturer first announced that all of that chrome will make its way to India. Powering the Benelli Imperiale 400 is a 373.5cc, SOHC, air-cooled, single-cylinder, fuel injected engine that produces 19.7hp at 5,500rpm and 28Nm of torque at 3,500rpm. Paired with a five-speed gearbox, the Imperiale 400’s motor rests on a tubular double-cradle frame which is cushioned by 41mm telescopic forks up front and a twin shock setup at the back. A 300mm front and a 240mm rear disc brake are paired with a standard ABS.
But here’s the thing, where a Royal Enfield Classic 350 weighs 192 kilos with 90% fuel and Oil, the Imperiale 400 tips the scales at two quintals, without any fluids inside! However, where the RE Classic still runs a 29mm carburettor, the Imperial 400 gets a modern FI system. Further, the RE’s motor produces identical torque and 0.1 Hp less, in comparison to this Benelli. Like the Classic, the Imperiale too employs a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel setup, features a split seat, chromed fenders and a twin-pod analogue instrument cluster with a digital odometer/trip meter display.
We aren’t sure if this Benelli manages to spit a unique sound note through its exhaust system, as that has been one of the biggest factors which are responsible for RE’s success. The Imperiale could be priced under INR 2 Lakh to keep things competitive and if the demand calls for it, local production could bring that number down even further.
Source: Bikeadvice