Benelli Imperiale 400 will compete with the Royal Enfield Classic 350.
Jawa Standard also a rival product.
Imperiale opts for retro styling, retro specs of the engine
Disc brakes and dual-channel ABS a nod to safety.
Benelli’s Royal Enfield rival is almost ready to make it to market. The Imperiale 400 cruiser follows the same formula as the Classic 350 – retro styling with modern quality and features in a format that appeals to a wide audience.
The Imperiale 400 as such will offer lots of chrome, a round headlamp with a regular halogen bulb, a sprung rider’s seat, a twin-pod analog instrument cluster and an exhaust muffler that wouldn’t be out of place in 1970. In keeping with the retro theme, it has an air-cooled single-cylinder engine that displaces 373cc. This engine will generate 19bhp and 28Nm, but at a low 5500rpm for the peak power and an even lower 3500rpm for the peak torque. The motor is expected to be at least BS Vl ready, if not BS Vl compliant.
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Chassis and suspension consist of a double-cradle frame and regular forks at the front, combined with dual rear shock absorbers. Wheel sizes are a 19-inch front and an 18 inch rear. Kerb weight is expected to be around 200kg, meaning performance is not going to be one of the calling cards of the Imperiale 400. However, the spoked wheel rims are fitted with disc brakes both front and rear (a 300mm disc in front and a 240mm disc at the rear) and include dual-channel ABS, which is a welcome addition.
The only way the Imperiale 400 can garner a share of the target market is by delivering value for money. To this end, the company has been working hard on localizing as much of the motorcycle as possible. The Imperiale 400 promises to be the most affordable Benelli in India so far, at a projected price of Rs 2-2.3 lakh, ex-showroom. It will compete against the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Jawa 300.
