EXCLUSIVE: 2025 Benelli Leoncino 250 Spyshots: A Shot At Redemption?

Benelli India started out quite strong in India a decade ago; in fact one of their biggest hits was the TNT 600i. It was a sweet-sounding 600cc inline-four naked bike but that was its only unique selling point. The brand also brought in some of the bigger TNTs here, but much to the dismay of Italian-bike enthusiasts, it somewhat lost its flair in its decade in India. This is also partially credited to the DSK fiasco. Benelli re-entered India in 2018 via the Motovault network, but their stable has remained quite limited since. 

That stands to change soon it seems. We have exclusive spyshots of the 2025 Benelli Leoncino 250. When launched, it will be the most affordable Benelli bike in India. Currently it seems to be being tested by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) around since it has temporary Maharashtra number plates. (Benelli has an assembly facility in Telangana). Before we talk about its price and launch, let’s first look at what it gets. It will be powered by an OBD2B-compliant 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that makes about 25.83PS, 21Nm. Has a six-speed gearbox, no slipper clutch or quickshifter. The exhaust on the test mule is different as compared to the international spec model, most likely to comply with the Indian regulations. 

All of which is packed in a steel-trellis frame with a USD fork and preload-adjustable monoshock. Power goes to the tarmac via a 150/60-R17 tyre, while direction changes are dictated by a 110/70-R17 rubber – pretty standard wheel and tyre sizes. Braking seems to be quite run-of-the-mill too, with a 280mm front and a 240mm rear petal discs, and dual-channel ABS. No fancy cornering ABS here, but that’s okay for a 250. Rest of the specs are pretty much standard – 800mm tall seat, 12.5-litre fuel tank, and a 170mm ground clearance. Just to note, the bike on test here has different mirrors (which look similar to the ones on BMW G 310 R) and front indicators as compared to the international model, and is completely missing out on the rear indicators. It has an LCD screen (no phone connectivity most likely), LED lights all around, and adjustable levers (international spec) for features. Benelli has kept it quite simple here too. 

Now, all of that is decent, and not a bad kit at all by any means. But, here in India, decency co-relates to price. For reference, the 2020 Leoncino 250 was priced at around Rs 2.5 lakh. Considering inflation and the updates, we can expect the MY25 bike to be priced around Rs 2.7 lakh to Rs 2.8 lakh (ex-showroom). The Leoncino 250’s natural rivals in India are KTM Duke 250, Hero Xtreme 250R, Bajaj Dominar 250, Husqvarna Vitpilen 250, and the likes – all of which are priced at about or under Rs 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom). 

However, if Benelli cannot price it competitively, it could be outpriced by the likes of the KTM Duke 390 (Rs 2.95 lakh) and the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 (from Rs 3.03 lakh, all prices ex-showroom). Now you understand what mission critical is  going to be for the brand. We understand that Benelli is trying to position itself as a premium Italian bike brand, but in this segment, the average buyer doesn’t really care about the brand’s positioning, especially if the pricing is haywire. They already have the 500cc range to run the image gauntlet, but the Leoncino 250 could be Benelli’s golden shot at redemption in India, a household Italian bike brand in India if you may. But if it’s Italian, it’s not going to be so easy, right?