Benelli is planning to launch the modern classic Imperiale 400 soon in India. The motorcycle was first showcased at the EICMA 2017 and now, according to a media report, a test bike was spotted in India near Pune which is likely to be an Indian-spec Imperiale 400.
The images of the spied motorcycle have features from the international-spec Imperiale 400 and it gets a gloss black colour with golden ‘Benelli’ badge on the tank. The global Imperiale 400 and the photographed model have identical taillights, seats, wheels and body panels. Other pieces of equipment like mirrors, indicator lamps, instrument cluster appear like the international model and only a saree guard has been added to make it compliant as per our government mandate.
The Benelli Imperiale 400 is expected to get a BSVI compliant engine at the time of its launch. Benelli is currently developing a Euro V compliant engine which is equivalent to the BSVI engine and will be on the Indian-spec motorcycle. The engine is expected to be an air-cooled, single-cylinder motor which is likely to make 20.4 HP of power @ 5500 RPM and 28 Nm of torque @ 3500 RPM.
The Benelli Imperiale 400 is expected to have a double cradle chassis with 41mm telescopic fork set up on the front and twin shock absorbers on the rear. The front wheel is expected to be a 19-inch spoked rim and the rear may get an 18-inch spoked rim. For the brakes, it gets a 300mm diameter hydraulic disc brake on the front and a 240mm hydraulic disc on the rear equipped with a dual-channel ABS.
The Imperiale 400 is expected to be highly localised here in India and will help the brand keep the costs in check. The other models in the brand’s portfolio are manufactured at the Benelli QJ plant in Wenling, China and are brought to India via the CKD route to AARI facility in Telangana where it is assembled. The motorcycle is expected to be priced at around the INR 2 lakh mark and is likely to be launched around early 2020.
The Benelli Imperiale 400 when launched will rival the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Jawa motorcycles.