Like many other ‘scramblers’, the Benelli Leoncino 800 Trail is a scramblerised version of an existing retro roadster– in this case the Benelli Leoncino 800. For the most part that’s no bad thing. There are smart 19/17” cross-spoke wire wheels with semi knobbly tyres in place of the roadster’s 17” alloys, an upswept, twin exit exhaust and taller, wider, trail style ‘bars with the overall result making the bike higher and more substantial, which may appeal to taller riders. Benelli also claim it’s a genuine off-roader, although we’d err on the cautious side with that one…
The result of the styling, while distinctive and reasonable quality, may be a little gaudy for some, particularly things like the lion motif on the front mudguard, while the ride, although acceptable, is a little unrefined. Overall, though, there’s no denying it’s a lot of bike for the money, especially at the currently reduced RRP of £6,999.
Like the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo we’ve also reviewed in the past, the Benelli is based around a copy of the well-proven old parallel-twin engine originally found in the Kawasaki ER6n. Indeed there are a lot of parallels between the two brands, being historic Italian marques now under Chinese ownership – but with their hearts still in the homeland.
In the case of the Leoncino 800, the motor has been enlarged. It’s not a full 800 as the name might suggest, rather a 754cc, twin-cam, four-valve per cylinder unit. It produces a decent and lusty 80bhp at 9000rpm although, on the slight downside it’s a little raw and unrefined (especially compared to the latest Japanese parallel twins such as Honda’s CB750 Hornet and Suzuki’s GSX-8S), there are no riding modes and it doesn’t evoke the reassurance or confidence of those machines, either. But it’s also perky and flexible and most will be satisfied.
With Scrambler-style bikes there are always some compromises. The Leoncino Trail’s bigger front wheel and semi-knobbly tyres make its steering, at least compared to the street model, lighter and faster – but less secure or assured, too. While the taller riding position and higher handlebars exacerbate this feeling, it’s certainly not bad and, if sportier and more secure handling is important to you, Benelli will be happy to sort you out with a standard Leoncino instead. The ride, meanwhile, provided by the beefy 50mm forks and rear monoshock, is decent but also a little basic.
The larger front wheel contributes to the Trail having a 13mm higher seat height than the standard Leoncino, but it’s not excessive, while its trail style ‘bars are also higher and wider. The result feels like a substantial, full-sized roadster with a comfortable, natural upright riding position. That tall, relatively comfortable and nimble riding position also makes the Benelli easy to ride and gives a great view, but it’s also fairly exposed which makes motorways or long-distance touring a windswept chore. For a mid-range scrambler, though, it’s better and more substantial than most.
The popularity of scrambler style bikes in general is largely down to having the style of a trendy retro with the natural upright ease of a roadster, yet slightly more substantial proportions and at least a suggestion of off-road ability. The Leoncino Trail scores on all counts. Adding to this versatility is reasonable, middleweight performance, accessible proportions, great manners around town or on short commutes and brilliant value.
For a budget machine the Leoncino comes impressively equipped. Although not by a big name component supplier like Brembo, its brakes, for example, are still radially mounted, four-piston types; its wheels are sweet, alloy-rimmed cross-spokes, the forks may be non-adjustable but are beefy, 50mm USDs that look the part; there is a big, clear, neatly laid-out TFT dash, decent switchgear and mirrors and lots of tactile touches. On the slight downside, some of it is a little gaudy and the electronics are very basic, with only the obligatory ABS and no rider modes.
What’s it cost and should I buy?
At the time of writing the Leoncino 800 Trail retails at £6999, which is actually a reduction on its previous price of £7199, which in turn was a £600 reduction on its launch price from just over two years ago. That simply makes a mockery of bigger, European alternatives such as, say, Triumph’s current £9795 Scrambler 900, which only produces 65bhp, and Italy’s definitive retro, the Ducati Scrambler, which is also less powerful.
If that scrambler style appeals – and it increasingly does to many for being good looking, easy to ride and decent fun Sunday machines – then the Leoncino Trail offers an awful lot for not very much money at all. It’s an 80bhp twin with lots of nice touches (radial brakes, TFT dash etc.) and a heritage name on the tank for almost £3000 less than the comparable Triumph or Ducati. The trade off is a less convenient dealer network, less proven reliability, refinement and likely residual values, but it’s still a tempting proposition.
Benelli Leoncino 800 Trail specification
Price: £6,999
Engine: 754cc parallel twin, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Power: 80bhp (60kW) @ 9000rpm
Torque: 67Nm (49lb-ft) @ 6500rpm
Transmission: six-speed, chain final drive
Frame: Tubular steel trellis
Suspension: (F) 50mm USD telescopic forks, no adjust, (R) Monoshock, preload adjust.
Wheels: Alloy rim wire spoke, 19”/17”
Tyres: (F) 120/70 x 19, (R) 170/60 x 17
Brakes: (F) 2 x 320mm discs, four-piston calipers (R) 260mm disc, twin-piston caliper
Weight: 224kg (kerb)
Wheelbase: 1483mm
Seat height: 818mm
Fuel tank: 15 litres
Fuel consumption: 55mpg (estimated)
Service intervals: 6000miles
Warranty: Two-year/unlimited mileage
Contact: www.benelli.co.uk
Words: Phil West
Photos: Benelli
