Benelli Expected To Launch Leoncino 500 Based Faired Motorcycle In India?

The QJMotors latest entrant, the Race 500 has been revealed at the 2021 Beijing Motor Show which kicked off a couple of days ago. The bike is based on the Benelli Leoncino 500 and could make its way to India. 

Benelli’s sister brand QJMotors has been actively pushing out new models every few months in a bid to establish its presence in the International market. The exhibition not only entertains Chinese manufacturers but European companies too. 

Going by the image, the bike seems to be ready to hit the factory floors. From a design standpoint, the Race 500 looks fairly sporty with hints of touring capabilities. What gives it away is its raised clip-on handlebars which make for a sporty yet comfortable riding posture. The overall stance isn’t as aggressive or committed as a sportbike either. So think more on the lines of a Kawasaki Ninja 650.

Other notable features include split LED headlights, LED turn indicators and presumably an LED tail light too.  A reasonably tall windscreen should offer decent wind protection. The seat which appears to be positioned lower should make the bike more accessible for shorter riders.    

The design of the crack case suggests the bike is based on the same engine as the Benelli Leoncino 500. At present we don’t have numbers to bank on. However, we reckon the parallel-twin powerhouse may produce the same 47.5PS and 46Nm as its naked sibling. 

QJMotors hasn't cheaped out on the bike’s hardware either. The Race 500 features beefy USD forks, a monoshock, twin rotors up-front and a single at the back. Expect dual-channel ABS to come as standard.

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Expect QJMotors to launch the Race 500 in its home country first, followed by European countries. While there’s no official word, we believe the faired bike could make its way to India sometime next year under the Benelli moniker. It makes sense since the company already caters to the 500cc segment with the Leoncino 500 here in India. A faired motorcycle would only help cement its position. If so, expect it to carry a premium over its naked sibling. 

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