BMW G 650 GS versus Benelli Leoncino 500

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW G 650 GS

Adventure
Benelli

Benelli Leoncino 500

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2011 bis 2016
Built von 2018 bis 2024~
RRP
RRP 5.990 €
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Pros:
  • light and manoeuvrable
  • uncomplicated
  • favorable consumption
  • solid workmanship
  • enough space for passenger
Pros:
  • manoeuvrable and bustling bike
  • easy to use
  • comfortable upright sitting position
  • You don't need an instruction manual
Cons:
  • radiates little emotion
Cons:
  • starts only when idle
  • Sound could be better
  • Bench a bit tight

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.477 mm
Length :
2.165 mm
Seat :
780 mm
Weight :
192 kg
Wheelbase: 1.460 mm
Length :
2.160 mm Height : 1.160 mm
Seat :
815 mm
Weight :
207 (max: 397 ) kg

Engine

Motor type unknown 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 652 ccm
Hub: 83 mm
Hole: 100 mm
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 5
Motor design: R2 cylinder, 4 valves/cylinder, 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 500 ccm
Hub: 67 mm
Hole: 69 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 170 km/h
Performance: 48 HP at 6.500 U/Min
Torque: 60 NM bei 5.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre

Performance: 48 HP at 8.500 U/Min
Torque: 46 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 13 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
302 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges (steel)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)
Front suspension:
adjustable upside down fork Ø 50mm (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
adjustable central strut (travel 128 mm)
Rear suspension:
Double tube profile swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 - 17
Rear tyres: 160/60 - 17

Brakes

Rear brake
Disk
Front brake
2 floating brake discs with 4 piston radial brake calipers and ABS ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 260 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The Benelli Leoncino 500 pretty much met our expectations. It is manoeuvrable and is therefore a lot of fun in city traffic. The maintenance interval of 7,000 km is a bit tight, but once a year you should have your bike checked anyway.
 
The price for the machine is fine. As a competitor, we can only think of the Brixton Crossfire 500, which is slightly more expensive. The Honda CB 500 F has no retro bonds, must also be mentioned here as a 500cc classic (felt since the seventies) and as an extremely reliable bike, especially since it is not more expensive than the Benelli.
 
The test bike was provided by Legenday Cycles in Hamburg. There, the Benelli Leoncino 500 stands as a demonstrator and waits eagerly for more test riders. If you are looking for an A2 bike, style and want retro-naked scrambler design: Check it out.

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 5.899 €
  • Used (3 years old): 4.500€
  • Years of construction: 2018-2022
  • Availability: from 2018
  • Colours: red, bright yellow