With an aim to take on Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Jawa motorcycles, Benelli Imperiale 400 has been launched in India at a starting price of Rs 1.69 lakhs. It comes with best in class warranty of 3 years / unlimited kilometers. In addition to this, it also gets complimentary free service for 2 years.
Commenting on the launch of the Benelli Imperiale 400, Mr. Vikas Jhabakh, Managing Director, Benelli India, said, “We are delighted to launch a series of exciting models in the last two months in the Indian market and this clearly proves Benelli’s commitment to India.
We are betting big on the segment, with the launch of the Imperiale 400 and are confident of capturing a significant market share with a number of dealership launches set to take place, to ensure that our services and the Imperiale 400 is within reach for every rider out there.”
New Benelli Imperiale 400 is offered in a choice of three colours – Red, Silver and Black. Bookings are now open at dealerships, or via online website – india.benelli.com Booking amount is Rs 4,000. Apart from free service, Benelli India has launched annual maintenance contract, for hassle free ownership experience. Below is a brief comparison between Benelli Imperiale 400, Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Jawa.
Design and styling: All three motorcycles exude the old-world charm and share quite a few common features and components such as round headlight, analogue instrument cluster, teardrop shaped fuel tank, chrome-infused components, wide front and rear fenders, and spoke wheels. However, each of these motorcycles has their unique features as well that give them their distinctive character. Dimensions and colour options also define the unique nature of these retro cruisers.
Engine: Benelli Imperiale 400 gets its power from a 373.5 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, FI engine that generates max power of 19 bhp @ 5,500 rpm and max torque of 28 Nm @ 3,500 rpm. Engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 comes with a 346 cc, single-cylinder, twin-spark motor that makes 20 bhp @ 5,250 rpm and 28 Nm @ 4,000 rpm. Engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Surprisingly, Jawa, even with its lower capacity 293 cc engine, leads in power output at 28 bhp @ 6,500 rpm. Torque rating is 27 Nm @ 5,000 rpm. Engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission.
Frame and suspension: All three motorcycles use double-cradle frame, with telescopic forks at the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear. Imperiale 400 and Classic 350 offer dual-channel ABS as standard, whereas Jawa allows customers to choose between single and dual channel ABS.
Price: Classic 350 is the most affordable retro cruiser in this group, priced at Rs 1.53 lakh. Jawa is also competitively priced at Rs 1.64 lakh. Benelli Imperiale 400 at Rs 1.69 lakh, is the most expensive of the lot, but comes with many best in class features. All prices are ex-sh.