Benelli is a very popular Italian Motorcycle manufacturer. This bikemaker is known for delivering high-performance motorcycles at affordable prices. Benelli currently sells a lot of motorcycles in India ranging from powerful naked streetfighters to adventure tourers to even retro cruisers. Currently, the most affordable Benelli in India is the Imperiale 400 BS6. However, to make the brand even more accessible, Benelli is developing a quarter-litre Imperiale. So, will the Benelli Imperiale 250 BS6 come to India? Let's find out.
Before we begin, let me give you a quick insight into the journey of Benelli in India. So, Benelli entered the Indian market in the year 2014 with the DSK group. However, the alliance parted their ways in 2018 and in 2019, the company re-entered the Indian market by forming a partnership with the Mahavir Group of Hyderabad. The second inning of Benelli has been so far quite good in the Indian market and the company is working expeditiously to expand its portfolio as well as dealership network in the country.
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At present, Benelli has only one BS6-compliant model on sale in India but the other BS6 models too will be launched soon. To know more about the expected launch timeline of other Benelli BS6 models, read our interview with Benelli's India MD - Vikas Jhabakh, click HERE. Now, coming back to the Imperiale 250, so the company is currently developing an all-new 250cc single-cylinder long-stroke engine. This engine will power the upcoming quarter-litre Imperiale. Benelli already has a 250cc mill which does its duty in the Leoncino 250 but that is a high-revving liquid-cooled motor and won't be very feasible in a retro cruiser. It will power sporty motorcycles only.
At present, the company has only one single-cylinder BS6-compliant/Euro-5 compliant mill which is a 400cc engine that does its duty in the Imperiale 400. However, it has not been launched in International markets yet. The company is also developing a new 530cc engine for its upcoming cruiser but its India launch seems unlikely because if launched, it would clash with the price of the Imperiale 400. As per reports, the company will develop at least ten new engine platforms or bikes with three new single-cylinder engines (250cc, 400cc and 530cc).
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The Benelli Imperiale 400 is already quite popular in the Indian market and if the company launches the Imperiale 250 at a killer price, it will be a hit. Also, Royal Enfield is developing a quarter-litre motorcycle which might be called Royal Enfield Hunter or Sherpa. So in the coming months, it will be interesting to see the battle of quarter-litre retro cruisers. Will you love to own a Benelli Imperiale 250 BS6? One which gets the looks of the Imperiale 400 but with a smaller 250cc motor. Tell us in the comments below. You can also join our 91Wheels Two-wheelers group (click via mobile to join) curated exclusively for the fans, enthusiasts and the owners. Also, subscribe to our YouTube channel for more such amazing motoring updates.
