Part of Throttle Times’ live coverage of EICMA 2026.

Benelli has broken unexpected mechanical ground at EICMA 2026 in Milan, officially unveiling the production Leoncino Bobber 400. While the Pesaro-based manufacturer built its modern revival on parallel-twins and four-cylinder platforms, the Bobber 400 introduces Benelli’s first-ever V-twin engine: a liquid-cooled 384.5cc 60-degree motor delivering 34 horsepower through a clean, low-maintenance toothed belt final drive.

The debut expands Benelli’s design palette beyond roadsters like the Benelli Tornado Naked Twin 700 into the rapidly growing European A2 custom cruiser dogfight. Following radical multi-cylinder cruiser entries like the Benda Dark Flag 600 Ultra EC, Benelli’s Italian styling centre has prioritized classic American bobber silhouettes with low-slung, accessible proportions.

34 HP 60° V-Twin and Toothed Belt Drive

The Leoncino Bobber 400 is powered by an all-new 384.5cc liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve-per-cylinder 60° V-twin producing 34 hp (25 kW) at 8,000 rpm and 36 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. The short-stroke motor (60 mm bore x 68 mm stroke) features a 29 mm throttle body electronic fuel injection system compliant with Euro 5+ emissions mandates, mated to a six-speed gearbox with an assist-and-slipper clutch.

Crucially for city riders tired of oily chain maintenance, final drive is handled by a reinforced rubber toothed belt running to a large rear alloy pulley. The chassis utilizes a double-cradle steel frame riding on a 35mm inverted telescopic front fork with 125 mm of travel, counterbalanced by twin side-mounted preload-adjustable rear shock absorbers offering 65 mm of stroke.

Rolling stock embraces authentic balloon-tire bobber styling with 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in a 130/90-16 front and a wide 150/80-16 rear tire. Braking hardware consists of a single 300 mm front floating rotor paired with an axial four-piston caliper and a 240 mm rear disc, overseen by dual-channel ABS.

“Our design objective was to capture the emotional pulse and mechanical presence of a genuine V-twin without burdening new riders with excessive mass,” explained the Benelli Style Centre design team in Pesaro. “The floating solo tail, the muscular 60-degree cylinder bank, and the quiet belt drive deliver authentic custom character in a lightweight, daily-rideable package.”

The Rider’s Trade-Off: Low-Slung Stance Versus Rear Suspension Stroke

The primary dynamic compromise on the Leoncino Bobber 400 is the direct consequence of its ultra-low 730 mm seat height and chopped rear aesthetic. To keep the rider’s center of gravity pinned to the asphalt and achieve the chopped solo-seat look, rear suspension travel is curtailed to just 65 mm.

On smooth European asphalt and urban boulevards, the plush, high-profile 16-inch balloon tires absorb minor surface ripples effectively. However, over sharp frost heaves, sunken drain covers, and cobblestone city centers, that short rear suspension stroke will transmit sharp vertical impacts directly into the rider’s lumbar spine. The offset is unrivaled flat-foot confidence: novice riders and shorter pilots can manage the 180 kg kerb weight with zero intimidation, while the 15-liter teardrop fuel tank guarantees an exceptional cruising range exceeding 380 km.

Technical Comparison: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 vs Honda Rebel 500

Specification Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Honda CMX500 Rebel Royal Enfield Meteor 350
Engine Architecture 385cc 60° V-Twin 471cc Parallel-Twin 349cc Air/Oil Single
Power Output 34 hp (25 kW) @ 8,000 rpm 46 hp (34 kW) @ 8,500 rpm 20.2 hp (15 kW) @ 6,100 rpm
Torque 36 Nm @ 4,500 rpm 43.3 Nm @ 6,000 rpm 27 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Final Drive Toothed Belt Drive O-Ring Chain O-Ring Chain
Kerb Weight 180 kg 191 kg 191 kg
Seat Height 730 mm 690 mm 765 mm
Front Suspension 35mm USD Fork (125mm) 41mm Telescopic (121mm) 41mm Telescopic (130mm)
Rear Travel Twin Shocks (65mm) Twin Shocks (96mm) Twin Shocks (80mm)
Front Wheel / Tire 130/90-16 130/90-16 100/90-19
Rear Wheel / Tire 150/80-16 150/80-16 140/70-17
Fuel Capacity 15.0 L 11.2 L 15.0 L
Estimated EU Price €5,299 €6,890 €4,590

What We Know

  • Market launch is slated for the second quarter of 2027 across European dealer networks, with estimated pricing of €5,299 in Italy, Spain, and Germany.
  • Three factory colorways have been confirmed: Desert Tan, Midnight Black, and Onyx Grey, all featuring matte black exhaust headers and blacked-out engine casings.
  • The chopped aluminum subframe includes integrated concealed mounting lugs, allowing owners to bolt on an optional factory passenger seat without visible bracketry.
  • A circular color digital dashboard displays gear position, speed, and fuel status, flanked by bar-end mirrors and full LED illumination.

What’s Still Unclear

  • Benelli has not yet disclosed whether an automated clutch variant will be offered alongside the standard six-speed manual gearbox.
  • Official EU type-approval top speed and certified WMTC fuel efficiency figures will be finalized ahead of spring deliveries.

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Official source: https://www.benelli.com

Reporting via: eicma.it