Benelli Leoncino 400 Bobber will give tough competition to superbike Ninja 400

Benelli Leoncino 400 Bobber: In November 2023, Benelli unveiled the much-anticipated Benelli Tornado 400 at the final edition of the prestigious EICMA eventFollowing its reveal, the premium motorcycle manufacturer has now officially launched this middleweight supersport bike for the international marketWhile the Tornado 400 is expected to hit European showrooms soon, the company is likely to announce its pricing around the same time.

This article delves into the design, features, hardware, engine specifications, and its position in the competitive international market alongside popular rivals like KTM RC 390, Yamaha R3, Kawasaki Ninja 400, and Aprilia RS457.

Benelli Tornado 400 Design

The design of the Benelli Tornado 400 closely mirrors the aesthetic language of Benelli’s Tornado lineupIt is characterized by its sleek, angular, and semi-faired styling, which gives it a premium and aggressive appeal.

Key Highlights of the Design:

Front Apron with Twin-Pod LED Headlamps:
The vertically stacked twin-pod LED headlamps on the front apron provide a modern yet aggressive look to the bikeThis design not only enhances visibility but also adds to its overall striking presence.
Floating Tail Section:
The bike features a distinctive floating tail section that complements its sporty persona.
Straight Windscreen and Split-Seat Setup:
A straight windscreen, combined with a split-seat design, ensures a balance of aesthetics and functionality, catering to both comfort and performance.
Upswept Exhaust Muffler:
The upswept exhaust design not only adds visual appeal but also improves ground clearance and aerodynamics.
Low-Set Clip-On Handlebars:
The low-set clip-on handlebars, paired with rear-set foot pegs, offer a committed riding posture that suits high-speed performance while maintaining control and precision.

Benelli Tornado 400 Features

The Benelli Tornado 400 is packed with advanced features to cater to modern-day riders who demand both style and technology in their machines.

Advanced Features:

Full-LED Lighting System:
From the headlamp to the tail light and turn signals, the Tornado 400 boasts a complete LED setup for better illumination and energy efficiency.
5-Inch Full-Color TFT Display:
The high-resolution TFT instrument cluster provides all essential information, including speed, RPM, fuel levels, and more, in a visually engaging manner.
Bluetooth Connectivity:
The Tornado 400 comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to receive call and text alerts directly on the TFT display.
Smartphone App for Navigation:
A dedicated app integrates seamlessly with the bike, enabling turn-by-turn navigation for added convenience during long rides.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS):
The inclusion of TPMS ensures that riders are always aware of their tyre conditions, enhancing safety and performance.
USB Charging Port:
A built-in USB charging port adds practicality, allowing riders to charge their smartphones or other devices on the go.

Benelli Tornado 400 Hardware

Benelli has equipped the Tornado 400 with a robust hardware setup to ensure excellent performance, handling, and durability.

Chassis and Suspension:

Tubular Steel Frame:
The bike is built around a tubular steel frame that provides excellent rigidity and agility, making it ideal for both urban commutes and spirited rides on winding roads.
Single-Sided Swingarm:
A single-sided swingarm adds to the bike’s premium design and ensures a smooth ride by enhancing suspension performance.
Upside-Down Front Forks:
The 37mm USD (upside-down) front forks offer superior damping and stability, especially at high speeds.
Rear Monoshock:
A rear mono-shock ensures that the bike remains planted even on uneven terrain, providing a comfortable ride experience.

Braking System:

Front Brakes:
The front wheel is equipped with 300mm twin discs paired with Nissin floating callipers, delivering excellent braking performance.
Rear Brake:
The rear setup features a 240mm single disc, complementing the front brakes for balanced stopping power.
Dual-Channel ABS:
The inclusion of dual-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ensures maximum safety by preventing wheel lock-ups during sudden braking.

Benelli Tornado 400 Engine and Performance

At the heart of the Benelli Tornado 400 lies a potent 399cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, designed to deliver an exciting mix of power, refinement, and efficiency.

Engine Specifications:

Maximum Power:
The engine produces 47.6 BHP, making it an ideal choice for riders looking for a balance between city commuting and highway cruising.
Peak Torque:
With 38 Nm of peak torque, the Tornado 400 ensures a strong mid-range performance, perfect for quick overtakes and spirited rides.
6-Speed Gearbox with Slipper Clutch:
The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission featuring a torque-assisted slipper clutchThis setup allows for smoother gear shifts and prevents rear-wheel locking during aggressive downshifting.
Compliance with A2 Licensing:
The engine complies with European A2 license regulations, making it accessible to a wide range of riders in Europe.

Benelli Tornado 400 Rivals

The Benelli Tornado 400 enters the highly competitive middleweight sportbike segment, where it will face off against several well-established rivals.

Key Competitors:

KTM RC 390:
Known for its aggressive performance and sharp handling, the KTM RC 390 has been a dominant player in this segment for years.
Yamaha R3:
The Yamaha R3 offers a perfect blend of comfort and sporty performance, making it a favourite among riders looking for a balanced experience.
Kawasaki Ninja 400:
With its reliable performance and premium build quality, the Ninja 400 is a direct competitor to the Tornado 400.
Aprilia RS457:
Recently launched, the Aprilia RS457 combines Italian design with performance-oriented engineering, adding another layer of competition in this segment.

Why the Benelli Tornado 400 Stands Out

The Benelli Tornado 400 sets itself apart with its unique design language, a feature-rich package, and a focus on rider comfort and practicalityWhile its rivals are known for their strengths, the Tornado 400 aims to carve its niche by combining performance, technology, and affordability in one enticing package.

Expected Market and Pricing

The Tornado 400 is set to make its debut in European markets, with sales expected to begin soonWhile Benelli has not officially announced the pricing, it is anticipated to be competitively positioned to attract both new and experienced riders.

Conclusion

The Benelli Tornado 400 is a compelling addition to the middleweight supersport segmentWith its aggressive styling, advanced features, robust hardware, and powerful yet compliant engine, it caters to riders who seek both performance and practicality.

As the Tornado 400 gears up for its launch in Europe, it is poised to compete fiercely with established players like KTM, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and ApriliaFor riders looking for a bike that combines Italian design flair with cutting-edge technology and exhilarating performance, the Benelli Tornado 400 is a strong contender worth considering.

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