I live in Chiang Rai. Someone I know had the standard model for about three years. He puts stacks of miles on it. Went on lots of long day trips as well as daily city use. It never went wrong, and he raved about it. The 360-degree firing order means that it's much more tractable than a bike with a 180 or 270-degree crank. I was going to sell my KTM 390 Duke Mk2 and get one at one point. The weight of the Benelli put me off, though. 207 kg is a lot more than the 390's 162 kg. I'm not keen on tubed tyres, either. Then Benelli Chiang Rai closed down so that was that. I agree with you. I love the simple dash and wide bars and general looks. It's wonderfully uncluttered, as well.
I own a second one and I absolutely love it. The headlight is terrible, the seat is rather poor. Other than that, a great little bike. I sold my first one after 2 years and 23kkm on it. Had a Triumph Scrambler EFI and had heaps of problems with electic installation, so decided to sell it and went back with the Leoncino. I have it for 3 years and did further 20kkm. Very versatile, user-friendly bike. I simply love it. If you like the aesthetics of it and realise that this is a 500ccm (not exactly a racer), don’t hesitate. It won’t disappoint.
Thank you for sharing your story experience. I really like these bikes. I love the looks and the value for money is amazing. I’ve had a couple of Benelli’s my self and never had a problem. 😁
another great value machine from Benelli, they seem to be reliable as well and they are pretty well built and something like the trail would be great for someone downsizing,after a lighter bike that has some character and goes well
Great video, I've got the trail version, had it for two and half years, 3,300 mileswhen bought, and I've done 7,600 on it ! Had no problems it's a superb bike. Minor niggles for me are, it's a bit heavy to push around, the seat can feel hard after a couple of hours, and the headlamp seems a bit weak. No bike is perfect though and these are really minor things. I'm 68 years old and have had bikes since 1973. As you say, why there's not more of them about is puzzling, they're a good step up from a 125 or an old fart like me.🙂
Wow. You have just made me blush. I really do appreciate that. Dont forget though they do deliver so it could save you a journey. What bike are you going for?
@@GillyBikes first I'm going to look with a mate , but the three bikes I've got in mind are the Superlight the Yamaha xsr and the Benelli Leoncino those are my visual favourites the Benelli being my absolute favourite...so far. Superb channel sir.
I often see one of these bikes in a different colour parked outside my local Waitrose (I can’t afford to shop there you understand but we have to walk by to get to Aldi 🤣). Whenever ive seen it I’ve always thought what a really nice looking bike.
Great bike and at the moment we are absolutely spoilt with great bikes at about 5K. My local dealer powerslide Suzuki is doing brand new latest model SV 650's for £5500.00 on the road. Unbeatable.
Great review and a very smart looking bike indeed, my Royal Enfield dealer used to sell these machines and they did catch my eye ...... if only it was a single 😊 I've just bought a Guerrilla 450 👍👍 are you going to review one? Cheers Phil (Somerset)
I really like the look of the Guerilla, it just reminds me of a Hunter but with more power. They are definitely on my list of bikes to try. Hopefully I can get out on one soon.
Took the road version out when they first came out, very smart bikes and engines pokey, fancied this version but footpegs get in way when putting feet down which irritated me, been around a while now and needs a freshen up, dash is very dated, the concepts they do never show up and they look great, but for some reason they like you say never get much hype or interest, i was hoping giving them a year or so after they came out would show reliability or parts supply issues but they seem that far out of the market now so these discounts to me show either discontinuation or incoming replacement.
Chinese bikes of old were shocking quality but that seems to be a thing of the past , trouble is the new wave of chinese bikes has history and badge snobbery to contend wuth . Ive just bought a voge ds525x ive done coming up to 1000 miles and im lovong it , it sits along side my fazer 1000 that ive had forever and a ducati monster and its not out of place . I suppose time will tell how it lasts but at the price its a risk worth taking . Thanks for the vids 👍
The 525 is a great choice. Looks near identical next to the 900. I totally agree with you. The quality is there but it will take some time to re-build the reputation. I hope it takes years because that will keep their prices down. 👍
I think it’s comparable to the Guerrilla although this is now slightly cheaper and slightly more CC. The Caballero however I don’t know of any dealerships local that sell them so I can’t really comment on them. What I will say is these bikes are brilliant. I loved my day with it. Hopefully I will get to try a Guerrilla soon.
The Benelli's we get in the US are nothing like this, the closest we get is a 400cc. You guys get lots of good looking classic designs. "...if you're not talkin' English...". 🤣
I totally agree with that. I’m trying to get bikes for longer so I can do some night rides. Unfortunately until that happens I’m stuck with what the spec sheets says 😳
... because you've not addressed 'the elephant in the room': they're made in China! You and I know that Geely/Lifan/Benelli make HIGH-quality bikes; but, there are many closed minds out there.
That’s very true. So many people can’t let go of the past. I think they will get there. If they keep sending over bikes like this it won’t be long until they take over and surpass the Japanese bikes.
Why don't we see more of them. Because it's not a Honyamsuzkaw and it's not built in Japan. Reality check - neither is your Honyamsuzkaw. Watch out people. The Indian and Chinese bike are getting to be way better than your Japanese or Taiwanese (Triumph) bikes. Soon, it will be the only ICE bike you can buy but you'll have to ride it back from India, which is no big problem. It'll be another excuse for an adventure.
I live in Chiang Rai. Someone I know had the standard model for about three years. He puts stacks of miles on it. Went on lots of long day trips as well as daily city use. It never went wrong, and he raved about it. The 360-degree firing order means that it's much more tractable than a bike with a 180 or 270-degree crank. I was going to sell my KTM 390 Duke Mk2 and get one at one point. The weight of the Benelli put me off, though. 207 kg is a lot more than the 390's 162 kg. I'm not keen on tubed tyres, either. Then Benelli Chiang Rai closed down so that was that. I agree with you. I love the simple dash and wide bars and general looks. It's wonderfully uncluttered, as well.
I own a second one and I absolutely love it. The headlight is terrible, the seat is rather poor. Other than that, a great little bike. I sold my first one after 2 years and 23kkm on it. Had a Triumph Scrambler EFI and had heaps of problems with electic installation, so decided to sell it and went back with the Leoncino. I have it for 3 years and did further 20kkm. Very versatile, user-friendly bike. I simply love it. If you like the aesthetics of it and realise that this is a 500ccm (not exactly a racer), don’t hesitate. It won’t disappoint.
Thank you for sharing your story experience. I really like these bikes. I love the looks and the value for money is amazing. I’ve had a couple of Benelli’s my self and never had a problem. 😁
I’ve had mine for over a year now. Love it.
Great to hear. I think they are brilliant. I don’t think they get the credit they deserve.
another great value machine from Benelli, they seem to be reliable as well and they are pretty well built and something like the trail would be great for someone downsizing,after a lighter bike that has some character and goes well
Great video, I've got the trail version, had it for two and half years, 3,300 mileswhen bought, and I've done 7,600 on it ! Had no problems it's a superb bike.
Minor niggles for me are, it's a bit heavy to push around, the seat can feel hard after a couple of hours, and the headlamp seems a bit weak.
No bike is perfect though and these are really minor things.
I'm 68 years old and have had bikes since 1973. As you say, why there's not more of them about is puzzling, they're a good step up from a 125 or an old fart like me.🙂
They are brilliant. I’m a big fan of the 800 trail as well. They are heavy but they are gorgeous to ride. And you’re in your peak. 😎
Stunning bike!!! Love to have one!
So many more amazing bikes coming from Benelli in 2025. It’s going to be a great year for them!
I rode one once as a loan bike and was very impressed.
They are great bikes. I would definitely have one if I had the money to buy now.
You are my favourite bike youtuber, so much so I'm taking a trip 200+ miles into in2motors to buy a bike.This is a hidden gem. 10/10 presentation ❤
Wow. You have just made me blush. I really do appreciate that. Dont forget though they do deliver so it could save you a journey. What bike are you going for?
@@GillyBikes first I'm going to look with a mate , but the three bikes I've got in mind are the Superlight the Yamaha xsr and the Benelli Leoncino those are my visual favourites the Benelli being my absolute favourite...so far. Superb channel sir.
never even heard of it, then again i am not actively seeking bikes but that is a pretty cool looker 🙂
I often see one of these bikes in a different colour parked outside my local Waitrose (I can’t afford to shop there you understand but we have to walk by to get to Aldi 🤣). Whenever ive seen it I’ve always thought what a really nice looking bike.
What a great bike. Great video as well ❤
Thanks. These bikes are so underrated. I think they are brilliant
Love a trail bike
Good video as usual
Thank you 😁
Great bike and at the moment we are absolutely spoilt with great bikes at about 5K.
My local dealer powerslide Suzuki is doing brand new latest model SV 650's for £5500.00 on the road.
Unbeatable.
Wow that’s an absolute bargain as well. Great bikes for that money. 👍
Great review and a very smart looking bike indeed, my Royal Enfield dealer used to sell these machines and they did catch my eye ...... if only it was a single 😊 I've just bought a Guerrilla 450 👍👍 are you going to review one? Cheers Phil (Somerset)
I really like the look of the Guerilla, it just reminds me of a Hunter but with more power. They are definitely on my list of bikes to try. Hopefully I can get out on one soon.
@@GillyBikes I'll look forward to that review to see how it compares with my experience. I always enjoy your videos, by the way. Cheers, Phil
Thanks Phil 😁
I've always liked the Leoncino 500 trail..... and the TRK 502. I'd have both if I could but I already have far too many bikes
Having the room and having the money has always stopped me from buying more. One of these would definitely be on my list though.
Nice looking machine.
Just a heads up that the thumbnail is of a Leoncino 800; wrong bike
Well spotted. And thanks. I’ve done a quick change. 👍😳😳😳
there are underrated bikes like this one and there are overrated ones. thats why
Took the road version out when they first came out, very smart bikes and engines pokey, fancied this version but footpegs get in way when putting feet down which irritated me, been around a while now and needs a freshen up, dash is very dated, the concepts they do never show up and they look great, but for some reason they like you say never get much hype or interest, i was hoping giving them a year or so after they came out would show reliability or parts supply issues but they seem that far out of the market now so these discounts to me show either discontinuation or incoming replacement.
they do a big discount every year, happens to every brand MotoGB import
I think more likely they have a few in stock and they want to make room. Either way a discount on a bike is always welcomed
Chinese bikes of old were shocking quality but that seems to be a thing of the past , trouble is the new wave of chinese bikes has history and badge snobbery to contend wuth . Ive just bought a voge ds525x ive done coming up to 1000 miles and im lovong it , it sits along side my fazer 1000 that ive had forever and a ducati monster and its not out of place . I suppose time will tell how it lasts but at the price its a risk worth taking . Thanks for the vids 👍
The 525 is a great choice. Looks near identical next to the 900. I totally agree with you. The quality is there but it will take some time to re-build the reputation. I hope it takes years because that will keep their prices down. 👍
Absolute bargain and it looks awesome.
It didn't hang around getting to 60mph either
The performance was brilliant. I’m still shocked that these are cheaper than most of the Japanese 125’s. Mind blown 🤯
Learner legal bike prices are shocking in comparison
Why would someone choose this one instead of RE Guerrilla, or Fantic Caballero?
This bike feels lackluster compared to those two.
I think it’s comparable to the Guerrilla although this is now slightly cheaper and slightly more CC. The Caballero however I don’t know of any dealerships local that sell them so I can’t really comment on them. What I will say is these bikes are brilliant. I loved my day with it. Hopefully I will get to try a Guerrilla soon.
The Benelli's we get in the US are nothing like this, the closest we get is a 400cc. You guys get lots of good looking classic designs.
"...if you're not talkin' English...". 🤣
Couldn’t resist 😂
What is the horse power and range?
It’s 47 Hp. It feels plenty on the road.
❤👍
Headlamp is very weak, every reviewer should try all bikes also during the night...
I totally agree with that. I’m trying to get bikes for longer so I can do some night rides. Unfortunately until that happens I’m stuck with what the spec sheets says 😳
Bit too tall for my little fat legs. Does look nice though.
They are brilliant. You’re missing out.
... because you've not addressed 'the elephant in the room': they're made in China! You and I know that Geely/Lifan/Benelli make HIGH-quality bikes; but, there are many closed minds out there.
That’s very true. So many people can’t let go of the past. I think they will get there. If they keep sending over bikes like this it won’t be long until they take over and surpass the Japanese bikes.
Why don't we see more of them. Because it's not a Honyamsuzkaw and it's not built in Japan. Reality check - neither is your Honyamsuzkaw.
Watch out people. The Indian and Chinese bike are getting to be way better than your Japanese or Taiwanese (Triumph) bikes. Soon, it will be the only ICE bike you can buy but you'll have to ride it back from India, which is no big problem. It'll be another excuse for an adventure.
What are you on about numb nuts lol.
Thailand for Triumph but yes mucch is made in different places and the Chinese and Indian brands are growing for good reason
That would be a great adventure. I would love to do that. Buy a bike over there and ride it back. 😎