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    Benelli’s Parent Company Unveils New 350cc Fully Faired Motorcycle

    QJ Motor’s SAI 350QJ Motor Sai 350 gets a fairly simple yet aggressive design which broke covers at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year for the first time
    Benelli’s parent company, QJ Motor has started dispatching its upcoming faired motorcycle Sai 350 to dealerships across China. A pre-production Concept of the same was first revealed at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year. Additionally, a couple of months earlier, a leaked patent image of the upcoming superbike was floating around the internet.
    The design leaked in the patent image and showcased at the Beijing Motor Show is in line with the final production-spec model which has arrived at dealerships. From the looks of it, the styling of Sai 350 is reminiscent of its Japanese supersport counterparts.
    Sporty Design
    Upfront the bike gets a sharp fascia complemented by a short visor and vertical LED strip in between. The twin-beam LED headlamp gives the bike an aggressive appeal commonly seen in contemporary sports bikes. It further gets accentuated with a muscular fuel tank and extended shrouds. The front end is reminiscent of BMW S 1000 RR whereas its point tail section with high-set scooped panels resembles Yamaha R15 V3.0.
    Air scoops at both front and rear ends of the motorcycle make it aerodynamically enhanced. The bike sports contrasting body panels that extend from the rear edges of the headlights to divide the fairing into distinct upper and lower sections. The aggressive styling of the bike is complemented by a committed riding posture with a clip-on handlebar and rear-set footpegs. Overall, the motorcycle looks like a proper sports bike.
    QJ Motor’s SAI 350
    Well Equipped
    Like most other sports bikes in this space, Sai 350 is fairly well-kitted. It features an all-LED lighting setup, backlit switchgear, a USB charging port and a hazard light switch. The bike also flaunts a fully coloured digital instrument console which comes with two light-sensing display modes, a tyre pressure display function and Bluetooth connectivity with smartphone screen projection function.
    Engine & Hardware Specifcations
    Coming to its specifications, Sai 350 is powered by a 353cc twin-cylinder which kicks out 36.7 bhp at 9000rpm and 31 Nm at 7000rpm. In comparison, TVS Apache RR 310 is just 3 horses and 4 Nm shorter than the Chinese counterpart despite being less in displacement and a single-cylinder motor. However, Sai 350 misses out on multiple riding models unlike RR 310.
    Hardware configurations of Sai 350 feature a suspension setup comprising a chunky USD fork at front and a mono-shock at rear attached to an aluminium swingarm. Braking duties are handled by twin 250mm discs up front with axial calipers, and a single 240mm disc at rear. These are assisted by a dual-channel ABS as standard.
    It is well known that premium motorcycles from QJ Motor are rebranded as Benelli for international markets. The same might not be the case with new Sai 350. In India, Benelli has plans to launch the new 302R instead.

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    Benelli 502C Cruiser Officially Teased Ahead Of India Debut

    Benelli 502C CruiserBenelli 502C will be the fourth 500cc model to be added to the brand’s India lineup
    Benelli has been much more active in 2021 than it was the previous year. The Chinese-owned Italian brand decided to introduce seven new models in India for 2021 out of which TRK 502, TRK 502X and Leoncino 500 have already been launched in India. It seems the company is soon looking to expand its 500cc segment of motorcycles in India.
    The bikemaker has shared a teaser of an upcoming cruiser on its official social media channels, which is set to be revealed in India tomorrow. From the looks of it, in all probability, it appears to be the 502C. The motorcycle is marketed as an “Urban Cruiser” in international markets, the same words which find a place in the caption posted alongside the teaser.
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    Design & Ergonomics
    The mid-displacement cruiser was updated last year with revised styling and ergonomics. The latest iteration of 502C is based on SRV 500 from Qianjiang Motor which also happens to be the parent company of the Italian brand. While 502C was initially not on the list of the seven Benelli models to be launched in India, it seems the company has seen potential in the 500cc category which is sparse at the moment.
    From the outset, Benelli 502C bears an uncanny resemblance to Ducati Diavel with its low and forward stance, raised handlebar and scooped-style single-piece seat. Upfront, the bike gets an oval-shaped, all-LED headlamp which is somewhat similar to Benelli TNT 600i and 302S. Just like Diavel, it gets a free-flowing fuel tank design and a stubby tail section.
    Benelli 502C Cruiser
    The ergonomics are well suited for a relaxed riding posture which allows long-distance touring. The saddle is very accessible at 750mm while footpegs have been placed forward for a laid-back ride posture. Despite its low stance, it gets a fairly decent 170mm ground clearance.
    Mechanical Specs
    The latest iteration of 502C gets a new steel trestle frame along with a stubby rear subframe. The frame is suspended on USD front forks and a mono-shock at rear. Both front and rear wheels are now 17-inch units wrapped around by 120-section and 160-section of rubber respectively. Braking hardware comprises twin 280mm petal discs with radial calipers at front and a single 240mm petal disc at rear. This is assisted by dual-channel ABS as standard.
    Benelli 502C is powered by the same 500cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine which also features in Leoncino 500 and TRK 500 range. This motor is capable of producing 47 bhp at 8,500rpm and 45 Nm of peak torque at 4,600rpm and is mated to a six-speed gearbox.
    Benelli 502C Cruiser
    Expected Price
    In terms of features, the cruiser gets an all-LED lighting setup and a fully digital instrument console. Details of the motorcycle will be revealed soon while pre-bookings are expected to commence once the motorcycle makes its maiden appearance in India. Expect it to be priced around Rs 5.0 lakh (ex-showroom). Internationally, 502C it rivals Honda Rebel 500. More

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    Benelli TRK 502, Leoncino 500 Prices Increased By Up To Rs 11k

    2021 Benelli 502XThe Benelli Leoncino 500 scrambler is now priced from Rs 4,69,900 onwards as against an earlier Rs 4,59,000
    Benelli Leoncino 500 BS6 compliant version was launched in India in Feb 21. It came in at an introductory price and offered in a single trim with two colour options. The Steel Grey was priced at Rs.4,59,900 while the Leoncino Red had a price tag of Rs 4,69,900. Now, with the new price hike, the Steel Gray colour is available for Rs 4,69,900 while the Leoncino Red is priced at Rs 4,79,900.
    Speaking about the TRK 502 and 502X, prices of the two have also been increased. TRK 502 Grey colour is now priced at Rs 4.86 lakh while the White and Red colours are at Rs 4.96 lakh. TRK 502X is now priced at Rs 5.36 lakh. This new prices translates into a hike of about Rs 6k for the TRK 502 range. All prices are ex-sh.
    Leoncino 500 BS6
    The BS6 model of the Benelli Leoncino 500 sports the same design elements as seen on the BS4 version as the changes to the BS6 model are limited to mechanical upgrades to comply with the new, more stringent emission norms. It gets the similar rounded headlamp design, dual tone front fender with ‘Lion of Pesaro’ motif, a single piece seat setup and rounded fuel tank of 12.7 liter capacity.
    It also receives LED lighting at the front and rear, a twin pod LCD instrument cluster and dual-channel switchable ABS. The Leoncino 500 sports a steel trellis frame with a lattice design in black. It measures 2160mm in length, 1160mm in overall height and gets a 1490mm wheelbase while ground clearance is at 160mm. It rides on 17 inch alloy wheels fitted with 120/70 and 160/60 profiles tyres at the front and rear respectively.
    2021 Benelli Leoncino 500
    Benelli Leoncino 500 Engine and Transmission
    The new Benelli Leoncino 500 that complies with BS6 emission standards sees no change in its engine output. The 500cc, DOHC, in-line twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine continues to offer 46.8 hp power at 8,500 rpm and 46 Nm torque at 6,000 rpm. It is mated to a 6 speed gearbox with wet multi plate clutch.
    Suspension is via 50mm upside down fork in the front and monoshock suspension at the rear with rebound and pre-load adjust. Braking is carried out by 4 piston brake calipers with 320mm disc in the front and single 260mm disc at the rear.
    Benelli offers a three-year/unlimited kilometres warranty on the Leoncino 500. The BS6 Benelli Leoncino 500 does not have a direct rival in its segment but is positioned between the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 in the quarter-litre space and the Ducati Scrambler 800 in the big bike segment.
    Benelli Upcoming Launches
    Earlier this year, Benelli announced a total of 7 new launches by August 2021. These included the Benelli TRK 502, TRK 502X, Leoncino 500, Leoncino 250, 302S, 302R and TNT 600i. To date, the first few of the models have made their way into India. A new Benelli showroom has also opened in Jammu where the entire range of Benelli models – Imperiale 400, Leoncino 500, TRK 502 and TRK 502X will be on display. This is the company’s 42nd showroom in India and will also showcase the company’s merchandise and accessories. More

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    New Benelli Electric Motorcycle To Be Based On QJ7000D – Gets Helmet Storage Space

    New QJ7000D could be sold as Benelli’s first electric motorcycleSeveral of Zhejiang Qianjiang’s motorcycles will be launched globally under Benelli nameplate
    Part of China-based Zhejiang Qianjiang, Italian manufacturer Benelli could soon foray into the electric motorcycle segment. The shift to electric is inevitable and the sooner it’s done, the better it will be for a company’s long-term prospects.
    Now that QJ7000D electric motorcycle has been showcased at 2021 Beijing Motor Show, there are speculations that this product could be introduced in global markets under Benelli. Images are credit to QQMTC.
    It is to note that QJ7000D electric motorcycle has been developed by a new company named Qianjiang Electric Vehicle. Just like Zhejiang Qianjiang, this new company is also part of Geely Group. It will function as a part of Zhejiang Qianjiang. The new company is expected to focus primarily on developing electric vehicles.
    QJ7000D electric motorcycle design and features
    Just like other motorcycles manufactured by Qianjiang, this too looks flamboyant and extravagant. The bike has a beefy profile towards the front, while the rear section is much sleeker. The bike’s fairing has a dual-tone colour theme of blue and grey, which creates an exciting contrast with the blacked-out components.
    New QJ7000D could be sold as Benelli’s first electric motorcycle
    The bike has an aggressive front fascia with a sleek quad-light setup, uniquely shaped rear view mirrors and V-shaped windscreen. One of the innovations on this bike is that the space underneath the fuel tank can be used to store a helmet. Other key features include USD front forks, single disc brake, and central rear shock absorber. The bike is expected to be offered with dual-channel ABS as standard.
    New QJ7000D could be sold as Benelli’s first electric motorcycle
    QJ7000D electric motorcycle has been equipped with chain transmission and gearbox. It has a fully digital LCD instrument panel that displays a range of information such as speed, gear position, battery percentage, distance travelled, time, etc. The instrument console is likely to offer Bluetooth connectivity. This can be used to access various features when connected with the user’s smartphone.
    The bike has a split seat design and is expected to offer a comfortable riding position. Another key feature is rear tyre hugger that holds the sleek turn signals and number plate.
    New QJ7000D could be sold as Benelli’s first electric motorcycle
    QJ7000D electric motorcycle powertrain
    Details about the motor and battery have not been revealed. However, it can be estimated that the motorcycle could match the performance of a 600cc petrol-powered sports bike.
    It remains to be seen when QJ7000D electric motorcycle could be introduced globally under Benelli. Not sure if it will be launched in India. Even if it does, it is not happening anytime soon. More

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    2021 Benelli 500cc Sportbike Based On Leoncino 500 Spied Undisguised

    New Benelli 500cc sportsbike
    If rebranded as Benelli, this motorcycle could extend the R-series by retailing it as ‘502R’
    Benelli earlier this year announced that it would be launching as many as seven new models in India by August this year. These included Benelli TRK 502, TRK 502X, Leoncino 500, Leoncino 250, 302S, 302R and TNT 600i out of which the first three models have already launched in the country in their latest BS6 avatars.
    The Italian brand’s parent Chinese company, Qianjiang Motor, is slated to introduce multiple models in the coming future which are speculated to be rebranded as Benelli models in overseas markets. Another such model was recently spotted in China which is expected to wear the Italian brand’s logo in future.
    This bike in the latest spy shot is reportedly going to feature a 500cc motor which might be derived from the company’s scrambler Leoncino 500. Given that Benelli doesn’t have a 500cc middleweight faired superbike up its sleeve, the speculations seem very much plausible.
    The motorcycle in the spy pic is not wearing any camouflage and could be clearly visible donning the QJ logo. In fact, the design wears an uncanny similarity to the 250cc faired sportbike recently leaked on the internet from an approval document.
    New Benelli 500cc sportsbike. Image – NewMotor
    Design
    Similar to the quarter-litre motorcycle, the 500cc bike wears a faired outfit with a white paint scheme. The fairing is neatly placed with minimal sharp lines and a small air duct for enhanced aerodynamic qualities. The front end of the bike is almost identical to its quarter-litre counterpart which gets a split LED headlight with integrated LED DRLs, rearview mirrors mounted on the front fairing along with a narrow windscreen.
    Other styling commonalities include a split seat setup, rear-set footpegs and a clip-on handlebar which should make for a sporty riding experience. It is clearly visible that QJ Motor has designed this bike to suit beginners as well as shorter riders.
    No grab rails are visible for the pillion although it can be integrated with the rear cowl. In addition, the raised tail section and compact upswept exhaust also mirror the 250cc superbike.
    Expected Specifications
    Coming to its specs, this motor is expected to be powered by the same 500cc twin-cylinder motor which also performs its duty on Leoncino 500. This engine kicks out 46.8 bhp at 8500 rpm and 46 Nm of peak torque at 6000 rpm and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. As far as hardware goes, the motorcycle is equipped with a pair of USD forks at front and a mono-shock at rear which will handle suspension duties. Braking will be carried out by twin rotors up-front and a single disc at rear. More

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    Benelli Parent Firm Patents New 250cc And 350cc Sports Bike

    New 350cc From Benelli Parent
    Benelli had earlier announced that it will be launching seven new models in India in 2021 out of which three have already been introduced
    The partnership between Italian brand Benelli and Chinese automaker Qianjiang Motor has turned out to be a fruitful one. Since Qianjian has taken over Benelli’s operation, the latter has come out with a wide range of products which are mostly rebadged QJMotor models.
    Since QJMotor’s operations are limited to China, the company sells most of its premium bikes as rebranded Benelli models since the latter has a strong base in international markets. The Chinese counterpart has yet again patented a new model which it might be willing to ship to overseas markets.
    Design
    This new motorcycle is a 350cc supersport motorcycle with a typical faired design. In terms of looks, it features twin-beam LED headlights and a fully faired body. The bike sports contrasting body panels that extend from its rear edges of the headlights to divide the fairing into distinct upper and lower sections. This gives it a hint of resemblance to the final generation Triumph Daytona 675. However, unlike most Chinese auto manufacturers, this one isn’t a completely ripped-off design.
    All lighting seems to be LED units. The bike will be offered in two variants- the lower spec with a single front disc brake and the higher-spec trim with twin rotors at front. For a fully faired 350cc motorcycle, it weighs a manageable 179 kilos. Other notable highlights include a clip-on handlebar, split-style seats and front fairing-mounted rearview mirrors which give an impression of horns.
    New 250cc From Benelli Parent
    Powertrain
    Powering this motorcycle will be a new 353cc twin-cylinder motor which can push out around 36 horses. Suspension duties will be handled by inverted telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear. Will this motorcycle be rebranded as a Benelli in international markets is still a debatable question since Benelli has its own 302R.
    The latter recently got updated in China and the latest iteration is supposed to head towards India in the coming few weeks. It is a question if there is enough space for both QJ 353cc bike and the 302R under Benelli’s lineup.
    Quarter-litre Faired Sportsbike
    The 353cc motorcycle is not the only faired bike recently patented by Qianjiang. There is also another new sports bike that is powered by a 249cc single-cylinder motor. This engine can churn out 27.5 bhp and could weigh only 159kg. This model will also be available in two derivatives. The base trim will be based on a tubular steel frame with a double-sided swingarm whereas the higher-spec model will feature an aluminium single-sider.
    The more premium one will get a fully-floating front disc brake while the cheaper alternative will have to make do with a semi-floater. There will also be differences in the wheels of the two trims. None of the models mentioned above are likely to land on Indian shores anytime soon.
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    New Benelli Electric Scooter Makes Global Debut With 60 Kms Range

    Benelli Dong Electric Scooter
    Dong e-scooter has been designed strictly as an urban mobility solution with a single-charge range of only 60km
    Now, the Chinese are very well known for quirky and out-of-the-box designs and not in a good way. That is why most of their automotive designs are ripped off from international models. If you think, you have seen the craziest automotive designs then you are in for a treat, thanks to the new Benelli Dong electric scooter.
    Benelli recently introduced the mini e-scooter in Indonesia and it is certainly difficult to ignore despite its miniature size. The design is something very original that we doubt has been witnessed anywhere around the world. It has been designed to position as an affordable means of electric mobility.
    Benelli Dong Electric Scooter
    Quirky Design
    The e-scooter gets a curvy front apron that gels well with a cylindrical shape rear section with an under-seat panel housing the battery and electric motor. The floorboard tapers towards the rear to meet a silver-coloured serpentine-style swingarm.
    The e-scooter will be made available in three colour options- blue, dark grey and white. Other highlights include full-LED lighting, a circular LED DRL, turn indicators mounted on the handle, a large grab rail at rear and a negative LCD display for the instrument cluster.
    Benelli Dong Electric Scooter
    Modest Specs
    Speaking of its specifications, the majority of under-seat space is taken up by the 1.56kWh lithium-ion battery pack which is paired to a 1.2kW electric motor rated to produce a peak torque of 24.8 Nm. This powertrain returns a range of 60km on a single charge and can attain a top speed of only 45 kmph.
    Benelli Dong Electric Scooter
    Needless to point that it has been solely designed for short-distance urban commutes. The hub motor employed ensures that there is no need for either a chain or shaft drive system.
    This setup doesn’t leave much space for anything else in the under-seat storage, hence it isn’t the most practical scooter going around. The shape of the seat also wouldn’t be exactly ideal for a pillion. Another interesting bit of feature is the fake exhaust noise which gives it the vibe of a conventional IC engine-powered scooter. Fortunately, this feature could be turned off.
    Benelli Dong Electric Scooter
    Benelli Electric Scooter Price
    The Italian bike brand is owned by Chinese automaker Qianjiang Motors and little to doubt, we believe that QJ must have been involved in the development of this mini e-scooter on some level. Dong has been priced at 36.8 million Indonesian Rupiah that is equivalent to INR 1.89 lakh. Dong is surely a head-turner but is it valuable enough to be owned?

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    New Benelli 302R Starts Arriving At Showrooms In China – First Look

    New Benelli 302RUpon its launch in India, the new Benelli 302R will be rivaling the likes of Kawasaki Ninja 300, TVS Apache RR 310 and the upcoming new-gen KTM RC 390
    With three new launches in India this year, Benelli has had a busy first quarter of 2021. Last month, images of the production-spec 2021 302R were leaked which gave us an idea about the bike. The upcoming entry-level faired sports bike made its debut in China last week sharing details of the India-bound motorcycle.
    The faired superbike has started reaching dealerships in China where its prices have been tagged at CNY 29,800 (approximately INR 3.38 lakh). As discussed previously, the latest iteration of 302R comes with a bunch of updates in terms of aesthetics and features. It also gets an updated engine that satisfies the latest emission norms.
    Redesigned Styling
    Starting with its design, the updated 302R comes with a revised front fascia that looks more aggressive and sharper than the outgoing model. The front end flaunts a vertically stacked LED headlamp unit which is flanked by fairing-mounted turn indicators on both sides that also double up as turn indicators. The new 302R dons a much slimmer and sleeker fairing than the previous model making it look more attractive.
    The earlier edition of the motorcycle featured a broad front end and large headlight unit which made it look obese. The streamlined front end of the bike enhances its aerodynamic properties that should translate to slightly better performance. Take a look at the short walkaround video of new Benelli 302R below. Hat tip to Rahul for sharing this video.
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    Updates have been made to its tail section as well which features a new pair of LED taillights along with new air vents under the pillion seat. New body graphics and colour scheme must give the updated 302R a fresh appeal.
    Features & Specifications
    In terms of features, the 2021 302R now comes with a revised cockpit featuring a new fully digital TFT instrument display. The digital screen displays a whole lot of information from the speedometer, odometer, fuel level, temperature gauge and gear position indicator. Switch gears are now back-lit giving the motorcycle a more premium appeal.
    Coming to its specifications, it will be powered by an updated 300cc, parallel-twin liquid-cooled motor complying with the latest Euro-5 emission norms. This unit is tuned to 34.5 bhp at 11,000 rpm and 27 Nm of peak torque at 9,000 rpm making it marginally more powerful than its predecessor. It will be linked to a six-speed gearbox. The major bump in performance can be felt with a loss in its kerb weight by 22 kilos. The motorcycle now weighs just 182kg.
    Suspension setup has been left untouched that comprises 41mm upside-down forks at front with preload adjustability and a mono-shock unit at rear. Anchorage duties will be handled by dual discs with 4-piston calipers from Bosch at front and a single disc at rear. This will be assisted by a dual-channel ABS as standard. The updated 302R is expected to be launched in India in a couple of months and will most likely be priced around Rs 3.50-3.60 lakh (ex-showroom). More