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/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> The Cafe >> Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1736515804 Message started by ThumperPaul on 01/10/25 at 05:30:04 |
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Title: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by ThumperPaul on 01/10/25 at 05:30:04 Pretty cool little V-Twin. Just under 400lbs. The torque and horsepower numbers are a bit disappointing, but probably enough to have some fun. Would you ride it? If it makes it to the US, it might be something I’d consider in the used market in a few years after someone already took the ‘new’ price hit and thoroughly flogged it (ok, gently ridden, low mileage, garage Queen). https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2024/11/25/2025-benelli-leoncino-bobber-400-first-look-13-fast-facts/ |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by Ruttly on 01/11/25 at 20:06:40 Kinda has a modern street tracker look , only bobberish thing is the tire n wheels. Really it’s all about , Is it fun to ride ? |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by ThumperPaul on 01/12/25 at 05:46:25 I agree. Bobber is a stretch and misnomer. It resembles a Cafe as well except the handlebars are more standard pullback and the foot pegs are more forward. Most motorcycles are fun. Is it comfortable and have enough guts to survive on the freeway? It does have a 6-speed gearbox, so probably enough speed, but you won’t be passing anybody doing 65-70mph. |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by Dave on 01/12/25 at 08:19:45 566A776F7267705263776E020 wrote:
There is a wide difference between stuff if I would "ride", and stuff I would "own". I always enjoy a good ride on almost any motorcycle that gets me out and back home again. The bike may not be the fastest, or the most comfortable, or the smoothest - but riding is enjoyable to me. I have ridden a lot of motorcycles that are fun to ride and enjoyable for the short period of time I was in the saddle - but I would not want to buy one. That Benelli doesn't look like a bike I would want to own. A naked bobber looking motorcycle just doesn't provide the type of motorcycle for the riding I do. |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by ThumperPaul on 01/12/25 at 10:00:53 Good distinction, Dave. You said what I actually meant. More reason for me not to want to buy a new one off the showroom floor. See what feedback and reviews look like in a few years, and it may not even make it into the USA (unless I missed that announcement). |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by blod on 01/12/25 at 11:19:27 I have zero interest, I would not even cross the frog and toad for a butchers. It has no soul. Price in Canada CAN$ 7,360 |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by ThumperPaul on 01/12/25 at 11:46:47 030D0E05610 wrote:
Wow, how do you really feel? Oh yeah, you like your sidecar machines. Priced competitive to other bikes in the 400-500cc range. |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by blod on 01/12/25 at 12:43:00 5B677A627F6A7D5F6E7A630F0 wrote:
Wow, how do you really feel? Oh yeah, you like your sidecar machines. Priced competitive to other bikes in the 400-500cc range. [/quote] Yes I like sidecars, they are practical and fun, but I also like quality solo motorcycles.. Velocettes are at the top of my list, they have lot's of soul ;D http://https://i.imgur.com/dk6OVHgh.jpg http://https://i.imgur.com/iTSJm6lh.jpg https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2025-benelli-leoncino-bobber-400-first-look-8-696x464.webp |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by MMRanch on 01/13/25 at 10:45:19 Hello Paul I like the looks of my Royal Enfield Meteor more . But every one is entitled to have their own taste. I'd be glad to have you ride with me on that thing , ;D ;D Where I live the speed limit is 70 mph and I don't want to ride more than 65 mph anyway so the 35 HP is more than enough. My Meteor 350cc came with 21Hp and I've added stuff to bring it to 25Hp and could bring the piston from 72mm to 78mm but the 25hp/25ft-lb's is plenty. I'm got no idea where the HP would land with 6mm increase in piston dia. ? But I do know the drain on my wallet would be about $600 and the HP might not get up to 35HP ? . :) The 78mm piston has to come with a new cylinder. At one point in life I Rode "What-Ever speed I could get away with" too . But I don't miss those days now that my hair isn't on fire no more. ;D A 60mm X 68mm twin must have some nice low end grunt ! And a pair of 60mm pistons cant's suck the tank dry as fast as 68mm pistons with 60 mm stroke would ! ;) |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by ThumperPaul on 01/13/25 at 11:00:23 081A081A17040B060D450 wrote:
You know I had my eyes on the RE Meteor and Super Meteor. After seeing you riding the Super Meteor in the Hill Country, you proved its a very capable bike and pretty darn good looking! And I like how you beefed up the 350 Meteor! That said, I'm starting to fall in love with my Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 (I got an unbelievable deal on it with only 277 miles.). Side Note: I was looking at the Natchez Trace Parkway - that road goes on forever from Natchez to almost Nashville. Talk about a great way to take the road less traveled!! |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by MMRanch on 01/13/25 at 11:23:41 Hay Paul there are three free running water camprounds on the Natchez Trace too . I've taken it to Texas so many years I've lost count of how many . :-? It sets the stage for Vacation Mode in a nice way ! :) |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by springman on 01/13/25 at 14:08:13 Take a look at this bike. I would love to test ride but does not appear to be any distributor close by. I would prefer a used one anyway, so need to give it a couple of years. https://www.motomoriniusa.com/calibro |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by Dave on 01/13/25 at 15:50:33 484B4952555C565A553B0 wrote:
That Moto Morini looks like a copy of the Vulcan 650 - I would buy the Kawasaki and take advantage of the dealers and parts inventory already in place in the US. |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by blod on 01/13/25 at 16:12:33 49727F6879756E68737B76691A0 wrote:
That Moto Morini looks like a copy of the Vulcan 650 - I would buy the Kawasaki and take advantage of the dealers and parts inventory already in place in the US. [/quote] That thing has no class whatsoever, gimme one of these any day. http://https://i.imgur.com/zAM4vjTh.jpg |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by ohiomoto on 01/13/25 at 17:17:35 Oddly, I see a lot of classic cruiser in its stance and overall shape. The futuristic lines seem a bit off, but I think it's exactly what they are going for. Maybe a Futuristic Cruser will resonate more with a younger demographic. http://https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2025-benelli-leoncino-bobber-400-first-look-8-696x464.we 47606161796C150 wrote:
I got you Ruttly, I got you... ;) http://https://kickstart.bikeexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/indian-scout-ftr1200-custom-11-625x417.jpg |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by blod on 01/14/25 at 04:53:20 When comparing new bikes with those of the past I struggle to find any real improvements other than power output. The manufacturers seem to be attempting to reinvent the wheel, but usually are going backwards in the process. Royal Enfield of India used to make some really nice bikes, but they have lost the plot with some of their latest efforts. Same deal with Ural. Driving a bike designed in the 1930's and basically unchanged, has shown me that youngsters are far more interested in classic bikes than todays plastic fantastic adventure bikes. They may be confused, but they are not blind. |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by springman on 01/14/25 at 12:09:04 Interesting observation Dave. I really had not seen it. I had likened it more to a smaller version of the Honda Rebel 1100. Which is the other bike I tend to like a good bit. I understand your observation blod. Many of the older designs do seem to have a lot of character. Nonetheless, I can and do appreciate some of the newer designs. |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by blod on 01/14/25 at 13:52:09 5053514A4D444E424D230 wrote:
Which newer designs do you appreciate and why ? |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by springman on 01/14/25 at 15:05:39 The why is just that I like the looks of it. I do actually like the Moto Morini Calibro bagger version. I'm undecided on the looks of the Rebel 1100 but I like the relatively low weight, power and speed. I happen to like the looks of my S40 but not overly enthused about it's performance. I also have a 97 Honda Shadow Spirit 1100 and though I have read articles that refer to it as bland, I really like the overall looks of the bike. And as regards performance, the 60 or so hp it has seems to be plenty for my riding skills. Mind you I would not complain if it had an additional 20 or so horses. I'm trying to think of other newer bikes I like, but in all honesty I cannot think of any more. |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by Dave on 01/15/25 at 05:59:14 I do love the look of old classic motorcycles.....especially 500cc singles. Matchless bikes are lovely, the BSA Gold Star has always excited me, and the Norton Manx is just about as cool as any motorcycle could be. There is a local fellow who has been a collector for years, and I bought a little Honda Trail 110 from him. He is approaching 80 years old and he showed me his rather large collection that took 2 building to display. He is just starting to sell off his motorcycles and would likely sell you something for a reasonable price. He had 3 BSA Gold Star bikes in very good condition. I told him that I always felt I wanted a big 500cc vintage bike. He asked me why - was it for a "collector",or a bike to ride. He cautioned me that he has owned and ridden Gold Stars since they were new, and they are not at all like a modern motorcycle. They vibrate significantly, and they are not easy to start reliably. He said the majority of the time he can get them started - but sometimes they just refuse to start and you need to walk away and try another day. Here is the starting procedure for a Gold Star from a British Bike Forum: STARTING PROCEDURE FOR A GOLD STAR 1. Open the petcock. 2. Pull in clutch lever and put bike in neutral, sometimes rocking the bike backwards and forwards a little to make this possible. 3. With the clutch lever still pulled in I kick through to be sure clutch plates are free. 4. Release clutch lever. 5. Move magneto lever to 1/3 of its full travel. 6. Apply choke (in the case of the two Gold Stars and G80; not for ZB34 or G80CS) 7. Tickle carburetor until fuel appears. 8. Pull in compression release lever and kick bike through 4-5 times. 9. Release compression release lever. 10. Tickle again until fuel appears. 11. Use kickstarter to bring piston to the hard stop near TDC, pull in compression release, and use kickstarter lever to ease it a few degrees farther, just past TDC (in the case of the G80CS continue to push kickstarter nearly to bottom of travel). 12. Release compression release lever. 13. Allow kickstarter to return to the top of its travel. 14. Holding the front brake to keep the bike stable I kick the bike through with as much force/speed as I can muster. 15. A millisecond after the kickstarter lever reaches the end of its travel I rock the palm of my hand to blip the throttle slightly while still keeping the front brake applied with my fingers. 16. Assuming it started I immediately remove the choke while continuing to blip the throttle. The font brake no longer needs to be applied unless all of this is taking place on an incline. 17. Immediately after removing the choke I move the magneto lever to full advance while continuing to blip the throttle. Supplemental Procedure 17. If it did not start I repeat starting with step #11. 18. If after a few more tries it hasn't started I remove the choke (if applied) and repeat starting with step #7. 19. At this point push starting becomes the only option, ideally aided by several strong friends and/or a hill. While vintage bikes have "soul" - they are not better than modern bikes for a lot of us who want a reliable and comfortable bike to ride on long rides. They require more maintenance and parts wear much faster than they do on modern motorcycles. They don't have counter balancers and vibrate a lot more than a modern motorcycle. They have drum brakes that are not as easy to operate as a modern motorcycle with disc brakes and ABS. They have spoked wheels with tubes and flat tires are hard to repair while out on the road. And while I have owned a lot of motorcycles with kick starters and never felt it was a problem - kick starting a 500cc single is a bit of a challenge (Having an electric starter that works every time is a nice thing as I approach my Geezer years). I would still love to have a vintage "collector" motorcycle to ride locally when the mood hits me - but the motorcycle I am going to ride for 200-300-500 mile day rides with my buddies is a modern motorcycle. I am currently building a Savage that will somewhat resemble a vintage British single. It is a way I can get a bit of a classic look while still having a modern engine and chassis. And I agree......you just can't get a modern bike that has the classic looks of a vintage bike!!!!! |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by springman on 01/15/25 at 09:52:57 I think I would be too tired to ride after starting it! :o ;D |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by ThumperPaul on 01/15/25 at 15:31:19 The modern Kawasaki W800 does a decent job blending retro with modern (loosely based on the BSA A7). |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by blod on 01/15/25 at 16:02:51 083429312C392E0C3D29305C0 wrote:
It's certainly a nice looking bike, but it would be better if it lost the disc and had a decent drum brake. (loosely based on the BSA A7) It's nothing like a BSA A 7 |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by blod on 01/15/25 at 16:29:50 142F2235242833352E262B34470 wrote:
Nice Matchless Jam Pot ! About 12 years ago I rode a fairly modern Moto Guzzi California 1100 from Philadelphia to Saskatchewan. After that trip I can say without doubt that the modern highways of North America are crap for riding motorcycles. It was a summer ride but I was drenched by thunder storms and blown all over the place by strong side winds. Never again. In my earlier motorcycling days 53 years ago I lived in Sussex in England, 30 miles south of London,. A ride to London with my friends was a long distant ride on mainly two lane unlit roads. Motorcycles are great for that, or a trip to Brighton on twisty originally horse and cart roads, but not a lot else. Just being realistic ;) PS, I was attracted to my Savage because it was a basic and simple motorcycle that could have been made 60 years ago. Only the styling was different PPS, You picked probably the hardest of all bikes to start when describing the BSA Gold Star starting procedure, most bikes started easily. |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by Dave on 01/15/25 at 17:53:29 I picked the Gold Star as it is one of my favorite bikes to look at! The other one I love is the Norton Manx. Once I started to research them I found out they are race bikes and were never made in a road version. I read of folks who tried making them into a street bike - but they evidently are just too high strung to make a decent street bike and the power band is not very forgiving.....the engine doesn't run well at low throttle! I just am at a point in my life where I really can't justify owning a classy vintage motorcycle to look at and ride occasionally. We do have good riding roads in the US - you just have to go away from the city and into the mountains! |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by blod on 01/15/25 at 18:24:30 714A4750414D56504B434E51220 wrote:
It's the same engine problem with DBD 34 Gold Stars and Velocette Thruxtons [quote author=714A4750414D56504B434E51220 link=1736515804/15#24 date=1736992409I just am at a point in my life where I really can't justify owning a classy vintage motorcycle to look at and ride occasionally.[/quote] What point in your life are you at ? I just turned 70 and I'm at the point in my life where all I want to do is play with motorcycles and guns. I have lots of time and bugger all else to do. |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by Dave on 01/16/25 at 04:14:19 7B75767D190 wrote:
I am at the point where I can see I have too many projects and not enough time to get them all done! I need to start completing some of my projects, and eliminate the ones I will never get done. I want to spend more time traveling and riding - and a bit less time hiding in the garage working on projects. However - December, ,January, February and March have weather that pretty much cancels riding and most outdoor work - so I spend a lot of time in the garage. |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by ThumperPaul on 01/16/25 at 08:08:09 Definitely your style, Dave! Nice! Yup, Houston highways (and any major cities) are terrible for riding and the thunderstorms and hurricanes occasionally suck. But I’ll be riding today and not stuck in the frozen tundra known as Canada. ;D :o 8-) :P |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by jcstokes on 01/16/25 at 13:33:36 An interesting conversation. Next Thursday I shall be of on a tour to see a lot of vintage or classic machines of all shapes and sizes. However, my 1975 Jawa 350 twin won't make it, so I must take the 2010 Suzuki BOULEVARD S40. I might post photos of old thumpers when I return. Those wanting old Thumpers might Google Mackintosh Classic Motorcycles, you can buy a replica Manx Norton and the New Zealand dollar is urine weak against the greenback |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by MMRanch on 01/16/25 at 21:57:37 Guys , we all know those 500 to 750 cc bikes fill a lot of niches' in the world. I got belt drive's on both my Enfield bikes now , so I have to keep them now and I sure like the 75 - 80 mpg of the little 350cc ::) |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by ThumperPaul on 01/17/25 at 05:33:21 736173616C7F707D763E0 wrote:
MM, that’s crazy good gas mileage! It’s gotta be the modern fuel injection at work! RE did a nice job marrying retro style with 21st tech. Fuel injection, front/rear disc brakes, ABS, instrumentation, and more! Yup, you gotta keep ‘em now since you souped up the 350 and converted to belt drive on both! For the 350 Meteor, my only wish is that it was a bit lighter. It’s pushing almost 420lbs. While it’s not heavy, just seems it could be lighter and a bit more nimble. I’ve never ridden one, so I have no idea about rear world ride and handling. I have seen you throw around the 650 with ease though! That bike suits you really well! |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by blod on 01/17/25 at 07:33:37 635F425A4752456756425B370 wrote:
MM, that’s crazy good gas mileage! It’s gotta be the modern fuel injection at work! RE did a nice job marrying retro style with 21st tech. Fuel injection, front/rear disc brakes, ABS, instrumentation, and more! Yup, you gotta keep ‘em now since you souped up the 350 and converted to belt drive on both! For the 350 Meteor, my only wish is that it was a bit lighter. It’s pushing almost 420lbs. While it’s not heavy, just seems it could be lighter and a bit more nimble. I’ve never ridden one, so I have no idea about rear world ride and handling. I have seen you throw around the 650 with ease though! That bike suits you really well! [/quote] I drove about 500 miles to check out a Royal Enfield 500 Classic that had all the new modifications. First impressions was that it looked great, but that was not the case when I took it for a ride. The engine seemed to buzz (for lack of a better word ) rather that thump as I was expecting. I went home without it. It was nothing like riding a real Royal Enfield, it was like riding something totally different, something that I had not experienced before or since. It had the looks but the charm just was not there. Such a shame. That said, I would take a 650 interceptor for a test ride if I did not live on a gravel road. |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by blod on 01/23/25 at 11:11:37 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tn802rb2Rw |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by ThumperPaul on 01/23/25 at 12:31:38 Nothing surprising in the comparison. If someone is really into carbs, points, drum brakes, and other old technology - get the old bike. If you like the look of an old school standard motorcycle, but also like some more modern 21st century technology, go for a newer model. I like the Triumph Speed 400 as well. It has some of that old world charm in an updated 21st century package. |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by Dave on 01/23/25 at 13:35:19 Funny: In that video he says the old bike has heavy flywheels and revs slow - while in comparison the new bike has light flywheels and revs quickly. I rode MM's Meteor 350 and it seemed to rev pretty slow and accelerate even slower! MM told me it was a long stroke and had heavy flywheels - and it sure felt that way. It holds it's speed well once you get there, it just doesn't seem in a hurry to get to that speed. MM's Meteor 350 is a very comfortable motorcycle. The seat is cushy and the handlebars are much higher than they are on my Sport Touring motorcycles (and my Cafe' Savage). There used to be a considerable number of the old Bullet 500 bikes for sale on the Cincinnati Craigslist at very reasonable prices. I haven't seen one come up for sale in several years. As much as I liked the way they looked - everybody I talked to about them said they weren't really very reliable and needed a lot of tinkering to keep them running. I just didn't feel like I wanted a bike like that (if true). |
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Title: Re: Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Post by blod on 01/23/25 at 15:19:57 4D767B6C7D716A6C777F726D1E0 wrote:
Kinda stating the bleedin obvious , but motorcycles designed long ago all need more maintenance to keep them running properly. Everyone to their own ,but I like keeping them in good working order, knowing what to do soon becomes second nature. They are usually easy to work on. I have just bought a CJ 750 which was designed in 1932. If my last one is anything to go by I expect the running in period to be 5000 kilometers. http://https://i.imgur.com/bRDduidh.jpg http://https://i.imgur.com/zHWrGchh.jpg 4D767B6C7D716A6C777F726D1E0 wrote:
It's the same here in Canada, the majority old ones seem to have vanished, those that do occasionally appear always have a high asking price. That tells me people who have them know they are worth keeping. :) |
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