Benelli Imperiale 250 Under Development, India Bound

Chinese-owned Italian bike maker Benelli is said to be developing the Imperiale 250 which would be powered by a new 250cc air-cooled, long-stroke engine.

The bike manufacturer is expected to launch many new models in the next two years, with at least ten new engine platforms (although some might be updated versions of existing mills) being considered by the firm to put into production.

Of them, three engines would be single-cylinder jobbies, including a 250cc unit, and they are likely to power the Imperiale range of motorcycles.

Although Benelli already has a 250cc engine in its kitty, that unit is liquid-cooled, revs higher and would only suit bikes with a sporty nature. The laid-back character that befits a cruiser motorcycle would clash with such an engine.

Thus, the Benelli Imperiale 250 will get a new heart that will be cheaper to produce, while, with the use of modern technology, will be able to meet stringent emissions regulations.

Two other single-cylinder motors are the one that powers the Imperiale 400 in Euro 5 guise and a 530cc motor for an upcoming middleweight cruiser.

While the Imperiale 400 has been launched in India in BS6 form, the same has not reached global markets yet. But, it is the 530cc single that is intriguing.

Since the 400 is available in India and with the launch of the Benelli Imperiale 250, it seems improbable that the bike maker would launch the upcoming 530cc variant here.

However, we never know how the market will evolve and if the stars align, we might see Benelli bringing its 530cc cruiser to our market so that it has all the bases covered in its fight against segment leader Royal Enfield.

Benelli Imperiale 250

• Benelli is developing new Imperiale motorcycles
• This includes new 250cc and 530cc bikes
• The quarter-litre motorcycle will be placed below Imperiale 400

Source – ZigWheels.com