Benelli Imperiale 400 BS6 launched at Rs 1.99 lakh

Benelli's most-affordable modern classic is now available with a BS6 compliant engine. With the update, the motorcycle has become dearer by Rs 20,000, but there's no change in its engine's power output or torque.

After a bit of delay due to the lockdown, Benelli has now finally launched its first BS6 offering in the country in the shape of the Imperiale 400 BS6. Priced at Rs 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the BS6 compliant Imperiale 400 is now dearer by a whopping Rs 20,000 than the outgoing BS4 version. That said, with the BS6 version, Benelli is offering a lot of complimentary after-sales services.

On the design front, there aren’t any updates to the motorcycle and it retains its modern-classic look. The powertrain is also the same 374cc single-cylinder air-cooled unit, but it’s now BS6 compliant. Despite the transition from BS4 to BS6, the engine’s power output and torque are unchanged as it still produces 20.7bhp and 29Nm. However, the power is now produced higher up in the rev range at 6,000rpm (vs 5,500rpm). The peak torque, on the other hand, is developed at 3,500rpm vs 4,500rpm in the BS4 version. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox.

New BS6 powertrain aside, the rest of the package is unchanged. It continues to feature 41 mm telescopic front forks and pre-load adjustable twin-shock absorbers at the rear wheel, while braking duties are carried out by a 300 mm disc at front & a 240 mm disc at the rear. Dual-channel ABS is standard.

Bookings of the Benelli Imperiale BS6 can be made online at Rs 6,000, and the company’s dealerships will start delivering bikes to customers from August 2020. At nearly Rs 2 lakh, the Benelli is quite a lot expensive than its direct rival, the Royal Enfield 350 Classic BS6 (priced between Rs 1.60 lakh and Rs 1.84 lakh, ex-showroom). However, Benelli is offering a 3-year standard warranty and complimentary service for the first 2-years covering five periodic maintenance services.