The Benelli Imperiale 400 is back in BS6 form. But here it has lost out on the affordability, becoming Rs 20,000 costlier than before. Benelli though offers five free service on this bike, including the labour. The bike has way less vibrations than the other motorcycle here – the Royal Enfield Classic 350 BS6. One can cruise at 100kmph on the Benelli Imperiale 400 but doing that on the Classic means getting numb fingers. However, getting an RE is cheaper and plus the widespread availability of spares means one needn’t worry.
If this were left on us, our choice will be the Benelli Imperiale 400. A word of advice. Get a trusted mechanic outside the authorised service centre. Also, keep an eye on the spare parts availability over the counter. This will hold you in good stead. After all, having a stressful ride is not what one will be looking in the long run. We wouldn’t recommend an RE machine unless it is a Himalayan or the Interceptor 650.
Do take a look at the specs below to understand more about the bikes. The Imperiale is heavier but has more ground clearance than the Classic.
Benelli Imperiale 400 | Royal Enfield Classic 350 | |
Engine Specification | ||
Type | Single cylinder, air cooled | Single cylinder, air cooled |
Engine capacity | 374cc | 346cc |
Valvetrain | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Max Power | 21PS | 19.36PS |
Max torque | 29Nm | 28Nm |
Power/Weight | 102.43PS/tonne | 99.28PS/tonne |
Dimensions | ||
L (mm) W(mm) H (mm) | 2,170 820 1,120 | 2,160 790 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 1,440 | 1,390 |
Fuel tank capacity | 12 litres | 13.5 litres |
Kerb weight (kg) | 205 | 195 |
Suspension | ||
Front | 41mm telescopic | Telescopic |
Rear | Pre-load adjustable | Twin gas charged shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload |
Brakes | ||
Front | 300mm disc | 280mm disc |
Rear | 240mm disc | 240mm disc |
Tyres | ||
Front | 110/90-19 | 90/90-18 |
Rear | 130/80-18 | 120/80-18 |
Price (ex-Mumbai) | 1.99 lakh | Rs. 1.59 lakh – 1.84 lakh |
Also read
Royal Enfield COVID-19 riding tips: Sanitise helmet, wash gloves and more
Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT vs Kawasaki Versys 650 vs CFMOTO 650 MT specifications comparison