Benelli Leoncino 125 versus KTM 125 Duke

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Benelli

Benelli Leoncino 125

Naked
KTM

KTM 125 Duke

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2022 bis 2024~
Built von 2011 bis 2024~
RRP 3.499 €
RRP 5.499 €
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Pros:
  • Very light and agile
  • chic look designed in Italy
  • Full LED
  • Gear indicator
  • fluffy, precise gearbox
  • VERY CHEAP!
Pros:
  • Processing
  • High-quality components
  • Weight
  • Economical engine
Cons:
  • no ABS
  • Combinded brake system takes some getting used to
  • Gears a little short
  • Side stand too long, machine is quite steep
Cons:
  • Pillion comfort

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.370 mm
Length :
2.030 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
800 mm
Weight :
145 (max: 330 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.367 mm
Length :
2.029 mm Height : 1.090 mm
Seat :
830 mm
Weight :
143 (max: 282 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: single cylinder, 4 stroke, 4 valves, SOHC 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 125 ccm
Hub: 55 mm
Hole: 54 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 125 ccm
Hub: 47 mm
Hole: 58 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 110 km/h
Performance: 13 HP at 9.500 U/Min
Torque: 10 NM bei 8.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 13 Litre
Consumption:
2 l
Reach:
568 km
Maximum speed: 115 km/h
Performance: 15 HP at 10.500 U/Min
Torque: 12 NM bei 8.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 13 Litre
Consumption:
2 l
Reach:
554 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)
Front suspension:
Upside-down fork ø 35 mm (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central shock absorber, spring preload adjustable (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
Box swing
Tyres at the front: 100/80 –17
Rear tyres: 130/70 – 17
Frame type:
Tubular space frame, powder-coated (chrome-molybdenum)
Front suspension:
WP Apex Upside-Down Ø 43 mm (travel 142 mm)
Rear suspension:
WP-Apex Monoshock (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm, aluminium box swingarm
Tyres at the front: 110/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 150/60 ZR 17

Brakes

Front brake
Single disc, 3 piston brake caliper ( 280 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 220 mm)
Front brake
Four-piston fixed radial caliper, brake disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single-piston floating caliper, brake disc ( 230 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The Benelli Leoncino 125 impresses with two aspects: its appearance and the price. Okay, the design is a matter of taste, but when it comes to price, there can be no two opinions: not even 3,500 euros is a joke compared to the competitors . Nevertheless, the machine does not look cheap or quickly put together. On the contrary, switches, frames, and many details are lovingly made - we like them.
 
The only thing that bothered us was the lack of ABS, otherwise there was hardly anything to complain about. If you are looking for an A1 or B196 bike and don't want to spend 5,500 euros, you should definitely take a look at the Benelli Leoncino 125.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 3.499€
  • Availability: since 04/2022
  • Colors: Gray, Green, White

The opponent in his own stable

After the test, it is quickly clear why the KTM 125 Duke is such a sales success: it is the most grown-up motorcycle in its class. The high-quality components as well as the close relationship to the 390 Duke play their part.

If you have an open driving licence, you may like the 125 class as a newcomer, but not for long. For this purpose, the range of services is simply too low and the price-performance ratio too poor. The KTM 125 Duke costs 4,728 euros. This makes it even cheap in its class. As with the Yamaha, you are struggling with the competition in-house: the KTM 390, its technical relatives, is on the price list with 5,550 euros, so the gap is too small.

The test bike was provided to us by Motorrad Ruser in Haseldorf.

What can I do with the A1 ticket? This is precisely what the legislator has specified:

1. Motorcycles (also with sidecars) with a cylinder capacity of up to 125 cubic centimetres, an engine power not exceeding 11 kW, where the ratio of power to weight does not exceed 0.1 kW/kg
2. Three-wheeled motor vehicles with symmetrically arranged wheels and a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cm3 for internal combustion engines or a maximum design speed of more than 45 km/h and with an output of up to 15 kW.

The minimum age for this driving licence is 16 years, the training takes place normally in a driving school.
If you are at least 25 years old and have had a driving licence for five years, you can achieve a significant abbreviation of this training. This abbreviation is called B196.

The legislator has defined as training for B196:
Theory: 4x motorcycle theory lessons 90 minutes each
Practice: 5x motorcycle driving lesson 90 minutes each
Examination: No theory or practical examination

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 4.728€
  • Used (3 years old): 3,300€
  • Years of construction: since 2011
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: orange, white