BMW S 1000 XR versus Benelli Imperiale 400

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Man, we had fun with the XR! The standard electronically adjustable ESA suspension really irons everything smoothly and yet this bike still gives you the necessary feedback about the road condition for sporty driving. That's the biggest difference between XR and GS: The XR is always sporty on the road, even if the 4-cylinder can purr at least theoretically like a kitten, that's not what you want as a driver! Better to throttle and loseprint like a cheetah. GS on the other hand: Rather quiet as a lion.
 
Whether the sportiness of the XR has a lasting effect or rather annoys, every driver has to decide for himself. What is clear, however, is that it travels more pleasantly on a GS, because you drive rather relaxed and there is no constant driving jerking or chain care.

The test motorcycle was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne Pinneberg. There she stands as a guide and is happy about every test driver.

Result

That's how beautiful retro bikes can look. But not only look, but also feel. This credo applies to the Benelli Imperiale 400 from A to Z, because the developers in Pesaro/Italy apparently took a very close look at how the old Benelli Imperiale looked in the 60s. Only Royal Enfield can do this so consistently trimmed to classic, apart from the Kawa W800.

The performance of the Imperiale is of course very manageable, you should be aware of that. If you get involved, you get the total deceleration of a lovingly designed machine that you could also put in your living room. At this price, one or the other potential buyer should also think about buying it as a second bike. Probably no one will regret that, especially for the evening round or the trip to the ice cream man the Imperiale is ideal - and you are guaranteed to be asked on site how old the machine is and who has already restored it!