Benelli Imperiale 400 versus Royal Enfield Classic 350

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Benelli

Benelli Imperiale 400

Retro
Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield Classic 350

Retro

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2021 bis 2024~
Built von 2022 bis 2024~
RRP 4.199 €
RRP 5.090 €
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Pros:
  • consistent classic look
  • Simplest operation
  • Wire rims at no extra charge
  • nice peashooter exhaust with corresponding sound
  • favourable price
Pros:
  • beautiful retro design
  • solid construction
  • safe driving experience, good brakes
  • beautiful single-cylinder sound
  • easy operation, nothing distracts
  • Main and Side Stand Series
Cons:
  • Manageable performance
  • somewhat clunky footrest system
  • mediocre brake
Cons:
  • manageable performance
  • Gear lever mounted a little too low

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.440 mm
Length :
2.170 mm Height : 1.120 mm
Seat :
800 mm
Weight :
205 (max: 395 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.390 mm
Length :
2.145 mm Height : 1.090 mm
Seat :
805 mm
Weight :
195 kg

Engine

Motor design: Single cylinder, 4-stroke 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 374 ccm
Hub: 90 mm
Hole: 73 mm
Cooling: luftgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 5
Motor design: Single-cylinder 4-stroke 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 349 ccm
Hub: 86 mm
Hole: 72 mm
Cooling: Luft-/ölgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 5

Performance

Maximum speed: 120 km/h
Performance: 21 HP at 5.500 U/Min
Torque: 29 NM bei 4.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption:
3 l
Reach:
387 km
Maximum speed: 120 km/h
Performance: 20 HP at 6.100 U/Min
Torque: 27 NM bei 4.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 13 Litre
Consumption:
3 l
Reach:
494 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Double loop tubular steel frame (steel)
Front suspension:
conventional telescopic fork Ø 41 mm, not adjustable (travel 121 mm)
Rear suspension:
Dual shock absorbers, spring preload adjustable (travel 92 mm)
Rear suspension:
Box Two-Sided Swingarm Steel
Tyres at the front: 100/90 - 19
Rear tyres: 130/80 - 18
Frame type:
Tubular steel frame with double down tube (steel)
Front suspension:
Hydraulic telescopic fork (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Stereo strut, six-way adjustable spring preload
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 100/90-19
Rear tyres: 120/80-18

Brakes

Front brake
Single disc, 2 piston brake calipers ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 1-piston brake caliper ( 240 mm)
Front brake
Single disc, two-piston floating caliper ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, single-piston floating caliper ( 270 mm)

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!

Price/availability/colours/years of manufacture

  • Price: 4.199€
  • Used (3 years old): 2.800€
  • Availability: since 2021
  • Colors: Black, Silver

Conclusion - what sticks

Motorcycling can be so beautiful! If you just have 5.100€ over and want to buy a motorcycle: Please take a test drive with the Classic 350! No matter what other bike you had in your sights, chances are you'll choose the RE in the end.
 
The test bike was kindly provided by Legendary Cycles / Hamburg. Here the Classic 350 is ready for test drive, as well as all other models from Royal Enfield and many other motorcycles from Benelli, Mash, Mondial, Fantic, Moto Morini and Indian.

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 5.090 €
  • Availability: from 01/2022
  • 7 colors: Halcyon Black, Halcyon Green, Halcyon Grey, Dark Stealth Black, Dark Gunmetal Grey, Chrome Red, Chrome Bronze