Benelli Leoncino 500 versus Honda CB 500 F

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Benelli

Benelli Leoncino 500

Naked
Honda

Honda CB 500 F

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2018 bis 2024~
Built von 2013 bis 2024~
RRP 5.990 €
RRP 6.960 €
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Pros:
  • manoeuvrable and bustling bike
  • easy to use
  • comfortable upright sitting position
  • You don't need an instruction manual
Pros:
  • Comfort
  • easy to use
  • Pillion Square
  • Range and consumption
Cons:
  • starts only when idle
  • Sound could be better
  • Bench a bit tight
Cons:
  • No assistance systems

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.460 mm
Length :
2.160 mm Height : 1.160 mm
Seat :
815 mm
Weight :
207 (max: 397 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.410 mm
Length :
2.080 mm Height : 1.150 mm
Seat :
782 mm until : 790 mm
Weight :
189 (max: 371 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: R2 cylinder, 4 valves/cylinder, 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 500 ccm
Hub: 67 mm
Hole: 69 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Reihentwin 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 471 ccm
Hub: 67 mm
Hole: 67 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: O-Ring Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance


Performance: 48 HP at 8.500 U/Min
Torque: 46 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 13 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
302 km
Maximum speed: 175 km/h
Performance: 48 HP at 8.600 U/Min
Torque: 43 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
489 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)
Front suspension:
adjustable upside down fork Ø 50mm (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
adjustable central strut (travel 128 mm)
Rear suspension:
Double tube profile swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 - 17
Rear tyres: 160/60 - 17
Frame type:
Bridge frame (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork, Ø 41 mm (travel 108 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono shock absorber, spring base 9-way adjustable (travel 119 mm)
Rear suspension:
Box swing with ProLink suspension
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 160/60 ZR 17

Brakes

Front brake
2 floating brake discs with 4 piston radial brake calipers and ABS ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 260 mm)
Front brake
Single disc, Nissin, two-piston caliper ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Nissin, single-piston caliper ( 240 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The Benelli Leoncino 500 pretty much met our expectations. It is manoeuvrable and is therefore a lot of fun in city traffic. The maintenance interval of 7,000 km is a bit tight, but once a year you should have your bike checked anyway.
 
The price for the machine is fine. As a competitor, we can only think of the Brixton Crossfire 500, which is slightly more expensive. The Honda CB 500 F has no retro bonds, must also be mentioned here as a 500cc classic (felt since the seventies) and as an extremely reliable bike, especially since it is not more expensive than the Benelli.
 
The test bike was provided by Legenday Cycles in Hamburg. There, the Benelli Leoncino 500 stands as a demonstrator and waits eagerly for more test riders. If you are looking for an A2 bike, style and want retro-naked scrambler design: Check it out.

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 5.899 €
  • Used (3 years old): 4.500€
  • Years of construction: 2018-2022
  • Availability: from 2018
  • Colours: red, bright yellow

Suitable for everyday use without end

So what remains? Sure, the term driving school motorcycle comes to mind, it is rarely meant as a compliment. But the Honda CB 500 F is far from boring in some way, despite its suitability for everyday use. Their lack of the corners and edges that characterize many of the motorcycles described as "strong in character".

But she doesn't get annoyed, sprays the Honda quality from each of her components and never presents you with a puzzle. If that's enough, if you just want to ride a motorcycle without any problems, the CB is the right place for just over 6,000 euros.

The test bike was provided by Motofun in Kaltenkirchen.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 6,074€
  • Used (3 years old): 4,900€
  • Years of construction: since 1993
  • Availability: very good
  • Colours: red, black, orange, white