BMW R nineT versus Benelli Imperiale 400
BMW R nineT
Benelli Imperiale 400
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Competitors
- pretty to look at
- purist
- cool driving experience
- Numerous customizing options
- consistent classic look
- Simplest operation
- Wire rims at no extra charge
- nice peashooter exhaust with corresponding sound
- favourable price
- Price
- nothing for giants
- Manageable performance
- somewhat clunky footrest system
- mediocre brake
Dimensions & Weight
Length : 2.220 mm Height : 1.265 mm
Seat : 803 mm until : 805 mm
Weight : 222 (max: 430 ) kg
Length : 2.170 mm Height : 1.120 mm
Seat : 800 mm
Weight : 205 (max: 395 ) kg
Engine
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 374 ccm
Hub: 90 mm
Hole: 73 mm
Cooling: luftgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 5
Performance
Performance: 110 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 116 NM bei 6.000 U/Min Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 340 km
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
Chassis
Space tube, motor supporting (steel) Front suspension:
Upside-Down 45 mm (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR 17
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
Brakes
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 265 mm)
Single disc, 2 piston brake calipers (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 1-piston brake caliper (∅ 240 mm)
Conclusion - what's stuck?
The R nineT is not only fun to drive, but also looks great! And it is probably this combination that makes the bike so desirable for motorcycle fans worldwide right from the start.
BMW describes it as follows: "Design your motorcycle, design your life." It also has a lot to do with lifestyle and so the nineT leaves hardly any customizer wishes unfulfilled in terms of diversity. It is the basis for deep individualizations, which sets the machine apart from the competition. In addition to the already diverse model and design variants, there are plenty of Customizing accessories, so everyone can make their own roadster dream come true. Even the on-board electronics are designed with numerous interfaces in such a way that changes do not represent a major hurdle.
Even if the NineT is purist in almost all respects, it does not do so in terms of price. Not at all when you make the most of the numerous possibilities for change to realize your own exclusive dream bike. But individuality always has your price. However, the success proves BMW right again in this case, because the BMW R NineT is so popular that one should expect extremely long delivery times.
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!
