BMW S 1000 R versus Benelli Leoncino 125

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
Benelli

Benelli Leoncino 125

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2022 bis 2024~
RRP 16.000 €
RRP 3.499 €
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Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
  • Very light and agile
  • chic look designed in Italy
  • Full LED
  • Gear indicator
  • fluffy, precise gearbox
  • VERY CHEAP!
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
  • no ABS
  • Combinded brake system takes some getting used to
  • Gears a little short
  • Side stand too long, machine is quite steep

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight :
199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.370 mm
Length :
2.030 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
800 mm
Weight :
145 (max: 330 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
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

Performance

Maximum speed: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
266 km
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

Chassis

Frame type:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
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

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)
Front brake
Single disc, 3 piston brake caliper ( 280 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 220 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 14.740 €
  • Used (7 years old): 8.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colours: red, grey-yellow, white-blue-red

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