Ducati Monster 1200 S versus Benelli Leoncino 500

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Ducati

Ducati Monster 1200 S

Naked
Benelli

Benelli Leoncino 500

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2020
Built von 2018 bis 2024~
RRP 17.490 €
RRP 5.990 €
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Pros:
  • Power
  • precise chassis
  • Comfort
  • Assistance Systems
  • Processing
Pros:
  • manoeuvrable and bustling bike
  • easy to use
  • comfortable upright sitting position
  • You don't need an instruction manual
Cons:
  • Windbreak
Cons:
  • starts only when idle
  • Sound could be better
  • Bench a bit tight

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.485 mm
Length :
2.156 mm Height : 1.117 mm
Seat :
795 mm until : 820 mm
Weight :
213 kg
Wheelbase: 1.460 mm
Length :
2.160 mm Height : 1.160 mm
Seat :
815 mm
Weight :
207 (max: 397 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: V 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.198 ccm
Hub: 68 mm
Hole: 106 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
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

Performance

Maximum speed: 255 km/h
Performance: 147 HP at 9.250 U/Min
Torque: 124 NM bei 7.750 U/Min
Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
350 km

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

Chassis

Frame type:
Lattice tube (steel)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 149 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm
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

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 330 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 245 mm)
Front brake
2 floating brake discs with 4 piston radial brake calipers and ABS ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 260 mm)

Conclusion - forever young

It is, of course, a toy, one for older children who want to (and can) spend at least 17,290 euros on their gift. Hear my words: Every penny of it is well invested!

Before I forget it: I have now studied the data sheet. The Duc is not only up to date in terms of engine and chassis, but also in terms of assistance systems: series are Wheelie Control, Curve ABS from Bosch, Traction Control, Ride By Wire and three driving modes ...

... not even this prejudice lasts more.

The test bike was provided to us by Ducati Hamburg.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: €17,290
  • Used (1200s, 3 years old): 9.000€
  • Years built: 1200 since 2014
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: red, grey

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