Hot on heels of the freshly announced Benelli Leoncino 800, the Italian firm has announced the expected Trail (read: scrambler) version of the new model which is expected in NZ dealers in early 2022.
The Leoncino 800 Trail adds scrambler styling, including a hot twin outlet exhaust and fly screen, into the mix alongside slightly taller suspension and laced wheels.
It's certainly a handsome machine, with the first examples expected to land in the New Zealand and Australian marketplace in the first quarter of 2022.
Powering the 800 Trail is the same 754cc parallel-twin as the rest of the Benelli 800 range. That means power figures of 76.2 HP (56 kW) at 8500rpm with 67 Nm of torque at 6500rpm, from the Euro5 homologated engine. Backing the engine is a 6-speed gearbox with a wet slipper clutch transferring power to the 17-inch rear wheel.
The Trail's tyres measure in at 120/70 19 in the front with a 170/60 17 in the rear.
The suspension has been beefed up slightly with the 50mm Marzocchi fork still offering the same adjustment as the road version, but with 8mm of extra travel. The front-wheel has also been upgraded for purpose and is now a gravel bashing 19-inch rim. The Leoncino 800 Trail seat is also raised compared to the road model, now measuring 29mm taller at 834mm.
The rest of the 800 Trail follows the same spec-sheet as the Leoncino 800 with a TFT dash, LED lighting and an upright riding position.
The first examples are expected to land alongside the road-biased Leoncino 800 in the first quarter of 2022, with pricing to be confirmed closer to the new bikes arrival.
