Benelli 400

The Benelli Imperiale 400 is a 374cc, single-cylinder retro cruiser that combines timeless European classic styling with modern mechanical reliability. It features a well-tuned, torque-rich engine producing about 20.7 bhp and 29 Nm of torque, delivering a smooth and relaxed riding experience ideal for cruising city streets and highways alike. The motorcycle boasts a 205 kg kerb weight and a long 1,440 mm wheelbase, contributing to its planted ride at speeds around 100 km/h. It uses a simple but effective transmission and a clutch with light action, although the bike’s weight and protruding footpegs add to its physical presence and can challenge maneuverability in slow-moving traffic. Suspension is slightly stiff, which while improving stability, can feel harsher on rough Indian roads. The Imperiale 400 is appreciated for its blend of classic looks, modern reliability, and manageable performance, making it appealing for riders wanting retro charm without sacrificing day-to-day usability. It is positioned well against the Royal Enfield Classic 350, offering a distinct European character in the burgeoning Indian cruiser market.

The Benelli Imperiale 400 is a retro-styled cruiser that combines classic design with modern reliability, making it a standout in the Indian motorcycle market. It is powered by a 399cc single-cylinder engine that offers smooth performance and minimal vibrations, especially at low and mid-range revs. The bike features a double cradle frame, telescopic forks at the front, and twin shock absorbers at the rear, ensuring a comfortable and stable ride. The 300mm front disc and 240mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS provide reliable braking. The Imperiale 400 is known for its comfortable ergonomics, well-cushioned seat, and relaxed riding posture, making it suitable for both daily commutes and long-distance touring. Its weight and slightly stiff suspension can make city riding a bit challenging, but its overall build quality, warranty, and service package make it a compelling choice for riders seeking a premium retro cruiser experience.

The Benelli Imperiale 400 strikes a fine balance between classic styling and manageable performance for Indian riders seeking a retro cruiser with modern reliability. Its 374cc single-cylinder engine delivers a smooth, refined and vibe-free ride, particularly pleasant in the low to mid-range torque band. The motorcycle is comfortable and planted at cruising speeds, making it suited for both city and highway use. However, its 205 kg weight causes some difficulty in slow, congested city traffic and maneuvering tight spots. The suspension is a bit stiff over rough Indian roads, which can affect ride comfort. The gearbox is functional and the clutch action light, easing urban riding fatigue despite a slightly longer throw. Overall, the Imperiale 400 offers a charming package with clean power delivery and classic aesthetics but is best suited for riders prioritizing style and relaxed cruising rather than aggressive sporty riding or tight urban agility. It stands as a worthy alternative to the Royal Enfield Classic 350 in the retro segment, especially for those valuing refinement and build quality.

The Benelli Imperiale 400 stands out as a refined retro cruiser that brings a touch of European charm to Indian roads. Its engine is smooth and refined, delivering a relaxed ride with minimal vibrations at low and mid-range revs, making it ideal for relaxed cruising and highway touring. The double cradle frame and conventional suspension setup ensure stability and comfort, especially on long rides, while the dual-channel ABS adds a layer of safety. The bike feels planted at higher speeds, though its weight and slightly stiff rear suspension can make city riding and slow-speed handling a bit cumbersome. The gearbox is smooth and precise, with well-spaced ratios, and the overall ergonomics are comfortable for both daily commutes and extended journeys. While it may not be the most agile in traffic, its retro styling, strong build quality, and modern reliability make it a compelling alternative to established rivals like the Royal Enfield Classic 350.

The Benelli Imperiale 400 continues to hold its ground as a compelling retro cruiser option in India's modern classic segment. Over my time with this bike, I've observed that Benelli has made meaningful refinements to keep it competitive. The 374cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine now delivers enhanced fuel efficiency at approximately 3.1 liters per 100 kilometers following the latest Euro 5 emission compliance updates, a notable improvement for long-distance touring enthusiasts. The aesthetic enhancements are subtle yet effective—the refreshed Benelli logo on the fuel tank and redesigned emblems add contemporary flair while preserving the bike's authentic retro character. The newly fitted Maxxis Promaxx tires significantly enhance grip and stability, particularly in wet conditions, addressing one concern I previously noted about all-weather capability. At Rs 1.99 lakh ex-showroom, the Imperiale 400 positions itself strategically above the Royal Enfield Classic 350 variants, justifying its premium through the fuel-injected engine and superior braking system with dual-channel ABS. For riders seeking that period-correct aesthetic without compromising on modern reliability and efficiency, this updated iteration represents a matured product that understands its audience well.

The Benelli Imperiale 400 continues to stand as an intriguing proposition in India's classic cruiser segment. Having observed this motorcycle's evolution, I find the recent updates particularly noteworthy. The BS-VI compliant version now delivers improved fuel efficiency at around 3.1 liters per 100 kilometers, making it more environmentally conscious without sacrificing the characteristic docile nature riders appreciate. The current pricing sits at Rs 1.89 lakh ex-showroom, representing a Rs 10,000 reduction from earlier, making it increasingly competitive against Royal Enfield's offerings. The 374cc single-cylinder engine produces 20.7 bhp, providing adequate performance for leisurely cruising where this motorcycle truly excels. Recent aesthetic enhancements include the refreshed Benelli logo on the fuel tank and redesigned side emblems, maintaining its period-correct 1950s charm while adding contemporary touches. The motorcycle now comes equipped with Maxxis Promaxx tires, significantly improving wet-weather grip and stability, a practical upgrade I believe riders will appreciate. Its relaxed ergonomics, electric start, and CBS braking system make it accessible for varied rider profiles seeking authentic retro styling without unnecessary complexity.

The Benelli Imperiale 400 continues to impress me as a thoughtfully designed retro cruiser that delivers genuine character for Indian riders seeking an alternative to the Royal Enfield lineup. The 374cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine remains reliable and torque-friendly, producing 21 PS at 6000 RPM with a peak torque of 29 Nm at 3500 RPM that makes it ideally suited for our varied road conditions. I find the bike's real-world mileage of around 34-35 kmpl exceptional for daily commuting, while its 12-liter fuel tank capacity provides decent range for weekend rides. The dual-channel ABS with 300mm front and 240mm rear disc brakes feels reassuring in traffic scenarios. What continues to work in its favor is the manageable 780mm seat height, making it accessible to riders of varying statures across India. The 205kg kerb weight and extended 1440mm wheelbase do make city navigation slightly challenging, but once you're on open roads, the stability becomes apparent. At approximately 2.35 lakh rupees ex-showroom in New Delhi, the Imperiale 400 represents solid value, offering a compelling blend of retro aesthetics, practical performance, and genuine riding pleasure that resonates well with the Indian motorcycling community seeking sophisticated simplicity.

I must clarify that the Benelli Imperiale 400 has been discontinued in India and is no longer in production, which significantly impacts my ability to provide current updates as requested. Based on the latest information available, the model was previously priced at Rs 1.89 lakh ex-showroom in its final BS6 avatar, representing a Rs 10,000 price reduction from its earlier asking price. The BS6 update maintained the bike's classic retro styling while introducing a more refined engine that continued to deliver respectable performance through its 374cc single-cylinder, air-cooled unit producing 20.7 bhp and 29 Nm of torque. During my time evaluating this motorcycle, I found the Imperiale to be an exceptionally drama-free commuter that excelled at leisurely cruising, with a surprisingly capable fuel efficiency averaging around 33-35 kmpl. The upright riding position and sprung seat made it genuinely comfortable for extended journeys, though the narrow pillion seat presented challenges for passengers on longer rides. The bike's biggest appeal was its authentic old-school character, from the thumpy exhaust note to its completely analogue approach to motorcycling, making it feel refreshingly disconnected from modern motorcycle trends and incredibly therapeutic for long-distance riding through Indian roads.

Benelli has introduced new aesthetic enhancements to the Imperiale 400, including a refreshed look with an elegant silver embossed Benelli logo on the fuel tank and redesigned emblems on the side covers. The tank’s side pads also feature a renewed texture, adding a touch of modernity to the bike’s classic style. These changes maintain the bikes retro charm while giving it a modern twist.

In India, the Benelli Imperiale 400 is priced competitively for a retro cruiser at approximately INR 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom). On-road prices vary by city due to taxes and insurance, generally ranging around INR 2.2 lakh to INR 2.3 lakh. This price point places it close to the Royal Enfield Classic 350, which is its main competitor and arguably the benchmark in the segment. While the sticker price is slightly higher than some other 350-400cc motorcycles, the Benelli offers European styling and modern build quality, which many buyers find justifies the premium. The price reflects its niche appeal as an old-school styled bike with modern mechanicals rather than a value-for-money commuter. For enthusiasts looking for a retro bike with a bit more exclusivity and refinement, the Imperiale 400’s asking price is sensible. However, those strictly budget-conscious may prefer the established Royal Enfield lineup or smaller displacement options around or below INR 1.5 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Benelli Imperiale 400 is priced at around ₹1.69 lakh ex-showroom in India, making it slightly more expensive than its main competitors like the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Honda H’ness 350. On-road prices can vary depending on the city and state, typically ranging between ₹1.85 lakh to ₹1.95 lakh, factoring in registration, insurance, and other local taxes. The higher price tag is justified by the inclusion of a 3-year unlimited km warranty and complimentary service for the first two years, which adds significant value for buyers concerned about long-term ownership costs. While the upfront cost is higher, the warranty and service package make it a more attractive proposition for those looking for peace of mind and lower maintenance expenses over time. The price positioning reflects Benelli’s attempt to offer a premium product with better features and reliability, but buyers should consider the resale value and after-sales network, which may not be as extensive as Royal Enfield’s.

The Imperiale 400 returns an average mileage of around 26 to 28 km/l in Indian city and highway conditions after initial servicing, which is decent for its engine size and segment. While not exceptionally frugal, the bike’s fuel efficiency is reasonable considering its cruiser setup and the smooth delivery of torque. For users concerned about running costs, the modest fuel consumption coupled with manageable maintenance costs makes it a practical choice if you value style and relaxed riding over outright efficiency.

The Benelli Imperiale 400 delivers a real-world mileage of around 30 to 35 kmpl, which is decent for a retro cruiser in its segment. This makes it a practical choice for riders who prioritize fuel efficiency without compromising on performance and comfort. The 12-litre fuel tank ensures a good range between refills, reducing the frequency of stops on long rides. For those concerned about running costs, the Imperiale 400 strikes a balance between efficiency and power, making it a sensible option for both city and highway use.