HOT on the heels of the retro-boom is Benelli’s new Imperiale 400i, which was launched at the Sepang MotoGP event recently.
The new Imperiale is Benelli’s response to the Royal Enfield Bullet and, as such, re-ignites their age-old rivalry.
The Imperiale is powered by a single-cylinder, air-cooled, SOHC, two-valve, 373.5 cc with EFI and produces a mighty 20.4hp at 5,500rpm and 28Nm of torque at 3,500rpm.
It has a Euro 4-compliant power plant and, when finished in black, looks smaller than it actually is.
A five-speed gearbox and chain final drive transfer power to the tarmac. Chassis-wise, the Imperiale is pure tradition, with a steel tube double-cradle frame and swingarm.
Leading the way are its 41mm diameter telescopic forks with 110mm of travel and bringing up the rear are twin shock absorbers with adjustable pre-load with 65mm of travel.
A 300mm single disc and two-piston caliper up front and a 240mm disc and floating caliper out back do stopping duties while a two-channel anti-lock braking system control skids.
Classic chrome wire-spoked wheels in 19-inch and 18-inch front and rear are shod in 100/90 and 130/80 tyres, respectively. That curvaceous fuel tank holds just 12 litres and that classic split seat is 780mm high, which means a majority of riders will fit the Imperiale.
Dry, the new Benelli scales in at 197kg.
The 2020 Benelli Imperiale 400i comes in three colour options - Black, Red and Grey.
Priced at a highly competitive RM15,888 without road tax, insurance or registration, the Imperiale 400i is sure to bite the Bullet.
We are now patiently awaiting the MV Agusta Disco Volante to spice up the retro scene further (or perhaps the BSA Gold Star, whichever comes first).