Benelli Imperiale 400 Goes on Sale in the US at $4,899

Benelli's Imperiale 400 has arrived in the US market as a 2024 model year bike. The Italian brand has taken over importing and distribution in North America this year. The retro-styled motorcycle carries a list price of $4,899 and replaces the Leoncino 500.

The design recalls the 500 Valvole Laterali from the 1940s. On the right side, a view suggests pushrods, while the fuel injector is hidden behind a cover. A lion figure sits to the right of the valve cover.

Imperiale 400 specifications

The engine is an air-cooled, long-stroke single with a displacement of 374 cc. It uses a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) with two valves per cylinder and fuel injection. The quoted peak output is 21 hp. Torque is listed at 21 ft-lb at 4,500 rpm, which works out to roughly 28.5 Nm. With a compression ratio of 8.5:1, the engine can run on 87-octane fuel.

A 5-speed gearbox sends power to the rear wheel through a chain. According to the report, power delivery is smooth from idle, and a low first gear makes the bike easier to handle in tight spaces and at low speeds.

Chassis, brakes and instruments

The bike uses a twin-cradle steel frame with a 41 mm front fork and twin rear shock absorbers in a 1970s style. It rolls on spoked wheels, 19 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear, with Cordial tires. Discs measure 300 mm at the front and 240 mm at the rear, and ABS is standard. The rider sits on a sprung-supported seat, while the passenger gets a separate, thickly padded seat.

A thin analog-style LCD strip between the speedometer and tachometer shows the gear and fuel level. The fuel tank holds 3.2 gallons. Seat height is 30.7 inches and claimed wet weight is 452 pounds.