Before starting the test in Avenches at Benelli Switzerland, I was initially skeptical. A modified version without an aftermarket exhaust? That's the first thing that would make sense to replace on a custom bike, right? As soon as I fired up the engine of the little lion, I immediately understood why no accessory exhaust was installed. The original sound of the Leoncino impresses with a comparatively loud, puristic, and gritty growl. Just like a lion should sound. The bike's acoustics also bring that classic biker's smile while rolling.
On my list of the first important modifications for any motorcycle, right after the exhaust comes the short tail. Here, Benelli Switzerland provides a solution by replacing the long tail with a beautiful, short holder that neither rattles nor impairs functionality in any way. It also rained heavily at times during the test. The short tail did not allow significantly more water splashes through than a standard tail would.
As the crowning touch of the Swiss R model, the handlebar of the 572S was installed in the Leoncino 800. An exciting concept that makes the scrambler particularly more responsive and stable in spirited riding through twisties. Those who fall in love with the look of the Leoncino but still want to carve up some twisties will definitely find much joy in this handlebar swap. The seating position does not suffer too much - thanks to the already very comfortable seat of the Leoncino 800, long distances can be covered without problems even with the sporty handlebar. The sporty handlebar is rounded off by bar-end mirrors, giving the scrambler the final touch of sportiness and coherent design.