Benelli Leoncino 800R - Swiss Special Model in Test

The Benelli Leoncino is undoubtedly a real eye-catcher. The "little lion," as Leoncino translates to in German, is definitely not to be underestimated.

The Benelli Leoncino 800 accelerates with a robust 754cc parallel-twin engine, still delivering 76 hp at 8500 rpm and 67 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm. This power propels the bike well forward, allowing for smooth riding both in the city and on the highway. However, this riding feel is somewhat hindered by the 220 kilograms, which noticeably groan and creak when you give it the beans. Once the Leoncino 800 is up to speed, it rides with good feedback on the twisty roads, bringing a broad grin to your face.

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.

The handlebar conversion, however, comes at a price. Due to the altered handlebar position, the steering angle of the Benelli Leoncino 800R had to be limited. Despite this limitation, which becomes very noticeable when turning on the road, you might bump your knees and mirrors together when making a turn. Caution is advised here. Especially for beginners, the restricted turning circle can be a real challenge.

For an additional cost of around CHF 1,000, the Leoncino 800 can be purchased in the Swiss "R" version without having to worry about tedious registration with the MFK or the installation of parts.

Although the modifications of the Swiss model series “R” enhance the Leoncino's sporty nature, a longer test ride reveals that its genes still belong to the scrambler family. The engine revs up relatively linearly with a characteristic power dip in the mid-range, which prepares for decent acceleration after passing this phase at 7,000 rpm. As it should be for a scrambler, we find an LED display in the cockpit without much fuss or settings. The display is easy to read and serves its purpose.

While the cornering feel and feedback are particularly appealing for a scrambler, the chassis doesn't always manage to absorb all the potholes and bumps on the road during slower rides through the city. This results in a rather bumpy ride in urban areas. Nonetheless, the chunkier tires invite occasional fun on gravel roads and easy off-road terrain. With ABS and well-functioning brakes, I felt safe and comfortable throughout the test ride.

This question, as always, cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. Benelli continues to position itself attractively with its models. The little lion, the Leoncino 800, ticks all the feature boxes that are demanded of a motorcycle today. While you may search in vain for additional "nice to haves," you also avoid the great danger of modern high-tech speedsters standing in the workshop due to electronic problems and other annoying issues. The 752 engine is of good quality and promises reliable riding. The design resembles a work of art and the sound is "lion-strong." Technology geeks, brand fanatics, and nitpickers will not be happy with this motorcycle.

The Benelli Leoncino 800R is a crowd-pleaser among simple bikes that just work and look magnificent while doing so. Especially for beginners or bikers with a smaller budget, the Leoncino offers a great price/performance ratio and should definitely be considered. The Swiss variant R is less suitable for city traffic and tight passages, but it brings a lot of joy on country roads and passes, making it definitely worth the extra cost.

In Switzerland, the Leoncino 800 is available for CHF 7,999 and the Leoncino 800 R for CHF 8,999.