Benelli 752S - Test in Western Switzerland

Often, a newly announced model or a model revision is eagerly anticipated. This anticipation leads to discussions, media presence, and excitement. However, the result is often rather disappointing. "New with cornering ABS," "five-way adjustable traction control," "revised windshield," "4 more horsepower." What I'm getting at is: nothing has been heard about the Benelli 752S in the last five years. The reason? Benelli consciously avoids updates. Following the motto: If it works, don't change it. Points for authenticity and sustainable marketing. But are there areas where an update in 2024 would be necessary, or does the Benelli 752S remain an evergreen?

Of course, you can always find flaws and points of criticism if you look for them. Or you don't find them - like traction control, which is missing in the 752S. Also, the display is touted on Benelli's homepage in a "modern high-tech look," while I would personally use the color display more as a retro-synthwave music mix background image. The lights that indicate turn signals, fuel, and ABS are more reminiscent of the post-war era. Quickshifter is not offered by Benelli itself. The suspension is present but provides good feedback in the limit areas only with difficulty and shakes quite a bit on small bumps in the city. This section intentionally highlights that a motorcycle that hasn't received an update in six years logically doesn't meet most of today's everyday criteria. The question, however, is: For whom are today's everyday criteria applicable? Which customer group, or rather, what percentage of a customer group is looking for a motorcycle with military technology, aviation mechanics, and almost active intelligence?

Equipped with a liquid-cooled twin engine, the 752S offers a displacement of 754 cc, which is not immediately apparent from its name. The engine delivers 56 kW (76 hp) at 8500 rpm and provides a maximum torque of 67 Nm at 6500 rpm, ensuring decent acceleration.

Additionally, the 752S is also available in a restricted version for beginners with 35 kW.

The engine features an electronic fuel injection system with dual throttle bodies, ensuring precise fuel delivery. Power is transmitted to the road via a steel trellis frame.

The chassis of the Benelli 752S consists of an upside-down fork with a diameter of 50 mm at the front axle and a monoshock with adjustable preload at the rear axle. The braking system includes a dual disc brake with a diameter of 320 mm and a 4-piston caliper at the front, as well as a single disc brake with a diameter of 260 mm and a 2-piston caliper at the rear - fortunately from Brembo. Compared to other Benelli models equipped with in-house calipers, you can feel a much more powerful and controllable braking performance here.

Additionally, the braking system on the 752S is complemented by a standard ABS for increased safety.

With a dry weight of 226 kg, the Benelli 752S, like the entire Benelli family, tends to be on the heavier side.

After reading the lines above, one might wonder: Why should these two objects symbolically stand together? The technology and electronics in motorcycles aim to complete routes as quickly and optimally as possible. The implication of a motorcycle that is comparatively starved of electronics and assistance systems? It feels much faster very quickly. This is actually a good thing for the rider in public road traffic, as it allows you to get an adrenaline rush and rip a corner without immediately landing in highly illegal territory.

The Benelli 752S rides sportily, and from a certain RPM, it really hangs on the throttle very enjoyably (and powerfully). Without traction control, cornering ABS, or other small helpers, attention, foresight, and control are required. For this reason, you automatically connect more with the bike. You still have to take the handlebars and set clear impulses. Somehow refreshing and definitely charming.

Undoubtedly, there are motorcycles on the market that deliver much more power and performance on the road even without electronics. However, what should be made clear here is that just because a model hasn't received updates for six years, it can still be very interesting and lucrative for some bikers to take a closer look at the Benelli 752S in 2024.

For this motorcycle, the counter-question is easier to answer: For whom is the Benelli 752S a bad choice? Enthusiasts of modern technology, people with a strong priority on safety, racers who always want to push their machines to the limit.

Who is the motorcycle interesting for? Especially for beginners who do not want to buy a new machine after the license restriction expires. They will find many qualities in the Benelli 752S that are important for all aspiring motorcyclists when learning. With the Benelli 752S, you still learn to set impulses. You learn how a motorcycle develops its power without traction control constantly intervening and preventing the sensitization of the hand to operate the throttle. Additionally, the 752S is available in Switzerland from CHF 8,999. Due to a promotion, it is currently even available from CHF 7,999.

After my test ride through the rural (and definitely underrated) roads in the Murtensee region, I quickly drew my conclusion about the Benelli 752S. Definitely the workhorse of all Benelli models. The fact that the Leoncino 800 was introduced in 2022 with the same engine but can hardly keep up in terms of performance and riding behavior shows that not everything that works needs to be constantly changed. A sympathetic model that unfortunately enjoys too little love and affection in the motorcycle community. For me, clearly a great alternative for all bikers with heart, beginners, and mechanics enthusiasts.

Despite the lack of updates on existing models, Benelli introduced the new Benelli 902S at the Beijing Motor Show 2024 in China. This model is powered by a 102-horsepower parallel-twin engine. Although the motorcycle has only been presented in the Far East so far, an announcement for the European market is likely to follow soon.

This would mark the entry into the ring of large naked bikes. We look forward to the future with excitement!