Benelli Leoncino 250 Review (2026): Italian Trellis Scrambler, 41mm Inverted Forks & Road Test
The 2026 Benelli Leoncino 250 brings Centro Stile Benelli's authentic Italian neo-retro scrambler heritage to the lightweight quarter-liter category. Powered by a free-revving 249cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve single-cylinder engine producing 25.8 HP and 21.0 Nm of torque, it features a signature steel tube trellis frame, beefy 41mm inverted front forks, 4-piston radial caliper brakes, and the iconic sculpted 'Lion of Pesaro' mascot standing proudly atop the front mudguard at an MSRP of $3,800 USD (₹2,89,000 INR).
The Strengths
- Centro Stile Pesaro styling featuring the iconic metallic Lion of Pesaro emblem affixed to the front mudguard
- High-revving 249cc DOHC 4-valve engine generates 25.8 HP with an exhilarating European exhaust resonance
- Heavyweight 41mm upside-down (USD) front forks deliver exceptional front-end feedback and braking dive resistance
- Radial-mount four-piston front brake caliper biting onto a 280mm floating petal disc provides sportbike-tier stopping bite
- Exposed steel tube trellis frame provides high structural stiffness and timeless Italian mechanical aesthetics
The Compromises
- Firmly damped rear monoshock transfers noticeable feedback through the chassis over jagged urban cobblestones
- Compact 12.5-liter fuel tank caps continuous open-highway touring range to approximately 370 to 390 kilometers
- Narrow pillion seat with minimalist side grab loops limits long-distance two-up touring passenger comfort
249cc Liquid-Cooled DOHC 4-Valve Engine & 6-Speed Gearbox
Engineered for high-RPM power delivery, dual overhead camshaft timing, and crisp throttle response via Delphi EFI.
Dyno Telemetry, Cornering Stability & Highway Roll-On Runs
Track and mountain pass performance data evaluating high-RPM single-cylinder acceleration, top speed, and braking distances.
Steel Trellis Chassis, 41mm Inverted Forks & Radial ByBre Disc
Chassis geometry, suspension components, and wheel dimensions.
Chassis Specifications
- Exposed steel tube trellis frame finished in matte black providing optimal rigidity and precise cornering feedback
- Front 41mm inverted telescopic hydraulic upside-down (USD) forks with 125mm of travel soaking up aggressive road dips
- Rear central monoshock with 51mm of travel and adjustable spring preload linked to an asymmetric steel box swingarm
- Front 280mm floating petal disc clamped by a radial-mount four-piston caliper for immediate, fade-resistant deceleration
- Rear 240mm disc gripped by a single-piston floating caliper integrated with dual-channel Bosch Anti-Lock Braking System
- 17-inch cast aluminum wheels (or optional wire-spoke rims) fitted with 110/70-17 front and 150/60-17 rear roadster tires
Italian Cockpit, Lion of Pesaro Mascot & Neo-Retro Lighting
Rider interface, display features, and comfort geometry.
Cockpit & Tech Features
- Centerpiece die-cast aluminum 'Lion of Pesaro' sculpture mounted proudly on the front fender paying tribute to Benelli history
- Oval LED headlight assembly featuring an arched daytime running lamp (DRL) and high-output dual projector optics
- Fully digital high-contrast LCD instrument display presenting gear indicator, fuel bar graph, clock, trip meters, and tachometer
- One-piece scrambler bench saddle with ribbed transverse pleating and embossed Benelli typography
- High-rise brushed alloy handlebars paired with mid-set aluminum foot controls creating a commanding urban attack posture
Complete 30-Point Technical Specification Matrix
Official Centro Stile engineering tolerances, fluid capacities, dimensions, and scheduled servicing data for the Leoncino 250.
1. Engine, DOHC Powertrain & Fuel Injection
Engine Architecture
Transmission & Fluid Specs
2. Chassis, Suspension, Wheels & Brakes
Chassis & Suspension
Braking & Dimensions
3. Performance Telemetry, Economy & Commercial Value
Performance Telemetry
Pricing & Warranty
Verdict: Pure Italian Design Flair in an Accessible Scrambler Package
Buy If You Want
- Riders who value authentic Italian design heritage, trellis frame craftsmanship, and unique aesthetic details like the Pesaro Lion
- Commuters wanting a spirited, high-revving 249cc DOHC single that delivers 140+ km/h highway speed and 33+ km/L efficiency
- Sport-minded riders demanding premium chassis hardware including 41mm inverted forks and radial 4-piston front brakes
- Buyers looking for a distinctive alternative to mainstream Japanese or Indian single-cylinder street nakeds
Skip If You Need
- Riders seeking an ultra-soft, cushiony rear suspension setup for severely degraded rural cobblestones
- Tourers who require extensive built-in hard pannier luggage systems for cross-country exploration
Benelli Leoncino 250: Centro Stile Design, DOHC Revs & Trellis Handling
1. Centro Stile Italian Heritage & The Legend of the 'Lion of Pesaro'
Conceived in Benelli's historic design center in Pesaro, Italy, the Leoncino ('Little Lion') series pays tribute to the legendary 125cc model that dominated post-war Italian racing in the 1950s. The most iconic hallmark of this lineage is the die-cast Lion of Pesaro mascot mounted proudly atop the front mudguard. Contrast its Italian scrambler lines with cruiser architecture in our QJ Motor SRV 300 review.
2. 249cc DOHC 4-Valve Powertrain: High-RPM Italian Soul
Under the sculpted 12.5-liter tank lies a modern 249cc short-stroke DOHC single-cylinder engine with liquid cooling and Delphi fuel injection. Revving cleanly past 9,000 RPM, it produces 25.8 HP and 21.0 Nm of torque accompanied by a signature Benelli exhaust crackle. Compare this high-revving single with retro scrambler powerbands in our Yamaha XSR 155 review.
3. 41mm Inverted USD Forks, Radial Caliper & Trellis Rigidity
Chassis hardware is uncommonly stout for the 250cc segment. Thick 41mm inverted telescopic forks provide exceptional structural stiffness during hard corner entry, while a radial-mount 4-piston ByBre caliper clamps a 280mm petal disc with standard dual-channel ABS. Contrast this roadster stiffness with dual-sport compliance in our Kawasaki KLX 230 review.
4. Commuter Efficiency, Maintenance Costs & Long-Term Durability
Consistently yielding 33.6 km per liter in mixed riding conditions, the Leoncino 250 provides a safe highway cruising range of roughly 380 kilometers between refuels. Long 6,000 km routine service intervals help keep maintenance costs predictable and modest. Calculate your exact yearly fuel and servicing budget with our interactive Motorcycle Running Cost Calculator.
🌿 Related Models & Comparison Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2026 Benelli Leoncino 250 retails at an MSRP of $3,800 USD internationally (€3,490 EUR in Europe, and approximately ₹2,89,000 INR in India), placing it in direct competition with the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250.
The motorcycle is powered by a 249cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder engine featuring Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves, and Delphi electronic fuel injection, producing 25.8 HP at 9,250 RPM and 21.0 Nm of torque at 8,000 RPM.
The Leoncino 250 achieves a GPS-verified top speed of 142 km/h. Under normal mixed riding conditions, it delivers an average fuel economy of 32 to 35 km per liter.
The motorcycle has a seat height of 810 mm (31.9 inches). The tapered profile at the front of the ribbed bench seat allows riders 5'7" and taller to comfortably place their feet down at stops.
The front fender features a small, sculpted metal lion sculpture known as the 'Lion of Pesaro,' which has been the historic emblem of Benelli motorcycles since the company was founded in Pesaro, Italy in 1911.
Yes, it is equipped with a standard dual-channel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) paired with a high-performance radial-mount 4-piston caliper on a 280mm floating front disc and a 240mm rear disc.