2017 Benelli Leoncino

2017 Benelli Leoncino marks the debut of this neo-retro roadster, slotting into Benelli's lineup as an accessible middleweight built to compete with the wave of scrambler-styled machines flooding the market that year. This is a bike designed around usability rather than outright speed — the low seat height and manageable power delivery make it approachable for riders moving up from smaller machines, while the torque comes on early enough that it doesn't feel breathless around town. Fuel range from the tank is generous enough for weekend rides without constant stops, and the chain final drive keeps maintenance straightforward for owners who want to handle upkeep themselves. As the first year of production, the 2017 model doesn't carry any prior-year baggage or comparison points; there's nothing to correct or refine yet, just Benelli's initial take on the format. Expect buyers here to be riders drawn to the round-headlight, flat-tank aesthetic who want something distinct from the Japanese middleweight crowd without stepping up to Ducati or Triumph pricing. Collector interest is minimal at this stage, so purchase decisions should hinge on condition and dealer service history rather than any speculative value.