Benelli Leoncino 250 Vs Honda CB300R: Spec Comparison
Modified On Nov 11, 2019 02:58 PM By Benjamin Noel Gracias for Benelli Leoncino 250
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How do the two retro-nakeds stack up against each other on paper?
With the launch of the Benelli Leoncino 250, there are now two neo-retro naked roadsters you can buy around the Rs 2.50 lakh price mark including the Honda CB300R. Interestingly, both motorcycles are brought to India via the CKD route. We compare the two motorcycles on paper.
Also read: Benelli Leoncino Review
Engine and performance:
Thanks to its larger engine capacity, the Honda CB300R has a clear advantage over the Leoncino 250. It makes 4.6PS more and that too 1250 rpm down the rev range. It is the same case with the torque figures where the Honda offers 6.4Nm more and that too 1500 rpm down the rev range. The CB300R has a torquey motor and offers a good mid-range. Its unstressed nature and tall gearing let the Honda CB300R clock the best mileage figures in its class. We are yet to ride the Benelli Leoncino 250 but on paper, it’s the Honda that has the upper hand here.
Also read: Honda CB300R: Road Test Review
Components and dimensions:
The Benneli here has a trellis frame for its lightweight nature and rigidity which is superior to Honda’s diamond-type frame. Both motorcycles get similar suspension components but different brake sizes. While the CB300R has a larger front disc, owing to its scrambler roots, the Leoncino 250 gets a larger rear disc. The wheel sizes are similar but the Leoncino 250 gets more premium and stickier Metzeler tyres. In terms of underpinnings like the frame and tyres, the Leoncino 250 has a slight edge over the CB300R.
The Leoncino 250 here owing to its scrambler roots gets a taller ground clearance, that also causes its seat height to be 10mm taller than the CB300R. The Honda has a shorter wheelbase and that should allow it to be more agile than the Leoncino 250. It also weighs a whopping 15kg less so it should be easier to move around in a parking lot. However, its tiny 10-litre fuel tank does limit its touring capability. All things considered, both motorcycles come with their own strengths and weaknesses and are equally matched in the dimensions front.
Price
The Benelli Leoncino 250 is priced at Rs 2.5 lakh (ex-showroom India). At this price point, it is Rs 9,000 more than the Honda CB300R that retails for Rs 2.41 lakh. The CB300R offers better performance and being lighter it should be easier to manage. However, the Leoncino 250 gets a better kit in the form of a trellis frame and tyres. That said, Honda has a larger dealership network and their CKD products generally have had lower service and spare parts’ cost. We will be testing both motorcycles soon so stay tuned for a more in-depth comparison between the two.