Benelli Leoncino 800 (2020-2021) Review: A Retro Twin With Modern Bite
Introduction
The Benelli Leoncino 800 series arrives as a bold statement in the mid-weight naked/Scrambler segment, blending Italian design heritage with Chinese manufacturing pragmatism. For 2020-2021, this twin-cylinder machine attempts to carve its niche between retro charm and contemporary performance. Having spent time with both the standard Leoncino 800 and its Trail variant, it's clear Benelli aimed to create motorcycles that feel equally at home carving canyon roads as they do posing outside café racer haunts.
But does this 754cc parallel twin deliver more than just nostalgic aesthetics? Let's dissect its character from the saddle upwards.
Design & Ergonomics
The Leoncino's design is an immediate head-turner. The signature "little lion" badge on the side panel pays homage to Benelli's 1950s scrambler roots, while the LED headlight encased in a minimalist circular housing gives it modern flair. The 800 Trail variant adds adventure-ready touches like a taller front fender, spoked wheels with blocky Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, and a slightly raised handlebar.
At 800 mm (31.5") seat height, the standard model feels accessible for riders of average height. The Trail's 818 mm (32.2") perch requires a more committed leg swing but remains manageable thanks to the narrow seat profile. Both versions carry their 220-224 kg (485-494 lbs) weight low, making them feel lighter at standstill than the specs suggest. The 15-liter fuel tank (3.96 gal) flows organically into the seat, creating a riding triangle that's upright without being too casual.
Quality touches include:
- CNC-machined footpegs
- Contrast stitching on the seat
- Matte-finished exhaust header
However, some switchgear plastics feel budget-tier compared to Japanese rivals.
Engine & Performance
The liquid-cooled 754cc DOHC parallel twin is the star here. With 81.6 HP @ 9,000 RPM and 67 Nm (49.4 lb-ft) torque peaking at 6,500 RPM, it's tuned for real-world usability rather than peak horsepower bragging rights.
Throttle Response:
- Below 4,000 RPM: Surprisingly docile, making stop-and-go traffic manageable
- 5,000-7,000 RPM: Sweet spot where the engine comes alive with a throaty growl
- 8,000+ RPM: Vibrations intensify through the bars, encouraging upshifts
The 6-speed transmission shifts with positive clicks, though the clutch lever requires a firm pull. On the Trail model, the final drive ratio feels slightly taller - perfect for dirt road explorations but requiring more clutch work in tight urban scenarios.
Real-World Fuel Efficiency:
- Observed: 5.2 L/100km (45.2 mpg) during spirited riding
- Theoretical range: 288 km (179 miles) before hitting reserve
Handling & Suspension
Benelli's steel trellis frame provides a rigid foundation. Paired with fully adjustable 50mm Marzocchi USD forks (130mm travel on standard/140mm on Trail) and a preload/rebound-adjustable rear monoshock, the setup leans toward sporty compliance rather than plush comfort.
On Pavement:
- Quick directional changes feel planted thanks to the 1460mm (57.5") wheelbase
- Brembo brakes (dual 320mm front discs) offer strong initial bite with ABS intervention that's unintrusive
- The 17" Pirelli MT60RS tires on the standard model provide surprising lean angles
Off-Road (Trail Version):
- 19" front wheel rolls over obstacles confidently
- 180mm (7.1") ground clearance avoids rock strikes
- Suspension soaks up washboard ripples better than expected
However, the 224kg weight becomes apparent in technical terrain - this is no lightweight enduro.
Competition
The Leoncino 800 series exists in a crowded segment. Key rivals include:
- Yamaha XSR700
- Lighter (186kg) CP2 engine has more character
- Superior reliability track record
-
Lacks adjustable suspension and Brembo components
-
Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
- True off-road capability with Öhlins suspension
- 803cc L-twin delivers smoother power delivery
-
$3-4K more expensive when new
-
Triumph Street Twin
- Premium fit-and-finish
- Torquier 900cc engine
- Less sporty suspension setup
Where the Leoncino shines is value proposition - offering premium components (Brembo, Marzocchi) at a price point that undercuts European competitors. The Trail variant particularly stands out as one of few factory scramblers with genuine dual-sport rubber and suspension travel.
Maintenance & Ownership
As a MOTOPARTS.store journalist, I must highlight key maintenance aspects:
Service Intervals:
- Oil changes: Every 6,000 km (3,728 miles)
- Valve clearance check: 12,000 km (7,456 miles)
- Coolant replacement: 24,000 km (14,912 miles)
Common Wear Items:
1. Chain & Sprockets
- The DID 520VM2 chain requires regular lubrication
- Consider upgrading to an X-ring chain for off-road use on Trail models
- Brake Pads
-
Brembo sintered pads (SBK0862S) offer better bite than stock organic compounds
-
Air Filters
-
High-flow aftermarket filters unlock subtle power gains
-
Tires
- Standard model: Pirelli MT60RS lasts ~8,000 km (4,970 miles)
- Trail model: Scorpion Rally STR offers 10% more mileage
Winterization Tips:
- Use fuel stabilizer for ethanol-blended gas
- Lift tires off concrete floors to prevent flat spots
- Apply dielectric grease to electrical connectors
Conclusion
The Benelli Leoncino 800 series delivers a compelling package for riders seeking retro aesthetics without sacrificing modern performance. While it may lack the polish of Japanese competitors or the prestige of European marques, its combination of adjustable suspension, Brembo braking, and distinctive styling makes it a dark horse in the neo-retro segment.
The 800 Trail variant particularly impresses as a genuine all-roader - capable of Sunday morning café runs followed by afternoon fire road explorations. For owners looking to enhance their Leoncino experience, MOTOPARTS.store offers everything from performance exhausts to adventure-ready luggage systems that perfectly complement this versatile platform.
Whether you're drawn to the standard model's road-focused agility or the Trail's scrambler ambitions, this Benelli generation proves that Chinese manufacturing can indeed produce motorcycles with soul. Just be prepared to explain "No, it's not a Ducati" at every gas stop - the price you pay for riding something refreshingly different.
Specifications sheet
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Stroke: | Four-stroke |
| Max power: | 60 kW | 80.0 hp |
| Max torque: | 67 Nm |
| Fuel system: | Electronic fuel injection with twin 43 mm throttle bodies |
| Max power @: | 9000 rpm |
| Displacement: | 754 ccm |
| Max torque @: | 6500 rpm |
| Bore x stroke: | 88.0 x 62.0 mm (3.5 x 2.4 in) |
| Configuration: | Inline |
| Cooling system: | Liquid |
| Compression ratio: | 11.5:1 |
| Number of cylinders: | 2 |
| Valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase: | 1460 mm (57.5 in) (Leoncino 800) / 1483 mm (58.4 in) (Trail) |
| Dry weight: | 220 |
| Wet weight: | 224 |
| Seat height: | 800 mm (31.5 in) (Leoncino 800) / 818 mm (32.2 in) (Trail) |
| Overall width: | 880 mm (34.6 in) |
| Overall height: | 1170 mm (46.1 in) (Leoncino 800) / 1190 mm (46.9 in) (Trail) |
| Overall length: | 2140 mm (84.3 in) (Leoncino 800) / 2200 mm (86.6 in) (Trail) |
| Ground clearance: | 165 mm (6.5 in) (Leoncino 800) / 180 mm (7.1 in) (Trail) |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 15 L (3.96 US gal) |
| Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Clutch: | Multidisc wet clutch |
| Final drive: | chain |
| Transmission: | 6-speed |
| Maintainance | |
|---|---|
| Rear tire: | 180/55-17 (leoncino 800) / 170/60-17 (t-ail) |
| Engine oil: | 10W-40 (estimated) |
| Front tire: | 120/70-17 (leoncino 800) / 120/70-19 (t-ail) |
| Brake fluid: | DOT 4 |
| Spark plugs: | NGK CR8E (estimated) |
| Coolant capacity: | 1.9 |
| Forks oil capacity: | 1.2 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.5 |
| Engine oil change interval: | Every 5000 km or 2 years (estimated) |
| Valve clearance check interval: | 24,000 km / 15,000 mi (estimated) |
| Recommended tire pressure (rear): | 2.5 bar (36 psi) solo, 2.8 bar (41 psi) with passenger |
| Recommended tire pressure (front): | 2.25 bar (33 psi) |
| Additional Notes | |
|---|---|
| ABS: | Standard on both models |
| Wheels: | Spoked tubeless (Leoncino 800) / Cast aluminum with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires (Trail) |
| Variants: | Leoncino 800 (road-focused) and Leoncino 800 Trail (off-road variant with increased ground clearance, 19-inch front wheel, and reinforced suspension) |
| Chassis and Suspension | |
|---|---|
| Frame: | Tubular trellis frame (steel for Leoncino 800, steel plates for Trail) |
| Rear brakes: | Single 260 mm disc, 2-piston caliper (ABS) |
| Front brakes: | Double 320 mm discs, Brembo 4-piston calipers (ABS) |
| Rear suspension: | Swingarm with monoshock, adjustable spring preload and rebound damping |
| Front suspension: | 50mm USD fork, adjustable (Marzocchi for Trail) |
| Rear wheel travel: | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Front wheel travel: | 130 mm (5.1 in) (Leoncino 800) / 140 mm (5.5 in) (Trail) |
