2017–2020 · Scrambler · Buyer's Guide
Stable Handler, Thin Wallet
The Leoncino 500 is Benelli's case that a 500 cc scrambler can have real personality without a big price tag. At its heart sits a liquid-cooled parallel twin making 47 hp and 34 lb-ft. It loves to rev, yet there's enough pull down low to feel lively around town. The chassis is a steel-tube frame with an upside-down fork, adjustable suspension at both ends, ABS, and an LED headlight. It's designed in Italy and built in China, and it has more presence than most bikes in its price bracket. It passes the three-glance test easily, and that matters in this category.
Here's the honest caveat: 5.3 in (135 mm) of front travel belongs on a roadster, not a scrambler. Treat the Leoncino as a street bike wearing scrambler clothes, and keep the dirt to graded gravel. On pavement it's easy to live with. It's stable at speed, lean clearance is generous for the class, and 59 mpg keeps running costs low. Ownership asks for some patience, though. Early bikes rust in places they shouldn't, and there's a list of small electrical and mechanical niggles. If you want a characterful, affordable mid-size twin and you can handle a little upkeep, it earns its place.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 47 hp (35 kW) @ 8,500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 34 lb-ft (46 Nm) @ 6,000 rpm |
| Displacement | 500 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60-17 |
| Ground clearance | 6.3 in (160 mm) |
| Front travel | 5.3 in (135 mm) |
| Seat height | 30.9 in (785 mm) |
| Wet weight | 454 lb (206 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.4 gal (12.7 L) |
| Fuel economy | 59 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Lighting
Safety
Much of what I know about the Leoncino 500 comes from owners. Some of it came from paddock talk and club nights, and some from the messages riders send me once they have a few thousand miles on theirs. The picture that comes out of all that is consistent. People enjoy riding it and trust how it stops. Most complaints start where the pavement gets rough.
Owners bring up the engine first. They describe the twin as smooth and playful with a good spread of torque, and many say it makes even an ordinary ride fun. The brakes come up almost as often: strong, progressive stopping with good feedback, and ABS that rarely steps in when it isn't needed. Riders also praise the wide bar, the well-padded flat seat and the room for a passenger. On smooth, twisty tarmac they say it steers eagerly and holds its line.
The most common gripe is the suspension. Owners say the fork and shock deal badly with real-world bumps, send sharp jolts through to the rider and lose composure when pushed on broken surfaces. Others say the weight dulls acceleration and that shifting can turn notchy. A few mention buzz through the footpegs at high revs, which gets tiring on long trips.
Rear brake pump failure
Some owners have reported rear brake pump issues, leading to reduced rear braking performance. Replacement or rebuild may be required.
Engine stalling at traffic lights
Some riders experience the engine cutting out when coming to a stop or idling, possibly linked to fueling or sensor issues.
Fuel gauge inaccuracy
The digital fuel gauge can stop dropping below four segments, incorrectly showing more fuel than is available. Owners have had to rely on the trip meter.
Thermostat failure
The engine thermostat can fail, causing inconsistent coolant temperature readings or overheating. The part is inexpensive but can be inconvenient.
Gear linkage can loosen
The gear lever linkage is poorly designed and may come loose over time, causing sloppy shifting. Can be temporarily tightened but often requires a more permanent fix.
Instrument and headlight condensation
Moisture builds up inside the LCD instruments and headlight unit, leading to display lag or fading segments. The dealer response has often been dismissive.
Premature rust and corrosion
Early bikes suffer from rust on handlebars, mirror stalks, frame welds, and tank emblems, even with careful maintenance. Brake discs and engine bolts also show corrosion. Later models reportedly added rubber bungs to frame holes to mitigate ingress.
License plate light bulb failure
The license plate illumination bulb is prone to blowing more frequently than expected, likely due to vibration.
Where this Benelli Leoncino 500 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the Leoncino 500 is actually built for.
If you ride the Dragon to sharpen your technique rather than chase speed, the light handling and generous lean clearance make it a willing partner for practice runs. Just don't expect it to be quick.
Made for Tail of the Dragon · Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway
For a Saturday loop out of Austin with a BBQ stop along the way, it's a fun, good-looking bike at a fair price. The small 3.4 gal tank means you'll plan your gas stops on longer runs.
Made for Austin / Texas Hill Country · Texas Hill Country BDR-X · Twisted Sisters
I'll be straight with you: this isn't your bike. There's no luggage, no cruise control, a small tank, and busy revs on the highway. It's a fun day-ride machine, not a two-up rig for the national parks.
Made for Beartooth Highway · Blue Ridge Parkway · Going-to-the-Sun Road
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Benelli Leoncino 500. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
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Competitor · 2019
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Roughly $1,800 cheaper used than this bike at 7 yr
Competitor · 2017–2023
Small Orange, Maximum Attack
Roughly $1,000 cheaper used than this bike at 7 yr
Competitor · 2025
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Competitor · 2013–2015
Honda's Easiest Entry Into Fast
Same Platform · 2019
Italian Style, A2 Budget