BENELLI IMPERIALE 400 BS6 REVIEW

We rode the Benelli Imperiale 400 to see how the modern-classic from Pesaro stacks up against both, established and newer competitors.

- KARAN SINGH BANSATTA

WHENEVER you think about Benelli, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the crazy Tornado 1130. Outrageous and beautiful. The same goes for the TNT, both 1130 and 899. But when Benelli announced that they wanted to diversify and reach a larger audience, we were curious about what they had in mind. Soon after, we had the Imperiale 400. And not too long after, the Imperiale 400 BS6. I got to ride it and well, I am impressed… and perplexed.

The reason for being impressed is what this review is all about. For being perplexed… well, that’s because it is very hard to form an opinion about this motorcycle. But follow along and you’ll understand. Like always, we’ll discuss the various aspects of this motorcycle and we’ll start with the looks.

If I had to keep it short, it looks good. At least when compared to the competition it has. It is not that the competition is ugly, it is just that Benelli, despite sticking to the at-the-brink-of-being used-but-screw-that-cuz-we-can’t-have-enough retro theme, has kept it tasteful. Very tasteful actually.

Round headlight, check. Twin-pod instrument, check. Just the right amount of chrome, check. Long exhaust and a long rear fender, check. Spoked wheels, check. Teardrop tank (with a nicely done tank pad on either side), check. Split seat, check. Black, check. Door-handle like pillion grab rails… wait, what!? Or are those just there so you can tie some stuff up at the back?