Want a retro bike that really looks like a retro bike? The distributors at Keeway have heard your cries, and offer the US market the Benelli Imperiale 400 for 2024.
2024 Benelli Imperiale 400. Photo: Benelli
Simple tech
The Benelli Imperiale 400 actually debuted back around 2018. It hasn’t been available in the States until now, but it now appears as the only “Classic” model in Benelli’s US lineup.
It’s based on an air-cooled 374 cc single-cylinder engine, with SOHC/two-valve/dual spark head. Benelli says it makes just under 21 hp at 5,500 rpm and a little over 21 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. Electronic fuel injection is standard (and well-hidden away behind a guard), and a five-speed gearbox. All pretty basic and simple stuff.
2024 Benelli Imperiale 400. Photo: Benelli
That theme continues on to the steel tube frame, telescopic fork and dual coil-over shocks. Up front, there’s a 300 mm disc brake, and a 240 mm disc in rear. ABS comes standard.
Like the rest of Benelli’s motorcycles, the Imperiale 400 is designed in Italy. However, it is manufactured in China, by the Qianjiang Group.
2024 Benelli Imperiale 400. Photo: Benelli
Surprisingly sleek
That Italian origin explains how Benelli managed to nail the look on this bike. In a world where so many so-called retros are just a modern engine hidden by some weirdo bodywork covered in pinstriping done from a ’70s palette, the Imperiale 400 actually looks old. Or at least it does a much better job than machines like Yamaha’s XSR series or Honda’s SCL500, which nobody will ever mistake for a bike from the post-World War II era. The Imperiale 400 will certainly fool no vintage motorcycle enthusiast, but little details like the oddly-shaped engine covers are a throwback to the days when Europe’s moto manufacturers were less concerned about ruthless production efficiency to save money (which is why most all of them have gone bust a time or three).
Speaking of money: The Imperiale 400 carries a $4,899 MSRP in the US. That’s a bit more than the Royal Enfield Classic 350, which would probably be the closest equivalent. See more details here.
