The first non-LAMS addition to the modern Benelli lineup is on the way, with the stylish new Benelli 752S sporting a sharp price as well as new levels of performance for the brand.
Priced at just $13,490 and expected to arrive in October this year, the 752S brings with it a lot of premium features including Brembo brakes, 50mm Marzocchi fork and a new 750cc parallel-twin engine to put the new middleweight head and shoulders above its 500cc stablemates in terms of performance.
That performance comes in the form of 75hp (56kW) produced at 8500rpm, while peak torque is stated as 67Nm at 6500rpm.
Those might not sound like earth-shattering numbers, but they are enough to nudge the reigning King of the naked 700 class - Yamaha’s 689cc MT-07 - for peak power output, though interestingly the larger capacity Benelli produces 1Nm less of claimed peak torque.
One area the 752S appears to show off Benelli’s old school approach to materials is in the weight department, with the bike tipping the scales at a claimed 217kg dry. But for the money and otherwise high spec of components found on the new Benelli, compromises clearly would have had to be found.
Styling-wise there is no denying Benelli's Italian heritage has been woven in to the design of the 752S. From its steel trellis frame to its swooping lines, the bike is very European in its aesthetic. Set to be available in four different colours including Green (Verde), Black (Nero), White (Bianco) and Red (Rosso) as we've seen on the rest of Benelli's range LED lighting and a digital display make up the main electronic features, with the now mandatory ABS backing up the dual front 320mm disc and 260mm rear disc braking combo.
As is the case with Benelli Australia and New Zealand's other models, the new 752S will also be backed by a two-year unlimited-kilometre warranty with 24/7 roadside assistance to assuage any fears in regards to reliability.
Based on our experience with the Leoncino 500, we're really looking forward to finding out just how dynamic the new 750cc package from Benelli is. With its price of under $14,000 and that gorgeous Italian styling, it looks to be an incredible value prospect for a European designed machine. If the 752S takes your fancy, pre-orders are now open on the benellimotorcycles.co.nz website.