Benelli Imperiale 400
2025 Benelli Imperiale 400: 21 hp neo-retro single, A2, 205 kg, €4,699, no longer sold new in France. Full specs and press reviews.
At a glance
The Benelli Imperiale 400 is a 1950s-style neo-retro motorcycle powered by a 374 cc air-cooled single making 21 hp, suitable for the A2 licence without restriction. Its last manufacturer price in France was €4,699, but it is no longer in Benelli France's 2026 range and has no successor; it is still sold in other countries, including the UK, Germany and Spain. Reviewers praise its authentic looks, finish and price, but criticise weak brakes, basic suspension, a sluggish engine and its 205 kg weight.
World press review
Meta-score
8 sources
Press ratings
Easy, very smooth on the motorway, remarkable finish and seat; little reserve for overtaking and a rear end unsettled in fast corners.
The most authentic retro styling in its class, very smooth engine that has to be revved, effective sprung seat; wooden-feeling brakes, fixed footpegs on a cheap mounting plate, poor plastic switchgear.
Gorgeous looks, quality materials, enough room for two and a characterful long-stroke single; extremely soft chassis and weak brakes.
A noble, sincere bike, stable, very frugal and pleasant two-up, with great looks and a low price; front brake marginal in an emergency and limited power.
Looks, no vibrations, agility, ease of use, tyres effective in the dry and price; lack of punch and two-up comfort.
Slim and easy, engine at its best at low and medium revs, braking suited to the performance, very low price; suspension that dislikes potholes.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
The Imperiale 400 was mostly tested at its launch, in Euro 4 form, by Moto.it and Insella (2019), then by MCN, SoyMotero and Le Repaire des Motards (2020). The Euro 5 version was tested by 1000PS (2022), Ultimate Motorcycling (2024 model year) and Cycle News, the only review found of the 2025 model year.
The 70/100 meta score is based on the only two scores found, both for the 2020 Euro 4 version: 3/5 from MCN and 8/10 from Moto.it. The Euro 5 version keeps the Euro 4’s power, chassis and equipment.
What reviewers like: authentic retro styling and a quality finish for the price (MCN, Moto.it, 1000PS, Cycle News), a smooth, vibration-free and frugal engine (Moto.it, SoyMotero, Le Repaire des Motards), easy handling, the sprung seat (Ultimate Motorcycling, Cycle News) and room for two (1000PS, SoyMotero). For Le Repaire des Motards, it offers a lot for the price of a 125.
What they criticise: weak brakes, criticised almost unanimously, basic suspension (too firm for MCN, too soft for 1000PS), unsettled behaviour in fast corners (MCN, Cycle News), a lack of power for overtaking and cheap details (fixed footpegs and switchgear for Ultimate Motorcycling). MCN prefers the Royal Enfield Bullet, £500 dearer.
Key quotes
"And, actually, if you want an authentic retro experience Benelli’s Imperiale 400 provides just that."
"So the Imperiale passes the test in town as well as out of it, where it also proved to drink little: 28 kilometres covered on one litre of fuel, which guarantees about 300 kilometres without stopping at the pump, since the handsome teardrop tank holds 12 litres."
"This bike could be the perfect choice if you’re looking for an easy-to-ride, very affordable entry into the world of motorbikes; or, if you’re a seasoned rider seeking something cool yet affordable, this may be the bike for you."
"The Imperiale 400 isn’t a motorcycle for everyone; it’s a niche machine."
"Anyone who is aware of this can spend wonderful hours with the Imperiale 400: motorcycling like in the old days."
"It is a noble, realistic and sincere model: let it run 'free', play with the middle of the rev range and it will tell you how it should be ridden: look no further."
"For the price of a 125, the Benelli Imperiale 400 offers a lot, and above all a journey back in time."
"Slim and easy to ride, it has a single-cylinder engine that gives its best at low and medium revs. The braking matches the performance, while the suspension does not like potholes. The price is really low, practically that of a small scooter"
Pros
- Authentic retro styling and quality finish for the price
- Smooth, frugal engine (3.1 L/100 km claimed)
- A2 licence without restriction
- Sprung rider seat and real room for a passenger
- Centre stand and ABS as standard
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- No longer sold new in France since 2026, no successor
- Weak brakes
- Basic suspension and vague stability in fast corners
- Only 21 hp, little reserve for overtaking
- Heavy for its power: 205 kg kerb
- Oil change every 6,000 km
Our review
Is it still sold in France?
No. The Imperiale 400 is no longer in the Benelli France 2026 catalogue published by importer Moteo, and its model page has been removed from the benellimotos.fr website. The 2025 model year, in Euro 5 form and the sole Silver colour, is the last sold new in France. Benelli has announced no successor: the Leoncino Bobber 400, the only other 400 in the French range, is a V-twin bobber with a different concept. The bike is still sold elsewhere: from £3,299 in the UK, €4,869 in Germany, €3,490 in Spain and €4,490 in Portugal, as well as in the United States through importer Keeway America.
How much did it cost?
The last manufacturer price published by Benelli France is €4,699, on the page of a lease-purchase offer valid until 31 December 2025, while stocks lasted. There was a single version, with no options. In the United States, Keeway America’s pages show both $4,899 and $4,999.
How good is the engine?
The 374 cc single is a long-stroke design (72.7 x 90 mm), air-cooled, with a single overhead camshaft, two valves and twin-spark ignition. It makes 21 hp (15.5 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 29 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Fuel injection is managed by a Delphi MT05 ECU, the throttle is cable-operated and the gearbox has five speeds. The cable-operated clutch has neither assist nor slipper function. Benelli quotes a top speed of 120 km/h on its foreign websites.
MCN finds it smooth and freer-revving than the Royal Enfield Bullet’s, and Insella says it is at its best at low and medium revs. 1000PS likes the character of this big single. Ultimate Motorcycling, however, notes that it has to be revved, and Cycle News that it lacks reserve for overtaking.
How does it ride?
The steel double-cradle frame carries a non-adjustable 41 mm telescopic fork (121 mm of travel) and twin preload-adjustable shocks (55 mm of travel according to Benelli France). The 19- and 18-inch spoked wheels wear Maxxis Promaxx tyres. Braking relies on a 300 mm front disc with a two-piston floating caliper and a 240 mm rear disc, with two-channel ABS as standard.
Benelli France quotes 205 kg kerb, with all fluids; the US brochure gives 197 kg dry, and 1000PS weighed it at 206.5 kg on its own scales. Reviewers describe a stable bike that is easy to handle in town, but criticise the suspension: too firm at the rear for MCN, extremely soft for 1000PS, uncomfortable over potholes for Insella. MCN and Cycle News find it less composed in fast corners. The brakes are judged weak by 1000PS, just adequate in an emergency by Moto.it and SoyMotero, and wooden by Ultimate Motorcycling.
What equipment?
The instruments combine two analogue dials (speed and revs) with an LCD screen showing the gear selected and fuel level. The round headlight is halogen, the rider’s seat is spring-mounted and a centre stand is supplied. There are no riding modes, no traction control and no connectivity.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
Benelli France quotes 3.1 L/100 km and 71 g/km of CO2. Moto.it recorded 28 km/l (about 3.6 L/100 km) in its test of the Euro 4 version, giving a range of about 300 km from the 12-litre tank. The owner’s manual specifies an oil change every 6,000 km or every year, and a valve clearance check every 12,000 km. Benelli France’s warranty is 3 years.
Generations
The Imperiale 400 takes its name from the MotoBi Imperiale of the 1950s, with no technical lineage. Unveiled at EICMA 2018, it went on sale in Europe in late 2019 in Euro 4 form. The 2021 model year brought it into line with Euro 5 with no loss of power (secondary air injection in the exhaust, new Delphi ECU), along with a raised tank badge and new knee pads.
Who is it for?
Suitable for the A2 licence without restriction, the Imperiale 400 is aimed at riders who want a simple, affordable classic bike for leisure riding, solo or two-up. Its direct rivals are the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Bullet 350 and HNTR 350 and the Honda GB350S, all still sold in France.
Recalls
No recall affects the Imperiale 400 (Safety Gate, RappelConso, NHTSA).
Specifications
| Displacement | 374 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 21 hp (15.5 kW) @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 29 Nm (2.95 kgm) @ 4,500 rpm |
| Weight | 205 kg (kerb, all fluids, tank at least 90% full) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 9.76 |
| Seat height | 780 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 12 L |
| Fuel consumption | 3.1 L/100 km — 71 g/km CO2 (Benelli France 2025 catalogue) |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 6,000 km or 1 year — Valves: 12,000 km (Benelli Imperiale 400 E5 owner's manual, in Spanish) |
| Engine type | Long-stroke single, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2 valves, twin-spark, air-cooled |
| Cooling | air |
| Transmission | 5-speed, chain drive |
| License | A2 |
| MSRP | €4,699 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 72,7 x 90 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 8,5:1 |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection (Delphi MT05 ECU), cable throttle |
| Valve train | SOHC, 2 valves, twin-spark ignition |
| Max power RPM | 5500 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 4500 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 5 |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Double cradle in steel tubes and plates |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 1440 mm |
| Ground clearance | 165 mm |
| Front suspension | 41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork, non-adjustable, 121 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Twin shocks, adjustable preload, 55 mm travel |
| Front brake | Single 300 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper |
| Rear brake | Single 240 mm disc, 1-piston floating caliper |
| Front tire | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 130/80-18 |
| ABS system | 2-channel ABS as standard (not switchable, not lean-sensitive) |
Performance
| Top speed | 120 km/h |
|---|
Electronics & rider aids
| Traction control | No |
|---|---|
| Anti-wheelie | No |
| Quickshifter | No |
| Cruise control | No |
| Dashboard | Twin analogue dials (speed, revs) and LCD screen (gear position, fuel gauge) |
| Connectivity | None |
| Other features | 2-channel ABS as standard, Spring-mounted rider seat, Centre stand, Round halogen headlight, No riding modes or traction control |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Upright, wide handlebars (classic bike) |
|---|---|
| Passenger comfort | Separate pillion seat and grab rail |
| Wind protection | None as standard |
| Payload | 190 kg |
| Max total weight | 395 kg |
The Imperiale 400 offers a classic riding position, upright with wide handlebars, and a 780 mm seat. The rider’s seat is spring-mounted, which Ultimate Motorcycling and Cycle News praise, and Moto.it finds the ergonomics roomy. The separate pillion seat and grab rail give enough room for two according to 1000PS, and SoyMotero finds it pleasant two-up, while Le Repaire des Motards lists two-up comfort among its weaknesses. Ultimate Motorcycling criticises fixed footpegs. There is no wind protection as standard. Payload is 190 kg and the maximum permitted mass 395 kg; the owner’s manual states a maximum load of 205 kg.
Ownership & maintenance
≈ 3.6 L/100 km (Moto.it, test of the Euro 4 version: 28 km/l)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~300 km (Moto.it; 12 L tank at 28 km/l recorded in testing)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 6,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 12,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 12,000 km |
| Chain | Check, clean and lubricate every 500 km, after every wash and after riding in the rain |
Warranty
3 years / No mileage limit (private use)
The Imperiale 400 E5 owner’s manual, available in Spanish, specifies a first service at 1,000 km, then an oil and filter change every 6,000 km (7,000, 13,000, 19,000 and 25,000 km) and at each annual check; oil level should be checked every 500 km (10W50 JASO MA oil, 2.5 L with filter). The air filter and spark plugs are replaced and valve clearance is checked every 12,000 km (13,000 and 25,000 km). The timing chain is replaced every 36,000 km, brake fluid every 2 years and fuel hoses every 4 years. The drive chain should be checked, cleaned and lubricated every 500 km, after every wash and after riding in the rain. Air cooling means there is no coolant to change. Benelli France provides a 3-year parts and labour warranty for private use (12 months for professional use), with no mileage limit, from first registration and provided the service schedule is followed.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benelli Imperiale 400 | €4,699 | 21 hp (15.5 kW) @ 5,500 rpm | 205 kg (kerb, all fluids, tank at least 90% full) |
| Royal Enfield Classic 3502026 | €5,290 | 20.2 hp | 195 kg (kerb) |
| Royal Enfield Bullet 3502026 | €5,240 | 20.2 hp | 195 kg (kerb) |
| Honda GB350S | €4,599 | 21 hp | 178 kg (kerb) |
| Royal Enfield HNTR 3502026 | €4,490 | 20.2 hp | 181 kg (kerb) |
Generations
- Imperiale 400 (Euro 4)2019 – 2020
374 cc · 21 hp · 29 Nm · 205 kg (road-ready)
Launch (India in 2019, Europe late 2019): 374 cc long-stroke air-cooled single, double-cradle frame, 19- and 18-inch spoked wheels; Euro 4 homologation (3.6 L/100 km, 82 g/km CO2).
- Imperiale 400 (Euro 5)2021 – 2025
374 cc · 21 hp · 29 Nm · 205 kg (road-ready)
Euro 5 update with no loss of power: secondary air injection in the exhaust, Delphi ECU, revised intake and exhaust (3.1 L/100 km, 71 g/km CO2); raised Benelli tank badge, new knee pads, Maxxis Promaxx tyres. Dropped from the French range in 2026 with no successor.
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imperiale 400 (Euro 4)2019 – 2020 Launch (India in 2019, Europe late 2019): 374 cc long-stroke air-cooled single, double-cradle frame, 19- and 18-inch spoked wheels; Euro 4 homologation (3.6 L/100 km, 82 g/km CO2). | 374 cc | 21 hp | 29 Nm | 205 kg road-ready |
| Imperiale 400 (Euro 5)2021 – 2025 Euro 5 update with no loss of power: secondary air injection in the exhaust, Delphi ECU, revised intake and exhaust (3.1 L/100 km, 71 g/km CO2); raised Benelli tank badge, new knee pads, Maxxis Promaxx tyres. Dropped from the French range in 2026 with no successor. | 374 cc | 21 hp | 29 Nm | 205 kg road-ready |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
No known recalls for this model.