2024 Benelli Imperiale 400 Buyer’s Guide: Specs and Price

The 2024 Benelli Imperiale 400 arrives in the United States as a retro standard sporting authentic design cues inspired by the 1940s 500 Valvole Laterali. Following Benelli’s transition to handling its own North American importation and distribution for 2024, the Imperiale 400 steps into the lineup to replace the Leoncino 500 at an accessible price point of $4899 MSRP.

Beneath its vintage styling lies an air-cooled, long-stroke 374cc single-cylinder engine featuring an overhead-cam design with pushrod styling hints on the right side and a hidden fuel injector. The engine runs on 87-octane fuel thanks to a low 8.5:1 compression ratio.

It kicks out a claimed 21 horsepower near the 6000 rpm redline and 21 ft-lbs of torque at 4500 rpm, delivering soft power off idle that welcomes new and returning riders alike. The powerplant is paired with a 5-speed gearbox featuring a smooth throw and a low first gear for effortless low-speed maneuvering.

A double-cradle steel frame underpins the nostalgic chassis, working alongside a 41mm non-adjustable fork offering 4.7 inches of travel and 1970s-style twin piggyback-reservoir shocks with spring-preload adjustability offering 2.2 inches of travel. The bike rolls on 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoke tube-type wheels wrapped in Cordial tires (100/90 x 19 front and 130/80 x 18 rear).

Stopping duties are handled by a 300mm front disc with a two-piston caliper and a 240mm rear disc with a two-piston caliper, with standard ABS. Ergonomics include an upright, neutral riding position, a wide swept-back handlebar, a sprung rider seat, and a separate generously padded passenger seat.

Instrumentation combines analog speedometer and tachometer dials with a thin LCD strip displaying gear position and fuel level for the 3.2-gallon tank. The motorcycle features a wheelbase of 56.7 inches, a seat height of 30.7 inches, and a curb weight of 452 pounds.