Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1532929
QUICKSPIN I 2025 Benelli Imperiale 400 P106 the Benelli rep if it was. I was told it's not leather, but I'd argue that from the comfort to the detailed stitching, you could get away with a little white lie and no one would know the difference. It's that well-executed. By the way, Benelli is no lon - ger a purely Italian brand. It was bought by a Chinese company in 2005, and the motorcycles are now produced in Wenling, China (though the Centro Stile Benelli ensures that the designs and in - novations reflect Benelli's Italian heritage). While some Ameri- can customers may scoff at all these Chinese-built motorcycles coming into the country, remem- ber—and we've said this be- fore— that similar negative sen- timents were expressed about Japanese brands when they first arrived in the States. The initial impression of Benelli's build quality—and, frankly, several other Chinese brands that we've tested—is just as good as that of their competitors from other parts of the world, and you can't argue with the price. We need more riders on seats in the U.S., and the entry cost for some of the more popular, well- known brands can be prohibitive for many would-be owners. So, give these brands a chance be - fore you comment without actual knowledge of their quality. If you are a prospective buyer, do your research. The Imperiale is new to the U.S., but it has been available in European markets for several years, and there is plenty of infor - mation from current owners. As you can gather from my previous comments, from a short- term review perspective, there's not much I didn't like about the 2025 Benelli Imperiale 400. 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 some - thing cool yet affordable, this may be the bike for you. Time will tell if the new presidential tariffs will affect the price of this and other Chinese motorcycle brands, but at the current MSRP of just $4899, you simply can't go wrong with this modern classic. Keith Dowdle A 30.7-inch seat height, smooth clutch actuation, and a smooth- shifting transmission are just some of the reasons why the Imperiale is a joy to ride.