Can this Italian bike win Indian hearts?

Benelli isn't a new name to motorcycles as the automaker is one of the oldest Italian two-wheeler companies.

Benelli is betting big on entry-level segments as so evident by the latest BN251 motorcycle, says Faisal Ali Khan

Benelli is entering India soon, in collaboration with DSK Motowheels who also handles Hyosung in our country. Benelli has already revealed plans to launch five new motorcycles in the domestic market in the next few months.

The company recently unveiled the Benelli BN251, a new motorcycle at the 2014 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. This bike could make its way to India in the foreseeable future.

The BN251 is powered by a single-cylinder engine, the 249cc mill generating 24.5 PS of power and 21 Nm of torque, matched to a 6-speed gearbox.

The bike uses telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock for the suspension. It runs on 110/70 and 140/60 tyres at the front and rear, 17-inch in diameter.

It employs a light weight Trellis frame.

The Benelli BN251 is as big as the KTM Duke 200 as far as dimensions go and that's largely because this Italian bike will rival the made in India Austrian machine.

The BN251 does have a longer wheelbase than the orange machine.

With a seat height of 780 mm, the BN251 will appeal to short riders but the ground clearance is low at 130 mm.

The Benelli BN251 has a 280 mm disc at the front and 240 mm disc at the rear. This naked bike looks aggressive and, if priced well, could be a hot seller in the Indian market.