Benelli Imperiale 400

The Imperiale has had a few niggles but it will be back on mile-munching duty soon!

Slowly, but surely the Imperiale is pushing me further into the endless void of the biking world

TWO THOUSAND KILOMETRES! That’s the distance I’ve had the Imperiale 400 between my legs now and as my first proper bike (I’ve been too infatuated by cars to pay attention to the dark side), each one of those 2000km has been a new learning. My gear changes have become faster, smoother, I’m just about getting used to having my face covered in soot if my visor is open and my teeny arms aren’t trembling with the weight of the Imperiale after every ride either. Slowly but surely the Imperiale is pushing me further into the endless (but addicting) void of the biking world.

The 374cc engine is not lacking in character and the sweet exhaust note is mildly addictive, especially when it pops and crackles on the overrun. Yes, at over 200kg the Imperiale is heavy, but that has helped me massively when I’ve gotten to ride the other bikes that have come to the office. The Benelli has also gotten me so used to the benefits of a motorcycle in traffic that I’ve started turning down taking home cars when the clock strikes rush hour. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined that happening.

But business aside, the Benelli is equally impressive when it comes to leisure. It can hold an easy cruise at 70-80kmph on the highway and the vibrations aren’t uncomfortable. It is also quite stable at speed. The ownership experience hasn’t been totally carefree though — there is a glitch with the fuelling because of which the throttle sticks even after you let it go. The bike is currently in the service centre and the team has said they will get it fixed. Here’s hoping!L

Date acquired October 2020 Total mileage 2412km Mileage this month 325km Costs this month Nil Overall kmpl 29.2