Benelli 402 S 2025 : In a bold move that has sent ripples through the Indian motorcycle market, Benelli has launched its highly anticipated 402 S for the 2025 model year. This launch marks a significant milestone for both the Italian manufacturer and Indian motorcycle enthusiasts, bringing a perfect blend of European engineering and design sensibilities to the subcontinent’s increasingly sophisticated two-wheeler market.
The Evolution of Benelli in India
The story of Benelli in India is one of persistence and strategic growth. Since its re-entry into the Indian market through a partnership with Adishwar Auto Ride India (AARI), the brand has carefully built its presence, understanding the unique demands of Indian riders while staying true to its Italian heritage. The launch of the 402 S represents the culmination of this journey, offering a motorcycle that speaks to both the heart and mind of the Indian biker.
A Legacy of Innovation
Benelli’s history dates back to 1911, making it one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the world. This rich heritage is evident in every aspect of the 402 S, from its distinctive design language to its engineering solutions. The motorcycle carries forward the brand’s tradition of innovation while incorporating modern technologies and features that today’s riders demand.
Design and Aesthetics
The Visual Impact
The 2025 Benelli 402 S commands attention with its aggressive naked sports bike styling. The design team has created a masterpiece that combines muscular proportions with sleek, modern lines. The LED headlight assembly, featuring a distinctive DRL signature, gives the bike a menacing front face that sets it apart in traffic.
The fuel tank’s sculptured design provides excellent knee recesses for better rider control while adding to the bike’s visual mass. The short tail section, complete with LED taillights, gives the 402 S a compact, ready-to-pounce stance that motorcycle enthusiasts have come to love in the naked sports segment.
Ergonomics and Comfort
One of the most impressive aspects of the 402 S is how it balances sporty aesthetics with practical comfort. The riding position is surprisingly accommodating for Indian conditions, with a relatively upright posture that works well for both city commuting and weekend adventures. The seat height of 785mm makes it accessible to riders of various heights, while the well-padded seat ensures comfort during longer rides.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Engine and Power Delivery
At the heart of the 402 S lies a 399cc parallel-twin engine, which has been specifically tuned for Indian conditions. This liquid-cooled powerplant produces a respectable 47.5 PS at 8,500 rpm and 37 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. What’s particularly noteworthy is how the engine delivers its power – there’s a strong mid-range punch that makes urban riding a joy, while still maintaining enough top-end performance for highway cruising.
The engine features:
- Four valves per cylinder
- Electronic fuel injection with dual throttle bodies
- Liquid cooling system optimized for Indian climate
- 6-speed transmission with slipper clutch
Chassis and Suspension
The 402 S is built around a steel trellis frame that provides excellent rigidity while keeping weight in check. The suspension setup consists of:
- 41mm upside-down front forks with 120mm travel
- Rear mono-shock with adjustable preload
- 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels
- 120/70-ZR17 front and 160/60-ZR17 rear tires
This combination delivers a balanced riding experience, offering stability at high speeds while remaining agile enough for city maneuvers.
Technology and Features
Electronic Suite
The 2025 model comes equipped with a comprehensive electronics package that includes:
- Dual-channel ABS with three intervention levels
- Traction control system
- Multiple riding modes (Sport, Urban, Rain)
- Full-color TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity
- Turn-by-turn navigation capability
- Smartphone app integration
Lighting and Instrumentation
The bike features all-LED lighting, including:
- Projector headlamp with LED DRL
- LED turn indicators
- LED tail lamp with dynamic brake light function
The 5-inch TFT display offers excellent visibility in all lighting conditions and can be customized to show various information layouts based on rider preference.
Performance and Handling
Road Behavior
During extensive testing across various Indian road conditions, the 402 S has shown remarkable composure. The bike feels planted on highways, with minimal wind buffeting thanks to its well-designed bodywork. In city traffic, the light clutch action and responsive throttle make it easy to manage slow-speed maneuvers.
The braking system, featuring 320mm dual discs up front and a 260mm rear disc, provides excellent stopping power with good feel through the levers. The dual-channel ABS is well-calibrated for Indian road conditions, intervening smoothly when needed without being overly intrusive.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
In real-world testing, the 402 S has demonstrated impressive fuel efficiency for its class:
- City riding: 22-25 kmpl
- Highway cruising: 28-32 kmpl
- Combined cycle: 25-27 kmpl
With its 15-liter fuel tank, this translates to a practical range of 350-400 kilometers, making it suitable for both daily commuting and weekend touring.
Market Positioning and Competition
Price and Value Proposition
The Benelli 402 S enters the Indian market at a competitive price point of ₹4.25 lakh (ex-showroom). This positioning puts it in direct competition with:
- KTM 390 Duke
- BMW G 310 R
- Honda CB300R
- Kawasaki Z400
However, the 402 S distinguishes itself through its unique combination of Italian design, robust build quality, and comprehensive feature list.
After-Sales Support
Benelli has significantly expanded its service network in India, now covering:
- 45 authorized dealerships across major cities
- 60 service centers nationwide
- 24×7 roadside assistance program
- 3-year standard warranty
- Option to extend warranty up to 5 years
The Ownership Experience
Maintenance and Running Costs
The 402 S has been designed with reasonable maintenance costs in mind:
- Service intervals: Every 6,000 km or 6 months
- Average service cost: ₹3,000-4,500
- Major service cost (every 24,000 km): ₹8,000-10,000
- Tire life expectancy: 20,000-25,000 km
Customization Options
Benelli offers a range of official accessories for the 402 S:
- Crash protection package
- Touring windscreen
- Soft panniers and tank bag
- Performance exhaust system
- Quick-shifter kit
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Emission Standards
The 2025 Benelli 402 S is fully compliant with BS6 Phase 2 emission norms, featuring:
- Advanced catalytic converter
- O2 sensor with closed-loop feedback
- Evaporative emission control system
- Start-stop technology for reduced idle emissions
Future-Ready Design
The motorcycle’s platform has been designed with future emission regulations in mind, with provisions for:
- Further catalyst upgrades
- Integration of alternative fuel technologies
- Enhanced emission control systems
Living with the 402 S
Daily Usability
The 402 S proves to be a practical daily rider with features like:
- Excellent low-speed balance
- Light clutch action
- Good heat management in traffic
- Adequate ground clearance for Indian roads
- USB charging port for devices
Long-Distance Touring
For touring enthusiasts, the bike offers:
- Comfortable riding position
- Good wind protection
- Stable high-speed behavior
- Adequate luggage mounting points
- Reliable performance in varying conditions
The Verdict
Strengths
The 2025 Benelli 402 S impresses with its:
- Distinctive Italian design
- Strong build quality
- Comprehensive feature list
- Competitive pricing
- Balanced performance
Areas for Improvement
Some aspects that could be better:
- Slightly heavy for the segment
- Service network still expanding
- Limited color options
- Premium pricing of spare parts
The 2025 Benelli 402 S represents a significant step forward for both the brand and the Indian premium motorcycle segment. It successfully combines the allure of Italian design with practical features suited for Indian conditions. While it may not be the cheapest option in its segment, it offers a compelling package that will appeal to riders looking for something different from the usual Japanese and European offerings.
The motorcycle’s balanced approach to performance, comfort, and technology makes it a viable option for both new riders stepping up to their first big bike and experienced enthusiasts looking for a capable all-rounder. With its strong after-sales network and competitive warranty package, Benelli has addressed many of the concerns that Indian buyers typically have about premium European brands.
As the Indian motorcycle market continues to mature, offerings like the 402 S play a crucial role in providing riders with more choices and pushing the boundaries of what they can expect from their motorcycles. Whether it’s for daily commuting, weekend rides, or long-distance touring, the Benelli 402 S proves to be a capable and engaging companion that brings Italian flair to Indian roads.
For prospective buyers, the 402 S represents not just a motorcycle purchase, but an entry into the world of Italian motorcycling heritage combined with modern engineering and technology. It’s a bold statement that stands out in a market increasingly populated by similar-looking options, offering a unique blend of style, performance, and practicality that many Indian riders have been waiting for.
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