I own an 2020 Imperiale and it is a very lovely bike to ride! Everytime after a trip I have a big smile on my face, for a couple of weeks I made a trip from Holland to Germany, Adenau in the near of Nurburgring, Drove 1500 km in three days and had a wonderful trip. I changed the shape of the seat and maybe I change the rear shocks for better ones. First tyres were Bridgestone BT 46, after twelvethousend km I changed them for the new Michelin Road Classics. They are feeling good! I like the bike very much! Average fuel consumption 32 km/l. On the highway to Germany I managed 36 km/l!
@@Eastsussexbiker The bike did not have any issues at all, only sometimes the yellow light of the ABS keep on lighting, but after a couple of miles it disappeeares.
So in short it is a loverly comfortable bike, performance is ok but still running it in and I’ve watched many videos and all seem to love it. I have since put bags, windshield, LED headlamp. It’s getting quicker as the engine is being run in.
Just discovered the Beneli 400 ( on the internet). I quit fancy the look of it, and I would like a single cylinder bike. Was thinking about the new B.S.A. But was disappointed to find out it was water cooled. As I am finding out more, am pleased to read that beneli might be bringing out a 530cc version of the imperiale. Which will be even better as will have more power. Do you think they will give it an extra gear. To make it a 6 speed. That would really seal the deal. Does any one know how difficult it would be to add a gear.
Have been thinking about a small capacity retro bike as a second bike, not took any out at this point for a test ride, the problem in my area is the dealerships selling these type of bikes are not that good, so might have to go out of area to purchase one. Must say the bike im really interested in is the new bsa gold star, again will have to wait and see which dealerships they use
Done 3k on mine. 2 friends have em too. All good. I paid 3200 with 3 miles on! It's a pleasant bike. Ideal for country roads. Have a bullet too. Benelli actually better at higher speed due to smoothness. Not had any corrosion issues. 🤞
It’s wasn’t love at first sight but it’s grown on me. I have toys I want to add just fitted an LED headlight which works well not sure how legal it is I’ve asked the seller to find out. See latest video tell me what you think
I never picked up why it had just 60 miles on the clock even though you said you would come to that later (maybe in another video). I'd like a comparison to the Imperiae 400 with the Royal Enfield Meteor or the new 350 classic as you cant really compare it to a 500 bullet for several reasons. I really like the RE Meteor except the riding position but it seems a much more frugal bike with 100+ mpg against the Benellis 80mpg. How much did you pay in the UK if you dont mind me asking. Im in Thailand and they are 140k baht which is currently 3,168ukp (exactly the same as the RE Meteor. Hopefully you will do some more videos soon and go into more detail of the pros and cons of the bike. It looks very small and the handlebars narrow. Im more drawn towards the Meteor but really want to get the Benelli however no test rides on the Benelli available here. What speed would you say is the sweet spot of the Impeiale where you feel its best at cruising along without excessive noise or thrashing of the engine. I think top speed is around 75mph but maybe you can shed a little light on that too
Have a new one Same story as you got mine with just 600km have 2500km on it its the best bike I ever had im over 6 feet tall and never got tired from driving it oil in it at 1000miles is the same as new fantastic bike keep it and enjoy its cheap and chearfull and best off all 90 mph im in ireland the brakes are good but suspension is lacking a bit but I've taking it up and over mountain passage s here and the low torque is brilliant enjoy more exchaust means less miles per gallon
The speedo over reads quite considerably, so it doesn't actually do 90 mph! 😅 I've checked the GPS speeds vs the tachometer, & the actual top gear ratio is 12.5 mph per 1000. So, 4000 is 50 mph. 5,000 is 62.5. 5600 is 70 exactly, & 6000 is 75. It can hit a genuine 80 in perfect conditions at the rev limiter.
Small, cheap, light bikes are the way to go. I’ve a Fantic 500 and a Vitpilen 701. No need for anything bigger, heavier, or more powerful these days. I went into my local dealer in Newcastle a couple of years back-I’d bought Triumphs, BMWs and Ducatis from him. At that time I had a 990 KTM and it was a few years old. He started trying to talk to me about buying a new 1190….£17K ! …..too much for me and I didn’t need any more performance.
I can’t afford nor care for all this big expensive stuff I’ve just got another Bullet 2007 which is all I need but couldn’t do any distance on it especially on motorway. But so much more fun to be out on and see so much more. It’s the experience you’re buying.
There seems to be a discrepancy of where exactly maximum torque lies. Most websites say 3,500, others say 4,500. I'm inclined to believe 4500 personally, for two reasons. 29 Nm at 3,500 is 14 bhp. 29 Nm at 4,500 is 18.2 bhp. Maximum power generally arrives around 1000 to 1500 above peak torque revs, & the Benelli power peak is at 5500, & 21 bhp. If the peak torque arrived as early as 3,500, the peak power would be less & lower in the rev range. I imagine the torque spread on this engine is extremely broad, as it has a 90 mm stroke exactly like the old original Bullets of 350 & 500. But infinitely better mechanically balanced. Perhaps the smoothest single ever made! Well done Chinese engineering! 👏
But the fule solenoid went on it, and had to wait about 4 months before they could get hold of a new 1, but since then it has been fine, I have taken the back seat of it, so it looks even better now😊
Don't think is much different mechanically, apart from changes to the catalytic converter. Pity they didn't improve the rear suspension. Still think it's excellent value though
Really ! I’m not sure how this will sell over here. I know it’s early days with this bike but it seems to be really good quality rides well so far I can’t fault it gear change is slick and quiet not clunky at all. I’d rather have a bullet but I have this now so I have to live with it.
@@Eastsussexbiker Yes, 2017 600i's and such for sale all over the country, (NEW), zero miles. And they want the same price as a new 2020-21? No way anybody is going to pay high retail for a 5 year old bike that will be worth 2 grand when it is road off the show room floor. Importer should eat some $ and blow them out for about $2995 or so to get them off the floor for new models. They never brought in the GT model? That's the one I wanted?
Yeah it’s a tough call and sadly people don’t like the Chinese bikes by they are really good if I can’t sell it I’ll keep it but my heart is with the Bullet. Thanks for watching the video. I do it for fun so most of it is a load of guff.
Wow. A biker who regularly gets bored with & changes bikes WITHOUT losing shedloads of money? Blimey, you're wasted. You should be running the country!
I own an 2020 Imperiale and it is a very lovely bike to ride! Everytime after a trip I have a big smile on my face, for a couple of weeks I made a trip from Holland to Germany, Adenau in the near of Nurburgring, Drove 1500 km in three days and had a wonderful trip. I changed the shape of the seat and maybe I change the rear shocks for better ones. First tyres were Bridgestone BT 46, after twelvethousend km I changed them for the new Michelin Road Classics. They are feeling good! I like the bike very much! Average fuel consumption 32 km/l. On the highway to Germany I managed 36 km/l!
Hi that’s very good to know. You get about. How have found the quality of the bike as in rust and paintwork or electrical and problems in general.
@@Eastsussexbiker The bike did not have any issues at all, only sometimes the yellow light of the ABS keep on lighting, but after a couple of miles it disappeeares.
So in short it is a loverly comfortable bike, performance is ok but still running it in and I’ve watched many videos and all seem to love it. I have since put bags, windshield, LED headlamp. It’s getting quicker as the engine is being run in.
Honest thoughts. Refreshing.
Liked for the "real world" review. Subscribed because of the jazz playing as you came into Heathfield :-)
Odd what makes you like a video but thank you. They are just for fun I’m no vlogger.
Great and honest. Well done.
Just discovered the Beneli 400 ( on the internet). I quit fancy the look of it, and I would like a single cylinder bike. Was thinking about the new B.S.A. But was disappointed to find out it was water cooled. As I am finding out more, am pleased to read that beneli might be bringing out a 530cc version of the imperiale. Which will be even better as will have more power. Do you think they will give it an extra gear. To make it a 6 speed. That would really seal the deal. Does any one know how difficult it would be to add a gear.
Have been thinking about a small capacity retro bike as a second bike, not took any out at this point for a test ride, the problem in my area is the dealerships selling these type of bikes are not that good, so might have to go out of area to purchase one. Must say the bike im really interested in is the new bsa gold star, again will have to wait and see which dealerships they use
Done 3k on mine. 2 friends have em too. All good. I paid 3200 with 3 miles on! It's a pleasant bike. Ideal for country roads. Have a bullet too. Benelli actually better at higher speed due to smoothness. Not had any corrosion issues. 🤞
I regret selling my Bullet so I want another a stupid mistake.
@@Eastsussexbiker Yes they are nice. Ride em in low to midrange. If I had to keep one it would be bullet. Although benelli fits me better. 6ft4.
@@zedcharlie I am 6'5" and agree the Benelli is much more comfortable for bigger riders. Higher handlebars and feels more substantial underneath you
Nice looking bike, seems like it makes you happy, what more could one ask for?
It’s wasn’t love at first sight but it’s grown on me. I have toys I want to add just fitted an LED headlight which works well not sure how legal it is I’ve asked the seller to find out. See latest video tell me what you think
You make nice noises when you think. When I have a think it sounds like grinding gears.
I get the occasional grinding noise believe me. Hope you are keeping well
I never picked up why it had just 60 miles on the clock even though you said you would come to that later (maybe in another video). I'd like a comparison to the Imperiae 400 with the Royal Enfield Meteor or the new 350 classic as you cant really compare it to a 500 bullet for several reasons. I really like the RE Meteor except the riding position but it seems a much more frugal bike with 100+ mpg against the Benellis 80mpg. How much did you pay in the UK if you dont mind me asking. Im in Thailand and they are 140k baht which is currently 3,168ukp (exactly the same as the RE Meteor. Hopefully you will do some more videos soon and go into more detail of the pros and cons of the bike. It looks very small and the handlebars narrow. Im more drawn towards the Meteor but really want to get the Benelli however no test rides on the Benelli available here.
What speed would you say is the sweet spot of the Impeiale where you feel its best at cruising along without excessive noise or thrashing of the engine. I think top speed is around 75mph but maybe you can shed a little light on that too
I bought it with 60 miles because the owner gave up riding due to health issues
The Benelli will easily manage 90+ mpg imperial on average, - & on longer runs in top will give 102 mpg.
Have a new one Same story as you got mine with just 600km have 2500km on it its the best bike I ever had im over 6 feet tall and never got tired from driving it oil in it at 1000miles is the same as new fantastic bike keep it and enjoy its cheap and chearfull and best off all 90 mph im in ireland the brakes are good but suspension is lacking a bit but I've taking it up and over mountain passage s here and the low torque is brilliant enjoy more exchaust means less miles per gallon
Change the rear shocks for YSS RD222 340P 06 X. Day and night!!!
The speedo over reads quite considerably, so it doesn't actually do 90 mph! 😅
I've checked the GPS speeds vs the tachometer, & the actual top gear ratio is 12.5 mph per 1000.
So, 4000 is 50 mph. 5,000 is 62.5.
5600 is 70 exactly, & 6000 is 75.
It can hit a genuine 80 in perfect conditions at the rev limiter.
Looking at one of these or the new RE classic 350, any thoughts?
They are all really good and worth a test ride I'd love a new one
Small, cheap, light bikes are the way to go. I’ve a Fantic 500 and a Vitpilen 701. No need for anything bigger, heavier, or more powerful these days. I went into my local dealer in Newcastle a couple of years back-I’d bought Triumphs, BMWs and Ducatis from him. At that time I had a 990 KTM and it was a few years old. He started trying to talk to me about buying a new 1190….£17K ! …..too much for me and I didn’t need any more performance.
I can’t afford nor care for all this big expensive stuff I’ve just got another Bullet 2007 which is all I need but couldn’t do any distance on it especially on motorway. But so much more fun to be out on and see so much more. It’s the experience you’re buying.
You get into fifth quickly because the engine produces most of the torque by 3000 rpm so there is little point in revving the engine up to the red
Yes that true enough
There seems to be a discrepancy of where exactly maximum torque lies.
Most websites say 3,500, others say 4,500.
I'm inclined to believe 4500 personally, for two reasons.
29 Nm at 3,500 is 14 bhp.
29 Nm at 4,500 is 18.2 bhp.
Maximum power generally arrives around 1000 to 1500 above peak torque revs, & the Benelli power peak is at 5500, & 21 bhp.
If the peak torque arrived as early as 3,500, the peak power would be less & lower in the rev range.
I imagine the torque spread on this engine is extremely broad, as it has a 90 mm stroke exactly like the old original Bullets of 350 & 500.
But infinitely better mechanically balanced. Perhaps the smoothest single ever made! Well done Chinese engineering! 👏
Why you preferred Benelli over Royal Enfield , though both are in same price range
It’s a close call I miss the thump of the RE I’m still trying to decide which one I prefer. Benelli is smoother less vibration
Yes I did say it was a 2001 towards the end a mere slip of the tongue ! It’s defo a 2021 !
I got the bike in August 2022, I love it, But the fuel solin
But the fule solenoid went on it, and had to wait about 4 months before they could get hold of a new 1, but since then it has been fine, I have taken the back seat of it, so it looks even better now😊
Think yours is actually a 2020 model, 21 models visually have a different badge (not decal) on the side panels and the knee pads are no the same
Didn’t know that I’ll check it out
I see what you mean
Don't think is much different mechanically, apart from changes to the catalytic converter. Pity they didn't improve the rear suspension. Still think it's excellent value though
USA importer only brings in Benelli's that don't sell. Brand new 600i models setting on show room floors for years.
Really ! I’m not sure how this will sell over here. I know it’s early days with this bike but it seems to be really good quality rides well so far I can’t fault it gear change is slick and quiet not clunky at all. I’d rather have a bullet but I have this now so I have to live with it.
@@Eastsussexbiker Yes, 2017 600i's and such for sale all over the country, (NEW), zero miles. And they want the same price as a new 2020-21? No way anybody is going to pay high retail for a 5 year old bike that will be worth 2 grand when it is road off the show room floor. Importer should eat some $ and blow them out for about $2995 or so to get them off the floor for new models. They never brought in the GT model? That's the one I wanted?
I've seen your newer video, and know that you bought it to sell on cos you wanted the RE bullet but now you're not sure as it's a good value bike 😂
Yeah it’s a tough call and sadly people don’t like the Chinese bikes by they are really good if I can’t sell it I’ll keep it but my heart is with the Bullet. Thanks for watching the video. I do it for fun so most of it is a load of guff.
Wow. A biker who regularly gets bored with & changes bikes WITHOUT losing shedloads of money?
Blimey, you're wasted. You should be running the country!
I'm working on it :)
Completely useless review.
Ok. Rather useless review 🙂
Thank you Bart can't please every one and you told me twice