I've had the 250cc version for about 18mths (my first bike) and really enjoy it. After 8000km I'm looking for a used 500cc+ bike to upgrade, but that would have to be used, whereas my 250 was bought new and has been totally reliable. It'll be tough to let it go.
@@kuni4723 supposedly 150kph. In my case I think 135kph at 8000rpm with 2000rpm left, so it's roughly correct. 0-100kph in about 8 seconds. It was a great beginner bike for me as a total novice.
@@An0nym0usSauce Had it for 1 year before my first big bike and I would not recommend it tbh, it's Italian design but it's made in China. There is a 50/50 chance with them, it's either good or really shit, chain tension is awful on it too; it comes loose very easily. If you're after your first 125, we can exchange info and i'll help you out :) Also, parts are a pain in the arse to get.
@@liamfox2170 Thanks for the help, I’m not old enough to start riding 125 yet but I’m thinking of getting one in a couple years. I found the Leoncino and it seemed high quality from the video but as always it takes more time riding to find the smaller details. Also I’m just over 6 foot so the lower ride height might be a problem too. Are there any 125s you would recommend and also which bike have you got now?
I was actually just looking at this in the dealership near me this morning. It's a good looking bike, and from your review looks to be the city commuter I've been wanting.
I purchased this bike last week and im in love with it! Although that wasnt hard as it was like love at first site when i seen it on the shop floor the only thing i can fault about it is a digital clock on the dash would have made it that bit better for me...Other than that a gorgeous bike and already had a lot of people complement the bike!
Just brought this as my first bike until do big bike tests, nice size bike an I'm 6ft. Very happy sharpening (and enjoying) my riding. Great review, i hadn't seen these until I watched
You won’t regret them. Only a few years ago they were lacking quality, they were just enough Now they really are amazing, i’m so in love and i have quite some KM under my belt
Great review Mark! I own a 500 Trail and i must say that the Italians have kept the same attention to detail on this Little Lion , some nice little touches here and there although i do think the exhaust could have been a bit better looking !
@@bradster1708 i know that but the Leoncino was designed in Italy it even says it on the bike. By the way i have been living in Italy for 40 years. Buona giornata!
Great video as always Mark! Unrelated question because I've been told many different things and I'd like your take on it: When you are turning at high speeds do you use counter steering, pushing on the bars, or do you lean? I've heard some people tell me always lean, I've heard others say never lean. Really appreciate your input thank you!
Hi mark, great review! I'm in the market for a 125 at the moment. Iv watched your other review on the zontes zt125 G1, In your opinion which out the 2 did u like the most zontes or this? Thanks 👍
2:38 Nice backdrop. No surging/hunting in town is so important. It's the only thing I don't like about the 390, but I bet some bikes are worse. Someone I know has been running a Leoncino 500 for over ttwo years. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with it, and he puts serious miles on it. I considered one at one time. I'm sure you've sold this bike to a few young viewers, Mark. Good review.
Because of this video i bought a new Benelli Leonchino 125 22, 1500mi and i still love it, would like to put a Mivv Exhaust on it but there very expensive at the moment, this is also my first geared 125 bike as well i would recommend it
Great looking bike. Today's smaller displacement bikes are so much better than what I had to choose from back in the early 80's. 3 spark plugs on a 125cc engine??? Any reason for them doing this? Cheers.
As a result of the partnership with Storied Italian Manufacturer Benelli, leoncino 125 benefits from the latest in Multi Valve, Multi Spark engine BMT technology to achieve higher fuel efficiency. Lean combustion without sacrificing power is achieved by mixing fuel and air above the theoretical air-fuel ratio (14.7:1). But too lean a fuel and air mixture is not an easy task to ignite. The BMT power platform adopts a higher compression ratio, and the temperature of the mixture is higher and easier to ignite when the piston reaches the top dead centre, literally more Bang for your Buck! cheers mark
As always a great review Mark. Bike seems very competitively priced with a really nice finish. Now my planned CBF purchase has another contender! Best David
Great review of a good 125 but I can't get my head around that these modern 125 engines aren't any faster that my CB125 HONDA single pot from the 1970's , you would think that with fuel injection and modern engines the performance would increase but apparently not .
It's not for engineering reasons, but rather legislation. 125s are limited to 15hp in the UK so that's what the manufacturers target, they could do higher power models but they'd cost a lot more to develop and manufacture and the return on that invesment would be negligible in terms of power, and non-existent in terms of finances so the OEMs don't bother.
Good review as usual. But 145kg dry, only 12 bhp, no abs. What were they thinking? It’s a cheaply built Chinese bike with an Italian brand stuck on it. It looks good, though, apart from the hideous dash. That looks like a recycled old iPhone…
Hi mark hope u are well just want to ask I have saw a lovely leather motorbike jacket I want to get but do u get really hot in them. In the summer months 🥵
Hi mat yes but some have vents or tiny holes in them which help air flow to keep you cool and it's really only hot when say 25c or above ,I wear my leather jacket in 20 c with no probs and wear a wicking t shirt underneath Another option is a mesh jacket in the peak of summer that has the armor built in Cheers mark
@@thunderchild2237 the ninja is a very nice 125 but pricey new ... the Chinese bikes are very good for the money have a look at the zontes zt125 u1 etc they are very good 👍
It looks like a really nice bike, but I have some apprehension about fueling Chinese dominance of all sectors of manufacturing and what that does to strengthen the position of the CCP. I really hate to bring world politics into it but it is a thing.
Good review as always Mark :-) But definitely not for me, ugly looking thing with that huge exhaust...What was the top speed Mark ??...Looked like it was struggling doing 60 up a wee hill :-( Don't like CBS either, ok in the dry, not so much in the wet :-(
It’s also better in finish, more reliable and way beautiful (check design finishes!) Italian style with sturdy, rugged chinese engine you can treat bad without consequences
@@markpulling12 Just double checked, Benelli is still an Italian company based still in Pesaro, BUT in 2005 it got acquired by Qianjiang motorcycle. Yet one another historic company being inglobated 🥲
Best looking 125 I've ever seen. Benelli put a lot of effort into that bike and it shows.
I've had the 250cc version for about 18mths (my first bike) and really enjoy it. After 8000km I'm looking for a used 500cc+ bike to upgrade, but that would have to be used, whereas my 250 was bought new and has been totally reliable. It'll be tough to let it go.
Do you know what the highest speed possible with that bike is?
@@kuni4723 supposedly 150kph. In my case I think 135kph at 8000rpm with 2000rpm left, so it's roughly correct. 0-100kph in about 8 seconds. It was a great beginner bike for me as a total novice.
@@phillipwareham thank you very much. I think im gonna decide for that because im making 125 drivers license
Quality is really good, except for the stock tyres
8.000km in it and i’m so in love, daily ride everywhere
Picking this up Monday its my first bike , I'm a new rider . Can't wait 🎉
How is it after a year of riding?
@@An0nym0usSauce Had it for 1 year before my first big bike and I would not recommend it tbh, it's Italian design but it's made in China. There is a 50/50 chance with them, it's either good or really shit, chain tension is awful on it too; it comes loose very easily. If you're after your first 125, we can exchange info and i'll help you out :)
Also, parts are a pain in the arse to get.
@@liamfox2170 Thanks for the help, I’m not old enough to start riding 125 yet but I’m thinking of getting one in a couple years. I found the Leoncino and it seemed high quality from the video but as always it takes more time riding to find the smaller details. Also I’m just over 6 foot so the lower ride height might be a problem too. Are there any 125s you would recommend and also which bike have you got now?
I was actually just looking at this in the dealership near me this morning. It's a good looking bike, and from your review looks to be the city commuter I've been wanting.
Thanks yes it rides lovely
I’ve just purchased this in the Green today! I’m in love! It’s my first bike as well! :)
Well done Charlotte great choice:)
Congratulations
Well done
Been using the 250 version for the past two years. Fantastic bike
I purchased this bike last week and im in love with it! Although that wasnt hard as it was like love at first site when i seen it on the shop floor the only thing i can fault about it is a digital clock on the dash would have made it that bit better for me...Other than that a gorgeous bike and already had a lot of people complement the bike!
Thanks James yes it's quite a looker:)
Good to hear, just purchased one today.. Thursday is the day.. How you getting on?
You can buy a watch and put it on steering wheel.
Does anyone have wet issues with the benelli leoncino 125
Because on Google on a forum many had issues in the rain
Just brought this as my first bike until do big bike tests, nice size bike an I'm 6ft.
Very happy sharpening (and enjoying) my riding.
Great review, i hadn't seen these until I watched
Thanks Scott great choice good luck with your biking adventures cheers mark
Thanks to your videos Mark I'm becoming really impressed with these Benelli bikes.
Me too there is a leoncino 800 due soon 😁
You won’t regret them. Only a few years ago they were lacking quality, they were just enough
Now they really are amazing, i’m so in love and i have quite some KM under my belt
Great review Mark!
I own a 500 Trail and i must say that the Italians have kept the same attention to detail on this Little Lion , some nice little touches here and there although i do think the exhaust could have been a bit better looking !
Just a little reminder, Benelli is now Chinese owned and built in China.
@@bradster1708 i know that but the Leoncino was designed in Italy it even says it on the bike. By the way i have been living in Italy for 40 years.
Buona giornata!
I've just ordered this but in green, watching your video sealed it for me :) can't wait
Great choice many thanks 😊
Good looking bike, especially in green. Except, what were they thinking of with the dash?
I bought this one in green and i am very happy
Great video as always Mark! Unrelated question because I've been told many different things and I'd like your take on it: When you are turning at high speeds do you use counter steering, pushing on the bars, or do you lean? I've heard some people tell me always lean, I've heard others say never lean. Really appreciate your input thank you!
Hi Harrison it's a combination of the two for me ...after a while you just do it automatically :)
Fortnine explains that very very well...in it's unique style...
Cheers for the review helped me decide on a bike and I’ve Just bought this one and I love it
Is it good I'm having hard time choosing between this one, a Kawasaki ninja and a KTM Duke
Hi mark, great review! I'm in the market for a 125 at the moment. Iv watched your other review on the zontes zt125 G1, In your opinion which out the 2 did u like the most zontes or this? Thanks 👍
Hi both are very good but I preferred the look,build quality and engine of the G1 cheers mark. Also rkf 125 is another one to consider
@@markpulling12 was hoping u said that 😂. i'll take have a look at the rkf as well. Thanks mark 💪
Beautiful bike and it's full size. I like that a lot more than the mini motos.
2:38 Nice backdrop. No surging/hunting in town is so important. It's the only thing I don't like about the 390, but I bet some bikes are worse. Someone I know has been running a Leoncino 500 for over ttwo years. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with it, and he puts serious miles on it. I considered one at one time.
I'm sure you've sold this bike to a few young viewers, Mark. Good review.
Thanks nik yes it's quite a looker:)
Will this lion vub be coming to the USA?
Does it mean the Cino 500 will also get a refresh??
Superb review, I'm convinced. ❤️🏆
Because of this video i bought a new Benelli Leonchino 125 22, 1500mi and i still love it, would like to put a Mivv Exhaust on it but there very expensive at the moment, this is also my first geared 125 bike as well i would recommend it
Many thanks glad it's going well ☺️
Great looking bike. Today's smaller displacement bikes are so much better than what I had to choose from back in the early 80's.
3 spark plugs on a 125cc engine??? Any reason for them doing this?
Cheers.
As a result of the partnership with Storied Italian Manufacturer Benelli, leoncino 125 benefits from the latest in Multi Valve, Multi Spark engine BMT technology to achieve higher fuel efficiency. Lean combustion without sacrificing power is achieved by mixing fuel and air above the theoretical air-fuel ratio (14.7:1). But too lean a fuel and air mixture is not an easy task to ignite. The BMT power platform adopts a higher compression ratio, and the temperature of the mixture is higher and easier to ignite when the piston reaches the top dead centre, literally more Bang for your Buck! cheers mark
Really like new 125 benelli great review thanks mark bikes getting better every year👍🤟
Thanks Andrew... great bike 😊
Nice review and very nice bike, gives the Yamaha XSR 125 some competition in the looks and less money.
Another great review from you Mark and a nice little bike.
Many thanks 👍
As always a great review Mark. Bike seems very competitively priced with a really nice finish. Now my planned CBF purchase has another contender! Best David
Hi David thanks 👍😊
I wonder if this will available in the USA?
Made first 100km with it; loving it. It’s just a little bit too heavy low speed, that’s it
Great review mark that looks amazing,finish looks good.an alternative to the other brands on the market.its got Italian charm all over it.
Thanks James 😊☺️ 💯
Benelli, a Chinese company made in china. The same China that supports Putin.
Would you recommend CBS or ABS for a motorcycle?
Abs is much safer and more efficient...cbs is just combined braking which a lot of the cheaper Chinese 125s have ...it's ok
Cheers mark
Mark, if pushed RKF 125 or this Benelli?
Think I'd go for the rkf ...I think it's a bit cheaper and it uses the same engine:)
Are people in the US able to order this through a dealer?
Good review nice little bike there mark and in some good colors I also like those indicators to I'd have them on my bike : )
Yes I like the green 💚
Is that you creaking at the seat height clip Mark, or the bike?
Haha lol probably me !!!
Thank you for review, I'm looking for small city bike and I've found it :)
Many thanks don't forget about the zontes G1 aswell cheers mark
Maximum speed?
70 mph
It's verrrrrrrry pretty.
Need a trail version like the bigger bikes.
I agree 👍💯
How is it vs the zontes G1 and ZT 125? Looks a lot nicer than the cb125f but is £600 more
Hi it rides much the same as a g1 the g1 has a tiny bit more power I'd say
You make a good point mate. The Honda would have alot more longevity and hold its price much better. You see 10 year old CBF still making £750 +
Just got this bike today I love it
Great choice 😊
how is the bike now? hows the durability
Looks great, another great review
Thanks Martine :)
Question for all the people. Which color is the best for this bike in your opinion?
Thanks for answering
La blanca al verla da la impresión de ser una moto mucho más grande.
i wonder Mark is it bigger than the R.K.F 125, im 6 ft and would like a 125 as a second bike.
Hi Fred it's a bit bigger than the rkf
Great video mate
Many thanks Dave 😊
Great review of a good 125 but I can't get my head around that these modern 125 engines aren't any faster that my CB125 HONDA single pot from the 1970's , you would think that with fuel injection and modern engines the performance would increase but apparently not .
Yes I know Philip ..I guess a1 class 125cc is max 15 HP ish and they can only be 70 ish mph maximum
Cheers mark
It's not for engineering reasons, but rather legislation. 125s are limited to 15hp in the UK so that's what the manufacturers target, they could do higher power models but they'd cost a lot more to develop and manufacture and the return on that invesment would be negligible in terms of power, and non-existent in terms of finances so the OEMs don't bother.
Tiger660?
That's funny, I could've sworn you'd already done the little lion! Well, good to see it. I like Benelli. It's on my 125 shortlist!
Hi Daniel you're probably thinking about the leoncino 500 I've done
Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 Quite possibly! I'd never noticed the actual little lion on the mudguard. It's worth it just for that!!
Good review as usual. But 145kg dry, only 12 bhp, no abs. What were they thinking? It’s a cheaply built Chinese bike with an Italian brand stuck on it. It looks good, though, apart from the hideous dash. That looks like a recycled old iPhone…
Hi mark hope u are well just want to ask I have saw a lovely leather motorbike jacket I want to get but do u get really hot in them. In the summer months 🥵
Hi mat yes but some have vents or tiny holes in them which help air flow to keep you cool and it's really only hot when say 25c or above ,I wear my leather jacket in 20 c with no probs and wear a wicking t shirt underneath
Another option is a mesh jacket in the peak of summer that has the armor built in
Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 🙂 thank you very much for your help Mark 🙂
how tall r u? it looks quite low..
Hi I'm 5 ft 7 170 cm
❤lovely bike ,wow!!
Very good presentation ,like this video
Many thanks 👍
Whats the top speed of the bike
65/70 mph depending on rider size and wind
So this bike actually shows the gear you are in please
Yes it has a gear position indicator 😁
@markpulling12
Thanks Mark
I was heading towards Kawasaki ninja 125cc but saw this review
Now I'm not sure.
Any advice?
@@thunderchild2237 the ninja is a very nice 125 but pricey new ... the Chinese bikes are very good for the money have a look at the zontes zt125 u1 etc they are very good 👍
@markpulling12
I've looked at the Lexmoto etc but they don't appeal.
The review here is Italian Bike 🏍?
@@thunderchild2237 no benelli are 100% Chinese made but design by benelli...most jap bikes are built in Asia too these days
what is the maximum speed it can reach?
Hi Matt these will do 65/ 70 mph
Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 thanks
Whats a price
Here in the UK it's about £3400
Let's not forget the big RED Elephant in the room.
Benelli is as Italian as MG is British. Benelli is fully Chinese owned and is built in China.
It looks like a really nice bike, but I have some apprehension about fueling Chinese dominance of all sectors of manufacturing and what that does to strengthen the position of the CCP. I really hate to bring world politics into it but it is a thing.
Cool bike
The Italians called Nigel Mansell, "il leoni",the lion.
Good review as always Mark :-) But definitely not for me, ugly looking thing with that huge exhaust...What was the top speed Mark ??...Looked like it was struggling doing 60 up a wee hill :-( Don't like CBS either, ok in the dry, not so much in the wet :-(
Top speed 65/70 mph you do have to thrash it a bit like most 125 s 😂
Bike looks real nice but that dash was shocking.
125 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍
Lovely for Florence or Rome . It’s a crime to subject it to a mud and salt soaked splattered road in Scunthorpe etc ! I’m moving.
Thx Mark.....can you test the new Bluroc Legend 125cc?
I'll have a look for that one
I do have a review on the herald maverick 125 cc on my channel which I think has the same engine
Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 thank you Mark..i love your work
better shape dash than the 500 imo 😉
Yes many thanks 👍
Top speed?
65/70 mph
Seen it in person great looking but unfortunately too slow, a Grom is actually faster.
Qué velocidad alcanza
110 kmh
is Benelli chinese?
thought italian
Designed in Italy made in china like most things:)
More expensive than the zontes G1 though!
Yes shame the price wasn't inline with the g1
It’s also better in finish, more reliable and way beautiful (check design finishes!)
Italian style with sturdy, rugged chinese engine you can treat bad without consequences
At 100mpg I'm surprised these aren't flying off the shelves...
In Italy they are :)
It's weird seeing a 125 with no L plates
Pay another £450 and get a royal Enfield meteor 350 - i did and well chuffed with it .
Great choice glen with the meteor
15:00 "these chinese bikes" wuut?? 😂😂
Yep built in China 100 💯👍✅
@@markpulling12 I agree that is built in china (like everything else) but it's not a Chinese bike 😂 would you call an Iphone a chinese phone ??
@@markpulling12 Just double checked, Benelli is still an Italian company based still in Pesaro, BUT in 2005 it got acquired by Qianjiang motorcycle. Yet one another historic company being inglobated 🥲
£3.5K for a Chinese bike with 12bhp and no ABS? You're having a laugh.
It’s worth it. Just make a test ride, and you’ll fall in love
@@giovannidinunno4855 Not worth the money sorry
buy the tm porcodio