Benelli · 1951–1971
Benelli Leoncino 125: history and buying advice
The ‘little lion’ that got Benelli back on its feet after the war.
History
After the war Benelli first bought up some thousand abandoned army motorcycles and made them suitable for civilians. Then came the Letizia, a light 98 cc two-stroke, and in 1951 the Leoncino: a 125 cc two-stroke with a striking egg-shaped crankcase that sloped forward. An aluminium lion sat on the front mudguard.
The Leoncino became a great success. In 1953 Leopoldo Tartarini, later founder of Italjet, won the very first Motogiro d’Italia on it. From 1956 there was also a four-stroke version with overhead camshaft, later replaced by a cheaper overhead-valve engine. Up to the early seventies there were thirteen versions, including scramblers. More than 70,000 were built.
Key data
| Engine | 1 cylinder; two-stroke, from 1956 also four-stroke |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 123 cc (54 × 54 mm) |
| Power | two-stroke 5.5 hp; four-stroke Normale 6 hp, Sport 7 hp |
| Top speed | Normale approx. 90 km/h, Sport approx. 105 km/h |
| Production | more than 70,000 (all versions) |
What to check when buying
- Check whether it is a two-stroke or four-stroke; the parts are different.
- Check that the lion on the mudguard is still there; on its own it is expensive.
- Look for cracks and welds in the crankcase.
- Look for rust in the tank and frame.
- Many Leoncinos have been restored in Italy. Ask about the papers and the origin.
SourcesMCNews: Benelli Leoncino (English)Cybermotorcycle: Benelli Leoncino (English)Wikipedia: Benelli (English)