Benelli: 802S naked for 2023?

There’s talk that the Italian factory is gearing up to reveal a bigger and punchier version of its 752S middleweight naked.

‘Middleweight’ naked bikes are big business. All of the biggest names in the game have their own version of the stripped-back bikes which neatly blend sporty performance with comfort and practicality… But of late they all seem to getting bigger. KTM’s Dukes up to 890cc and Ducati’s Monster is now a monstrous 937cc. That’s partly because Euro 5 emissions regulations have stifled older engines, and the only way to maintain power and torque without sacrificing efficiency and environmental kudos is to up the size of the motor. Seems illogical – but it’s not.

That’s why it should come as no great surprise that Benelli’s following suit and upping the capacity of its own sporty unfaired roadster. But there’s more. While turning its 752S into an 802S (that’s what we reckon it’ll be called, anyway), it’s actually managed to eke out an extra 15 horsepower. That’s pretty impressive.

Getting into specifics, the 802S will be powered by a 799cc parallel-twin engine which has been manufactured by its parent company Qianjiang Motors in China, but at this stage that’s about all we know. Thankfully, it’s good news. That’s because QJ’s got form, having been developing progressively impressive engines for Benelli for years. In fact, we’ve just spent a couple of weeks riding its pair of retro-tinged Leoncinos (there’s actually a test ride later on in this very issue), which are both powered by a 754cc twin motor. It’s very good; probably the best thing about the bike, all told.

There’s been no word on pricing or availability, but rumours suggest it’ll make it to market in its home market of China first (before making it across to Europe at a later date). That said, there’s no reason it won’t get a big official reveal at one of the major bike shows towards the end of the year (no matter whether that’s EICMA, Intermot or the Tokyo Motor Show). Either way, with Benelli continuing to go from strength to strength – and the quality of its bikes getting better and better with each new model year – we can’t wait to see the next machine to come from the Italian/Chinese factory.

#morebikes #october2022 #benelli #naked