Benelli Imperiale 400 First Test Ride and mini Review

Been caught doing a "Ton" on a Benelli 400!! Wow !
So while my Royal Enfield Meteor was being serviced, I had the opportunity to have a “first ride” run out and thus a “mini review” on a Benelli Imperiale 400cc.
The bike was apparently designed in Italy and manufactured in China. More of a Enfield Bullet type of bike - shape and size of a Bonneville.
Some similarities to the Meteor but the pegs were higher and in the usual place rather than the slightly feet forward position on the Meteor.
The bike felt heavier but that may have been due to a higher centre of gravity than the Meteor.
All in all it felt a little less refined, in my experience on this test ride. A a bit rattly with some vibration. Performance-wise - similar to the Meteor, rather flat but they both have less than 20BHP!
My first experience of trying to find neutral ended in a stall - no problem when the engine was stopped but when running, the gear selector was “iffy”. Also gear selection - particularly between 1st and 2nd, very “notchy”.
Throttle was “snatchy” at low speed (urban driving) and took a while to return to tick-over - almost like the throttle was stuck open?
So Rattly, “iffy|, notchy and snatchy sums things up - simply less refined than some bikes including my Meteor.
Comfort-wise - not as comfortable as the Meteor - harder seat and suspension.
But “good news” - no speed limiter on the Benelli - although this is no R1, it was good that no “disrupter” cut in at 73mph and the bike was happy to accelerate on to 80mph (on private road where permissible 😉)
Anyway - an enjoyable ride out in the Wiltshire countryside and nice to find that I preferred my own bike!!

RobLittleUK