In the ever-evolving landscape of India’s motorcycle market, the term ‘Dhakad’ (powerful or impressive) is reserved for machines that truly stand out. The latest to claim this coveted description is the Benelli 402 S 2025, which has just been launched in the Indian market. This Italian beauty brings a perfect blend of raw power, sophisticated engineering, and head-turning aesthetics that’s set to shake up the premium motorcycle segment in India.
A Bold New Chapter for Benelli in India
The relationship between Indian riders and Benelli has been somewhat of a rollercoaster over the years. After initial excitement, followed by distribution challenges and a relative quiet period, the Italian manufacturer seems determined to reclaim its position in the hearts of Indian motorcycle enthusiasts. The launch of the 402 S 2025 isn’t just another bike release—it’s a statement of intent.
“We believe the Indian market deserves the very best, and the 402 S 2025 represents our commitment to delivering premium motorcycling experiences,” said Vikas Jhabakh, Managing Director of Benelli India, at the launch event in Mumbai last week. The passion in his voice was unmistakable, reflecting the brand’s renewed focus on the Indian subcontinent.
Walking around the showroom, I couldn’t help but notice how the 402 S commanded attention, even when parked beside other premium offerings. Its muscular stance and aggressive design language speak volumes about what to expect once you swing a leg over its sculpted seat.
The Design Philosophy: Urban Muscle
The first thing that strikes you about the 402 S is its unabashedly muscular appearance. Taking design cues from both street fighters and cruisers, Benelli has created something that defies easy categorization. The bike features a beefy tank, exposed trellis frame painted in striking red (on the premium variant), and a low-slung profile that gives it an unmistakable road presence.
“We weren’t trying to please everyone with this design,” explained Stefano Casanova, Lead Designer at Benelli. “The 402 S is for riders who want to make a statement. It’s not subtle, and it’s not meant to be.”
The LED lighting package is thoroughly modern, with a distinctive DRL signature that makes the bike instantly recognizable even from a distance. The digital-analog instrument cluster provides essential information without overwhelming the rider, maintaining that delicate balance between modern amenities and classic motorcycling purity.
A particularly thoughtful touch is the way the exhaust has been integrated into the design. Rather than treating it as an afterthought, the twin under-seat exhausts are a defining aesthetic element, complementing the bike’s muscular rear end perfectly.
Performance Credentials: The Heart of a ‘Dhakad’ Machine
What truly earns the 402 S its ‘Dhakad’ status is what lies beneath its aggressive exterior. Powering this Italian stallion is a 399cc parallel-twin engine that produces a respectable 39.4 bhp at a high-revving 9,000 rpm and 35 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. These figures might not sound earth-shattering on paper, but the way this engine delivers its power is what sets it apart.
During my brief test ride through Mumbai’s crowded streets and a short highway stretch, the engine revealed its dual personality. In city traffic, it was docile and forgiving, with enough low-end grunt to make gap-shooting a breeze. But once the roads opened up, and the tachometer needle swept past the 5,000 rpm mark, the bike transformed completely.
The parallel-twin architecture provides a unique sound signature that’s increasingly rare in today’s motorcycle market. It’s not as thunderous as a V-twin or as screaming as an inline-four, but it has a character all its own—a spirited, mechanical symphony that builds to a crescendo as you approach the redline.
Riding Dynamics: Balanced for Indian Conditions
Benelli engineers have clearly spent time understanding Indian road conditions. The suspension setup—41mm upside-down forks up front and a monoshock at the rear—strikes an excellent balance between sporty handling and everyday comfort. Potholes and road irregularities that would unsettle many competitors are dispatched with confidence by the 402 S.
The riding position deserves special mention. It’s sporty without being punishing, allowing for both spirited corner carving and longer highway stints without visiting a chiropractor afterward. The wide handlebars provide excellent leverage for quick direction changes, while the well-padded seat keeps discomfort at bay even after a couple of hours in the saddle.
Braking duties are handled by twin 280mm discs up front and a single 240mm disc at the rear, both equipped with ABS. During my test ride, emergency braking scenarios revealed good initial bite and progressive stopping power, inspiring confidence even on less-than-ideal road surfaces.
Technology Integration: Modern without Overwhelming
In an age where motorcycles sometimes resemble two-wheeled computers, Benelli has taken a refreshingly balanced approach with the 402 S. The technology package is comprehensive without being intimidating.
The dual-channel ABS system can be toggled between different modes depending on riding conditions, while the traction control system offers just enough electronic intervention to be helpful without feeling intrusive. The ride-by-wire throttle provides smooth power delivery across the rev range, eliminating the snatchiness that sometimes plagues motorcycles in this segment.
“We wanted to include technology that enhances the riding experience, not complicates it,” explained Rajesh Kumar, Technical Head at Benelli India. “Every feature on the 402 S serves a purpose; there’s nothing there just for the sake of a specification sheet.”
The TFT display, while not the largest in the segment, is bright enough to be visible even in direct sunlight and provides essential information in an intuitive layout. Bluetooth connectivity allows for basic phone integration, including turn-by-turn navigation—a particularly useful feature for exploring unfamiliar territories.
Customization Options: Make It Your Own
Understanding that modern riders value personalization, Benelli offers the 402 S with an extensive catalog of genuine accessories. From practical additions like panniers and a taller windscreen to cosmetic enhancements such as machined aluminum levers and carbon fiber trim pieces, riders can tailor their machines to suit individual preferences.
The bike is available in four color schemes at launch: Phantom Black, Racing Red, Metallic Blue, and a special India-exclusive Saffron Streak. Each color transforms the character of the bike significantly, from menacing to playful, allowing potential owners to choose a variant that best reflects their personality.
Market Positioning and Pricing: The Premium Middle-Weight Segment
With an ex-showroom price starting at ₹3.85 lakhs for the base variant and going up to ₹4.25 lakhs for the fully-loaded model, the Benelli 402 S positions itself firmly in the premium middle-weight segment. This pricing puts it in direct competition with established players like the KTM 390 Duke, BMW G 310 R, and the Honda CB300R.
What sets the Benelli apart is its unique combination of Italian design flair, respectable performance credentials, and the exclusivity that comes with the Benelli badge. In a market where differentiation is increasingly difficult, the 402 S manages to carve out a distinct identity.
“We aren’t trying to be the volume leader in this segment,” admitted Jhabakh candidly. “The 402 S is for discerning riders who appreciate craftsmanship and character over spec-sheet comparisons. We’re offering an experience, not just a motorcycle.”
This positioning seems shrewd in the current Indian market, where a growing segment of enthusiasts is willing to pay a premium for products that offer something beyond the ordinary. The initial response seems promising, with pre-bookings exceeding Benelli India’s expectations within the first week of announcement.
Ownership Experience: Beyond the Product
Recognizing that premium motorcycles demand premium ownership experiences, Benelli has simultaneously announced an expansion of its dealership network across India. The plan includes increasing their presence from the current 42 dealerships to 75 by the end of 2025, with a particular focus on tier-2 cities where motorcycle culture is rapidly evolving.
Additionally, the ‘Benelli Riders Club’ has been refreshed with new membership benefits, including exclusive rides, technical workshops, and priority service appointments. A new 24/7 roadside assistance program addresses one of the common concerns potential buyers have when considering premium motorcycles.
The warranty package is equally impressive: 3 years/unlimited kilometers on the motorcycle, with the option to extend coverage for another 2 years at a nominal cost. Service intervals are set at a reasonable 6,000 kilometers, with the first three services offered at a discounted rate.
A Worthy Contender for the ‘Dhakad’ Crown
After spending some time with the Benelli 402 S 2025, it’s clear that this isn’t just another entrant in India’s crowded motorcycle market. It represents a thoughtful approach to what Indian riders in the premium segment truly desire: a motorcycle with character, capability, and a certain exclusivity that turns heads at traffic lights.
Is it perfect? No motorcycle is. The service network, though expanding, still doesn’t match the reach of more established players. Some might find the parallel-twin engine lacking the outright punch of more focused performance machines. And the pricing, while justified by the overall package, puts it at the higher end of its segment.
But these considerations fade into the background once you experience what the 402 S delivers best: the joy of motorcycling with Italian flair. In a world increasingly dominated by homogenized products, the Benelli stands out by offering something that feels special, something with soul.
For riders looking for a ‘Dhakad’ machine that balances performance, style, and everyday usability, the Benelli 402 S 2025 deserves serious consideration. It may not be the obvious choice, but sometimes, the most rewarding experiences come from taking the road less traveled.
As I reluctantly returned the keys after my test ride, I couldn’t help but think that Benelli might have just created the perfect motorcycle for India’s evolving premium segment—one that respects tradition while embracing the future. And isn’t that what great motorcycling is all about?
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