We put the specs of the Benelli Imperiale 400 and Jawa 300 to see which of these two retro cruiser motorcycles is ahead of the other on paper.
Benelli launched the much awaited Imperiale 400 in India this week. The bike is a retro-styled cruiser and comes at an asking price of Rs 1.69 Lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). As of now, it is the most affordable motorcycle from Benelli. After launching the TRK 502 Adventure motorcycles, Leoncino 500 and 250 Roadster/Scrambler, Benelli Imperiale is the fourth bike from its new partnership with AARI.
The Benelli Imperiale 400 takes on the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Jawa 300 for competition. The Classic 350 has long been the uncontested king in this segment. The Jawa is just about an year old, introduced with Jawa’s re-entry in the Indian market. Here we have put up the specs of the Jawa 300 against the Imperiale 400 to see who fares better on paper.
Benelli Imperiale 400 vs Jawa 300 – Engine Specifications
| Jawa 300 | Imperiale 400 | |
| Engine | 293cc | 374cc |
| Power | 26 BHP | 21 BHP |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 29 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT | 5-speed MT |
Although the Jawa uses a smaller 293cc engine, it produces a healthy 26 bhp of power – which by the way is the most powerful of the class – and 28 Nm of peak torque. On the other hand, the Imperiale 400 has a much bigger engine at 374cc but produces just 21bhp of power. That’s quite less power for such a big engine. However, the Imperiale has 1Nm more torque than the Jawa 300.
Other differences to note between the two engines include the fact that the Jawa 300 is liquid cooled while the Imperiale 400 gets an air-cooled engine. Conversely, the Jawa gets a carbureted engine while the Imperiale gets fuel injection. Also, the Jawa gets a 6-speed gearbox whereas the Imperiale only gets a 5-speed unit.
Mileage
| Jawa 300 | Benelli Imperiale 400 | |
| Mileage | 37.5 kmpl | 33 kmpl |
The Jawa 300 has a claimed mileage figure of 37.5 kmpl. On the other hand, the Imperiale, with its bigger engine is expected to deliver around 33 kmpl mileage, if riden sensibly.
Benelli Imperiale 400 vs Jawa 300 – Dimensions
| Jawa 300 | Benelli Imperiale 400 | |
| Length | 2122 mm | 2170 mm |
| Width | 789 mm | 820 mm |
| Height | 1165 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1369 mm | 1440 mm |
| Ground Clearance | NA | 165 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 170 kg | 205 kg |
Comparing the dimensions of both the motorcycles, the Imperiale 400 is larger than the Jawa 300 in every aspect. The Imperiale is longer, wider, taller and has a longer wheelbase too than the Jawa 300.
Also Read: Benelli 502C Power Cruiser To Be Launched In India By 2020
Given the dimensions of the Imperiale 400, it is also heavier than the Jawa and by quite a margin of 35 kg. Considering the lower power output of the Imperiale, it is further let down by its weight. The power-to-weight ratio is thus quite poor for the Benelli. The Jawa on the other hand feels much lighter on its feet, nimble and is quicker of the two as well. It makes significant real world difference.
Suspension, Brakes and Chassis
| Jawa 300 | Benelli Imperiale 400 | |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork | Telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | Gas Canister – Twin shock hydraulic | Swingarm with pre-load adjustable Double Shock Absorber |
| Brakes | Front Disc with floating caliper and AB/rear drum | Front and Rear Disc with ABS |
| Chassis | Double Cradle | Double Cradle |
Both the motorcycles use a double cradle frame for their chassis and their front suspension are also the same with hydraulic telescopic forks. However, the rear suspension units are different. While the Jawa 300 uses a Twin shock hydraulic Gas Canister, the Imperiale 400 gets a swingarm with pre-load adjustable Double Shock Absorber.
Another difference to note is that the Imperiale 400 uses front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS as standard fitment. However, the Jawa 300 gets discs brakes with ABS only on the front wheels while the rear wheel uses a drum brake.
Also Read : Benelli Imperiale 400 Vs Royal Enfield Classic 350 – Specs Comparison
Benelli Imperiale 400 vs Jawa 300 – Price
| Jawa 300 | Benelli Imperiale 400 | |
| Price (ex-showroom) | 1.79 lakh | Rs 1.69 Lakhs (est) |
The Jawa 300 has been priced at Rs. 1.79 lakh while the Benelli Imperiale 400 is just Rs. 10,000 cheaper, at Rs. 1.69 lakh, all prices ex-showroom. While the Benelli may be the cheaper of the two, the Jawa 300 would be our pick of the lot.
The reason is quite simple. Yes, the Jawa does not get disc brakes on both ends with ABS but apart from that, it is ahead of the Imperiale 400 in every aspect. It produces more power from a smaller engine, is more fuel efficient, is lighter and easier to manage and it also looks better in our opinion. It might be more expensive but it is greater value for money than the Imperiale 400.
