It might look exactly like the current Benelli 752S but this is the next-gen version – likely to be called the 802S powered by a revised twin-cylinder engine that makes an extra 15kW.

Not only that, but a type-approval document just been published in China, shows it’s a spectacular 20kg lighter despite its similar appearance.

At present the 752S sells in Australia for $12,990 (ride away) in a middleweight market that is red-hot at the moment. The current 752S makes a claimed 56kW from its 754cc parallel twin, an engine that first appeared back in 2006, based on two cylinders from the TNT 1130 triple.

Now the capacity is hiked to 799cc, but the power increase is disproportionately high, giving a type-approved figure of 71kW. That takes it into a completely different league. We expect this powered-up engine to appear in a Leoncino 800 and TRK 800.

Benelli now has access to a new 693cc, 56kW parallel twin from sister firm QJMotor. That engine has just made its Benelli debut in the TRK 702 adventure bike. This was revealed in China in August and is expected to appear in other markets in 2023. By raising the capacity and output, it earns its place alongside the 693cc engine in the range.

The power increase is easy enough to explain, but it’s harder to see where Benelli has found the surprising 20kg weight loss for the 802S. The type-approval for the older bike put it at 228kg including a full tank of fuel, while the new machine comes in at only 208kg in the same state. Although there are visible changes, most notably a new set of wheels with five spokes rather than the split-spoke design of the 752S, it’s most likely the engine is lighter. Benelli may also have used lighter materials in the frame and bodywork.

While the leaked image of the newly type-approved model indicates it will use an existing-spec Marzocchi 50mm USD fork and Brembo brakes, the 71kW engine and lighter 208kg wet weight promises a quite different riding experience from the 752S.

One thing that we hope doesn’t change is the price, as the 752S ride away price undercuts Yamaha’s popular MT-07, and would look more tempting still if applied to a model that has a significant performance advantage over this Japanese rival.

WORDS // BEN PURVIS