I bought one of these in July 2021. I've been out on it pretty much every dry day, and a few soaking ones too! It have been monotonously reliable since then over about 4000 miles. It starts every time, get me where I'm going and stops in all the right places. I've seen some of these in Italy, (The home of Benelli) doing cross country tours loaded up to the top with camping and luggage stuff and they keep plodding on. This really is the mechanical equivalent of a mule. It isn't fast, but great fun and as reliable as an anvil! I can't see myself ever selling it so the depreciation isn't a concern.
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
I’ve got a Benelli myself so it’s always good when I hear about them being nice and reliable. 👍
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
In the uk though they are still classed as a cheap bike. I think awesome but lots think cheap means poor quality. I’m a big fan of their bikes.
@shiftyshamsk7 ай бұрын
Amen brother biker. 👍
@shiftyshamsk7 ай бұрын
It's either this of the Enfield 350 Hunter.
@GillyBikes7 ай бұрын
I love the Hunter. They are brilliant bikes. Possibly my favourite Royal Enfield.
@vladimirlojka3740 Жыл бұрын
Nice video and great retro motobike. I have the same Benelli Imperiale 400, greetings from Czech republic.
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
Greetings. You have a nice bike 👍
@davidcliff5334 Жыл бұрын
I had one of these bikes for 6 months.. 1000 k on the clock and first service just done. I am very impressed, its taken me on some off road ventures also.. can't fault it.
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
Great bikes. Taking it off road is impressive.
@aliacoms6014 Жыл бұрын
Bought one of these myself recently, and yes, great fun the secret of rapid progress is to use the gears rather than the engine.
@rabfergy7155 Жыл бұрын
Beautiful bike, I think it would look great as a single seater without that back bit. Especially because it has a nice sprung seat. Double stitched too. Only other thing I'd change is the indicators. Lovely clocks with all the information you need and the black looks great. I could see me bimble on a Sunday afternoon on that benelli.
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
A great bike for a Sunday Bimble. 👍
@willyrackham2957 Жыл бұрын
Those clocks are ...for me the very best on any motorcycle all you need simple informative brilliant ...maybe a 500 coming next year ...as at EICMA ..QJ who make Benelli s had a 500 cc version of the imperial on their stand with a proper dual seat...but we will see ..makes a great alternative to the Royal Enfield s though .
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
It’s good to have another option. 👍
@REDLINERUNNER Жыл бұрын
I saw that bike for the first time four days ago and I fell in love. I'm 171cm/5'7" so I'm very similar to you, so bike should fit me well.
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
It will. They are great bikes. I love the old school looks.
@stainless2867 Жыл бұрын
Yes I've got one that I'm re-building (cat N), I'm making some changes to the look of the bike and hope to be finished in the next few weeks. The one small disappointing thing about it is the rust issues as in the areas that are not painted under the seat itself and the fuel tank. Mine is an early model so I hope things have improved.
@stainless2867 Жыл бұрын
PS, great review
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
Thanks I appreciate that. I would love to see your bike when you finish it. If your on Facebook here’s my page facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066652729378 I’m curious to the changes your making.
@MegaHellstrike Жыл бұрын
Hoping to check one of these out at a dealer an hour away from me, I haven't even heard of this model when looking up modern classic bikes! Royal Enfield with their Meteor and 350 really took the global spotlight when it comes to modern classics, guess over here in Europe we have extra choices that don't get too much attention.
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
These do stay out of the spotlight but they are great. More power that the 350 Royal Enfields.
@MegaHellstrike Жыл бұрын
@@GillyBikes Power is the one point that makes me cautious with buying a Meteor. Meteor looks great, price is right, but if I switch from my 125cc to a 350 and STILL end up feeling like I'm holding up traffic on country roads or fear for my life on short stretches of highway, then I've just wasted money on a bike that doesn't suit my needs. I don't find any good sources on maintenance costs but do you happen to know if service costs are as high as people claim? I'd imagine that the supply chain of RE bike parts would be better, saving costs in the long run over the Benelli.
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
I’m a big fan of the meteor that will cruise at 70mph but it won’t do much more than that. You won’t hold up traffic. The imperial is better but only just. Not a massive difference between them.
@Lilymoo88 Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this video. I'm currently learning to ride and was wondering which bike for my first bike. Was looking at the Meteor 350 but this one also caught my eye. I think I might switch to the Benelli Imp 😃🙌🏻
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
So many bikes to choose from. What I like about these, is they are not as common as the Royal Enfields and it’s good to be different. Ride safe 😁
@Lilymoo88 Жыл бұрын
@GillyBikes Plus the Meteor 350 is not as fuel efficient or as quick off the mark as the Imperiale seems to be. Thanks, I'm really looking forward to getting my licence sometime soon 😊
@ricbarnes6272 Жыл бұрын
Very nice looking bike, 400 ccs is plenty of engine plus for me it looks olde style which i like. Have fun, ric ontario canada.
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
Thanks Rick 👍
@skaraborgcraft Жыл бұрын
I they first came out, but RE bought out the new 350Classic and now Hunter350. I heard they are a little vibey at the top end compared to RE. Value bike though, not sure how well they hold value.
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
Only time will tell how well they hold their value. I didn’t get chance to take it anywhere near the top end so not sure about that. they have lots of competition from the RE’s so there are some really good deals to be had.
@tombombadilofficial Жыл бұрын
The only reason everyone’s buying this (in my country) is the Express Way legality but RE’s 2022 Classic 350 beat this in terms of build quality and overall premium feel. However, its still your personal preference. Both runs amazing!
@soloseadog Жыл бұрын
Great video. I have watched tons of vids on this bike, mainly reviews from India and they rate it highly agaisnt the RE.I have seen afew drag races between the meteor 350 and Beneli and the Imperiale wins everytime. Plus it looks like it can readh better top end.
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
Slightly more cc and slightly more cost. Have you bought one or just looking?
@soloseadog Жыл бұрын
Just looking at the mo. Hopefully get a bike next year. Need to put up a large shed first to house it. Also like the fact the power comes in early on. I hate having to rev an engine hard.
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
It’s smart. Get your research done on the bike you want. Don’t forget lots of dealers will let you take a test ride. Get one done. You will know then if this is a bike for you. Remember it’s not just about speed. You want it to look good and feel good to. Keep me posted. 👍
@manosmanos466311 ай бұрын
I like this bike. All is retro even the lamps are hallogen , spoke wheels ,The speed rpm meter i love it. This or one of the RE models i will buy. IO dont know whta to chhose dut i am very close to benelli.
@GillyBikes11 ай бұрын
These have a little more power than the Royal Enfield 350’s. All very similar in price.
@morini500dave Жыл бұрын
Never ridden one but seen and heard in the flesh,to me the overall look is too busy if you understand me but would be a great bike to strip down and customise and they're not holding their value so those customised bikes will be with us soon!
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
They are quite cheap to start with. I think they are very underrated. Difficult for them to compete with the Royal Enfields though. The classic and the meteor 350 I think are a little bit cheaper and so is the Hunter. It’s a tough market.
@scottgremko4426 Жыл бұрын
Good looking bike, and the price is right!
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
Great value. The only issue for this bike is the Royal Enfield meteor, classic and now Hunter. Similar price.
@mikeoxlong3465 Жыл бұрын
Cheers for the vid Gilly
@teamtempest844 Жыл бұрын
Best so far is £3,499 (+OTR) but I went for a RE to join the others in the stables.
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
Can’t beat RE at the moment. I’m loving their bikes.
@tombombadilofficial Жыл бұрын
I used to be undecided too but then I found out that that RE released a 2022 version of Classic 350 with an updated double cradle chassis and a bs-6 engine and that sealed the deal for me.
@leonardcook14675 ай бұрын
I have a 2020 one I love it !!
@GillyBikes5 ай бұрын
Great to hear. Lovely bikes.
@tombombadilofficial Жыл бұрын
I already bought the 2022 Classic 350 but if I have extra cash to splurge, Id buy me one if these but RE just announced the Super Meteor 650 and I heard Classic 650cc is also in the line up.
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
The super meteor 650 looks really nice. I can’t wait to get my hands on one to see if it rides as good as it looks.
@farouqomaro598 Жыл бұрын
Lovely bike. I might buy it, but need to look at a few others first, namely Royal Enfield, BSA Goldstar, Kawasaki W800 among others
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
The BSA, and w800 are considerably better than this however much more expensive. The only bikes that compare with this really are the 350’s by Royal Enfield. The classic and the meteor are similar styled. All nice bikes to be fair. I would be happy with any of them 👍
@farouqomaro598 Жыл бұрын
@@GillyBikes I found some reviews which favour the Benelli over Royal Enfields. You're right, BSA & Kawasaki are pricier.
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
You will always find reviews that favour different bikes. It’s all about personal preference. You need to try all of the bikes you’re considering and only then will you be happy that you made the right choice.
@farouqomaro598 Жыл бұрын
@@GillyBikes thanks!
@markfraser630711 ай бұрын
The depreciation is on these is crazy secondhand you can pick a basically new bike for 2k
@GillyBikes11 ай бұрын
Then you should definitely buy one at that price.
@user-gy2vr2cz3r6 ай бұрын
Increasing in price. £2500 minimum at a dealer but more like 2800 now. Private sale will be cheap. Can imagine that part ex values will be horrendous when trading in. Thinking of getting one though..like it.
@GillyBikes6 ай бұрын
Still a lot of bike for the money.
@mayurgk4197 Жыл бұрын
Nice bike & great review!👍🏼 Since it comes with spoke wheels, are the tyres ‘tube or tubeless’? If the tyres are ‘tube’ ones, wouldn’t that be a little worrisome?!
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
I believe they are tube. I’ve not seen any issues with them so I wouldn’t worry.
@mayurgk4197 Жыл бұрын
@@GillyBikes Thanks for the reply, much appreciated 👍🏼
@vladimirlojka374010 ай бұрын
Hi, I would like to ask if you have problems with chain tension? After driving 1000 km, I was at the warranty service at an authorized Benelli dealer and I had the chain pulled a little and then I checked it at home. There is not the same sag in the whole length, somewhere it is less than 20 mm and a little further less than 10 mm, rather the chain is stretched in that place. I asked the dealer at Benelli about it and he wrote back that the chain was probably defective. I don't know whether to have it replaced or keep riding. Have a good time.
@tombartram738422 күн бұрын
Looks like a cheaped-out version of my 1996 gn250 which to me is a great bike. Pity they couldn't give it proper mechanical clocks.
@user-bi1mk2oy3w3 ай бұрын
Needs immediately power!!!
@bezradnymiastarybnika-mari5060Ай бұрын
I saw one... owful sound of chinese engine.... like in scooter. Royal is more expensive but much better. Price is equal the lack of quality.
@GillyBikesАй бұрын
These are equal to the 350 Royal Enfield’s but they have better performance. Don’t forget the camera never does the sound justice. These don’t sound that bad.
@bultacowally Жыл бұрын
Wow did they copy RE !!! But what else would you expect from China
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
Yes. They are a bit similar 🤭😂😂
@vthirteen5 ай бұрын
Mine is deigned in Italy, manufactured in China and assembled in Malaysia!
@GillyBikes5 ай бұрын
@vthirteen4620 a well travelled process
@haniemabalot5533 Жыл бұрын
Low quality
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
Cheap and cheerful 😁
@morrisminor56 Жыл бұрын
nasty Chinese copy of a Royal Enfield Classic.
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
I do think the Royal Enfield’s are better. Their 350’s are really well priced so I know where my money would go. But these Benelli’s are ok for a cheap bike. I think they would have sold really well its just bad timing with the meteor, classic and now Hunter available at a similar price.
@georgealty Жыл бұрын
What utter nonsense. It was released before the current classic for a start.
@danielrogers1121 Жыл бұрын
@@georgealty calm down it's just KZbin 😂
@GillyBikes Жыл бұрын
Yes it was but the reason it’s not selling better is the classic and meteor are better bikes. Truth hurts. 😂
@georgealty Жыл бұрын
@@GillyBikes I can't tell you that but it's a worthy bike. The word Chinese gets under people's skin in the way that being made in India did for a number of years. Enfield have done a great job to overcome that, and if I looked at the specs not style I'd probably stick my cash into the HNTR. I can't quite get my head around 21bhp lugging around nearly 200kg. Time will tell. If i get drunk enough I'll end up putting a deposit down one Saturday night. That's how I got my last guitar. 😂