If you like getting dusty, then the new 800 Trail not only looks the business but also does the business on the rough stuff. The Trail gets a bigger 19-inch front wheel, 10mm more suspension travel (from 130mm to 140mm), slightly lower gearing, higher handlebars and Pirelli’s excellent Scorpion Rally STR rubber. Power is smooth through the rev range, and with 76hp at 8500rpm and 67Nm of torque at 6500, there’s enough to have fun while also making good progress. But it’s the seat height that will be the most important thing for those looking to trade up from the Leo 500, and Benelli has managed to keep saddle-friendly, at 834mm. With an uneven firing order of the new 800cc parallel-twin giving the new bikes an almost V-twin power delivery. There’s a twin high-level exhaust to give it the necessary scrambler look, and surprisingly, the bark is surprisingly good for a Euro5 compliant bike the sound is – awesome.
$9,990+ORC$14,490