BENELLI 752S (2020 - on) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £170
Power: 75 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.9 in / 810 mm)
Weight: Medium (498 lbs / 226 kg)

Prices

New £6,699
Used £5,000 - £6,000

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The middleweight class is so competitive nowadays that expectations are very high for a new model – especially a parallel twin – and sadly the Benelli 752S doesn’t quite meet this level. 

It’s a good bike, but not an outstanding one, and while it looks great, rides well and has a very high level of spec, the engine fails to excite and ultimately that is its downfall. It’s a good looking roadster with an iconic name that is excellent value for money but not the sporty game-changer we were hoping for.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Although far from a lightweight at 226kg, the 752S turns well and aside from feeling a bit softly sprung at the rear (the shock lacks damping adjustment but can have its spring preload altered) it can be enjoyed in the bends and is set firmer on its suspension than some rivals.

The ABS system works well but there is a lack of feel from the lever due to braided lines being fitted as standard, which are always a bit unforgiving and harsh in their action.

The upright riding position is comfortable and the pegs well placed to prevent leg aches and while you can hang off it, there seems little point. In a typical piece of Italian design over function, the mirrors taper to a point just when they start to display anything other than your elbow, rendering them next to useless…

Engine

Next up: Reliability
3 out of 5 (3/5)

Developed and built by Qianjiang, the 754cc parallel-twin has the same bore and stroke as Benelli’s TnT1130 triple motor - just with one less cylinder. Making a claimed 75.1bhp with 49.4ftlb of torque, the engine feels disappointingly sluggish to respond and lacks that zip you get on rivals such as the Yamaha MT-07 and BMW F900R.

Its slow revving nature makes it quite relaxed and vibrations are kept to a minimum, however the overall impression is one of an old and slightly outdated engine that wants to lollop along rather than thrill. The gearbox is also a bit clunky and the clutch on the bike we tested was quite grabby. Middleweights should be fun to ride but the Benelli’s parallel twin is lethargic, making the rest of the bike feel a bit soulless as a result.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Benelli’s reputation is somewhat tarnished in terms of reliability but that was before they were taken over by the Chinese.

Qianjiang are a massive engineering firm and there is no reason to suspect they have the slap-dash attitude that blighted Benelli when it was under Italian ownership. Overall, the level of finish on the 752S seems high, which bodes well.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
5 out of 5 (5/5)

The fact the 752S is built in China sees its price tag pleasingly low at £6699, which compares very favourably with the class-defining £6695 Yamaha MT-07 (2020 prices) as you get a considerably higher level of spec on the Benelli.

In terms of kerb appeal, the Benelli is streets ahead of the Yamaha with its inverted Marzocchi forks, Brembo radial brakes and classy styling making the MT look a bit bargain basement - with its conventional forks and calipers and brash styling.

It's nowhere near as expensive as the £8660 BMW F900R, but weighs in a fair amount costlier than a characterful £5999 Suzuki SV650 V-twin (2020 prices). 

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Boasting Marzocchi fully-adjustable forks, Brembo radial brakes (with ABS), a colour dash and Pirelli Angel tyres, the Benelli has quality running gear and you can’t argue that the Italian styling department have done a great job.

The tubular steel frame and swingarm are pleasingly designed and once you junk the pillion pegs to expose the high-set pipe and get shot of that nasty licence plate carrier, the Benelli will have the look like a stripped-back and sporty Ducati Diavel thanks to its sharp rear end.

Specs

Engine size 754cc
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 8v, parallel-twin
Frame type Tubular steel trellis
Fuel capacity 14.5 litres
Seat height 810mm
Bike weight 226kg
Front suspension 50mm, Marzocchi forks, fully adjustable
Rear suspension Single rear shock, adjustable spring preload
Front brake 2 x 320mm discs with Brembo four-piston radial caliper. ABS
Rear brake 260mm single disc with two-piston caliper. ABS
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption -
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £170
New price £6,699
Used price £5,000 - £6,000
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two years

Top speed & performance

Max power 75 bhp
Max torque 49.4 ft-lb
Top speed 110 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range -

Model history & versions

Model history

2020: All-new model

Other versions

None. 

Owners' reviews for the BENELLI 752S (2020 - on)

4 owners have reviewed their BENELLI 752S (2020 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your BENELLI 752S (2020 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Engine: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Equipment: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £170
4 out of 5
23 May 2024 by Peter

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £250

After mods excellent road holding. Changed rear shock for tailor made Hyperpro. Angel II Pirelli's iced the cake. Superb cornering guaranteed. Engine lacks power over 60/70 mph. Beneath that it is lots of fun.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Great brakes, good handling

Engine 3 out of 5

Could do with more midrange torque and more top end power. Generally it is sufficient.

Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5

In less then 3 years I had to spent more money then expected. Service is cheap however the dashboard failed months after the guarantee ended following a €900,- repair bill. Then 4 months later the fork seals gave up. Now I have the clutch issue left, the first clutch was a problematic one which benelli changed during production. My first dealer (no longer an official one) ignored my complaint, my current dealer is not able to get me a new one under warranty or not even with some compensation from factory or import firm here in the Netherlands. Pitty...

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

See comments

Equipment 3 out of 5

It is quite basic. Which by the way is absolutely fine for me, I do not need or wish different mappings, tc and whatever could distract me from just having fun on a bike

Buying experience: Dealer, no part exchange, paid the sticker price.

5 out of 5 Beautiful Benelli
02 May 2023 by Adrian Bryan.

Year: 2023

Annual servicing cost: £130

The bike is certainly a nice looking bike, and it sounds great. It's marginally dearer than the MT07 and in my opinion it's worth it as it's looks alone blow the MT away and you don't need to change the exhaust on the 752s either as it sounds great right out of the crate. The Benelli is better looking than the MT07 and is fitted with better Suspension by far but the radiator on the 752s is a bit susceptible in a fall. All in all, I was glad I went for the Benelli over the Yamaha I was amazed at the incredible styling and quality of this bike, it has huge amounts of wow factor for me. if any of you are on the fence I urge you to go and look at one in the flesh, it's a beautiful bike indeed. and it's performance is top notch!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I have not had my bike very long but she rides superbly and the brakes are really good. Handling on country roads is superb.

Engine 4 out of 5

Great engine good performance delivery all through the rev range.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Exceptional finnis and quality of the paint and cycle parts can't find any thing wrong on my bike.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Top quality equipment in my view.

Buying experience: Very good indeed my dealer even gave me a new oil filter and a paddock stand with my bike!

5 out of 5 Quality Chassis
30 December 2021 by Benelli Ben

Version: 752s in green

Year: 2020

Before this bike I owned sports bikes and then commuted on a BMW Boxer cup. I then owned a Harley from new just as a fun bike. Sadly it let me down on several manufacture points. I was told I purchased the wrong model. I did meet another chap and he had a good one, so I guess I could have been unlucky. I was so relieved to sell the bike back to the dealer, but lost a lot of money. A Yamaha XSR 700 was up next and it was great it worked! The only slight issue I had was that when I rode very quickly it was nervous. I upgraded the tyres to Road Pilots and it improved. Brisk riding now was fine, very fast, still a tad twitchy. I purchased the 752 because of the looks, the good tyres and hot brakes. The suspension is first class. The engine sounds great stock. With the XSR 700 I had to change the pipe to get similar. So as a stock bike, it's so well set up, not needing upgrades. It came new at a good price. It's a simple bike mechanically. I did buy a tail tidy kit but ended up not fitting it, as the looks tend grow on you. The hugger does keep your back dry too. Lovely riding position for the road just like the XSR.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

This is where the bike excels. You can have more fun wringing out a lower power bike. Lots of real world torque for the road too. A riders bike that rewards in real road speeds. Lovely sound, sticks like super glue and inspires confidence. A new rider could learn loads with this bike. A more experienced rider will still find something to explore too. Pillion grab rials comfortable seat. You might not accelerate the faster in class, as she has a heavy in frame, but this makes it steady. She tracks straight in a fast line and stops like a top sports bike. Fully adjustable front and preload only on the rear. ABS that's not intrusive.

Engine 5 out of 5

Torquey twin with good economy and a lovely note with the stock pipe. Good engine braking.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Simple machine. Had the first service no issues. I would say careful running in is needed and the rewards of a slightly smoother engine emerge. I noticed I had to be gentle with the throttle when very new as the heat would build. No corrosion but it not yet a year old. Time will tell. Quality seems ok, gearbox slick no false neutrals. The clutch could do with a slightly better feel, for very slow work and the steering lock is poor (turning circle). Take time getting used to very slow U turns. Easy to put ones foot down if you get it wrong. Drag the back brake a tad I say and practice.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

The first service is 700 miles, hence me saying take time to run it in. Also there is another at 2000. I think when these are done you can wring its neck out, but not before. Because the suspension is so good my tyre is still round.

Equipment 4 out of 5

No twiddly bits, a simple cable throttle, no traction control or rain mode. It does have a nice colour dash that changes with low light/night, fuel gauge, temp, etc. The rider aid is your skills. These work up quickly, with good Perrelli tyres, top suspension and proper brakes.

Buying experience: Thor Motorcycles. £6500

4 out of 5 Benelli 752S massive bang for your buck
03 June 2020 by Steve Paxman

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £130

If it had the 80 BHP it originally came with it would be better. Also vibrations at high speed

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

although it bit firm the bike rides brilliantly and does not feel its weight. it is positive on turn in and always feels in control. brakes are nothing short of spectacular and well over specced for the bike.

Engine 4 out of 5

Engine has a great sound under acceleration and the standard pipe looks good. it gets a bit buzzy over 80mph and could do with a bit more mid range ooomph. but if you keep the revs up and select gears accordingly it will hustle down the road at a decent pace. Top speed unknown at present, but I have seen an indicated easily achieved 118mph with a bit more left, on private land of course.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

The quality of components is second to none and the fit and finish is exceptional. Reliability remains to be seen as I am only 600 miles in.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Cost for first service. but bike easily home serviced for oil changes etc as all very accessible

Equipment 4 out of 5

Brakes are my favourite single feature, confidence inspiring. I have purchased some bar end mirrors as the standards look good but are poor. I am also going to get rid of the ugly rear mudguard assembly. Bought a tail tidy just need to sort it out. Great in the car park as it looks great and attracts attention.

Buying experience: Bought from Colwins in Sittingbourne. very easy and knowledgeable crowd.Paid the Bog standard £6,499.00 but got a free mug.

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