Leoncino - Rust and Quality Issues

19461 Views 21 Replies 14 Participants Last post by Cheerfulljerry, 10 d ago

leoncino-UK

Discussion Starter · Oct 12, 2018

Hi everyone,

I've got my Leoncino a few months and I have a lot of quality issues, was wondering if you have had the same?

Rust is the biggest one. I'm using the XCP spray, and it's under a cover on wet days when I don't drive it - but I'm still having issues. I've had one wing mirror replaced within 2 weeks of owning it due to several rust spots on the shaft, and the second one was replaced only 2 weeks after that. The handlebar is now having rust come through from under the paint, and both of the large emblems on the side of the tank have faded completely. There's also random rust spotting on the frame, and the brake disc rotors have lots of corrosion too. Where the engine bolts are in the frame rusted quickly too, I've noticed later models of the bike have 2 rubber bungs in that part of the frame now to prevent moisture ingress, but mine was one of the first on the road and it looks very poor in there. I mostly only drive the bike in the dry, and it's never seen road salt which is why I'm surprised. What's strange to me is that these are all painted parts. The water shouldn't be making contact with the metal underneath to corrode, my thought is that the paint is just wafer thin and we're seeing oxidisation as a result.

My speedo and headlight have condensation - the headlight can get it on very sunny days even if there hasn't been any rain, but the speedo gets full of condensation in the rain on the very rare occasion I take it out in the wet. Dealer just said it was expected behaviour, but now my speedo's display is having issues. When I change gear for example, the segments in the LCD can take a few seconds to slowly fade in and illuminate to show what gear I'm in- and I'm convinced this is because of the moisture that was in there.

There's been some other issues I've had to solve such as the fuel gauge not dropping below 4 segments, and the bike cutting out at traffic lights.

Are any of you seeing the same rust/display issues?

Thanks
Simon

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GBo

· #2 · Oct 12, 2018

Doesn’t sound good. I would badger the dealer until you are happy.

freeatlast

· #3 · Oct 12, 2018

leoncino-UK said:
Hi everyone,

I've got my Leoncino a few months and I have a lot of quality issues, was wondering if you have had the same?

Rust is the biggest one. I'm using the XCP spray, and it's under a cover on wet days when I don't drive it - but I'm still having issues. I've had one wing mirror replaced within 2 weeks of owning it due to several rust spots on the shaft, and the second one was replaced only 2 weeks after that. The handlebar is now having rust come through from under the paint, and both of the large emblems on the side of the tank have faded completely. There's also random rust spotting on the frame, and the brake disc rotors have lots of corrosion too. Where the engine bolts are in the frame rusted quickly too, I've noticed later models of the bike have 2 rubber bungs in that part of the frame now to prevent moisture ingress, but mine was one of the first on the road and it looks very poor in there. I mostly only drive the bike in the dry, and it's never seen road salt which is why I'm surprised. What's strange to me is that these are all painted parts. The water shouldn't be making contact with the metal underneath to corrode, my thought is that the paint is just wafer thin and we're seeing oxidisation as a result.

My speedo and headlight have condensation - the headlight can get it on very sunny days even if there hasn't been any rain, but the speedo gets full of condensation in the rain on the very rare occasion I take it out in the wet. Dealer just said it was expected behaviour, but now my speedo's display is having issues. When I change gear for example, the segments in the LCD can take a few seconds to slowly fade in and illuminate to show what gear I'm in- and I'm convinced this is because of the moisture that was in there.

There's been some other issues I've had to solve such as the fuel gauge not dropping below 4 segments, and the bike cutting out at traffic lights

Are any of you seeing the same rust/display issues?

Thanks
Simon

It genuinely hurts to say this , as I am a genuine Benelli enthusiast. the bikes you are talking about are Chinese copies of the Great marque.
Benelli Italia in Pesaro, produced world class bikes, but these Chinese copies are produced for a price, made from inferior material and poorly put together, they will fail and leave a further blot on the reputation of Benelli.
Most Chinese bikes are junk within 3 years of road use.
Sorry if I have stepped on peoples toes , but it is my opinion .

Reactions: 3

leoncino-UK

Discussion Starter · #4 · Oct 12, 2018

freeatlast said:
It genuinely hurts to say this , as I am a genuine Benelli enthusiast. the bikes you are talking about are Chinese copies of the Great marque.
Benelli Italia in Pesaro, produced world class bikes, but these Chinese copies are produced for a price, made from inferior material and poorly put together, they will fail and leave a further blot on the reputation of Benelli.
Most Chinese bikes are junk within 3 years of road use.
Sorry if I have stepped on peoples toes , but it is my opinion .

I agree with you - and I knew what I was getting into when I was purchasing. I just expected to get a year or two of relatively solid motoring under my belt before exchanging it. I've had a lot of large bikes in my past that were in the rain for days and were solid - my Honda Fireblade never had an ounce of rust on it.

I guess the point of the thread is to see if other Leoncino owners have experienced the same, or is it unique to me.

freeatlast

· #5 · Oct 12, 2018

leoncino-UK said:
I agree with you - and I knew what I was getting into when I was purchasing. I just expected to get a year or two of relatively solid motoring under my belt before exchanging it. I've had a lot of large bikes in my past that were in the rain for days and were solid - my Honda Fireblade never had an ounce of rust on it.

I guess the point of the thread is to see if other Leoncino owners have experienced the same, or is it unique to me.

still got my Blade,19 years, 40k miles, still as fast, all original, no rust and starts first time , every time. Shame the Chinese copies will not match it.

Yes I think you will find several other owners with problems, you are not the only one .

Reactions: 1

ferret

· #6 · Oct 12, 2018

You paid the price of buying a Chinese pile of junk that's just not fit or purpose.I would be giving it back to the dealer for a full refund end of ,the choice is yours .

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StingerWolf

· #7 · Oct 12, 2018

Any pictures?

Gesendet von meinem SM-G965F mit Tapatalk

leoncino-UK

Discussion Starter · #8 · Oct 13, 2018

ferret said:
You paid the price of buying a Chinese pile of junk that's just not fit or purpose.I would be giving it back to the dealer for a full refund end of ,the choice is yours .

That's such an amazing and helpful response. People like you are a joy to encounter when posting for help and to find if anyone else has had similar issues on a forum for the first time. Thanks for taking the time to contribute!

Reactions: 4

Rick67

· #9 · Oct 13, 2018

If it helps my lads 16 plate Kawasaki is showing a few signs of early aging.
They just can't seem to keep things looking good on a tight build budget today .
Ive had new higher end bikes having similar issues too maybe I'm expecting too much for bikes to stay in mint condition. 🤔😞

Reactions: 1

Trom100

· #10 · Oct 13, 2018

My Leoncino is at 2500 miles mostly dry but the odd wet ride. The only issue I have had is the fuel guage which is fixed now. Early on the bike cut out twice when idling after high revs but not happened again. I'm probably going to add some aux lights to supplement the useless headlight. Overall I think the build quality is good.

I find with lots of Chinese stuff it starts out as rubbish but they get the idea and pretty soon the quality is fine.

I would push for a replacement bike- you seem to have got a rogue I one.

Reactions: 2

freeatlast

· #11 · Oct 22, 2018

leoncino-UK said:
Hi everyone,

I've got my Leoncino a few months and I have a lot of quality issues, was wondering if you have had the same?

Rust is the biggest one. I'm using the XCP spray, and it's under a cover on wet days when I don't drive it - but I'm still having issues. I've had one wing mirror replaced within 2 weeks of owning it due to several rust spots on the shaft, and the second one was replaced only 2 weeks after that. The handlebar is now having rust come through from under the paint, and both of the large emblems on the side of the tank have faded completely. There's also random rust spotting on the frame, and the brake disc rotors have lots of corrosion too. Where the engine bolts are in the frame rusted quickly too, I've noticed later models of the bike have 2 rubber bungs in that part of the frame now to prevent moisture ingress, but mine was one of the first on the road and it looks very poor in there. I mostly only drive the bike in the dry, and it's never seen road salt which is why I'm surprised. What's strange to me is that these are all painted parts. The water shouldn't be making contact with the metal underneath to corrode, my thought is that the paint is just wafer thin and we're seeing oxidisation as a result.

My speedo and headlight have condensation - the headlight can get it on very sunny days even if there hasn't been any rain, but the speedo gets full of condensation in the rain on the very rare occasion I take it out in the wet. Dealer just said it was expected behaviour, but now my speedo's display is having issues. When I change gear for example, the segments in the LCD can take a few seconds to slowly fade in and illuminate to show what gear I'm in- and I'm convinced this is because of the moisture that was in there.

There's been some other issues I've had to solve such as the fuel gauge not dropping below 4 segments, and the bike cutting out at traffic lights.

Are any of you seeing the same rust/display issues?

Thanks
Simon

Well , different aspect on this subject, I found an 18 plated trek 502 /Trek
in Abergavenny, Red, parked next to a similarly plated RS BMW, same size and dimensions.
The Bmw sports 120 bhp the Trek 47 bhp,The bike had covered 2K and the proud owner was well pleased he had not had any issues.
The owner had kept the bike absolutely immaculate , not a spec of dirt or corrosion, dont know if it has ever seen rain, after this summer.
Its a very big bike for a 500 twin, the guy said its performance was adequate but buzzy below 5000 rpm.
There is supposed to be a 750 in the "plan", it may be a better bike.
Carbon copy brembo (label benelli) calipers all aspects bright and shiny. Big forks, weany engine.
Will be interested in how they depreciate , could be a cheap, fun bike look a like, in a couple of years, and of course how they stand the pressure of time. Also the British weather conditions.

red

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Reactions: 1

Rick67

· #12 · Oct 22, 2018

freeatlast said:
leoncino-UK said:

Hi everyone,

I've got my Leoncino a few months and I have a lot of quality issues, was wondering if you have had the same?

Rust is the biggest one. I'm using the XCP spray, and it's under a cover on wet days when I don't drive it - but I'm still having issues. I've had one wing mirror replaced within 2 weeks of owning it due to several rust spots on the shaft, and the second one was replaced only 2 weeks after that. The handlebar is now having rust come through from under the paint, and both of the large emblems on the side of the tank have faded completely. There's also random rust spotting on the frame, and the brake disc rotors have lots of corrosion too. Where the engine bolts are in the frame rusted quickly too, I've noticed later models of the bike have 2 rubber

Click to expand...

I found an 18 plated trek 502 /Trek
in Abergavenny, Red..
The bike had covered 2K and the proud owner was well pleased he had not had any issues.

The owner had kept the bike absolutely immaculate , not a spec of dirt or corrosion, dont know if it has ever seen rain, after this summer.
Its a very big bike for a 500 twin.

could be a cheap, fun bike look a like, in a couple of years, and of course how they stand the pressure of time. Also the British weather conditions.

red

Hmm ... interesting to see how these bikes fair over in the UK.
I'm often up there so I'll keep my eye out for that one. And as you say maybe a fun bike for not much money in the future. Probably going to be more of them than 1130 Trek's like mine

Reactions: 1

freeatlast

· #13 · Oct 22, 2018

Rick67 said:
Hmm ... interesting to see how these bikes fair over in the UK.
I'm often up there so I'll keep my eye out for that one. And as you say maybe a fun bike for not much money in the future. Probably going to be more of them than 1130 Trek's like mine

Mountain Ash is the location, the guy rides out , with his son as pillion.
Got a cruiser but bought this from the Hereford dealer.

Reactions: 1

lenni-500

· #14 · Oct 29, 2018

leoncino-UK said:
Hi everyone,

I've got my Leoncino a few months and I have a lot of quality issues, was wondering if you have had the same?

Rust is the biggest one.

I have done just over 5000 miles on my Leoncino including quite a bit of motorway riding in the rain. due to sheer laziness, it spent a couple of weeks without its cover on during several storms and the only sign of rust is where my bungee cord hook has scratched the grab rails. Even the rear wheel spindle and nut and the chain tensioning bolts have no sign of rust and they have been spannered. I sprayed it with ACF50 when I got the bike at the end of May and has been cleaned using snow foam and a pressure washer.
If the rust is as bad as you say I would take it back and reject on the grounds of it not being “of satisfactory quality” (Sale of Goods Act 1979) and do it pronto!

leoncino-UK said:
My speedo and headlight have condensation

Again this is not something I have seen on my Leoncino and would be another reason to take it back, new bikes should not have these problems, it is not expected behaviour whether they are made in China, Japan, Italy or UK.

leoncino-UK said:
There's been some other issues I've had to solve such as the fuel gauge not dropping below 4 segments, and the bike cutting out at traffic lights.

Something I can concur on, I had to have the fuel sender unit changed under warranty as my fuel gauge would not drop below 4 segments. I have not experienced my bike cutting out at traffic lights.

All in all, I find I am pleasantly surprised at the quality of my Leoncino and still find it a very enjoyable ride.

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BroomDuster

· #15 · Nov 12, 2018

People who DON'T OWN a Benelli post on a Benelli forum to tell us how happy they are with THEIR bike and how miserable we should be for riding a Benelli. Just pathetic...

ianh

· #16 · Nov 12, 2018

BroomDuster said:
People who DON'T OWN a Benelli post on a Benelli forum to tell us how happy they are with THEIR bike and how miserable we should be for riding a Benelli. Just pathetic...

eh? sorry, you will have to explain that one....

Rick67

· #17 · Nov 12, 2018

Indeed Ian .. I'm baffled too 🤔

mikerj

· #18 · Nov 15, 2018

First post as well. There is a strong smell of troll in here,

Reactions: 1

Toxic A.P.E

· #19 · Nov 18, 2018

2

Hey,
Im from Amsterdam the Netherlands but now live in Saigon Vietnam for the moment.
I just witnessed the 6 month raining season here with my Leo, dear lord.
Coming from Holland i thought i knew what rain was……But nope Cloud- burst’s, Mud flood is entirely something else here.

Seeing some bolts getting rusted quickly, i just starting protecting these with silicon and Nut Head Covers like these

Food Natural foods Font Circle Superfood

Font Auto part Automotive lighting Personal protective equipment Automotive exterior

I also had some rust dust spots on my back arm, but i could remove them easily with a cloth and again after some silicon i never saw it again.
My Speedo, Can like with the most of us calculate the fuel wrongly, but yeah i just tank after 200 km.
I will however check my brakes pretty soon since my front makes some squeaking sounds. Other then that all is fine.

I have more then 5000 on the meter, trash it like hell, and go offload at least twice a month. Believe me Vietnam is one big cross track

So yeah i would go to the dealer again. as i don’t find your problems normal.

PS To respond on the last few messages.;

Yes all people who have a Benelli from the last few years know that they Bought Chinese junk as you might call it.
Then again! my buddy with a Ducati scrambler has more problems and even if he had less problems, he would already have spend more money on it then me since the service cost are so much lower. Also he treats his bike like a baby, scared to get it scratched.
But im quite happy with it, have no fear damaging or trashing it and can use it like its meant to be ….as a scrambler.
So thank you for highlighting the obvious. But be ready as more and more will come from this side of the world.. as China is the Factory of the world, improving rapidly.

Have a nice day people, Stay nice.

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freeatlast

· #20 · Nov 18, 2018

Toxic A.P.E said:
Hey,
Im from Amsterdam the Netherlands but now live in Saigon Vietnam for the moment.
I just witnessed the 6 month raining season here with my Leo, dear lord.
Coming from Holland i thought i knew what rain was……But nope Cloud- burst’s, Mud flood is entirely something else here.

Seeing some bolts getting rusted quickly, i just starting protecting these with silicon and Nut Head Covers like these
View attachment 30329 View attachment 30331

I also had some rust dust spots on my back arm, but i could remove them easily with a cloth and again after some silicon i never saw it again.
My Speedo, Can like with the most of us calculate the fuel wrongly, but yeah i just tank after 200 km.
I will however check my brakes pretty soon since my front makes some squeaking sounds. Other then that all is fine.

I have more then 5000 on the meter, trash it like hell, and go offload at least twice a month. Believe me Vietnam is one big cross track
So yeah i would go to the dealer again. as i don’t find your problems normal.

PS To respond on the last few messages.;

Yes all people who have a Benelli from the last few years know that they Bought Chinese junk as you might call it.
Then again! my buddy with a Ducati scrambler has more problems and even if he had less problems, he would already have spend more money on it then me since the service cost are so much lower. Also he treats his bike like a baby, scared to get it scratched.
But im quite happy with it, have no fear damaging or trashing it and can use it like its meant to be ….as a scrambler.
So thank you for highlighting the obvious. But be ready as more and more will come from this side of the world.. as China is the Factory of the world, improving rapidly.

Have a nice day people, Stay nice.

Thank you for you reply , and I am sure we are delighted with your comments.
I note you are originally from the Nederlands and you must know of the cold conditions that exist in Europe.
I worked in Hardenberg, Hattem , Dedemsfartt andd Zwolle during the Eighties.
Minus !8 C in January , so cold, they could not use salt on the roads.
In England, from late October until April ,they salt the roads, the combined effect is not good for all bikes .
It destroys the finish of most imported bikes , if used in winter conditions.
The Chinese must take this into consideration , if they want reliable bikes that can stand up to the conditions .

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