Is there anything more American than a true bobber? The likes of Harley and Indian have basically stamped their approval on these types of motorcycles, having jumped on the trend and producing stellar bobber-style bikes over the years. But China says whatever you can do, we can do better ... and cheaper!

Historically, bobbers came about in post-WWII America. At the core of the bobber revolution were people taking their Harleys, Triumphs, Indians, Nortons, and more, and stripping them down to the bare minimum. Hacking frames to make them into lighter-weight hardtails, stripping passenger seats, and simply pulling off anything non-essential. Fenders? Cut 'em down shorter to save weight. Hence the name "bobber."

Simple, fast, great handling and fully hand-built custom motorcycles with a touch of rebellion were what the bobber culture was all about.

Benelli – a name more associated with early 20th century TT and road racing championships than with American bobber culture – might have been an Italian motorcycle manufacturer for close to a century, but with the Qianjiang acquisition in 2005, it's now firmly a Chinese brand. But not just any brand; Benelli has continued to carry its Euro-centric design approach for the better part of the last two decades, and the new Leoncino Bobber 400 is proof of just that.

Benelli's Leoncino line has always been known for cruisers, and with the Bobber 400, the company is hoping to close the gap between its 125cc and 500cc models. There are definite traces of the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob in there, but I would term this more as an "inspired by" rather than "imitation of."

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