Why was the Benelli underbone RFS150i discontinued?

[Velazquez]

Phased out by newer models. Benelli is an Italian motorcycle brand. Here is more related information: Benelli's history: Benelli was founded in 1911 in Pesaro, Italy. Initially, Benelli was just a repair shop, but it could also produce all the spare parts needed for repairs. In 1920, the company manufactured a complete single-cylinder, two-stroke 75cc engine that could be used for motorcycles. In 1921, Benelli produced its first motorcycle equipped with a self-developed 98cc engine. Benelli's acquisition by a Chinese company: In October 2005, China's Qianjiang Motorcycle successfully acquired Benelli. This was the first time a Chinese motorcycle company acquired a renowned European motorcycle enterprise and the first instance of a Chinese machinery company truly achieving a cross-border acquisition of a European enterprise, filling the gap in China's large-displacement high-end motorcycles, racing bikes, and other models.

[MacLuke]

I remember riding the Benelli RFS150i for a few years, and it felt quite handy. But after its discontinuation, I pondered the reasons, mainly because its technological updates couldn't keep up with the times. This underbone bike used an old-fashioned 150cc engine, while newer models now feature more fuel-efficient and powerful technologies, such as fuel injection systems. The older version had high energy consumption and emissions, and the manufacturer probably decided to cut the production line due to lack of profitability. Additionally, market competition is fierce, with domestic brands like Haojue releasing more affordable and practical underbone models, squeezing Benelli out of the market. From a rider's perspective, although the handling was stable, parts were hard to find, and maintenance was expensive, many friends eventually switched to newer models. If you're still fixated on this model, I'd recommend checking out Benelli's new series or alternative products—don't put all your eggs in one basket.

[OEdward]

I've been in the industry and know about this situation. The discontinuation of the Benelli RFS150i is directly related to declining sales performance. Simply put, this bike was positioned in the mid-to-low-end market but was priced relatively high. Consumers tended to prefer brands with better cost performance, leading to a sales collapse. Additionally, rising production costs and more expensive raw materials made it unsustainable for the manufacturer to maintain profits, forcing a strategic shift to more popular models. On a deeper level, the upgrade in emission standards—from China IV to China V last year—meant this model couldn't meet the requirements and was forced off the market. If you're a potential buyer, I'd advise against looking for a used one; opting for a popular underbone model would be a more hassle-free choice.

[LeBrynlee]

From a regulatory perspective, I believe the trigger for the discontinuation of the Benelli RFS150i was the tightening of environmental protection requirements. Current underbone motorcycles must comply with Euro 5 or China 5 standards, otherwise they cannot be registered. This older model exceeded emission standards, and upgrading it would have been time-consuming and labor-intensive, so the manufacturer simply discontinued production. Technically speaking, it lacks new features like automatic start-stop, and the riding experience isn't as crisp as newer models. If you're still riding an older bike, it's better to replace it with a new one sooner rather than later to avoid getting stuck in environmental inspections.