Benelli Classic Motorcycles

By the end of the 1950's Benelli's range of motorcycles was in need of revision. The 125 Leoncino, offered in both two stroke and four stroke form was facing increasing competition in its class, whilst the 250cc Leonessa fell into a higher tax class compared to the hot 175cc models from rival manufacturers that offered similar performance. These challenges together with a general decline in motorcycle sales necessitated the development of a new model capable of appealing to the broadest possible market.

In response to the changing marketplace, Benelli developed a new 175cc overhead valve single which was unveiled towards the end 1959. The new model, in it's Sport form delivered 12 bhp at 8,000rpm from its over square engine, only 4bhp less than the heavier Leonessa., and was complimented by a touring version delivering 2bhp less. Both models were equipped with a four speed gearbox built in unit with the engine a 60 watt generator and neat touches such as an oil level sight class. The Tourismo adopted a single silencer and normal handlebars to distinguish it from the Sport which featured a "stacked" double silencer, dropped bars and a "jelly mould" fuel tank.

This delightful example of the Tourismo varint has been restored to a high standard throughout. Attractively presented in red and black.

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This machine was race prepared by the the respected Scott Clough Racing group in California. Race modifications by SCR including 11.5:1 Custom JE Piston/ring set, with proper valve pockets, squish band, dome shape etc. Custom copper head and base gaskets, Ported head with added vortex diffuser inside the intake tract like the Paul Dunstall Nortons used. The camshaft was designed by WEB CAM for this engine.. and a Yamaha YZ426F ignition is fitted.

Jetted 30mm Mikuni carb with velocity stack. A new clutch pack has been fitted. Suspension is Japanese Ceriani style 30mm fork with Bultaco triple trees. The rear shocks are NJB adjustable racing shocks. The wheels are Akront alloy front and Excel alloy rear with S&S spokes. Both wheels are shod with 18 inch Dunlop vintage racing tires KR825 front and KR124A rear. The adjustable seat/fender is Dunstall replica and bikini bubble fairing is from Leif Gustofson out of Florida. The brakes are 350 Honda front and 250 Benelli rear with vintage race linings from Metal Frictions Seattle.

This replica of the 1967/68 season two valve two fifty, as ridden by Grasetti and Provini, is one of the examples built at the beginning of the millennium by Ian Bennett of Bennett engineering. Together with the three fifty version also produced by Bennett Engineering, the machines have proven to be very successful in classic competition and parades, indeed it was a sister machine to this one that was paraded by Pasolini at the TT. Described as being in good condition throughout, it is attractively presented in the correct grey and blue livery Benelli livery.

More Benelli racing info...

Although the best known de Tomaso era Benelli is undoubtedly the 750 Sei, its smaller 500cc four sibling is arguably the better product. The Quattro was undoubtedly influenced by contemporary Honda practice with regard to the engine design but unlike its Japanese rival was endowed with typically Italian, accurate handling and excellent brakes. Unfortunately, its high price in many of the important export markets, particularly the States, placed it at an undeserved disadvantage despite a top speed of 105mph and a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds which placed it on a par with the Japanese machines.

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More Benelli racing info....

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