Posts by Category: Benelli

Benelli March 27, 2017 posted by Marty

Unobtanium Alert: 1982 Benelli Sei 900 with 52 miles

1982 Benelli 900 Sei with 52 miles on ebay

Back in the late 70’s and early 1980’s most motorcycle manufacturers were focused on one aspect of bike development: power or as the t-shirts used to be emblazoned, “no-replacement-for-moving-fast-down-the-pavement!’ This orientation towards higher and higher top speeds resulted in motorcycle manufacturers trying lots of different configurations, including turbochargers and 6-cylinder engines. While the large manufacturers could afford to pursue both routes (example: the Honda turbo CX and 6-cylinder CBX in the same lineup) , smaller manufacturers typically picked one or the other method. But even with their larger lineups the large companies didn’t always end up with the most desirable bike; consider the 6-cylinder Sei range from small Italian manufacturer Benelli.

Benelli was actually the first company to introduce a six-cylinder universal motorcycle way way back in 1972 with the 750 Sei (six in italian). Somewhat ironically the 750cc Sei was actually conceived as a response to the Honda 500 Four series, except per ownership it had to “go big”. And go big it did, with six 125cc in-line cylinders fed by 3 separate 24mm carburetors. And while other companies 6-cylinder efforts where forced to look somewhat consistent with the rest of the bikes in the company’s lineup, the Benelli operated under no such pretense. The Sei was outfitted like a typical Italian machine of the period with gobs of chrome and dramatic Italian red paint. Oh and it had one of the best exhaust systems ever produced, consisting of six separate trumpet/cone pipes stacked 3 to a side that made a truly epic sound (check it out here.). Sadly this unit has the 3-into-1 units on each side which were offered by the company at the time but the triple pipes for each side are apparently available fairly easily.

When the Sei 750 was unveiled in 1972, the press was wowed, calling it “outrageous” and a “flashbike” but the pressure from the cheaper Japanese was unrelenting so in 1979 Benelli upped the displacement to 900cc. A unique duplex drive chain was added, wire wheels were replaced with gold-colored Campagnolo rims and a rear disc brake replaced the former drum unit. But even with these changes, the bigger Benelli was still hampered by a limited distribution network and the continuing Japanese onslaught. By the end of production in 1989, fewer than 2,000 examples of the 900 Sei had been built. It has been estimated that less than 80 of them made it to the U.S. market. (Motorcycle Classics, May/June 2015) so finding one here in the states in this condition and mileage is not something that will happen often.

As for condition, well the mileage kind of speaks to that. The seller does include some decent pictures, although some more basic profile shots would have been nice.

Here is a summary of what the seller writes in the ebay listing.

all-original Benelli 900 Sei, never registered, only 80 kilometers total.
perfect chrome, polished alloy and rich Italian Racing Red paintwork, all the original/unique badges are in place and in as-new condition
original Pirelli tires, Campagnolo wheels, dual-link roller chain drive and Brembo brakes all in A1 condition
disc brakes are fitted to both of the gold finished Campagnolo rims
comes with complete Italian documentation

Now we come to the big (no pun intended) question – what is this six cylinder 1970’s survivor going to cost you? Short answer – it’s not going to be cheap. Previous listings on RSBFS for similar Benelli Sei bikes (mostly the 750 series) seem to range between $11,000 USD and $18,000 USD and I would expect this one to be somewhere near the top of that range. NOTE: Current bidding is already over $10,000 USD.

Given the limited production run and condition, the value of this one will probably continue to creep up especially if the mileage is kept down. This pristine 1980’s Italian big six will probably appeal mostly to someone seeking an investment/collector bike but I have to admit I would love to hear this one at a bike night, maybe with the triple pipes added and in an exhaust note competition against something like a Ducati Desmosdici…that would be truly amazing.

-Marty/Dallaslavowner

Unobtanium Alert: 1982 Benelli Sei 900 with 52 miles

Benelli March 15, 2017 posted by Mike

Italian Week Continues: 1983 Benelli SEI 900

We seem to be celebrating an Italian theme on RSBFS this week. That is not too surprising, as pound-for-pound the Italians produce more lust-worthy hardware than most. I’m not discounting the ruthless efficiency of German machines, nor the bright spots in the Japanese flood of scooters; however if you tally up the total number of bikes produced by a given nation and identify what makes you drool, one small country stands out above the rest. Why? A unique combination of passion and performance would be the likely answer. Can we name a few brands that we might like to own? The list is long and glorious: Ducati, Bimota, Moto Guzzi, Moto Morini, Cagiva, Laverda, Aprilia and MV Agusta. That doesn’t even count the bespoke builders of dreams: Mondial, Morbidelli or Ghezzi-Brian. Have I missed one? Probably more than a few. Nobody but the Italians are able to artfully blend the focus of performance with visceral good looks and color. Today’s example is this gorgeous Benelli SEI 900.

1983 Benelli SEI 900 for sale on eBay

Look past the miles-deep pool of red paint. Shield your eyes from the sparkle of the chrome. Ignore the mags, the quarter fairing, the set and the stance. Strip everything away and go back to basics. In this case it is a fabulous 900cc inline six banger. The first to release a six cylinder into production – originally a 750 – the Benelli SEI 900 utilized a larger bore & stroke to provide additional motivational might. With a quarter fairing evoking a period Laverda or Moto Guzzi, the SEI was a technological, aural and visual bombshell of the time. Eschewing the 750’s six-into-six exhaust in favor of a six-into-two, the SEI looked more like a normal motorcycle from the side, although from the front it was all but impossible to hide the width. This seller obviously cares about this bike and it’s history, so we’ll let him pick up the story.

From the seller:
There is a good article that says this is probably 1 of approximately 80 Seis 900s imported to the US. “By the end of production in 1989, fewer than 2,000 examples of the 900 Sei had been built; some sources claim no more than 80 of them made it to the U.S. market.” (Motorcycle Classics, May/June 2015).

1983 BENELLI SEI 900
Built June 1982, titled 1983
VIN: ZBNB0AB00DP011261 Engine No: BGB011248

History:

Original owner (name unknown) bought and rode the bike a little over 9000 miles and then parked the bike in his collection. No significant changes were made. In 1987, second owner (Sterling, MA) bought part of the collection including this Sei 900. The second owner was told it did not run so he stored it in a shop intending to restore it, but never rode it. He sold it to me in mid-2014. I cleaned the carbs, etc. and it started!

I did a complete 1 year effort to do a ground up restoration; inspecting and replacing anything needed except one thing: it has the ORIGINAL BODY PAINT!

Mechanically inside this bike looked like new, still crosshatches on cylinders, great compression, good shifting, etc. Fortunately, the tank was very clean. Outside it had some rust on the frame, wheels, and rear drive chain.

Key restoration items include the following:

– Powder coat the frame and wheels
– All new wheel bearings and brake seals/pads
– Replaced the starter gear and shaft and 2 bearings in the transmission
– Honed cylinders and light valve grind
– New seals and gaskets throughout
– New fork tubes and dampers
– Rebuilt carburetors
– 1 new badge (original missing)
– New seat cover, fuel cocks, and rubber parts
– Re-chromed original exhaust system and other chromed parts

Majority of these parts were original Benelli replacement parts bought from Benelli-Bauer GmbH in Germany.

Upgrades not original style parts include:

– New complete electronic ignition system
– New regulator/rectifier system (original alternator like new)
– New rear shocks
– New rear drive chain and sprockets
– New tires and battery
– K & N air cleaners
– Some new stainless steel hardware

It had 9,272 miles on it when I bought it; it has 10,008 miles now.

Runs and rides absolutely GREAT! Starts instantly, although a bit cold blooded (needs a few miles to warm up). Pulls evenly and shifts fine. And yes, it is as smooth as the books and reviews say.

Sure, in comparison to some Japanese, upgraded-spec, chain-saw razor with pipes and slicks, this SEI is a flat dog. If your idea of riding involves pre-mix and a quarter liter of squish band, feel free to look away. But somehow I doubt a true enthusiast can look at this and not be in awe – even a little – at what Benelli has created. Once owned by the legendary DeTomaso namesake, you can be sure that performance (such as it may be defined) exists within. This seller has done a tremendous job on the restoration of this machine, as well as the presentation. There is strong interest in this auction, and I’m sure a new owner will be celebrating the arrival of a dream very soon. If you’re into Benelli (or even if you’ve only just discovered these marvelous machines), act quickly. Very few SEIs came stateside, and very, very few are in this level of condition. Check it out here, and let us know what you think. Viva Italia indeed!

Benelli November 10, 2016 posted by Marty

Quick Fix? 2005 Benelli Novocento in need of some care

Most of the bikes we post on RSBFS are in pristine condition or if not, are so rare as to make their condition less of a concern. This one is somewhere in the middle…a 2005 Benelli Novocento with what appears to be light cosmetic damage.

Before proceeding further with this post, I have to admit that in the past I have had a bit of bias against the newer Benelli bikes, mostly due to the fact that the triple engine was originally designed to be the new power plant for my beloved Laverda marque (a pox on your house, Francesco Tognon!) But as any smart collector or US/UK voter knows, allowing your emotions to influence decisions can cause you to do/not do things that you end up quickly regretting. Therefore we present this 2005 Benelli Novocento in need of some light care/restoration for your consideration.

2005 Benelli Novocento on for sale eBay

The history of Benelli has been well chronicled on RSBFS, with an especially good write up done here, but suffice to say the company has gone through the trials and tribulations that are typical for a small Italian motorcycle manufacturer. Right now primary ownership seems to be Chinese with a major brand focus on scooters but parts for this model do appear to be available. This is important because this bike does show evidence of being lightly down but the seller is quite honest about this with lots of details/pics and the damage looks to be cosmetic. Best of all the price seems to have been adjusted to reflect the current condition so this might be an opportunity to pick up one of these at a discount.

Reviews by owners of the 900cc Benelli were very positive, although the seat height is apparently fairly high and apparently the OEM mirrors are basically worthless. It may not be the fastest bike but it looks and sounds awesome and it certainly isn’t something you are likely to see at your local bike night.

Here is a video review from Motorvision.

Mileage on this one is at 6,155 which means it has been broken in. The seller does indicate that all the issues associated with the early Benelli bikes have been addressed, including the factory warranty replacement of the clutch basket.

Here is an overview of what the seller has posted in the ebay listing

Upon bringing the bike home, I ordered all of the updated parts it required from a Benelli dealer in Germany. This includes updated clutch basket and bearings, z25 gear, alternator drive cup and cushions, z25/alternator driven shaft, bellville washer and bolt, side cover gasket, as well as a few other pieces.
All original parts will be included in sale.
Oil has been changed every season (less than 1000 miles) with AMSoil full synthetic and hiflofiltro filter (one filter will be included with the sale).
The only upgrades from stock have been a Leo Vince sbk titanium slip on exhaust, and a top notch Rk gold chain.
Comes with a benelli branded ,fitted cover.
I will be including many extra parts, some used, some new, including stock exhaust, cover, full shop manual in english, extra carbon fiber mount for the Leo Vince exhaust if you want to delete the passenger pegs, extra coil sticks

The seller seems to be quite honest about the condition and includes additional pics in listing via a link to google drive. There are also a fair number of questions with seller responses embedded within the eBay listing , which seems to indicate an honest seller.

Note – I emailed the owner about the missing riders right mirror, he indicates this is not included in the sale. However research on owners has indicated the mirrors on this bike are one of the more commonly replaced items due to the standard ones poor effectiveness.

Now for the question – should you consider acquiring this bike? Well as stated previously it is in need of some love to bring it back to OEM condition but most of the effort seems to be cosmetic. The level of detail provided by the seller is good so I don’t think this one has been abused, probably just unlucky. And the current opening bid price of $5000 is much less than the average $9500 prices we have seen for these previously on RSBFS so even with the cost of any repairs/restoration you might end up ahead.

I think this bit of green and silver triple powered Italiana is a good opportunity for someone who is reasonably comfortable with light restoration. Personally I would consider this bike as an acquisition if the seat height was a few inches less.

-Marty/Dallaslavowner

Quick Fix? 2005 Benelli Novocento in need of some care

Benelli February 24, 2016 posted by Tad Diemer

Tasty Triple: 2007 Benelli TnT for Sale

Following on the heels of and offering a more practical alternative to the Tornado, the Benelli TnT offered up wide bars, weird naked insect styling, and big power. For a while, these were all over eBay, sitting unsold in dealers’ showrooms with slightly ridiculous asking prices, then with reasonable ones… Then they disappeared. I’m guessing a slightly insane-looking but premium motorcycle from largely forgotten Italian brand with questionable reliability and a non-existent dealer network was a hard sell at the time.

Go figure.

But if you can find one now, and have a hooligan-bike-sized hole in a garage that includes several other motorcycles to ride while you’re waiting for parts, you should most definitely give the Benelli a second look. Why? Well motive force is supplied by an 1130cc triple producing somewhere in the neighborhood of 120whp and 86ft/lbs of torque, backed by a six-speed cassette gearbox.

Reviews when new were very positive when describing both the handling and the powertrain and if you’re thinking, “wow, it’s too bad Laverda never built an engine like this to power a reborn line of bikes,” rumor has it that this three-cylinder mill was originally intended to do just that, but got passed to Benelli when Piaggio shelved the Laverda brand.

From the original, very uh… spare eBay listing: 2007 Benelli TnT for Sale

I’m reducing my collection and only keeping a few bikes so i have a few more to sell,so up for grabs is a excellent running and riding Benelli TNT Tornado.

There’s something cobbled-together about these for sure: the plasticky dash, the manufacturer’s warning and information decals stuck to the fairing sides, the tacked-on side-mount radiator fans… But the engine offers that classic triple blend of low-end torque and top-end howl, the suspension components are top-notch, and the bike has a quirky charm and undeniable style. And it’s certainly rare, especially here in the US.

At $5,500 with just 2,700 miles, you’d be hard-pressed to find a bike that combines exclusivity, performance, and exotic looks for such a low price. These are mechanically reliable bikes, although the electrics have a bit of a reputation. The biggest concern will be the uphill battle finding parts and a shop to install them…

-tad

Aprilia January 1, 2015 posted by Dan

RareSportBikesForSale.com 2014 Year in Review

Happy New Year from all of us at RSBFS! We enjoyed a great 2014 setting many new records. Nearly 750k visitors stopped by, we’re well past 53k fans on our Facebook page, and 2.6m pages were viewed. To the best of our knowledge, 101 bikes were sold to RSBFS readers, 78 on eBay and another 23 that sold via our Featured Listing service!

We’ve compiled some notable lists to reflect on what was 2014 on RSBFS and what will help shape 2015. Thanks for reading and can’t wait to see what 2015 will bring.

-dc

Top 10 Featured Listings by Pageviews:

2008 Ducati DD16

27 Miles

$53,000

1979 Yamaha RD400 Daytona

2,039 Miles

$6,900

1986 Honda NS400R

11,107 Miles

$9,995

1987 Yamaha FZR1000

29,013 Miles

$3,200

1995 Ducati 916

19,169 Miles

$8,000

2006 NCR Millona One Shot

Unknown Miles

$39,995

2002 Ducati MH900e

650 Miles

$19,995

1989 Yamaha RZ350

7,208 Miles

$8,000

1990 Honda NSR250

700 Miles

$10,800

Ducati DD16

8 Miles

$72,000

Classic Sportbike Recap: Benelli, Moto Morini, and a Dunstall Norton

If your biking interests occasionally run to the historical, take a look at some recent entries over at our sister site: Classic Sport Bikes for Sale. This week featured a Benelli Tornado, the Italian alternative to big-bore British parallel-twins, a jewel-like Moto Morini 350, and a rare Dunstall Norton Commando

With a 642cc parallel twin and a top speed of 117mph, you could be forgiven for thinking you were reading about a classic British roadster. But this 1974 Benelli Tornado had a short-stroke engine that loved to rev and, even stranger, was actually oil-tight… Read more over at classicsportbikesforsale.com

With a jewel-like 344cc v-twin, this Moto Morini 350 K2 emphasized brains over brawn, offering brilliant handling and a wealth of innovative technical details. Moto Morinis have long been bargains of the vintage Italian bike world, but prices are finally on the rise and this one is in amazing shape… Read the full article over at classicsportbikesforsale.com

The 1960’s were a golden age of motorcycling innovation, when ambitious and talented tuners could knock up machines in their backyard sheds and compete against the world’s best. Some, like Paul Dunstall managed to turn their success into a thriving business, making go-fast parts for a whole range of British bikes… Read more about the Dunstall Norton over at classicsportbikesforsale.com

Classic Sportbike Recap: Benelli, Moto Morini, and a Dunstall Norton

Benelli October 11, 2014 posted by Mike

Flashy and Green: 2005 Benelli Tornado Tre

These Benelli Tornado Tre machines have a unique look and feel that is unlike any other exotic. It is a strange beast in some ways, yet the flaws and foibles seem to ingrain the bike with a character that makes it stand out from the crowd. Yes, it is a triple. Yes, the radiator is mounted behind the engine and trans. Yes, this is the model with the funky turbine style radiator fans in the tail. Yes, this is the company that is no longer in business (and was last owned by a Chinese consortium). While this is not the more collectible LE model, this bike looks to be in outstanding condition and available from the original owner. That is what you want when you are considering a marque or model that has limited parts availability. Low miles and obvious care make this a great example of the breed. Bidding starts at $6k – not too high to open considering the condition. Let’s see where it goes!

2005 Benelli Tornado Tre for sale on eBay

From the seller:
Original owner, motorcycle shipped from Italy to California for setup and then to Texas where it has been garaged, total mileage @ 1,275, routinely started up to running temperature and ridden 1/4 mile and then back to storage. All documentation on file.

Flashy and Green: 2005 Benelli Tornado Tre

Benelli August 28, 2014 posted by Mike

Corsa Triplo: 2003 Benelli Tornado Tre Novecento Limited Edition

Located in Southern California is this gorgeous Benelli Tornado Tre Novecento Limited Edition. The LE model is the hot setup in the Tornado Tre world; with up-rated components and sharper focus, this was the model utilized as the basis for competition on the racetrack. Numbered and produced in low (homologation) numbers, the LE was a very expensive alternative to the base Tornado Tre. If there is any criticism of the LE model, it is that it is too similar to the base bike – only sharp eyes will spot the differences that an LE brings to the party. If you are expecting your extra cash to raise the bling level and make a statement, the Tornado Tre LE is a bit of a functional mute.

2003 Benelli Tornado Tre LE for sale on eBay

From the seller:
You are bidding on a very rare 2003 Benelli model Tornado Tre Novecento Limited Edition. 150 models were produced worldwide to homologate the base LE model for World Superbike competition. This bike is #130. Less than 30 bikes were imported into the USA. This bike is an original owner motorcycle, always garaged, never down, never raced in immaculate condition. Oil/filter change and new battery July 2014.

This bike differs from the base model in the following respects:
Full carbon fiber bodywork, fenders and fuel tank
Carbon fiber clutch cover
Sand cast engine cases
Dry clutch
Adjustable swing arm pivot
Ohlins suspension front and rear
Marchesini forged aluminum wheels
Titanium muffler for Benelli by Arrow

The bike comes with the OEM muffler and a separate Benelli race kit case containing: swing arm pivot inserts
swing arm shaft
rear sprockets
Custom factory cover/case with Benelli labeling
Benelli rear paddock stand
Battery Tender

If you are curious about the naming, it’s all pretty simple. The “tre” refers to the three cylinder engine. “Novecento” is Italian for 900. The engine is placed so far forwards that the radiator was relocated to the back. The turbine fans are not a gimmick; they pull air through the radiator at slower speeds. Most reports indicate that the Tornado Tre is a competent machine – perhaps not the fastest or most potent – but decent power and handling wrapped up with character. These are pretty rare motorcycles. Check it out here and let us know what you think!