Six for the road – 1983 Benelli 900 Sei

Might have sold outside eBay since it went NLA overnight, but still worth a look see…  MI

There is always a surge of nostalgic excitement when a big Benelli crosses the block. These were the worlds first production six cylinder motorcycles, predating the Honda CBX and the Kawasaki Z1300 by five and six years respectively. And while the Japanese variants were arguably better known and more technologically advanced, the Sei was no slouch in its own right. And being Italian, it comes by its super model good looks honestly.

1983 Benelli 900 Sei for sale on eBay

The original 1973 Sei displaced 750cc, and was essentially two additional cylinders tacked onto a Honda CB500. And while imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the De Tomaso company (which included Moto Guzzi as well) improved upon the packaging, relocating the end-of-the-crankshaft alternator behind the cylinders and narrowing the overall package. This is a move that was subsequently copied by both Honda and Kawasaki. Although the Kawasaki power unit was liquid cooled, Benelli stuck with air cooling for the duration of the bike’s model run. Models were produced from 1973 – 1989, but only a few thousand of the 900cc variants were ever produced, worldwide.

From the seller:
I bought this bike from the second owner in 2009. I soon changed the 22mm Dellortos (USA spec) for 24mm Dells (rest of the world) as part of a needed tune-up. I followed that with a rebuild of the rear Brembo F09 (pistons and seals). I was disappointed in the sound of the bike so I sourced the beautifully-made and incredible sounding six-into-six GP exhaust from Spain.  Expensive, but worth every penny!  I checked the valve clearances- all in spec.  Changed to Bridgestone BT45s. Two batteries and several oil and filter changes. That’s it for the 800 or so miles I have put on it. not many, but I have too many bikes and I am getting old!  This Benelli is an original bike in very nice condition.  It is not perfect.  Study the pictures. It starts, runs well through all the gears and rides well.  It is 38 years old though, so there is no warranty or guarantee expressed or implied.

Today we know the Sei as a Benelli, and represents the iconic form of the Benelli name. However during the design period of this bike, it was to be marketed as a Moto Guzzi. Imagine how different the brand histories would have been with that decision! Ultimately it was the sheer excess and cost that put the nail in the Sei coffin. These were big, exclusive European motorcycles in an era where the Japanese were winning the race to the bottom; for the $3995 MSRP of a Sei a savvy buyer could purchase 3 or more Japanese standards and sport bikes.

The seller has included a video of this bike, showing a cold start, idle and ride off. Those six-into-six pipes look and sound the part!

The Italian firm not only created a bombshell with the first ever production six cylinder motorcycle, but they also shook up the style game with a new angular design language which was very different than the flowing lines of the Japanese at the time. This helped the Benelli stand out even stronger against the competition, and the lines continue to stand out cleanly today. This example looks great for its age. The miles are low, the paint looks bright and serviceable, and the presentation is excellent. These 900cc Sei models are justifiably rare, and continue to be expensive – just like when new. No takers on the $12k opening ask as of time of writing. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

MI