Small But Mighty – 1980 Benelli 254 Quattro

Every once in a while on RSBFS we get the exceptionally rare treat of posting a bike we have never posted before in our history. That does not happen often, but today is one of those special cases. And in this instance, we will allow the “rare” part of the equation to slightly overshadow the “sport bike” aspect.

The story of the model is an interesting one, and something that befits the longstanding and legendary Benelli history, with a little DeTomaso and Moto Guzzi thrown in for good measure. This is a cool little bike with some truly unique features.

Offered for sale amidst the premium Benelli fours found in more common 500cc and 650cc displacements – as well as the mighty SEI six cylinder models in 750cc and 900cc – the tiny 250 Quattro (actual displacement: 231cc) was more expensive than the more common 250cc two strokes of the competition. But the inline four it was a jewel that harkened back to the small-bore racers from the brand that date back to interruption of activities during World War II. Offering just under 30 HP and spinning its overhead cam to 10,500 RPM, the overall machine offered a 5 speed transmission, braking via a single 260mm front disk and drum brake rear, alloy wheels, and tipped the scales at a mere 270 pounds.

From the seller:

FOR SALE IS A BEAUTIFUL ONE OF A KIND RARE 1980 BENELLI 254 INLINE 4 CYLINDER GRAY BIKE IMPORT MODEL 231CC ROCKET COLLECTORS MODEL. ALL ORIGINAL WITH A CLEAN CLEAR TITLE! VERY HARD TO FIND BIKE IS A TRUE 9 OUT OF 10, IT IS INTOXICATING TO LOOK AT. THE CHROME, PAINT AND STYLING WILL BLOW YOUR MIND! IT IS SUCH A COOL AND UNIQUE BIKE FOR ANY ITALIAN COLLECTOR OR EURO BIKE ENTHUSIAST. BIKE WAS PROPERLY IMPORTED AND TITLED BACK IN THE 1990’S, HAS A LOW 4,700 K/M ON THE OD! ALL EUROPEAN GAUGE/INSTRUMENT PANEL, PAINT IS EXCLLENT, CHROME ON THE LITTLE 4 HEADERS AND PIPES ARE NEAR PERFECT, TIRES/WHEELS ARE IN AMAZING SHAPE, NO CRACKS IN THE BODY PANELS THAT ARE PAINTED, PLASTIC/NYLON TANK IN EXCELLENT SHAPE, KEYS/ EVERYTHING IS LIKE A TIME CAPSULE. THE BIKE WAS STORED INDOORS CLIMATE CONTROLLED ITS WHOLE LIFE, SAT FOR COUPLE YEARS, ALWAYS RAN WITH ETHANOL FREE GAS!, NEEDS A NEW BATTERY, AND FRONT BRAKE BLED FROM SITTING, BRAKE WORKS JUST NEEDS SOME NEW FLUID BLED THROUGH, HOOKED UP TO A POWER SOURCE AND THE BIKE WAS FED SOME GAS AND IT FIRED RIGHT UP AND SOUNDS AMAZING! LIKE A SEWING MACHINE, COULD USE A CARB JOB IF THE BUYER WANTS, IT RUNS AND SOUNDS AMAZING.

More from the seller:

ITS THE SMALLEST INLINE 4 AND HAS RAVE REVIEWS FROM OLD ARTICLES, REVVS OVER 10K RPM!, 100MPH BIKE. IT TRULEY IS A ONE OF A KIND RARE, BAD ASS BIKE. YOU WILL BE HARD PRESSED TO FIND ONE THAT IS CARED FOR THIS WELL AND IN THE USA WITH A CLEAR TITLE. THIS BIKE DESERVES A SPOT IN ANY TRUE COLLECTORS GARAGE! SEND BIDS, ASK ANY QUESTIONS, COMES WITH BRAND NEW NOS CARB INTAKE BOOTS BETWEEN CYL. HEAD AND CARB BODY, ALL 4! ALSO 2 NEW FORK BOOT DUST COVERS, AND NOS AIR FILTER. DONT HESITATE, THIS IS THE BIKE YOU WON’T SIND AGAIN IN THIS SHAPE!!! CONTACT WITHIN 24 HOURS OF AUCTION CLOSE TO DISCUSS DETAILS!!!

While under the DeTomaso umbrella both Benelli and Moto Guzzi sold a version of this bike. Benelli offered the 250 Quattro, while Moto Guzzi sold it badged as the 254. Some models were even equipped with sporty bikini fairings. After disappointing sales, all efforts were later consolidated under the Benelli brand, but the Guzzi “254” nomenclature was retained. Hence, the Benelli 254 Quattro evolved into the rare model you see today.

This particular 254 looks to be in great shape, and is a rare as proverbial hens teeth in the United States. The bike is located in Florida, and is ready to go to a new home.

Market pricing is extremely hard to estimate with this model as there is so little data available – but thus far the opening ask of $4,500 has met with zero bids. There are still several days left to go on this one, so check out all of the details here. Good Luck!!