Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Back in the early 1970s, Benelli was in a precarious financial position. The brand’s GP efforts from the decade prior proved costly, and their uninspiring two-strokes were struggling to sell. Thankfully, Alejandro de Tomaso (you’ll recognize that name on account of four-wheeled exotics like the Mangusta and the Pantera) stepped in and acquired 85% of the company in 1971. Just two years later, he also snatched up Moto Guzzi.
In order to better compete with the bikes being exported from Japan, de Tomaso commissioned a number of multi-cylinder offerings, starting with the Benelli 500 and 650 fours. It wasn’t until later, however, that the Italians would truly distinguish themselves.
That’s because, come 1977, the lineup grew to include the 250 Quattro, a 231cc inline four. With its 44mm bore, 38mm stroke, and 10.5:1 compression ratio, the oversquare engine would rev to a sonorous 10,500rpm. And, while it only made some 27hp at the rear wheel, its tubular frame and plastic bodywork meant that it was light — dry weight came in at 284lbs.
Because of the shared ownership, both Benelli and Moto Guzzi sold variations of the model; the former marketed it as a pint-sized, naked sport bike, while the latter fitted a fairing and focused on touring enthusiasts. In each case, the little four-banger boasted some unique styling touches. For instance, the cockpit was designed to be as streamlined as possible, with the speedometer, tachometer, and warning lights relocated to the top of the gas tank, while the front brake reservoir was hidden underneath.
As time passed, neither bike fared particularly well, and Moto Guzzi abandoned the model in 1980. Accordingly, Benelli released an updated model — dubbed the 254 — fitted with Guzzi styling and a quarter fairing.
This example is VIN: 12067, engine #: 1915. It came to Iconic as an import from the UK.
The odometer shows 1,934 kilometers (1,201 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us clean and sync the carbs, replace the spark plugs, set the points, replace the damaged carburetor body, reinstall new float needles, and replace the damaged idle mixture screw. We also had a set of keys made.
Steve did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Fuel Tank Internal: Ok
Tire Years – Front/ Rear: Pre-2000
Tire Life – Front/ Rear: 80%
Tire Pressure – Front/ Rear: 20 PSI
Brake Life – Front: 60%; Rear: 85%
Hydraulic Fluid – Front- Dry Master
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Clear,
Age Unknown
Drive Chain: Ok, Dirty
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: OK
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Unknown, front master is
dry and bike uses pressure switch
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 12.6V
Test Ride – None taken, bench-run on bottle
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED
-Tires
-Battery
-Front Caliper – seized, hanging
-Front master cylinder rebuild
-Fork dust caps – cracked
-All fluids
-Grips
-Oil and Filter
-Air Box boots – Rock hard and split
Please note: The front caliper is seized, so it is currently not fully installed.
Modifications:
This Benelli 254 is stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin tires that have aged out.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Benelli is offered on a clean Oregon title. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any 254 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
