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Benelli & Moto Guzzi 250 four-cylinders | With Phil Aynsley

Phil Aynsley by Phil Aynsley
September 28, 2017
in Benelli News, Features, Moto Guzzi News, Motorcycle News
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Benelli and Moto Guzzi ‘254’ 250 four-cylinders – With Phil Aynsley

A classic example of badge-engineering was the introduction of the Benelli and Moto Guzzi 254 pair of bikes.

Benelli 254 (250 four-cylinder)
Benelli 254 (250 four-cylinder) or 250 Quattro as it was also known
Moto Guzzi 254 (250 four-cylinder)
Moto Guzzi 254 (250 four-cylinder)

Conceived by Alejandro de Tomaso as sophisticated machines that could take advantage of the Italian tax concessions for under 250cc motorcycles, the 254 (250 4 cylinder) was first shown at the Milan Show in 1975.

Benelli 254 (250 four-cylinder)
Benelli 254 (250 four-cylinder)
Benelli 254 (250 four-cylinder)
The 254 was designed to take advantage of the Italian tax concessions for under 250cc motorcycles at the time
Benelli 254 (250 four-cylinder)
The bike was not just a pared down 500/4 or 750/4
Benelli 254 (250 four-cylinder)
It was actually designed from the existing 125cc twin

The Lino Tonti design was original and not derived from the Benelli 500/4 or 750/6, but from the existing 125cc twin. The actual capacity was 231cc and four 18mm DellOrto carburettors were fitted.

Benelli 254 (250 four-cylinder)
Four 18mm DellOrto carburettors fed the 250 four
Benelli 254 (250 four-cylinder)
Capacity was actually 231cc
Benelli 254 (250 four-cylinder)
Plastic bodywork kept the dry weight down to 117kg, with a single front disc brake

The use of plastic bodywork kept the dry weight down to 117kg and a uncluttered look was achieved by housing the instruments in the tank, along with the front brake master cylinder. Unfortunately this meant that tank held only 8.5 litres.

Benelli 254 (250 four-cylinder)
Fuel tank capacity was only 8.5L

Originally the Benelli was called the 250 Quattro and was aimed at the sportier rider, while the Moto Guzzi was called the 254 and had a more touring bent. However as the years went by these designations became somewhat interchangeable.

Sales never lived up to expectations and the Guzzi version ceased production in 1981 (although it was still available for several years afterwards). The Benelli 254 lasted until 1984, with a 304cc version introduced in 1983.

Apart from the increase in capacity, an open, double cradle frame was employed. The instruments were mounted conventionally. The 304 ceased production in 1986 (with new stock continuing to be sold until the early ‘90s).

Moto Guzzi 254 (250 four-cylinder)
Moto Guzzi ceased production in 1981 after sales were disappointing
Moto Guzzi 254 (250 four-cylinder)
Power was 27.8hp at 10,500rpm with the larger capacity 304cc making 29hp
Moto Guzzi 254 (250 four-cylinder)
Handlebars, switchblocks and single headlight

The 254 made 27.8hp at 10,500rpm and had a top speed of 150km/h. The 304 made 29hp. The Guzzi photographed here is an original, unrestored 1977 model. The Benelli is from 1983.

Moto Guzzi 254 (250 four-cylinder)
The 1977 Moto Guzzi 254 is original and unrestored
Benelli 254 (250 four-cylinder)
The Benelli is a 1983 model

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Tags: BenelliBenelli 254Moto GuzziMoto Guzzi 254
Phil Aynsley

Phil Aynsley

Phil has been a Ducati rider for 45 years and professional photographer for the last 27. Best of both worlds really!

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