1974 Benelli 250 2C
A number of years ago I came home late at night to a motorcycle sitting in my driveway. I was wondering who came to visit. Nobody sitting on the front porch waiting for me, nobody sitting on the back patio and I didn’t recognize the motorcycle. Upon closer examination of the motorcycle I realized it didn’t get here under it’s own power. Somebody dropped this somewhat rusted, parts missing piece of junk in my driveway. What do I look like, the motorcycle version of Sanford and Son? Well, if you look inside my barn, that’s not too far off.
The bike was a 1974 Benelli 250 2C. No key, seat cover rotted out, tires rotted, side covers bungee corded to the rotted seat, no air filters…the list goes on and on. Oh, and the front tire was pretty much flat. Pushing that bike 100 feet UP my driveway to my barn was not fun…even if it is only a 250.
Two days later I get a phone call from my oldest friend in the world (time wise not age wise) ” Hey, do you like the bike?” The bike was left with him 10-15 years ago, it sat outside next to his house (much to the dismay of his wife) all that time. He knows I collect old motorcycles so…you’re beginning to see the picture.
I was in the middle of two other projects and decided I didn’t want to take this one on. So off to ebay it went. Now, I regret that decision.
Here’s the thing about the Benelli 250 2C, it didn’t have the exileration of the Benelli SEI, the feel of the Tornado, heck it was not much faster than the Yamaha RD125! But…the 2C had all the right stuff and I mean all! I’m saying this next part second hand..when the guy that bought my Benelli picked it up (for a mere pittance). loaded it into his van said to me ” yeah, it’s not as fast as any Jap two stroke that’s for sure, but no Jap two stroke can match this bikes handling”. From there he schooled me on all the various parts the 2C had right from the factory…amazing. I wanted take the bike back, but… Off he went into the sunset basically telling me I was an idiot to sell this bike. I shlepped back into my shop and went back to work on a Honda CB350.
I found a nice 250 2C on ebay this morning. It is in much (I mean MUCH) better condition than the one I sold. It is a runner, good runner as a matter fact, just needs a little cosmetic help…nothing major. This is one of those bikes than can easily embarrass a bigger bike on a tight twisty road.
Click on the pics below for pictures and info. This motorbike has FUN written all over it!!!
1974 Benelli 250 2c