Benelli 500 Quattro

Make Model	Benelli 500 Quattro
Year	1976
Engine	Four stroke, transverse four cylinders, 2 valves per cylinder, SOHC
Capacity	498 cc / 30.4 cu in
Bore x Stroke	56 x 50.6 mm
Compression Ratio	10.2:1
Lubrication	Wet sump
Cooling System	Air cooled
Exhaust	4-into-2 or 4-into-2-into-4
Induction	4 x 22 mm Dell'Orto VBH22 carburetors
Battery	12v, 15Ah
Starting	Electric
Max Power	41 kW / 55 hp @ 9400 rpm
Max Torque	46.1 Nm / 4.7 kgf-m / 34 lbs-ft @ 9300 rpm
Clutch	Wet, multidisc, cable operated
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Gear Ratios	1st 16.97 / 2nd 11.85 / 3rd 8.83 / 4th 7.26 / 5th 6.22:1
Frame	Steel, double cradle
Front Suspension	Telescopic forks
Rear Suspension	Pivoted rear fork 5-way spring preload
Front Brakes	Double disc, 230 mm Ø
Rear Brakes	Single disc, 200 mm Ø
Front Tyre	3.50-18
Rear Tyre	4.10-18
Dry Weight	200 kg / 440 lbs
Fuel Capacity	19 Litres / 5.02 US gal
Consumption Average	6.2 L/100 km / 16.1 km/l / 37.9 US mpg
Top Speed	190 km/h / 118 mph

The most striking thing about the 500 Benelli is that it bears more than a passing resemblance to another four-stroke, four-cylinder half-litre machine, the 500 Honda. The similarity centres on the engine which not only looks like the Japanese bike's unit, but also sports the same cylinder dimensions: 56 x 50.6 mm. However, with a 10.2:1 compression ratio, the Benelli produces slightly more power with 55 bhp available at 9800 rpm.

The single-overhead-camshaft engine, which is fed by four Dell'Orto carburettors, can push the 440 lb bike to a top speed of 112 mph. Because of the bike's relatively low weight, fuel consumption is good and 50 mpg is easily possible. Although initially available with two powerful drum brakes, the 500 is now equipped with a two disc front and single disc rear layout, a move dictated by the public's reaction to the many disc-braked Japanese bikes.

Styling is typically Italian with wide flat handlebars and boxy panels, tank and instruments. Incidentally, the bike's engine is manufactured at the Moto Guzzi factory in Mandello del Lario, as are all the Benelli four-stroke engines, while the two-stroke units of the two companies are built at Benelli's Pesaro works. This has been the case since motor magnate Alejandro de Tomaso bought out the ailing companies a few years ago. Since that time, the single-cam Honda lookalike engine has been the basis for most of the companies' four-stroke range.