Benelli 250

Make Model	Benelli 250 2C
Year	1976
Engine	Two stroke, parallel twin
Capacity	231.4 cc / 14.1 cu in
Bore x Stroke	56 x 47 mm
Compression Ratio	10.3:1
Cooling System	Air cooled
Lubrication	Petroil, 20:1 mixture
Induction	2 x 26 mm Dell'Orto VHB carburetors
Ignition	Electronic
Starting	Kick start
Max Power	22.4 kW / 30 hp @ 6800 rpm
Clutch	Wet, multidisc
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Double cradle, tubular steel
Front Suspension	Telescopic forks
Rear Suspension	Swinging arm with double adjustable shocks and concentric springs
Front Brakes	Disc
Rear Brakes	Drum, 158 mm Ø
Front Tyre	3.00-18
Rear Tyre	3.25-18
Wheelbase	1310 mm / 51.6 in
Dry Weight	136.5 kg / 301 lbs
Fuel Capacity	14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Top Speed	145 km/h / 90 mph

The Italian firm of Benelli produce two completely different 250 motor cycles, the cheaper and less glamorous one being their 250 with drum brakes front and back. The 250 is a two-stroke, twin-cylinder bike which follows the layout of the popular Japanese bikes in the quarter litre class. With a 56 mm bore and 47 mm stroke, the engine actually displaces 231cc from which is extracted 30 bhp at 8000 rpm. This power gives the small Benelli a top speed of 90 mph and a fuel consumption of 45 mpg. Again, as is usual with Japanese machines, a five-speed gearbox with left-foot change is utilised. The frame of the bike is of duplex design and the suspension is conventional in every sense. However, the whole outfit is very taut and well designed-so that the handling and roadholding are of the highest order. One failing of the machine is that it still needs to be fed with petroil mixture instead of the more usual self-mixing set up with separate tanks for petrol and oil.

The finish and appearance is not quite up to the standard set by Japanese manufacturers, so the bike misses on this score also. Interestingly, two models of the Benelli 250CE are manufactured, one with drum brakes front and rear and one with a front disc. Although the disc version is considerably more expensive, it is not as effective as the drum in the wet.

Also, if you are not keen on the Benelli name, you can have an identical bike with the Moto Guzzi badges on, as they are made at the same factory.