Contents

Benelli Sei

Type of motorcycle

750 Sei

Manufacturer	Benelli
Production	1972–1978
Assembly	Pesaro, Italy
Engine	747 cc air-cooled inline-6
Bore / stroke	56 mm × 50.6 mm (2.20 in × 1.99 in)
Compression ratio	9.8:1
Top speed	200 km/h (120 mph)
Power	76 hp (57 kW) @ 9000 rpm[1]
Transmission	5-speed, wet clutch
Suspension	Front: 38 mmMarzocchi telescopic forks Rear: Twin shock
Brakes	Front: Twin disc Rear: Drum
Tires	Front: 3.50 H 18 Rear: 4.25 H 18
Weight	235 kg (518 lb) (dry) 255 kg (562 lb) (wet)
Fuel capacity	23 L (5.1 imp gal; 6.1 US gal)

The Benelli Sei is a series of motorcycles that were produced by Italian manufacturer Benelli, and masterminded by automotive designer Alejandro de Tomaso, from 1973 to 1989.^[2] Two models were made, with 750 and 900 cc displacement. The 750 was the first production motorcycle with a six-cylinder engine.

Benelli 750 Sei[edit]

The Benelli 750 Sei was the first production motorcycle with a 6-cylinder engine and had two model releases.^[3][4] De Tomaso intended it to become Italy's premier sporting motorcycle and wanted it badged as a Moto Guzzi. On its launch, it received tremendous publicity overshadowing all other Italian bikes of that year. It started the trend of angular designed motorcycles moving away from traditional round forms.^[5]

The engine was based on the four-cylinder Honda CB500, but with two extra cylinders.^[6][7] The cylinder head fins of the Sei were squared off to provide a cosmetic individuality, but otherwise the engine is in most respects obviously derived from the Honda. The "angular, bold design" was by Carrozzeria Ghia.^[8] It produced 76 bhp (57 kW) at 9,000 rpm, had a top speed of around 127 mph (204 km/h) and was one of the smoothest European tourers.^[1][9]

Despite the extra cylinders, the Sei's width was kept to a minimum by siting the alternator (which, on the Honda, is at the left-hand end of the crankshaft) behind the cylinders. Cooling was improved by having air passages between the cylinders; the Sei had three Dell'Orto VHB 24 mm carburetors (the Honda CB 500 had four, for four cylinders).^[7] The vehicle appeared to reviewers as heavy and cumbersome but handled surprisingly well, and had a unique signature exhaust note from its six mufflers.^[10]

Production Frame numbers started at 5000.
Production figures were as follows ; 
                                          Series 1  .  1974   293     #5001-5293
                                                       1975 1,479    from # 5294 
                                          Series 1 ,2  1976    87    from # 6774
                                          Series 2     1977   283    from # 6861
                                                       1978 1,058    from # 7145      

Sei 900 Series 1 1978 23 # 100001- 100023 Series 1 1979 515 # 100024- and up Series 1/2 1980 322 # 100539- and up Series 2 1981 312 # 100861- and up Series 2/3 1982 176 # 101174- and up Series 3 1983 26 # 101351- and up Series 3 1984 106 # 101377- and up Series 3 1985 25 # 101484- and up Series 4 1986 200 # 101510- and up Series 4 1987 88 # 101710- and up Series 4 1988 0 # 101798- and up Series 4 1989 85 # 101799- and up Total production 1878

The Benelli 750 Six / 900 Six remained the only six-cylinder motorcycle in production until the entrance of the Honda CBX in 1978.

Benelli 900 Sei[edit]

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (May 2012)

900 Sei

Manufacturer	Benelli
Production	1979-1989
Assembly	Pesaro, Italy
Predecessor	Benelli 750 Sei
Engine	906 cc air-cooled inline-6[11]
Bore / stroke	60 x 53.4 mm[12]
Top speed	120 mph[11]
Transmission	5-speed, wet clutch
Suspension	Front: 38 mmMarzocchi telescopic forks Rear: Twin shock
Brakes	Front: Twin disc Rear: Single disc
Wheelbase	56 inches (1,422 mm)[11]
Dimensions	W: 25.75 (654 mm)[11]
Weight	549 lbs (249 kg)[11] (wet)

In 1979, by which time Benellli had sold 3,200 vehicles, Benelli developed the 750 Sei into a 900 cc motorcycle by increasing bore and stroke,^[6] with six-into-two exhausts and a small bikini fairing taken from the Moto Guzzi Le Mans. Less than 2,000 were made over four model releases.^[7] Described at the time as "outrageous"^[13] or a "flashbike". Flashbikes tended to be "rare, expensive, European, quirky, handsome and high performance".^[14] It had an original MSRP of $3,995.^[11]

It was later released under the "Sei Sport" name, with a larger bikini fairing.

See also[edit]

• List of Benelli motorcycles

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• Motorcycle Classics article on Benelli 750 Sei

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Benelli Sei.