1972 Benelli 250ss project, CL, ny, $1500

[chuck peterson]

Cool looking bike..

https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/mcy/d/brooklyn-1972-benelli-250ss-project/7124923854.html

[Cam3512]

Very cool.  Is it 4 stroke?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Very cool.  Is it 4 stroke?

Yes, four stroke, pushrod, single. Relatively rare in the US. Referred to as the "egg motor" or "power egg". Designed and built by Motobi originally. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motobi

[ossaman55]

I’ve got one I’m just about ready to put back on the road. The 250ss is the last of the line for the motobi single. It’s a 5 speed and has a zanzani racing cam in it. It’s very fast for a 250 single. They couldn’t have sold many here. I think this one is priced pretty fair. All the hard parts are there and in good shape.

[steven c]

 That would would great make a great partner for the 250 2C that I'm trying to get road worthy.

[JJ]

This would be a real "Italian Beauty" all restored to perfection!!

[Cam3512]

SO tempted.  It's located in Crooklyn, NYC.   Not exactly the place to go tire kicking at the moment.

[cliffrod]

Agreed- that's very reasonable for a complete bike.  The egg motor bikes have become very collectible.

I've only seen one of those in the wild. A nearby small bike junkyard had a 250 Barracuda and 250 SS parked beside one another- the only ones I've ever found.  Both were complete and in pretty good shape but I passed.  Their egg motors looked too much like the mid-model HD Sprints with round heads that were seriously worthless at the time.  When I went back a few years later, they were gone.  Never found out where they went.

[Cam3512]

Drove up to Bay Ridge, Crooklyn, today and struck a deal.  This bike has been calling me since you posted it Chuck.  Damn you!  Pretty complete (missing the chain and handle bar switch).  I'm new to Benelli's, so any info, forums and parts sources would be appreciated.  Gotta say, it's pretty damn cool.  Clean it up and get it running is the first step.  Then full resto or leave as is?   Only 247 miles on a 48 year old bike.  Original tires probably still have Italian air in them!

[Canuck750]

Drove up to Bay Ridge, Crooklyn, today and struck a deal.  This bike has been calling me since you posted it Chuck.  Damn you!  Pretty complete (missing the chain and handle bar switch).  I'm new to Benelli's, so any info, forums and parts sources would be appreciated.  Gotta say, it's pretty damn cool.  Clean it up and get it running is the first step.  Then full resto or leave as is?   Only 247 miles on a 48 year old bike.  Original tires probably still have Italian air in them!

NICE BIKE!

I am jealous, would love to find an egg motor Benelli or Motobi.

[Roebling3]

Congratulations, Cam. So glad you picked it up and will give it a good home. 
I also thought long about it; but as you know I'm growing out of such fantasies.

Is  www.sparepartscompa ny.com  406 Vine St. Phila., PA still around? I'd also bet on Hamlin & Steve Rossi. Both heavy with contacts.

You do realize when in Brooklyn you're at the epicenter of fast well tuned MG's, from late 60' 'til today. 7 independent shops have some or all their focus on Guzzi's. My '77 LM and the 1000 came out of, now long gone, Raceco Cycle 333 Kent Avenue (Manfred Hecht, & Amadeo Castelanni). The '77 had every go fast modification offered by Raceco, at the time. (I sold it to a fellow in Brooklyn!

Next time you're in town:  www.earinn.com  Terrific, very real, very aged NYC restaurant. Tuesdays are Euro bike nights. It's been a while. Typically a remarkable showing of wonderful old bikes. Good fortune. Keep safe.  R3~

[Cam3512]

Bud,

Seller was in Bay Ridge, one of the last bastions in that borough.  Easy in and out, I had ZERO desire to roam around the city.  Worked there for 6+ years.  Know it well, and hate it.

Cam

[Swedemoto]

Congrats! Glad someone here grabbed it. I'll be watching. I was looking to go down Saturday if it was still there. Always wanted an egg as well, but I really don't need it right now!!

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I belong to this forum, but don't frequent it. https://www.benelliforum.com/forum/

I've already sent you the one parts source I know of.  https://www.benelliparts.de/

[Cam3512]

I belong to this forum, but don't frequent it. https://www.benelliforum.com/forum/

I've already sent you the one parts source I know of.  https://www.benelliparts.de/

Yup thanks.  Better bone up on my german

[chuck peterson]

Score!

I believe that puts me at four bikes found in my classified ad roaming around, that forum members have gone out and claimed..

Only took 15 years or so, what great fun...maybe at 62 I'm finding my niche....

Hey Cam, I'd like to claim a test ride when you get it back to snuff? That looks like fun

[sign216]

Here is another Benelli forum:  https://groups.io/g/Benelli-Motorcycles

I formed it when the Benelli Yahoo group was being discontinued.

For parts try this German vendor, who also has great parts diagrams posted on the site:    http://www.benelli-bauer.com/Benelli-parts

Joe

[Groover]

Congrats, very cool looking. Restore or not, has to feel good just to have that safe in your garage!

[blackcat]

You do realize when in Brooklyn you're at the epicenter of fast well tuned MG's, from late 60' 'til today. 7 independent shops have some or all their focus on Guzzi's. My '77 LM and the 1000 came out of, now long gone, Raceco Cycle 333 Kent Avenue (Manfred Hecht, & Amadeo Castelanni). The '77 had every go fast modification offered by Raceco, at the time. (I sold it to a fellow in Brooklyn!

I ran my business out of loft over looking Manfred's place on Kent Ave.,his place was a bunker given the neighborhood in those years, but it's way different now.  And the Domino factory across the street from where he use to live is now gone, so the smell of sugar cooking is no longer in the air.

Nice score Cam, good luck with the bike.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Good source for carb bits and parts common to other Italian makes: http://guzzino.com/index.html

[Cam3512]

Thanks guys, it's a long story but the way this fell into place with the seller, on that exact day, was meant to be.  I'll tell it around the next camp fire.  It is nice to have something cool and different in the garage.  I'm at the point where my other bikes are all serviced and right where I want 'em.

For me, it's the thrill of the hunt - researching the bike, asking questions and locating the missing/replacement parts.  I tend to go WAY overboard!   I'm sure some of you can relate.

Cam

Original tires!

[Cam3512]

BTW, can someone with one of these bikes tell me (photo) how the rear of the tank attaches to the frame at the front of the seat?  Mine is missing.  There's a nipple on the back of the tank, and a tab with a hole on the frame.  Some type of rubber band with hooks?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

BTW, can someone with one of these bikes tell me (photo) how the rear of the tank attaches to the frame at the front of the seat?  Mine is missing.  There's a nipple on the back of the tank, and a tab with a hole on the frame.  Some type of rubber band with hooks?

The parts illustration shows a "spannband" - rubber strap with holes in it. I just sent an email with a few manuals.

[Cam3512]

The parts illustration shows a "spannband" - rubber strap with holes in it. I just sent an email with a few manuals.

Thanks Charlie, I tried looking for it on that site.  Kinda difficult to navigate.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Thanks Charlie, I tried looking for it on that site.  Kinda difficult to navigate.

It might not be the correct one for your bike either, since yours is a bit later.

[ossaman55]

I’m glad someone bought it. I was tempted to add another one. Mine has a spring and a metal tab holding the rear of the tank down. If you need new tank trim there is a guy that has had some made out of stainless. You have to bend them yourself but they look nice. I can pm you his email if you want. Could you take a pic of the rear brake light switch for me. Mine is missing and i can’t quite figure out which one it takes.

[jas67]

Cool bike, congrats!

I'm glad you bought it, so I didn't have too.   

[Canuck750]

BTW, can someone with one of these bikes tell me (photo) how the rear of the tank attaches to the frame at the front of the seat?  Mine is missing.  There's a nipple on the back of the tank, and a tab with a hole on the frame.  Some type of rubber band with hooks?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BENELLI-GAS-TANK-STRAP-FOR-DYNAMO-ENDURO-FIREBALL-WARDS-125cc-175cc-250cc-350cc/233593315129?epid=1730565966&hash=item36633f1f39:g:HGIAAOSwRNRbIHZJ

I have bought a lot of Benelli parts from this Ebay seller, and I have sent him part numbers I am after and he often comes through for me.

[Cam3512]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BENELLI-GAS-TANK-STRAP-FOR-DYNAMO-ENDURO-FIREBALL-WARDS-125cc-175cc-250cc-350cc/233593315129?epid=1730565966&hash=item36633f1f39:g:HGIAAOSwRNRbIHZJ

I have bought a lot of Benelli parts from this Ebay seller, and I have sent him part numbers I am after and he often comes through for me.

Thanks Jim.  Found him the other day, and some NOS cables are already on their way.