Benelli Museum Pesaro

[Canuck750]

Should you ever find yourself on the Adriatic Coast of Italy make sure to visit the Benelli motorcycle museum in Pesaro!
Located in one of the only remaining buildings from the factory in what is now downtown Pesaro, the museum is two floors of every conceivable Benelli and MotoBi, from the initial bikes of the twenties to the last of the scooters. A guide noticed me lying on the floor to photograph the underside of a MotoBi 200 Sprite, a bike I am currently restoring and In broken English / Italian he gave me a tour.



The Italian model MotoBi is very similar to what was manufactured for Cosmopolitan with the main difference other than the US bikes being badged as Benelli, the local market bikes have clip on bars and bump back seats.

The pre war race bikes are fantastic. Most of the prewar 250 and 500 singles are all gear driven OHC, just beautiful.











Water cooled, supercharged, 500 , 4 cylinder, 1939







Spring Lasting - twin cylinder two stroke, early 50’s

[cliffrod]

Wow. That’s really great to see all those bikes.  Thanks for the pics, Jim.

[Cam3512]

Thanks for posting a pic of that blue Motobi “Sport Special”.  Same as my Benelli “Super Sport”.

Cam

[Canuck750]

Thanks for posting a pic of that blue Motobi “Sport Special”.  Same as my Benelli “Super Sport”.

Cam

I thought of your cool orange 250 SS when I saw this one. I am continuing to add pics to the original batch.

[vintage53]

Wonderful! 

Like heaven. 

[Don G]

I would find it hard to come home after seeing what Italy has to offer.  DonG

[analog kid]

Beautiful bikes. I still want a 900 Sei.
I like your sneak shot (upper left) of our own John Williams on his 6-cyl, nitro-burning hillclimber:






Low quality video, but Listen:
https://www.facebook.com/nitroandmud/videos/john-williams-on-the-six-cylinder-benelli-whiterosemotorcycleclub-some-time-in-t/255850226200248/?_rdr
Apparently he's still riding in his 80's. Retired from hillclimbing, of course.

[Scout63]

Some beautiful motorcycles that I never knew existed.  Thanks for taking the time to photo and post them Jim.

[Dave Swanson]

OH MY!!!!!

[bigbikerrick]

Amazing motorcycles. I still lust for a Benelli Volcano mini bike from the 70s.. 175 ccs of pure terror!
Rick.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Amazing motorcycles. I still lust for a Benelli Volcano mini bike from the 70s.. 175 ccs of pure terror!
Rick.

I worked on one for a customer. Most terrifying thing I've ever ridden, too much power for the chassis. I have the same motor in a larger chassis (175 Enduro) and am looking forward to riding that. 

Short video: https://youtu.be/fwBpBIH2B7g

[9fingers]

Those are amazing! It is sad to think the new ones are made in China. Still, I would love to visit that museum.
Scott

[bigbikerrick]

I worked on one for a customer. Most terrifying thing I've ever ridden, too much power for the chassis. I have the same motor in a larger chassis (175 Enduro) and am looking forward to riding that. 

Short video: https://youtu.be/fwBpBIH2B7g

I agree Charlie! watching your start up video, and the sound of that bike sure brought back memories. When I lived in New Jersey, I had a neighbor that had a Volcano. He let me ride it, and I promptly went" ass over tea kettle " after exiting his driveway. It was a humbling exerience to have so much explosive power is such a short wheelbase.  What a machine!  I was 16 years old, and that experience has stayed with me my whole life!   
Rick

[leafman60]

Thank you for posting! 

[John A]

Beauty.