Benelli Sei

750 Sei

Manufacturer	Benelli
Production	1972–1978
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
Transmission	5-speed, wet clutch
Suspension	Front: 38 mm Marzocchi 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 term used for series of motorcycles that were produced by Italian manufacturer Benelli, and masterminded by automotive designer Alejandro de Tomaso, from 1973 to 1989.

Benelli 750

The Benelli 750 Sei was the first production motorcycle with a 6-cylinder engine and had two model releases. 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.

The engine was based on the four-cylinder Honda CB500, but with two extra cylinders. 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. It produced 96 bhp at 9,000 rpm, had a top speed of around 127 mph and was one of the smoothest European tourers.

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). The vehicle appeared to reviewers as heavy and cumbersome but handled surprising well, and had a unique signature exhaust note from its six mufflers.

The Benelli 750 Six remained the only six-cylinder motorcycle in production until the entrance of the Honda CBX 1000 , in 1978.

Benelli 900

900 Sei

Manufacturer	Benelli
Production	1979-1989
Predecessor	Benelli 750 Sei
Engine	900 cc air-cooled inline-6
Transmission	5-speed, wet clutch
Suspension	Front: 38 mm Marzocchi telescopic forks Rear: Twin shock
Brakes	Front: Twin disc

In 1979, by which time Benellli had sold 3,200 vehicles, Benelli developed the 750 Sei into a 900 cc motorcycle, with six-into-two exhausts and a small bikini fairing used on the Moto Guzzi Le Mans. Less than 2,000 were made in and four model releases. Described at the time as "outrageous" or a "flashbike". Flashbikes tended to be "rare, expensive, European, quirky, handsome and high performance".

Benelli 900 Sei Sport

It was later released as a "sport" model with a larger bikini fairing.

External links

• Motorcycle Classics article on Benelli 750 Sei