The 250 fours

The Benelli/Guzzi 250 fours were first seen as pre production versions at the Milan Show in November 1975, and would be the very first production 250 four cylinder machine in the world. They had a capacity of only 231cc, but an ultra modern look, four carburettors and a neat four into two megaphone exhaust.

The first to be produced was the Benelli 250 Quattro in 1976. It had a radical look with two tank/side panel cheeks that encased the frame and a dummy fuel tank hiding much of the metalwork visible on contemporary machinery. The Benelli was in Italian showrooms by 1977, and in the UK in 1978. The bodywork on the Benelli Quattro is unique and is not used on any of the other 250 fours. The 250s sport clocks on the tank, lightweight alloy wheels, a single disc up front and drum to the rear. Sparks were by twin contact breakers.

Guzzi 254Next into production was the Moto Guzzi 254, a sporty looking machine with different bodywork consisting of a two piece dummy nylon tank cover containing either an alloy or plastic fuel tank finished off with a combined side panel and tail cover. The Guzzi 254 was available between 1978 and 1981 although may not have been imported into the UK. The bikes were supplied new with a choice of upright bars or dropped ace bars, a nice little handbook and a basic set of tools.

Benelli 254

The Benelli version of the Guzzi 254 arrived in the UK in 1980, although it had been in production since 1977. The Benelli 254 came with the Guzzi bodywork complemented by a small, neat fairing and graphics which made it more eye catching.

In addition, there were some 254s which were badged as Motobis, capitalising on the success of the racing Motobis on Italy’s race circuits.