・An original and rare Italian classic motorcycle that rides as good as it looks
・Offered in fabulous condition
・Very low mileage
・Mot and tax exempt
Background
Argentine industrialist, Alejandro de Tomaso, acquired Benelli in 1971 and set about producing sports motorcycles to compete with the big Japanese motorcycle manufacturers on the world stage.
This iteration is the 500cc LS….LS stands for Leggera Sportiva…which literally means ‘light and sporty’.
The 500cc in-line 4 cylinder 4-stroke engine produced 32.4 kw/ 44 PS/ 43 HP is fed by 4 DellOrto carburetors and produces a wonderful sound through the very stylish 4 into 4 exhausts.
This being a 1978 LS model it also features the very useful, and needed, upgrade to twin Brembo discs brakes upfront.
Top speed was stated to be 106 mph.
Benelli brought the benefits of Italian design and flair to the flourishing sports motorcycle market not to mention the famed impressive handling capabilities over its Japanese rivals.
There is no full history available, but the bike was imported into the UK from Italy in 2014 where, as you can see from its condition, it led a pampered and very well looked-after life in the much sunnier and drier Italian climate.
The current owner has owned the bike for around a year during which time he has fitted new tyres and continued to keep the bike in tip top condition reporting that everything works as it should….the electric start fires up the engine instantly producing a fabulous burble from those original and lovely 4 into 4 exhaust pipes.
The 4 DellOrto carbs have been cleaned and balanced and the engine runs very sweetly.
Overall, this is a stunning un-restored and unmolested example of the Benelli 500 LS….it has very low mileage, 18,500 KMS, and everything about it looks and works as it should.
Presented in a beautiful Azure blue the paintwork is factory original and still looks great with a wonderful patina. The original seat has a very small nick at the rear.
The original 4 into 4 exhaust still looks in great shape as does all the chrome and the engine casings. There is a small amount of pitting on the front wheel.
All the electrics work as they should, and the bike is an absolute pleasure to ride with a glorious sound accompanying you everywhere you go.
Un-restored and original examples of 1970’s motorbikes are becoming increasingly hard to find and when the bike itself is already a rarity you can’t help but appreciate the condition of this 43-year-old classic Italian beauty.
Opportunities to get hold of an original Benelli 500 LS in such wonderful condition are unlikely to come along that often these days….so if you want a very usable and fun bike to ride with such a classic Italian pedigree then this could be the one to go for…the sound of those 4 exhausts will certainly bring a smile to your face every time you fire it up.
***Pictures Provided By Seller***
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
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RESERVE LOWERED - 1978 Benelli 500LS
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