XP: Advice Wanted - Benelli 500 Quattro

XP to UKRM & UKRMC

Got this weeks paper (French) and there is a very tidy looking Benelli 500
Quatrro for sale over here in France. I know nothing about these bikes and
thought I would canvass opinions here before adding it to Santa's Xmas List.

Are bits available easily in the UK for these? I know that the lad in
Edgeley, Stockport used to do Italian stuff, MVs etc but I haven't been
there for a few years.

Any comments or advice appreciated.

Mike

 

There are some specialists. Speedscene of Blacker Road, Huddersfield
used to be the people for 'em: dunno if they're still about.

There are a few versions of the Quattro around - late models had Guzzi-
style linked brakes as well as Guzzi-issue clocks and switches.

People say they're basically a Honda CB500 copy, which is true as far
as the engine layout goes, but the parts aren't really
interchangeable. Bore and stroke was identical, IIRC, so you might
find pistons or rings fit.

It's a curio really - looks nice, handles well, not very fast... the
654 that grew out of it is a much better bet. Of course, if it's being
offered at a giveaway price, that's different.

 

There are some specialists. Speedscene of Blacker Road, Huddersfield
used to be the people for 'em: dunno if they're still about.

There are a few versions of the Quattro around - late models had Guzzi-
style linked brakes as well as Guzzi-issue clocks and switches.

People say they're basically a Honda CB500 copy, which is true as far
as the engine layout goes, but the parts aren't really
interchangeable. Bore and stroke was identical, IIRC, so you might
find pistons or rings fit.

It's a curio really - looks nice, handles well, not very fast... the
654 that grew out of it is a much better bet. Of course, if it's being
offered at a giveaway price, that's different.

Thanks for that TOG. Euro 2,300 is the asking price.

Mike

 

Stupid money. Walk away. You can get a superb Honda CB500 Four for
that money, and ditto a 400 Four, both of which will be just as much
fun, faster (in the case of the 500), and will probably be better long-
term investments.

 

Champ, didn't Keith have one of these in the IoM, a 500 or 650.

 

Stupid money. Walk away. You can get a superb Honda CB500 Four for
that money, and ditto a 400 Four, both of which will be just as much
fun, faster (in the case of the 500), and will probably be better long-
term investments.

Thanks are due again. I think I am walking !!

Mike

 

AFAIK most of them used Guzzi switchgear and clocks.

That's my recollection as well, but that's only true for the 500, and
the 750 sei. They also made a 250 & 350 - if you need engine parts for
those you're properly fucked.

They're actually going up in value as they are quite rare. And as you
said, they do handle a lot better than the CB500/4.

 

Or look at it and if it's really nice, make a low offer and see what
happens.

 

snip>

I think the Benelli in question actually belongs to Janice but that
means nothing in that house.

 

Mmyeah, but 'rare' doesn't always mean 'desirable'. I can't actually
think of a reason why I'd want to own one.

 

Thus spake Mike Ricketts () unto the assembled multitudes:

You're obviously using Outlook Express for your newsreading. It's not
marking the previous poster's quoted text, so it takes a while to separate it
from what you're adding. Not your fault of course, just crappy software.

 

Yes, my neighbour's Benelli 900 Sei has these. In fact the whole bike looks
rather like a Guzzi except for the engine ;-)

 

I think I noticed that, but it's still a fairly rare bike (well, most
Benellis are) from a make with a decent competition history and all
that. But then again, maybe I'm looking at this too much from a Boxhead
perspective as the market there has always been quite interested in odd
Italian stuff.

 

AH!

"It's not me, it's my Teutonic genes."

 

Yes, I noticed that. I used to use Google Groups but am using OE at present
because some of the Groups I wanted were not available through Google.

As for the Benelli, I am leaving it alone. Its a long trek just to look and
haggle (I am near Bordeaux and the bike is in the North of France). I will
probably resort to being a boring (but contented) old fart and look for
another Yam XJ900.

Mike

 

You may want to look at XanaNews or a similar proper
newsreader. Alternatively, there are a few extensions for OE that might
help (OE QuoteFix comes to mind) but I'd still get a proper Newsreader.

Fair enough, that's a bit of a trek...

 

Nowt wrong with them as a working bike.

 

No indeed. I put 35,000 miles on my last one and it never missed a beat.
All it cost was the normal servicing items plus tyres and pads. I used it
for a 40 mile each way commute to work in Lincs during the summer and longer
trips for pleasure. Took it to France where the range of the tank was a
bonus, especially when I didn't allow for small town garages being shut on
July 14th !!
Luckily the range and reserve got me back to the Hotel in Dijon where a mega
Leclerc was open. Happy Days !!

Mike

 

The message <>

Noticed too - (as if one wouldn't) - I've heard Thunderbird recommended.

OE is very prone to attack by malware writers.

 

T-bird is pretty good.

My, isn't everyone being polite? Must be the spirit of goodwill to all men.