The Benelli Sei is a series of motorcycles that were produced by Italian manufacturer Benelli, and masterminded by automotive designer Alejandro de Tomaso, from 1973 to 1989.[2] Two models were made, with 750 and 900 cc displacement. The 750 was the first production motorcycle with a six-cylinder engine.
The Benelli 750 Sei was the first production motorcycle with a 6-cylinder engine and had two model releases.[3][4] 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.[5]
The engine was based on the four-cylinder Honda CB500, but with two extra cylinders.[6][7] 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.[8] It produced 76bhp (57kW) at 9,000 rpm, had a top speed of around 127mph (204km/h) and was one of the smoothest European tourers.[1][9]
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 24mm carburetors (the Honda CB 500 had four, for four cylinders).[7] The vehicle appeared to reviewers as heavy and cumbersome but handled surprisingly well, and had a unique signature exhaust note from its six mufflers.[10]
Production Frame numbers started at 5000. Production figures were as follows:
Series 1
1974
293
#5001-5293
1975
1,479
from # 5294
Series 1, 2
1976
87
from # 6774
Series 2
1977
283
from # 6861
1978
1,058
from # 7145
Sei 900
Series 1
1978
23
# 100001- 100023
1979
515
# 100024- and up
Series 1/2
1980
322
# 100539- and up
Series 2
1981
312
# 100861- and up
Series 2/3
1982
176
# 101174- and up
Series 3
1983
26
# 101351- and up
Series 3
1984
106
# 101377- and up
Series 3
1985
25
# 101484- and up
Series 4
1986
200
# 101510- and up
1987
88
# 101710- and up
1988
0
# 101798- and up
1989
85
# 101799- and up
Total production
1878
The Benelli 750 Six / 900 Six remained the only six-cylinder motorcycle in production until the entrance of the Honda CBX in 1978.
Benelli 900 Sei
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (May 2012)
In 1979, by which time Benellli had sold 3,200 vehicles, Benelli developed the 750 Sei into a 900cc motorcycle by increasing bore and stroke,[6] with six-into-two exhausts and a small bikini fairing taken from the Moto Guzzi Le Mans. Less than 2,000 were made over four model releases.[7] Described at the time as "outrageous"[13] or a "flashbike". Flashbikes tended to be "rare, expensive, European, quirky, handsome and high performance".[14] It had an original MSRP of $3,995.[11]
Benelli 900 Sei Sport
It was later released under the "Sei Sport" name, with a larger bikini fairing.
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