Benelli 250 SuperSport (egg)

[Lotus54]

The first longer ride displayed some clutch slippage. I did not replace the clutch when doing the rebuild, for reasons that must have made sense at the time.
Fortunately, I had a complete clutch pack new in the package, and it is quite easy to put the new ones in.
So now the clutch works great and I got a very early oil change- never a bad idea to do initially (I think). There is just two screens for oil filter and a pretty large capacity (2 quarts) for an engine this small.

It is so much fun to ride now that it shifts right.

[John H]

How does the SuperSport single compare compare to the twin?

[Lotus54]

How does the SuperSport single compare compare to the twin?

It is lighter, brakes are not as good, engine has quite a lot more mid-range power. Handles very well, but the twin may be even better.
It feels much more like an older bike while the twin has a very modern feel. Makes sense since the single is the last of a design started in the late 50s.

[Lotus54]

Here is a picture of one of the racing versions. They did quite well I understand.

[John H]

Is this a 250? The float is bigger than the carb! Bet it's fun to race.

[Lotus54]

I think that is a 250. Looks like a Zanzani bike

https://www.motobi.com/wp-content/uploa ... 5-x-57.pdf

[Lotus54]

Well, I sold the 250 SuperSport.
I was not planning on doing so at all. But this Lotus Elan came along…I’ve always wanted one of them. So I sold three bikes to make room and free up some cash.

Since I also have almost same year Benelli 250 (2-stroke though) as this one, I decided I could let it go. New buyer is excited about it and lives in Colorado. Sale was very smooth, no issues at all. Probably shipped off soon.


BTW, this will be my 9th Lotus- I have had a ‘new’ Elan (90s) but I didn’t like it as much as the other ones I had. This one is a 66 drophead. Paint is only fair but runs and drives well.

[John H]

I was thinking you might make a classic racer with your second Supersport. 9th Elan does sound like fun though. Is this going to be a restoration project?

[Lotus54]

I am going to drive the Elan mostly as is for awhile at least. I have a few things I am changing- the ‘Rotoflex’ rear axles I am changing to CV joint axles. Changing distributor ignition to crank sensor coil-to-plug setup (distributor is under carbs and cannot handle modern coil voltages/current), maybe electric water pump.

Paint is only fair and I know how much work repainting these are. So I plan on using it for some time at least with no body/paint. The person I bought it from is replacing all the carpet and re-varnished the dash. He bought it from the original owner last May and I think likely planned on fixing a few things and selling. I’ve known him for decades (although very rarely see him).

Eventually I may pop the body off- but not for some time (at least that is the plan).
I still have lots of projects and gotten a bit behind on some. I have everything done for the Electronic Lead Screw on my Lathe and bench tested. I just need to have time to install. But I want to get some other things done before I tear it apart. Never know when I need to make something on the lathe so I don’t want it non-operational for long.