72 Benelli 175 Enduro

[Lotus54]

Yeah, like I needed this.
A Benelli 175 Enduro came along that was quite complete (only missing a couple items) and low price. For some reason I always wanted one of these. They were not really that great- at least not compared to the bikes I had. The OSSA Super Pioneer I have is a way better bike. But this is very light (205lbs), Marzocchi suspension, good frame design and 18” x 19” wheels. The 21” work way better in the dirt, but this is really better suited to mild dual sport type stuff anyway.
The engine is a mild tuned 175 2-stroke, 4 speed right shift. I’m sure lighting is abysmal, but no way I’ll ride it at night anyway. The fuel tank is very clean inside, it does not appear like anyone has messed around with much on the bike.
I replaced the kickstart return spring, put some fuel in a test bottle and it fired up on about the third kick. Took a little while to ‘clean it out’ so I suspect someone fogged the engine (or just dumped some oil down there). Has good compression for the low compression engine. Clutch is stuck and brake cables were not setup right so the riding and jamming the brakes didn’t free it. But I can pop the side cover off and free up.

The dual sprocket is interesting. It is setup so removing four bolts allows the big sprocket to move out of the way- or in line. Then bolt back up, add the correct amount of links and away you go. Very nice system.
I took the wheels off (rear rim is pretty rusty and front not a lot better, so will replace those) and put it out of the way. I have a bunch of other stuff to finish first, so likely won’t touch it until fall/winter.
No title and the person I bought it from got it 5 years ago and never tried to start it. So doing the ‘check couple times a day’ for a State patrol inspection appointment.

[John H]

That looks like another keeper Mark.

[Lotus54]

I got the bike inspected by Stat Patrol for ‘Ownership in Doubt’ title.
Then at the DOL they tries to say it was an off-road bike just because it said ‘Enduro’ in the name. Back then lots of fully street legal bikes were called that.
I printed VIN stocker that says meets all federal safety stuff- that they only put on street bikes. I hope that works.

Next i an getting new rims anf have a new clutch.

[ClineDesign]

I love those Benelli gas tanks!

[John H]

Jay,
Is your Benelli tank part of a winter project?? Kidding. Is there a build lurking in your garage?
Larry is always up to building a cool bike but can't figure how to post pics to our forum.
Mark, keep posting your interesting updates, they're always interesting.

[Lotus54]

I got the bike registered (collector) no problem with the VIN sticker showing legal. Just a new person at the DOL that didn’t understand that what we call ‘dual-sport’ bikes now were often called ‘enduro’ back in the 70s. No way this is a real enduro bike. Heck, the OSSA Super Pioneer is a true enduro motorcycle, but no issues plating since it doesn’t have any name hinting on it. It does have lights/horn etc. but just barely street legal. Not that I will ever ride it very far on the street anyway.

I drained oil- it looked like it has water at some point. Who knows when or how. Clutch was stuck- I have new plates, but those looked quite good, so I vaporhoned the metal and scotchbrighted the fibre ones. Some new oil and will test soon. And change oil a couple of times.

As soon as I do that I will take wheels off- remove rims and send hubs to Bucannan for some new rims and stainless spokes. The original painted spokes are in pretty good condition- but these will be a lot better. Plus I’m going to change to aluminium Italian rims. Cost as much as the bike- but will be very nice.

I have to finish the AJP I’m working on first, I did a full engine rebuild and just about have the engine all back together. Then pop it into the frame and modify an exhaust I have, fit a new ‘performance’ carb. I fit a ‘bigger’ cam also- so with carb, cam and exhaust I hope to pick up a few more ponies and just give it the extra snap it would like.

[Lotus54]

The clutch works great now and bike runs well.
I took off the wheels, removed rims, vaporhoned the hubs. I am sending the hubs to Buchannan for new Borrani alloy rims and stainless spokes.

Next get a new chain, cables and clean tank. It is pretty darn good- a very small amount of surface rust.

[John H]

With alloy rims and ss spokes that's really going to look sharp. There is a product called Big 45 that a lot of gun owners use for cleaning metal surfaces. It's also popular with restoration shops. It won't scratch chrome either. I've just ordered more.

[Lotus54]

With alloy rims and ss spokes that's really going to look sharp. There is a product called Big 45 that a lot of gun owners use for cleaning metal surfaces. It's also popular with restoration shops. It won't scratch chrome either. I've just ordered more.

Is this it?

https://www.amazon.com/Big-45-Frontier- ... B07RM692X8

[John H]

Yes, that's it.