Benelli 250 2C

[Lotus54]

Ready to install

[John H]

That's a real gem.

[Lotus54]

This bike has very unusual footpeg mounts. The later bikes went back to ‘standard’ but this has a bracket that goes under the exhaust, then up to the frame and rubber mounted to frame. The original owner fit a haywire sidestand for some reason (bike is very light and easy to put on centre stand)- and drilled into that bracket to mount it.
I’m not sure if that had anything to do with it, but the mounts where that bracket mounts to are bent on one side. Pretty thick steel also. I tried straightening with a bar, but no luck so far. I’m not quite sure how I will fix it.

Engine is ready to install, but of course need to clean up frame and fix those mounts first. The ignition/charging went on pretty easily and it will be nice to have not battery, 12Vdc and no points.

[John H]

Maybe we can straighten the bent part here on the press. Have you seen the new Benelli V-4 prototype?

[Lotus54]

I cleaned up the frame, used a longer bar- and straightened them out no problem. Thanks for offer though.

I hqve not seen the new prototype. I will look

[Lotus54]

Engine is in. On to work on wiring for the mods and Vape system

[Lotus54]

I got the seal for the kickstart shaft I had forgotten to order. So took off the side cover, fit the seal, installed the gasket and mounted cover. Bolted the footpeg bracket back up.
Then thought I’d better see about the chain- I found a narrow ‘O’ ring chain I bought for something (not sure what) and it will fit fine I think.
Then decided to fit the new rear tyre. Found a small dent in the Borrani rim, not too bad but may consider doing something at a later date. Maybe new rim and stainless spokes. But not now. So tyre/tube/rim strip on.
Of course, I found the sprocket holder had been messed up by the chain at some point. So cleaned it up and popped on the lathe to smooth it out. Still a part I don’t like. Probably just smooth out some more- I am not sure welding on it is a good idea- although probably fine.
So everything always takes longer.

I still have not touched any of the wiring yet- once I get the rear wheel/chain on I think I will go ahead.

[Lotus54]

New front/rear tyres, tubes rim strips. New front brake shoes, adjusted and feels good. I did not arc the shoes in, I figured I would just ride it a little then see how they are seating.
Also new O-ring chain and one wheel bearing (rest were very good).

I will go for the electrics next, waiting on a new handlebar light/turnsignal switch setup and a 2-position keyswitch. Originally, these had the keyswitch connect the negative to the battery and earth it. I won’t have a battery, so the keyswitch will just be a ‘kill’ switch, disabling the ignition when turned off. Then I need to run new wires for the turn signals and connect all the new ignition/charging system wiring.
Oh yeah, I have not done the carbs yet. Soon
Getting pretty close!

(Of course, I should be spending more time cleaning up the shop)

[John H]

That will be a sweet little rider. Perfect commuter size too.

[Lotus54]

I mounted the carbs (fixed a gasket that was shipped incorrect) and fired it up!
Cold start was not right away, but starts great warm. (Maybe enricher valves are not working correctly- cables are not great and new ones coming).
It sounds really nice. I rode it around the yard, I had forgotten that while left side shift, it is UP for low. Didn’t start off very well in 5th…

I’m wiring up the new handlebar switch and turn signals. Then I can ride it on the street.
I took a video, but I don’t seem to be able to upload videos.