1961 Motobi 125cc Imperiale Sport
Frame no. 431165 Engine no. 430234

The Summer Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show (Three-Day Auction)|4 July 2021, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1961 Motobi 125cc Imperiale Sport
Frame no. 431165
Engine no. 430234

Italy's oldest surviving motorcycle manufacturer, Benelli was founded in 1911 by the six Benelli brothers. Originally a general engineering firm, Benelli diversified into the field of powered transport immediately after WWI, offering a two-stroke 'clip-on' power unit for bicycles, which was followed by its first proper motorcycle in 1921. In 1950 Giovanni Benelli left to set up 'MotoBi', introducing a range of lightweights powered by distinctive egg-shaped two-stroke engines featuring horizontal cylinders. A range of four-strokes was built later but the overall look of the MotoBi engine remained the same. MotoBi was reabsorbed by Benelli in 1962 and sometime later its products were re-badged as Benellis. An unfinished project, this four-stroke Motobi Imperiale Sport is missing its filler cap, headlight glass, and some switchgear whilst the electrics require attention. The machine comes with a NOVA Acknowledgement and is sold strictly as viewed. The vendor has had the machine running recently.

Saleroom notices

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Additional information

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Cycling, Motorcycle Spares and Memorabilia (Lots 201 to 551)
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