Menus
- The six here if yes !
- In the saddle
- Start-up
- In the city
- On the road
- On the highway
- In duet
- Braking
- Consumption
- The interview
- Production
- Chronology
- Coast side
- In case of purchase
- Conclusion
- Bonus
- Benelli and advertising
The six here if yes !
Six pots…. All is said. Yes, half a dozen tubes proudly raised to the sky. For this unique vision in the history of commercial production alone, the Benelli is astounding. Its forms share the curves of the 70’s and the aesthetic "all angles" of the 80s …. Between its tank beginning in roundness to finish rectangular, its squared counters, the fins of an engine block cut with a billhook, a saddle posed like a comma and each of its split-sided mudguards, we even end up ask if the Italians have not thought for a moment to equip the Sei…. rectangular wheels ! With such a design, it is certain that the Benelli will remain (and will remain), an original motorcycle, but also the reflection of an era of transition and aesthetic exploration ….
In the saddle
Barely wider than a Honda CB 750, the engine is surprisingly compact.
Rather, it is the rear of the machine, remaining very compact in spite of everything, which seeks the title of "greater width" ….
Good surprise, we feel good on board. Admittedly the engine overflows everywhere, but reasonably, considering the six cylinders in line. The dashboard is eye-catching and the handlebar / footrest position seems very suitable ….
You may like the counters or find them completely kitsch, but they are part of the lot and do their job properly. Note the tiny flashing reminders materialized by two small green arrows (totally invisible while driving!).
Start-up
Engine!… Finally, good…. First of all, while it’s good to learn that the Sei’s electric starter can do hot service, it’s also important to know…. that you should not rely too much on him cold. Otherwise, the pitcher’s freewheel will give up the soul in a downright indecent time. With this recommendation, all the charm of an old-fashioned start (so kick!), Allows, after having previously pulled the lever operating the air shutter of the three Dell’Orto VHB 24, to awaken the monster in a hitherto completely unknown growl. The engine is lively and quick to immediately climb the revs in a rather insane "vrooooaaaaap" which would almost escape you if you did not immediately lower the "choke" lever..
Then, it is advisable to timidly operate the throttle, until you find the happy medium to keep the tiger inside the engine, whose expression has decidedly nothing that we have known until ‘So. After all, he might be more Italian than he looks, the guy. Even the Honda CBX won’t feel that way. After a few minutes of heating, the beautiful holds its slow motion well and distills a stable and regular purr. The slightest demand on the accelerator shows the low inertia of the engine and almost instantly generates a sharp increase in revs. Although still on the center stand, the promise already sounds very enticing ….
The engine is supplied with fuel by two gasoline taps (gravity-fed) and supplied by three 24mm diameter Dell’Orto VHB carburettors. Each of them distributes the gas mixture between two cylinders via a split intake pipe.
In the city
Once unbalanced, all you have to do is engage the first one to get to know "Signorina Benelli" better. The box is precise, as soft as that of a Japanese woman. The bike manages to squeeze, admittedly it is not a little rat of the opera, but it is not a big Gaspard of the cities either. The overgrowth of the motor does not cause excessive heating of the shins. Finally, the beautiful Italian is doing quite well in an urban landscape ….
On the road
During the first kilometers, we try to forget the auditory references accumulated over the journeys and the different machines practiced. Because the Benelli is outside of it all. The sound generated by the revs necessary to change each gear is more reminiscent of the engines of racing cars of the 1960s, driven by "six in a row", than that of a motorcycle. Of course, the 750 Sei doesn’t have, far from it, engine revs as high as those of the legendary Mike the Bike’s six-cylinder Honda racing car, but it still gets goosebumps with every ride. sustained acceleration. A real recital allowing to forget his lack of agility in turns and his relative heaviness ….
On the highway
Once again, thanks to the soundtrack, staying at high speed on the highway thrills the eardrums. At legal speed, the music is still beautiful and the motorcycle is not tacking. Ditto at 200 meters, the Benelli Sei knows how to hold, but the driver tastes because of the lack of a windshield. No vibration and not the slightest cramp after 300 kilometers, proof of an excellent driving position ….
In duet
The Marzocchi shocks, in addition to ensuring very decent handling, protect the delicate buttocks. In addition, the passenger has a support bar. Riding two people on the comfortable and spacious saddle of Miss Benelli 6 remains very pleasant, especially as the healthy behavior of the bike remains unperturbed ….
Braking
The ultimate in braking, in the early 1970s. Brembo provided the Benelli with powerful and enduring braking for the time. If in the standard version the Sei had to be equipped with solid brake discs, it turns out that some motorcycles still left the factory equipped with perforated discs (normally reserved for the Guzzi Le Mans). In fact, the workers mounted what they received over the deliveries from Brembo !
The braking, at the front, is therefore entrusted from the outset to what was best for the time: double cast iron disc and Brembo clamps…. What could be better ? The 200mm rear drum serves its purpose well. Note that the discs are not treated, a little rust appears after parking in the rain. It is naturally erased from the first press on the lever.
Pure in its purest form, this brake master cylinder alone symbolizes the ability of contemporary Italian designers to (believe) they can revamp everything in the industrial world. And this is the real strength of their creativity, often brilliant and constantly renewed. And further…. he brakes! However, we regret the absence of an apparent fluid level.
Consumption
We thought she was an ogress, bombing without restraint…. Well, not at all. Eight liters of unleaded for 100 kilometers at a very steady pace! The placid will even manage to drop below the 7l / 100 mark ….
The interview
Sharp Italian mechanics have often been compared to a vulgar heap of junk, labeled unreliable and unable to line up the miles without worry. This is not the case with the Benelli 750. On the cycle side, no problem, if regular maintenance is carried out (tightening the screws, greasing and replacing the wearing parts). On the mechanical side, we note a weakness of the starter freewheel (random hot operation). Its engine will prove to be safe if it is operated in the correct conditions and if the warm-up times are respected, like any mechanic elsewhere. The 750 Sei enjoys good reliability in the context of normal tourist use. In addition, the maintenance cost is relatively low.
Production
What a shock when Benelli presented the 750 Sei! It was in October 1972, in Italy at the Bologna Salon. The first production motorcycle with a six-cylinder engine! Marketed in France in 1974, it will not know a success (even precarious), but a real broth. Manufactured in 3,200 copies, around a hundred motorcycles will find buyers in France. But what idea of having entrusted the distribution to Motobecane which will prevent normal distribution? We could not present a large displacement avant-garde alongside bicycles, mopeds, blue and other small sluggish motorcycles. In 1978, the death knell sounded for the 750 Sei; already modest sales are in free fall. The all too rare (but obstinate, it was necessary! …) amateurs, of the six cylinders with Bolognese sauce, turned to the 900 Sei which will stretch its career as discreet as it is complex, until 1987.
Chronology
First version – 1974 and 1975
Colors: green or brown.
The Sei is equipped with an ignition switch, a key switch placed under the front of the tank (as at Honda), a gearbox whose pinion gear is provided by 3 dogs, a Ceriani fork fitted with 38mm tubes, two Brembo P-08 brake calipers and two 280mm cast-iron discs.
Second version – 1976, 1977 and 1978
Colors: red or metallic gray.
It will see its frame modified and equipped with reinforcements around the steering column and the anchor points of the rear shock absorbers; the gearbox (moreover often replaced on previous motorcycles), will see its pinions change to 5 dogs (primary shaft) and 6 dogs (secondary shaft) and in order to rationalize the production of the Benelli-Moto Guzzi group, the fork becomes identical to that of the Guzzi (35 mm tubes) as well as the discs (still in cast iron), whose diameter increases to 300 mm. For its part, the key switch finds a more rational place between the two counters.
It was under the aegis of the Antar-Motobecane team that a budget was allocated by Renault to the preparer Moch to prepare and field two “super Benelli Sei” at the Bol d’Or 1977. What a pity that the attempt was not made. renewed !
Third version – 1978 to 1980…. and more, because some motorcycles sold late will be registered until 81 or even 82) (with photo G):
Colors: only in red
The 750 Sei already prefigures certain details of what will be the 900 Sei with which it will, for a time, be sold concomitantly. Its gearbox will be identical to that of the 900 (primary and secondary shaft locking with 5 dogs) and its Bosch electronic ignition, will earn it the addition of the qualifier "elettronica" on the side covers.
Coast side
Not found! It takes a lot of persistence to acquire a Benelli 750 Sei. Indeed, the too few owners of this type of motorcycle know what they have. Note that a model in good unrestored condition is estimated at around 10,000 € and 15/16,000 € for a restored machine in perfect condition.
In case of purchase
Almost impossible to find in France, you may have better luck abroad (Italy, Belgium, Germany….). Parts are becoming scarce. Favor a strictly original model. If the bike has been well maintained and never abused, the Benelli Sei will prove to be very reliable. Beware of the freewheel of the starter, favor the kicker, very easy to operate.
Conclusion
This bike is unlike anything else…. than to herself. No more powerful or faster than its competitors in the 750 class, it nevertheless has an absolutely unique character. Well paved and equipped with shock absorbers in good condition, the bike holds the road well and is particularly pleasant to ride on winding side roads. In terms of comfort, surprisingly, the saddle is quite welcoming, including a duo. The only reserve will be for the side stand and its overly protruding lug, which will quickly get the better of it in the event of a sparking attack. Far in front of the frame, it also has the annoying disadvantage of being invisible when unfolded, hidden by the engine block…. The Benelli remains unique, however. It is a very pretty mechanical piece and its truly incomparable musicality is a real pleasure..
Strong points
- Exceptional braking
- Very good handling
- Good reliability in normal use
- Reduced consumption and maintenance cost
- Six cylinder melody
Weak points
- Avant-garde aesthetics (for the time)
- High price
- Some hard to find parts
- Rarity in France
- Weak starter freewheel
The technical sheet of the Benelli 750 Sei
Bonus
For less than 150 euros (a hundred times cheaper than a real one!), We can afford this very beautiful metal reproduction of the Benelli Sei in the 1/12 scale. Manufactured by "Minichamps"
Star and Diva. Marc Bolan, precursor of glam rock, had found a motorcycle at his tempo !
The Benelli even had the honor of participating in Tele Poche’s great two-wheel adventure.
Benelli and advertising
Positioning error from the start with an advertisement (Motobecane!) Which targets a clientele in search of sports performances. Hence its use often without great respect for a mechanism made for tourism.
A simple rear view of the six pots was enough to make the headlines of our Moto Journal colleagues..
This Italian brochure describes the 6-cylinder Benelli in its brown dress, indicative of the first version imported into France.
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