Benelli Is Back
BENELLI IS BACK
The rebirth of Italy's historic Benelli marque in the hands of wealthy former Supersport racer Andrea Merloni is right on schedule. As detailed in the July, 1996, Roundup, Merloni plans to generate the needed cash flow to restart manufacture of Benelli motorcycles through sales of a new range of scooters. Production of the so-called 491
(shown), powered by a Minarelli 50cc two-stroke, began this past May at the company's new factory in Pesaro, and has now stabilized at 60 units per day. Evidently, the 491's sexy looks are a hit in scooter-mad Italy, as the machines have been back-ordered while the factory struggles to meet demand. - I
Stage Two of Merloni's comeback plan includes the unveiling of a range of 125cc scooters and a street enduro version of the 491 at the Milan Shown in September. Benelli obviously means business, and with the Italian bike scene buzzing with confirmation that chief engineer Riccardo Rosa is hard at work developing a 900cc V-Three Superbike engine, the company looks set to return to its former glory.
