Description
This motorcycle is Lot 173 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 173
The Andy Chapman Collection
1981 Benelli 654
Registration no. MWV 142W
Frame no. ED* 10028* (from V5C)
Engine no. ED* 010096* (see text)
Registration no. MWV 142V
Frame no. ED* 10028* (from V5C)
Engine no. ED* 010096* (see text)
Revitalised after its takeover in 1971 by Argentine industrialist Alejandro de Tomaso, Benelli launched a range of new six- and four-cylinder sports bikes. First of these Honda-inspired machines was the 500 Quattro of 1974, which despite its oriental-looking power unit was thoroughly Italian in all other respects, boasting a rigid cradle frame, powerful Grimeca drum brakes and alloy wheel rims. Extending the family, the 654 debuted at the 1979 Milan Show and entered production at the beginning of 1980. The single-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine was derived from that of the six-cylinder 900 Sei, using the same bore/ stroke dimensions for a capacity of 603. 94cc. Build quality and reliability were improved compared with previous models, and the undeniably handsome 654 enjoyed a top speed of around 115mph. Production continued until 1986.
An Italian motorcycle rarely seen in the UK, this Benelli 654 was acquired by the vendor in 2018 and currently displays a total of 30, 679 miles on the odometer (at the time of cataloguing/ photography). The HPI report records the machine as a 'Category N Insurance Loss. No Structural Damage and Repairable Insurer Decided Not to Repair' (dated 12th July 2021).
Following a period of inactivity, the machine will require re-commissioning to a greater or lesser extent, or possibly more extensive restoration, before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Accompanying paperwork consists of sundry invoices, some expired MoTs and a V5C document. It should be noted that the V5C records the engine number as 'ED10096'.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
