Description
This motorcycle is Lot 59 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online January Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between January 17th through January 27th, with lots closing from midday January 27th 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 22nd January 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.
Lot 59
1981 Benelli 900 Sei Project
Registration no. NHH 982W
Frame no. BO* 10655*
Engine no. BG BO* 10673*
Despite a racing heritage second to none, Benelli was in trouble by the late 1960s and fell into the clutches of Argentine industrialist Alejandro De Tomaso in 1971. Under De Tomaso's stewardship the revitalised company was soon grabbing the headlines with a host of new models, none more startling than the 750cc Sei (Six) of 1972, the world's first production six-cylinder motorcycle. The fact that Benelli was able to produce the design so quickly despite lacking previous experience of this type of engine was easily explained: it looked like a Honda CB500 'four' with two extra cylinders, which in effect was just what it was. Even the bore and stroke dimensions were identical to those of the Japanese unit. Production proper began in 1974 but the Benelli was soon overshadowed by Honda's own CBX1000 'six', forcing the Italian company to respond with the 900 Sei in 1980.
This 900 Sei was acquired by the vendor in 2018. It should be noted that the machine was damaged in a flood while in storage. Offered for restoration, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's originality, completeness, authenticity and mechanical condition prior to bidding and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Accompanying paperwork consists of a current V5C Registration Certificate; handwritten receipt and Martin Ashby Motorcycles invoices. It should be noted the fuel tank cover is loosely fitted. There are spares offered with this lot including a mudguard; headlamp fairing and panel badges. 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).
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.
