Author Topic: 650 Benelli Tornado engine. Swap or sell.  (Read 2445 times)

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Offline firko

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650 Benelli Tornado engine. Swap or sell.
« on: December 29, 2011, 04:51:31 pm »
After much thought I've decided that my 650 Benelli Trackmaster project isn't going anywhere because the engine just isn't right for either of my Trackmaster frames. As nice a piece of engineering as the Benelli motor is, it's quite simply physically too big for what I want to do. You can see in the photos that the engine is quite a squeeze into either frame.


So, here's my Plan B.
I'd like to clean swap the Benelli engine for an electric start Yamaha XS650 engine or a 650 Triumph or 650 BSA motor. I realise it's a long shot but surely someone has an XS unit they aren't using that they'd like to swap.
I've never had the Benelli motor apart but do know that it's a very low mileage unit from the mid 70's that turns over freely and is absolutely complete right down to the carbs and header pipes. I bought the engine from a well respected Italian bike restorer and he assured me that the motor is in good nick.

My first choice is a Yamaha engine as my trick experimental Trackmaster frame is made for that engine and will bolt right in.
                                                                 PM me if interested....cheers, Firko
'68 Yamaha DT1 enduro, '69 Yamaha 'DT1 from Hell' '69 DT1'Dunger from Hell, '69 Cheney Yamaha 360, 70 Maico 350 (2 off), '68 Hindall Ducati 250, Hindall RT2MX, Hindall YZ250a , Cycle Factory RT2MX flat tracker, Yamaha 1T250J, Maico 250 trials, '71, Boyd and Stellings TM400, Shell OW72,750 Yamaha

Romaldo

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Re: 650 Benelli Tornado engine. Swap or sell.
« Reply #1 on: January 26, 2012, 12:01:42 pm »
Hello, I might be interested in your benelli 650 motor, I also know of a fellow with a  Yamaha 650 motor so I'll follow that up. The shape of the benelli motor is a frustrating shape to fit in existing frames. The width of the wet sump at the front forces it too far back by the angle of the front down tubes and it is too compact for british featherbed style frames.  I've looked for years  to make a period 4 road racer ( the stock frame is inconsiderably heavy!) However during my search I identified  that the Kawasaki z500/550 frame could probably be a neat fit. The front down tubes are wide enough to clear the sump and it is not too long.
Anyway I'll chase this bloke up with the Yamaha 650.

Best Regards, Brian.