1976 BENELLI 250 2T (D256)
A very original example of Benelli’s entry into the popular 250cc sporting 2-stroke twin class. We found this unit in an Italian collection and the good vibes compelled us to find it a new home in the USA. Overall condition is good, unrestored but unmolested, largely complete and showing some patina. Paintwork is in nice shape, all badges in place. Fenders, exhausts and chrome trim in decent condition and should polish up neatly. Odometer shows 8,985 miles (14K km) and is presumed accurate. Dual saddle in fair condition with a handy chrome grab rail. A well preserved example of Italy’s sporty middleweight in quite nice shape for a bike over 47 years old. Needs a little TLC, but can be cleaned up to to show. Benelli’s 250cc twin is very rare in the US and certainly a lot of fun to ride. A cool bike and a great value compared to the Japanese vintage contemporaries.
ABOUT THIS MODEL
The 1976 Benelli 250 2T was a sporty middleweight designed to compete with the popular Japanese 2 stroke 250 cc twins. The model was competitive in performance but lacked automatic oil injection and was priced higher than the Japanese machines, so sales were modest. Layout is conventional with dual saddle, wide handle bars, twin clocks and warning lights in a small dash module. Engineering is straightforward with a tubular steel frame, conventional forks and a twin shock swingarm. Curb weight is noted at 301 lbs. and the wheelbase is a compact 51.6 inches. 1976 models featured a disc front brake along with a drum rear brake. The air cooled 232cc engine developed 30 HP, was fitted with dual exhausts and used premix oiling at 20:1 ratio. A 5 speed transmission, dual DellOrto 26mm carburetors, electronic ignition and a kickstarter complete the specs. With a 15.6 second 1/4 mile and a top speed of 90 mph performance is brisk and wheelies are readily at hand. Contemporary road tests note that the handling is crisp, solid and best in class.
1976 BENELLI 250 2T
D256
Offered at $2,975
Specifications:
FRAME : tubular steel
FRONT SUSPENSION : telescopic fork
REAR SUSPENSION : dual adjustable shocks
FRONT BRAKE : disc
REAR BRAKE : 158 mm drum
WHEELBASE : 51.6 Inches
WEIGHT : 304 lbs
FUEL CAPACITY: 3.7 gallons
TYRES : Front 3.00-18 / Rear 3.25-18
TYPE : air-cooled, two-stroke, parallel twin cylinder
DISPLACEMENT : 232 cc
BORE X STROKE : 2.2x1.9 in
COMPRESSION RATIO : 10.3:1
HORSEPOWER 30 @ 6800 RPM
FUEL SYSTEM : 2x26mm DellOrto VHB carburetors
GEARBOX : 5-speed, manual
CLUTCH : wet multi-disc, manual
FINAL DRIVE : chain