Motorcycle specifications BenelliQuattro 354 1980

Benelli is one of the oldest motorcycle brands (it celebrated its centenary in 2011). It's also a brand that has seen many twists and turns in its history.

In the early '70s, the brand passed into the hands of the De Tomaso group, which capitalized on Benelli's sporting history, while at the same time taking the brand into a truly industrial direction. It was during this period that the brand released its most striking models, including the 750 and 900 SEI, the 500 Quattro and the model we're interested in here: the Benelli 354 Quattro and its "Sport" derivative.

The 354 was launched in 1980. It was developed especially for Italy, where regulations were more advantageous for this displacement. The fruit of De Tomaso's rationalization policy, it is based on the 500 Quattro, which itself uses many original Honda parts.

The 354 is an ultra-modern machine. Its engine is a 4-cylinder, 8-valve, single camshaft that develops 38 horsepower. Its performance is second only to that of the Japanese 400cc bikes of the time, but it holds its own against the rest of the medium-displacement production.

The chassis is no slouch either. It is common to all versions (Quattro, Sport and T), is richly equipped and seems to have been designed from the outset for the Sport version. This is one of the first midsize models to be fitted with 3 brake discs, an electric starter and light-alloy wheels. The Sport model's main distinguishing feature is the fork-head fairing, which, while it may seem rather unobtrusive today, was at the time a clear sign of its direction.

The overall aesthetic is entirely consistent with the Kawa Z and Honda CB of the time.

The 354 would also be marketed under the Moto Guzzi brand (like the 254), working in partnership with Benelli at the time. Japanese competition was already fierce, forcing these alliances between Italian brands.

The 354 had little success in France, where this type of displacement was never in vogue; froggies much preferred its big sisters, the SEI 750 & 900, with their fabulous in-line 6-cylinder engines.

Tanthallas - Photos: www.motorcyclespecs.co.za