Description
Originally purchased and imported by us from Spain, just before “lockdown” this now fully recomisioned, late in this models production run, 1980 Benelli 500LS had spent the last decade standing in a small private collection, which when combined with the dry climate, contributed to it surviving pretty well untouched.
Now 2 years plus later it is back up on it’s toes and looking great.
The plan for this one was to not restore, ie take everything apart and end up with a bike that no two parts left the factory together when new, but to do again what we do best, “revive” it while trying to maintain as much of its originality as we can.
Mechanically we went right through it, new tyres, carbs stripped and rebuilt then stripped again ( dont you love old carbs!).
Brakes we’re stripped, cleaned and rebuilt, electrics gone through which included a new Boyer electronic ignition system being fitted so now everything works, as far as 70s Italian electrics ever did, ie neutral light is a bit hit and miss and the silly little button you have to depress under the rotational lighting switch to move from side light to off is missing, not that you could operate it with gloves on anyway! Front indicators are a bit droopy and the plastic lens over the tacho is misty, all things you could address if they bothered you.
Cosmetically the paint was very faded and believe it or not, the tank was leaking where someone had used a self taping screw to hold the tank badge on, that was too long!! Yep you’ve got it, fuel was coming out from behind said badge! So it was sent off and professionally sealed prior to it and the side panels, receiving a coat of a rather nice Ducati(esq) Red and two new fuel taps. We do have both original tank badges if you wanted to try to remount them but personally, I don’t think you would bother.
Front and rear guards are excellent, the original Silentium exhaust system has dulled from age but is very solid and presentable, wheels, frame etc are all very good even the seat is nice.
So there you have it, a very rare and good looking classic Italian motorcycle that rides nicely, sounds great and best of all is not telephone numbers to buy ( yet)!
Note: Now fully UK registered on the appropriate age related W registration
