Benelli: glimpses of a great passion that came to life in Pesaro [VIDEO]

We start back in 1896 to narrate the relationship between Pesaro and the motorcycle. The history of the brand Benelli takes shape from 1911 and from the passion of six brothers, and then to evolve During the years. A story curated by the Benelli Historical Register and the Benelli Officine Museum, as reported, proposed through some videos via Facebook.

The beginnings

A De Dion Bouton tricycle powered by a 380 cc engine taken in Paris by the industrialist Oreste Ruggeri and used in Pesaro in 1896, but also the first races at the Adriatic racecourse in 1905, are some of the facts that underline a fervent motoring culture in Pesaro already around and at the beginning of the 900s.
In 1911, as mentioned, the history of the brand came to life Benelli thanks to six brothers founders, who opened a precision machine shop in the heart of Pesaro, not far from the birthplace of the famous Gioacchino Rossini. The move to a new location took place only in 1916, in the meantime the brothers cultivated a dream: to make motorcycles. It was 1919 when the first two-stroke engine was created 75 cc tied to a bicycle. Although the first results did not appear positive, in 1921 the specimen was introduced at the Milanese exhibition “Velomotore” always with a two-stroke engine but from 98 cc with chain drive and two-speed gearbox and in Turismo and Sport configurations. Then also proposed with a larger engine 147 cc. An example that allowed a first understanding of the construction quality of Benelli. The brand then introduced another model in 1926, this time with 4cc 175-stroke unit and cascade of gears. “A turning point” of a technical nature, as mentioned, for the manufacturer. The pilot was also among the protagonists of that period Tonino Benelli, one of six brothers.

The post-war years

The recovery after the atrocities of the conflict is linked to one "intuition". The Benelli brothers rearranged and updated with a patent of Joseph Benelli the vehicles left by the allies and from there the new course of the Pesaro brand started again, as told.
In 1949 a new motorcycle called Letizia, the first after the war. An example equipped with a drive 98 cc. While in the competitions he also obtained a first world title in 1950, thanks to the pilot Dario Ambrosini. Roaring years, then. These results pushed the brand forward and led to the creation of an icon: the first example of Lion cub. A name present in the current range of the brand, connecting a family of specimens.

Video: Benelli – Moto Club Tonino Benelli of Pesaro
Opening photo from the repertoire: Benelli