BENELLI 500 Quattro (1974-1975) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Benelli Quattro was a series of motorcycles manufactured under the Benelli and Motto Guzzi names from 1974 to 1986. The bike was introduced to replace the Benelli 650 Tornado and was part of the same family as the Benelli Six.

In 1974, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer introduced the Benelli 500 Quattro, a four-cylinder naked motorcycle created by Italian engineers for riders of various ages and experience levels.

In the visual department, the motorcycle had standard fittings, like a chromed front fender, a round headlight with a chromed housing, a one-piece dual seat, side-mounted rear shocks, a four-into-two exhaust system with two silencers on each side, and wire-spoke wheels.

The bike was built around a steel frame with a hydraulic telescopic fork on the front and five-way-adjustable shock absorbers on the rear, providing optimum suspension performance and handling capabilities.

As for the stopping power, the bike's 18-inch spoke wheels were fitted with both front and rear drum braking units, delivering optimum braking performance.

In the performance department, the 1974 Benelli 500 Quattro had its muscles from a 498cc four-stroke four-cylinder air-cooled engine mounted at its core, boasting 55 hp with a peak at 9,500 rpm and 39 Nm (29 lb-ft) torque at 8,500 rpm.

The power produced by the half-liter engine was transferred to a five-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch, sending it to the rear via a final chain drive, launching the motorcycle to a top speed of 172 kph (107 mph).