MOTO GUZZI 254 (1977-1978) Specs, Performance & Photos

In the 1970s, the car manufacturer Alejandro de Tomaso bought both Moto Guzzi and Benelli companies. From that point, Badge engineering was used, resulting in numerous models sold under both brand names.

The Moto Guzzi 254, also sold as the Benelli 254 or Benelli 250 Quatro, was the smallest four-cylinder displacement motorcycle at the time, manufactured by Benelli from 1977 until 1984.

The bike was designed by Lino Tonti and styled by Paolo Martin. It was presented at the 1975 Milan Motorcycle Show and released into production in 1977. Although it was a four-cylinder machine, it was different in design than the larger 500/4 model.

Aluminum and plastic were extensively used in the bike's development to keep the weight down to 117 kg (258 lbs). It featured a sleek styling with an uncluttered handlebar, the instrument cluster, and the master cylinder mounted in the fuel tank, which reduced its capacity to 8.5 liters (2.2 gal).

Unlike the Benelli version, which aimed at the sports market, the Moto Guzzi 254 aimed at a more touring-oriented market. Also, the Guzzi version packed six-spoke wheels, while the Benelli model had three-spoke wheels.

In the performance department, the 1977 Moto Guzzi 254 had installed a 231cc two-stroke air-cooled four-cylinder engine managed by four Dell'Orto carburetors, delivering 28 hp with a peak force at 10,500 rpm.