MOTO GUZZI 254 (1979-1980) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1979, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Moto Guzzi 254, a four-cylinder motorcycle in its third year of production. It was perfect for riders searching for a lightweight, agile, and still powerful bike made by the House of Mandello del Lario.

The Moto Guzzi 254 was also sold as the Benelli 254 or Benelli 250 Quatro. It was the smallest four-cylinder displacement motorcycle at the time, manufactured by Benelli and Moto Guzzi, which were bought by Alejandro de Tomaso in the 1970s.

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.

It was equipped from the factory with standard features, such as a large round headlight on the front, a small-capacity fuel tank, a one-piece dual seat, a four-into-two exhaust system, and six-spoke lightweight aluminum wheels.

In the performance department, the 1979 Moto Guzzi 254 had its soul brought to life by a 231cc two-stroke air-cooled four-cylinder engine mounted underneath its fuel tank, fed by four Dell'Orto carburetors, delivering 28 hp with a peak force at 10,500 rpm.

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.