1965 Benelli Sprite restoration - thoughts?

[derek murray]

I have an itch to scratch.

In my youth I worked on Nortons and Triumphs but nothing more "exotic" than that. Recently, a 1965 Benelli Sprite 200cc has become available locally. It's complete, straight, although is not running. The motor has compression and moves freely. It's very very sexy and I can't get it out of my head. The price is <2K.

Does anyone have any experience with old Benellis? Am I nuts and setting myself up for frustration and heartache?

This is what the bike could look like...

[javadog]

You need to consider what condition it is in and how likely it is that you can find parts for a Benelli that old.

JR

[scottmandue]

I believe someone here restored a Benelli, hopefully he will chime in.

[derek murray]

Originally Posted by javadog

You need to consider what condition it is in....

java - The bike is complete, straight and all original. No rust or significant dings. It is not running (nor has been for quite awhile), however, the motor has compression and turns freely.

[Chocaholic]

You know you've made your decision. And I agree BTW. Keep us posted!

[derek murray]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

You know you've made your decision. And I agree BTW. Keep us posted!

Is it that obvious


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[derek murray]

Originally Posted by peteremsley

I remember a Morini, but not the Benelli.



I'd be fearful that you'd end up upside-down kinda quick, based on my experience with futzing with less rare old bikes. I don't know that to be the case with this make and model, but consider it...



(edit) Hagerty has $1800 for good, $5k for concours - https://www.hagerty.com/apps/valuationtools/1965-benelli-sprite_ohv (not sure if that means much)

That's what I'm afraid of, too. Although, for some reason the emotional part of me is saying - "Derek, it will all be good"

Thanks for that Hagerty app link. I'd not seen that before


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[derek murray]

Originally Posted by peteremsley

hehehe. make sure you don't keep a pile of receipts

Peter - I own a 1970 911 and happily married... I am a master of the 2 binder receipt system.


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[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by derek murray

I own a 1970 911 and happily married... I am a master of the 2 binder receipt system.


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Early contender for quote of the year.

[dheinz]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Early contender for quote of the year.

Agreed...

[GWN7]

I know a couple of guys that work on old bikes that are local. I'll see them in the morning and ask if they know of any resources for you.

[epbrown]

Huh, I've been having thoughts along the same lines:68 Benelli /Riverside 250 project. Italian single (ducati-cafe racer)

[biosurfer1]

Just ask yourself if on your deathbed will you say "I sure am glad I didn't that Benelli when I had the chance"?

[porsche4life]

Do it! Sounds like it won't need too much!!! (Famous last words I know! )

[Don Ro]

Get it...an post pics of the progress.

[Bill Douglas]

It will be cheaper, and easier, than a 911 restoration. LOL, most things are.

[LakeCleElum]

I've never let the Price keep my from taking an old motorcycle under my roof.......

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by epbrown

Huh, I've been having thoughts along the same lines:68 Benelli /Riverside 250 project. Italian single (ducati-cafe racer)

This looks promising.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by derek murray

java - The bike is complete, straight and all original. No rust or significant dings. It is not running (nor has been for quite awhile), however, the motor has compression and turns freely.

Well, I guess two questions remain.

How available are parts? There are a lot of things that can be refurbished but there will always be parts that are not common to other makes and can't be refurbished. I don't have any idea in that regard with one of these but based on my experience with limited production Italian cars, it can be a problem. It's probably worth finding the Benelli gurus, whoever they may be, and asking the question.

Then, if you're going to go to the trouble to spend hundreds, if not thousands, of hours and thousands of dollars restoring a bike, is this the bike that would make you the happiest in the end? Or would you rather have a Ducati, or 400 Honda, or a Kawi GPZ, or a Yamaha two-stroke?

JR

[Hard-Deck]

Originally Posted by peteremsley

I remember a Morini, but not the Benelli.

I'd be fearful that you'd end up upside-down kinda quick, based on my experience with futzing with less rare old bikes. I don't know that to be the case with this make and model, but consider it...

One of the two Morini restorations on this board is my K2. I will be updating my thread soon, as I am finally, near completion.

Being a socialist country, many Italian motorcycles share similar parts. There are a few parts on my Morini stamped "Ducati".

If you are looking for an investment, do your math closely. If you are building for your personal satisfaction, after your heart's lust, then be more fuzzy with the accounting pencil. Consider that a modern bike which would make you feel the same inside would cost xxx much money, then decide if you want to lay out the expense.

While my Morini is not as old (it's a 1985), it was grossly neglected, had a cracked frame, over 33,000 miles, former race circuit steed... it has been a good project. My goal was not to restore it to show room or new condition, but rather to look like a well-maintained race bike.

My figures:
$500 to purchase
$1,600 to restore
Total: $2,100

I have no idea what it's worth on the market. I do know what it's worth to me.