Famous Italian Benelli motorcycle returns to SA

Benelli is one of the oldest motorcycle brands in the world, dating back 101 years to its founding as a family business in 1911. Besides making motorcycles the company also manufactured high quality shotguns, but this side of the business has since been separated from motorcycle development and production.

Benelli, which is now part of the Chinese Quianjiang Group but continues to operate from its original site in Pesaro in Italy, is the latest addition to the growing number of motorcycle and scooter brands distributed locally by Puzey Motor Corporation SA.

Wide range of motorcycles

The five Benelli models which will be on display are the new Café 600cc and 1130cc Café Racer, 160hp TNT 1130, and 1130 Trek and Trek Amazonas. In addition, Puzey has been commissioned to develop a touring version of the Trek model for Benelli Italy in 2013. The prices of the Benellis range from R60 000 for the 600cc Café to between R125 000 and R150 000 for the 1130cc three-cylinder models.

Mike Puzey, an inventor and designer with more than 25 international patents to his name, continues to expand Puzey Motor Corporation and it now offers a wide range of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and powerboards under the Puzey, Megelli, TVS, Keeway, Evo and Bladez brand names.

The company is also going to use the upcoming AMiD Motorcycle Lifestyle Show to launch a new addition to its Puzey range in the form of the 300cc two-stroke Race Enduro bike. It has been 20 years since Puzey made products in South Africa, using Puzey's own frame and an Italian TM engine.