BENELLI 654 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

In 1982, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Benelli 654 Sport, a touring version that wore the handlebar and saddle of the Benelli 350 Sport II and the graphics of the Benelli 125 2C Sport.

This wasn't enough to boost sales due to its outdated mechanics and bad reputation. In addition, it was the most expensive motorcycle in the segment, even than the Honda CB650 and BMW R 65.

The bike's appearance was characterized by standard features, such as 12-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, a four-into-two exhaust system with a silencer on each side, a one-piece dual seat, and a round headlight integrated into a handlebar-mounted fairing with a small windscreen.

In the performance department, the 1982 Benelli 654 Sport had its soul brought to life by a 604cc four-stroke four-cylinder air-cooled engine that delivered a power output of 60 hp at 8,700 rpm and 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

The energy crafted by the engine was transferred to the rear end through a five-speed manual gearbox controlled by a wet multi-disc clutch and a final chain drive.

The motorcycle was manufactured around a tubular steel frame with a tele-hydraulic fork on the front and dual side-mounted rear shocks that offered optimum suspension and handling capabilities.

The braking power was achieved by two 265 mm brake rotors on the front and a 260 mm brake rotor on the rear, providing optimum braking performance.

In 1979, the Italian moto producer launched the Benelli 654 Turismo, a longer haul-oriented naked motorcycle that packed a handlebar-mounted cowl with a small windscreen for better protection against wind and elements.

It was visually similar to the Benelli 650 Quatro, packing standard features, such as 12-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, a four-into-two exhaust system with a muffler on each side, side-mounted rear shocks, a one-piece dual seat with a pillion grab rail, and a round headlight integrated into a small handlebar-mounted fairing with a small windscreen.

In the performance department, the 1979 Benelli 654 Turismo took its muscles from a 604cc four-stroke air-cooled four-cylinder engine mounted underneath the fuel tank, boasting 60 hp with a peak at 8,700 rpm and 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) at 7,000 rpm.

The power produced by the powerhouse was sent to the rear axle via a five-speed manual transmission managed by a wet multi-disc clutch and a final chain drive.

The bike's skeleton was made of tubular steel tubes that housed the suspension system, comprised of a tele-hydraulic fork on the front and dual side-mounted rear shocks that offered optimum suspension and handling capabilities.

As for the stopping performance, the motorcycle's 18-inch 12-spoke aluminum alloy wheels were fitted with two 265 mm brake rotors on the front and a 260 mm brake rotor on the rear, providing optimum braking performance.

In 1979, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer released the Benelli 654 Quattro, a more powerful, relaxed version of the Benelli 504 Sport with the footrests mounted forward, a slightly raised handlebar, and a stepped seat. It was basically like the 504 model but without the handlebar-mounted fairing.

The Benelli Quattro name referred to a series of motorcycles manufactured under the Benelli and Moto Guzzi brands between 1974 and 1986. The first 500 Quattro model replaced the Benelli 650 Tornado and was part of the same family as the Benelli Six.

In the aesthetic department, the 1979 Benelli 654 Quatro had standard fittings, like a one-piece dual seat with a passenger grab rail, a four-into-two exhaust system with a silencer on each side, a round headlight, and 12-spoke aluminum wheels.

The bike was produced around a steel frame with a telescopic fork mounted on the front end and twin side-mounted adjustable shock absorbers on the rear, offering the suspension performance necessary.

As for the braking performance, the bike's 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels were fitted with two 265 mm brake rotors on the front and a 260 mm brake disc on the rear.

Regarding power, the 1979 Benelli 654 Quattro had its soul brought to life by a 604cc four-stroke four-cylinder air-cooled engine that delivered a power output of 60 hp at 8,700 rpm and 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.