Benelli 250 2c Restoration

[R Powell]

Having had the 250 2c for 5 years it was time to give the bike a freshen up! The bike is in completely original condition after 39 years of use.

This was the bike this morning and by the evening it was nearly stripped

Some of the bolts were very corroded and needed a lot of pursuading to come undone!
As soon as I have stripped the bike I will sort the parts ready for the powder coaters.
I have been accumulating spares over the last few years ready for this renovation.

[Sprocket]

I have stripped the bike I will sort the parts ready for the powder coaters ...

Hi Richard

Nice project. I presume it's the frame you intend to get powder coated. Have you thought about painting it instead?

I know powder coating is a durable finish and is popular for motorcycle frames these days, but I've never understood why. It has several disadvantages. It can crack and chip off. It's impossible to touch up if you have to repair or modify the frame after coating. Some powder coaters are better than others and the finish can be unreliable (I've seen some truly awful PC work with bubbles and pinholes in it). It's difficult to remove if you need to (for electrical earthing etc.).

I much prefer a nice coat of epoxy paint. It's just as durable as PC and doesn't have the disadvantages mentioned above. And the big bonus for home restorers is that you can do it yourself without too much investment in equipment (once the frame has been sand blasted).

Good luck with the project,
Cam

[DenH]

Having had the 250 2c for 5 years it was time to give the bike a freshen up! The bike is in completely original condition after 39 years of use.

This was the bike this morning and by the evening it was nearly stripped

Some of the bolts were very corroded and needed a lot of pursuading to come undone!
As soon as I have stripped the bike I will sort the parts ready for the powder coaters.
I have been accumulating spares over the last few years ready for this renovation.

Hi Richard,I've bought a 250 2c,I'm waiting to get it shipped over from England,it's in need of restoration also, I think I'll paint the frame though,on my other restorations I've always he'd the frame blasted then painted,good luck with the project !

[R Powell]

I have got some full 250 cc barrels and pistons for the engine and a new power dynamo ignition and 12v conversion to fit. The wiring loom is shot and I will rewire it with out all the endless joints and will use a wire instead of relying on the frame.

[Laurencewhite]

I have got some full 250 cc barrels and pistons for the engine

Where did you source the pistons from Richard and what size are they (62.5mm?) . Could do with a set for mine.

[R Powell]

Hi Laurence, I bought a set of barrel, pistons and modified cylinder heads from EBay Italy a while ago. The barrels are aluminium Nikasil and the pistons 58mm diameter. I did have a set of pistons 58 mm pistons for Iron barrels but sold them in favour of the better ported aluminium barrels. I spoke with Detlef Burian a few years ago and he had a set of oversize aluminium barrels for sale.
in the 1980s Speedscene used to sell oversize iron barrels and pistons. I think 62 mm would be closer to 300cc!

[Lotus54]

I got in a new 250 2C when I was a dealer and rode it for awhile, using it as a demo. It was the 4 shoe drum model.
wonderful bike.

[R Powell]

The 2c is a great handling bike being light and having a fab 2 stroke engine. Mine still puts a smile on my face when I get out on it!
Have had another day taking it apart, one of the headstock bearings had one less ball bearing than the other! Probably been like that since it left Italy 🇮🇹

I had to anglegrind the nuts away that held the Speedo and tachometer in their surround! I am going to have to weld the chain guard as there is a small fracture in the metal and a bracket needs re welding to the swinging arm. The filler cap was also a challenge to get off the tank but ok when I worked out how to remove it.

[R Powell]

The Tank and side panels have gone to the paint sprayers to be painted in Daf coral red paint code RAL 3016. I hope this paint is a good match for the original orangey red they were painted in.

They are going to paint the large black stripe but I will have to get the red and black pinstripes done by a sign writer.
i have renovated the original seat by removing the cover and sticking vinyl patches on the inside behind the 2 small splits.
i have also made a new strap out of vinyl and refitted that and will post pictures shortly.
The frame and ancillary parts are at the powder coaters and I have started degreasing the engine.
Does anybody know a company who can split the crankshaft and replace the main bearings and inner oil seal ?

[R Powell]

Hi All, just a quick update on the restoration I picked up the frame and parts from powder Coaters prior to testing positive to coronavirus! The tank and side panels have been resprayed, but I can’t pick them up until I am all clear of the virus.
There are 3 in our household and we all have it it’s very contagious be careful and keep safe!
i will post pictures when I am able.