The Benelli Sei 750

1 / 5
Italian for six, the styling of the “Sei” is considered tame by some. Still, there’s no denying the appeal of those six chrome pipes.
Italian for six, the styling of the “Sei” is considered tame by some. Still, there’s no denying the appeal of those six chrome pipes.
2 / 5
3 / 5
4 / 5
5 / 5

Benelli Sei 750
Years produced:
 1974-1977
Total production: 3,200
Claimed power: 71hp @ 8,500rpm (factory rating)
Top speed: 126mph (period test)
Engine type: 747cc overhead cam, air-cooled inline six
Weight (dry): 220.4kg (485lb)
Price then: $3,995
Price now: $3,500-$7,500
MPG: 28-35 (period test)

It was the fall of 1972 when the Benelli Sei 750 was first unveiled before a large audience of Italian dignitaries and journalists from all over the world. As the sheet came off the Sei, the first production six-cylinder motorcycle ever presented to the public, Alejandro De Tomaso made a proclamation: he was declaring war on the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers.

De Tomaso, a well-known sports car builder and stylist, had purchased the venerable Benelli company the year before, and directed its engineers to produce a new motorcycle — and not just any motorcycle, but a beautiful, stylish, well behaved six-cylinder motorcycle with up-to-date components. 

Read Barry Porter’s review of owning and riding a Benelli Sei 750

To understand De Tomaso’s ambitions, some context is helpful. The late 1960s and early 1970s were a time of great flux in the motorcycle world. The end of World War II brought with it poverty for many in Europe and Asia, and a pressing need for inexpensive transportation. In addition, many returning American soldiers had become interested in the motorcycles they had seen — and ridden — overseas.

  • Published on Jul 11, 2007
Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-800-880-7567