As I put in my review of the Benelli line-up last year, nowadays the Benelli name “is Italian wrapping paper on gifts from China”. Here’s one of the last bikes from when the company was 100% Italian – the World Superbike racer piloted by Peter Goddard in 2001 and 2002!
In 2002, Goddard finished 12 races out of the 17 he started and finished 22nd out of 41 riders that season. Benelli actually finished ahead of Yamaha in the Manufacturer’s Standings (Benelli showed up to 10 rounds and Yamaha only showed up to two). The bike was on display at the 2006 dealer expo in Indianapolis and it’s been on display for some time – we gave it a once-over to verify that it still runs, and there’s a video verifying that in the listing.
It is currently in running condition, though it should get a detailed inspection before it hits the track again. Cosmetically, it looks the same as it did when it was last raced, and there’s some damage to the fairings. The coolest part may just be the curved radiator underneath the seat:
Find this Benelli World Superbike racer for sale in Santa Monica, California with bidding up to $17,500 and the reserve not yet met here on Iconic Motorbike Auctions.