Benelli’s legacy of passione e precisione stretches back over a century, rooted in the Italian city of Pesaro—a region renowned for motorcycle engineering and innovation. This rich history and deep se
Motorcycling was a family affair for the Benelli brothers, who founded the brand in 1911 and built it into one of the most storied motorcycle manufacturers in history. Two of the brothers, Giuseppe and Giovanni, returned from Switzerland with Engineering degrees, gradually transforming the Benelli workshop from a service garage into a full-fledged motorcycle manufacturer.
In 1921, Benelli produced its first motorcycle, the Velomotore, which led to the development of a 147cc version and marked the beginning of the brand's success in racing. By 1926, Giuseppe Benelli had designed a groundbreaking 175cc 4-stroke motorcycle that dominated the competitive racing circuit. The youngest brother, Antonio "Tonino," won the Italian championships in 1927, 1928, 1930, and 1931, solidifying Benelli's place in the racing world.
World War II disrupted commercial production as European factories shifted to military manufacturing. Benelli's factory was left in ruins by the war, but the Benelli brothers worked tirelessly to salvage military models and convert them into civilian motorcycles, rebuilding the brand with passion and perseverance. Racing resumed in the late 1940s, and Benelli didn’t miss a beat—famously winning the 250cc World Championship in 1950 with rider Dario Ambrosini.
In the late 20th century, Benelli continued to thrive, both in racing and in commercial production, with models like the popular ‘Leoncino’ and Tornado. Though the brand eventually stepped away from racing, it stayed true to its winning legacy. As Benelli evolved on the business side over the decades, it remained committed to the passion and precision that had been its hallmark since the beginning.
With over a century of history, Benelli remains as passionate as ever. The modern Benelli brand, supported by a global team, continues to produce high-quality motorcycles built for adventure, ready to create lasting memories on the road.
