benelli spotlight
T50’s Dutch
Debut
February 1973 saw the Benelli T50 make its Dutch debut at the Tweewieler RAI, the biggest moped, motorcycle and bicycle exhibition in the Netherlands. To meet local regulations, Benelli modified the original T50, limiting the top speed to 45 km/h, removing a gear and installing pedals. The man behind it all was Dick Eysink, heir to the legendary Eysink motorcycle brand and the official importer of Benelli mopeds for the Netherlands. Fitted with a 4-speed gearbox, the T50 was what the Dutch called a “zwaar” (heavy) moped, which was slang for a “proper” sporty 50cc model.
Importer Story
Eysink Backs Benelli
Dick Eysink was not new to the industry; his factory had been producing mopeds since 1953, turning out around seventy a week. His name was well known among sports moped enthusiasts. But by the mid-1960s, the market had shifted. Kreidler, Zündapp and Tomos monopolised showrooms, leaving national brands struggling to keep up. By 1971, Eysink called it a day and stopped production.
A year later, Dick was asked to use his name and connections to import mopeds from Italy under the Eysink brand. Years of building and selling mopeds had given him a clear sense of what riders looked for, and he put his support firmly behind the Benelli T50. It entered the Dutch market in 1973 under the Eysink name.
T50 Sales brochure “The sporty moped that won’t let you down”
Press photograph: 1973 Tweewieler Beurs
The 1973 Tweewieler Beurs marked its 50th edition, and Benelli’s T50 moped had stiff competition: Zündapp launched a water-cooled KS50, and Kreidler, fresh from Jan de Vries’ 50cc world title, showed off its RM and RS models. Benelli had to shout to be heard.
T50 Owner’s Memories
A Rider’s Story
Back in 1975, 17-year-old Jan Krijtenburg swapped his Puch Maxi for a brand-new Benelli Turismo 50, paying the princely sum of 1,425 guilders, around €646 in today’s money. While his mates were riding Yamahas, Kreidlers and Zündapps, Jan chose the Benelli because, as he puts it, “it was more of a motorcycle.” The stance, gearing and feel set it apart from other mopeds.
His first trip was to show it to his uncle, a lifelong biker and Jan’s role model. His most memorable ride came that Easter when he rode 400 km from Voorburg to Larochette in Luxembourg. He braved snow and freezing weather taking two days to get there.
After passing his motorcycle test, Jan sold the Benelli — a decision he still regrets. Not just because it was a great moped, but because of what it represented: independence, identity, and his first motorcycle!
Thanks Jan Krijtenburg for sharing your memories — they add real depth to the Benelli T50 story. More at https://www.krijtenburg.nl
t50 market versions
Uniquely
Dutch
Under the new company name TWIN, what had been Eysink’s company introduced two Dutch-market versions of the Benelli T50 in 1978: the GTV50 and the Benelli Sport. Each brought new styling and features that gave the T50 a fresher, more competitive look against other “Heavy” mopeds of the era.
model variant
Benelli
GTV50
Everything from tachometers to crash bars was available for the Benelli GTV50. Its distinctive design, with a narrow, angular tank, a two-person buddy seat borrowed from the Benelli T125, and frame panels, made the GTV50 stand out from its T50 predecessor. Available in petrol blue or red, riders could personalise their moped further by choosing from a wide range of optional extras.
model variant
Benelli
Sport
The Benelli BS50 was a sports upgrade to the GTV50 model. The front fairing, seat spoiler and dropped handlebars added to the narrow, angular design, accentuating the Benelli Sport’s racing look. The plastic fairing was produced in the Netherlands by Alco, well known for its Speed 7 racing fairings. Alco also made race fairings for Wil Hartog and Barry Sheene. Only the clumsy plastic chainguard let down the otherwise sleek styling.
BENELLI T50
BENELLI BS50
BENELLI GTV50
Number of registered Benelli T50 mopeds in The Netherlands as of August 2021.
A wonderfully original Benelli GTV50 showing a host of optional extras most notably the addition of a revcounter.
1970’s vehicle regulations
What are admission numbers?
A unique code stamped into the moped frame (and often listed on the factory or importer’s data plate) confirming that a specific moped variant met Dutch technical and regulatory requirements.
Why it existed: Before European harmonisation, each country ran its own approval system. For the Netherlands, the admission number (toelatingsnummer) was the guarantee that a moped configuration complied with national rules on power output, frame construction, lighting, noise and maximum speed.
Why it still matters: If you’re restoring or registering a 1970s Benelli, the presence (or absence) of the correct toelatingsnummer can make or break vehical authority approval. It’s also a key indicator collectors use to identify whether a frame was originally imported legally or brought in later and modified.
Benelli Admission Numbers
(Toelaatingsnummers)
Benelli T50 - 27th August 1973
Admission number: NL B 1233
Inspection request: Motorrijwielfabriek Eysink B.V. Soest
Trade name: Benelli
Model: T50
Benelli T50 Lux - 12th December 1975
Admission number: NL B 1413
Inspection request: Motorrijwielfabriek Eysink B.V. Soest
Trade name: Benelli
Model: T50 Lux
Benelli GTV50
Admission number: NL B 3178
Inspection request: Tweewieler-Import Nederland [Not verified]
Trade name: Benelli
Model: GTV50
Manuals
An essential collection of manuals and parts catalogues – your guide to keeping your T50 on the road.
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