classic mopeds
Benelli
T50
Owning a Benelli Turismo 50
A neglected classic
With its double cradle frame, radial-head engine, and right-hand foot-operated gears (one up, four down), the Turismo doesn’t just look like a motorcycle — it rides like one. Distinctive styling by former Pininfarina designer Paolo Martin adds panache to match the T50’s ride quality. Prices start around €600 for a running example in need of TLC, making it one of the most affordable classics of the 1970s. Built-in Pesaro by what was once the world’s oldest motorcycle manufacturer, the Benelli T50 rivals any sports moped of its era. Often ignored by collectors and enthusiasts, the Turismo 50 played a pivotal role in Benelli’s revival, marking the beginning of a new, design-led generation of mopeds. Often overlooked, the Turismo 50 remains one of the most distinctive and capable mopeds of its era.
Specifications: Benelli T50
Engine: 1 cylinder 49cc two-stroke
Bore/stroke: 40 mm × 39 mm
Power: 1.2 hp (0.89 kW) @ 4,200 rpm
Ignition: Danci Magneto (6V-20W)
Transmission: Wet, 5-speed, chain
Carburator: Dellorto SHA 14/12
Weight: 77 Kg
Length: 1.64 m
Gear reduction: 16, 14:1
Tire size: 22″- 2.5″
Tank capacity: 12 Litres
design of the t50
Paolo Martin
Martin’s design career began in 1960 under Giovanni Michelotti, after which he moved to Pininfarina, where he created the legendary Ferrari Modulo concept. His tenure with De Tomaso and Ghia marked a turning point for Benelli, introducing a modern design approach that began with the Benelli T50 — a lean, rakish, and unapologetically minimalist model.
The Turismo 50 was representative of Martin’s minimalist philosophy: sharp, elegant, and free of unnecessary detail. Its tank and saddle are visually balanced, subtly aggressive, and unmistakably Italian.
Martin’s design vision continued with Benelli’s 750 Sei and 500 Quattro, both of which played a significant role in reasserting the brand’s credentials during a turbulent era. (Paolo’s website).
Paolo Martin’s original design sketches for the Benelli T50 (courtesy of bestinsketch.it).
An early press photograph of the 1972 factory display model shows how Paolo Martin’s original design sketches were brought to life in the finished moped.
T50 Engine Development
Built with Precision
The Benelli Turismo 50’s 49cc two-stroke engine was first developed for the 1969 Sprint 5V prototype by Edoardo Galli, a talented engineer and one of the first designers to join Benelli after the Second World War. In 1970, newly appointed Technical Director Piero Prampolini revised the aluminium thermal unit, adding radial fins and internal bridges to reduce vibration and prevent cracking. Cooling fins were also added to the front of the crank chamber to better manage thermal expansion. The engine was fitted with a five-speed gearbox and a multi-plate wet clutch, delivering smooth power transfer and improved rideability. Its distinctive design was created by the Ghia Style Centre, then part of the De Tomaso group, which is known for its collaborations with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo.
1972 Launch Campaign
The new benelli
One of the first press advertisements to feature the Turismo 50 appeared in 1972 under the headline: “Great bikes for ’72. At 5,000 dealers nationwide.” Alongside the T50, the lineup includes the 50 Cross and 90 Turismo that adopted the styling of the 1971 T50 prototype — all built around the two-stroke engine designed by Edoardo Galli. Notably, the 90cc and later 125cc versions were developed from the same 50cc platform, which was initially engineered for the T50.
“Motorcycles must combine performance and design. Without design, there is no soul.”
Alejandro de Tomaso, Motociclismo d’Epoca, 1971
Benelli logo logic
Reliably Inconsistent
Benelli never seemed especially bothered about consistency. The Benelli T50’s tank arrived with whatever logo or sticker happened to be nearest to the bench that day, and the filler cap was just as arbitrary. It gives the moped a certain charm, but also makes you question what was going on in Pesaro. In my opinion, the version that best suited the moped’s lines was the bold, elongated sans-serif logo, which is strong and unmistakable. Benelli often put it on the back of the black vinyl saddles, which only proves they knew it looked good; they didn’t always bother to put it on the tank.
T50: A short history
The Tomaso years
At the start of the 1970s, Benelli underwent a radical transformation marked by new ownership, modernised production, and a sharp strategic pivot. Determined to win back customers from Japanese competitors like Yamaha’s FS1, new owner Alejandro de Tomaso focused on developing two flagship mopeds — the 50 Cross and the Turismo. Unveiled at the 1971 Milan Motorcycle Show, they marked Benelli’s return to form and secured the brand a renewed stake in the booming 1970s moped market.
Click below to read a concise history of the Turismo 50’s development from prototype to production.
Photograph of the production line in the Pesaro factory prior to 1970.
T50's Dutch Debut
Eysink launched the Benelli T50 in the Netherlands in 1973, backed by an aggressive advertising campaign including a photo shoot with rising star Wil Hartog, who would go on to become the first Dutchman to win a 500cc Grand Prix. Over the next five years, two notable dealer upgrades were introduced, adding new features and re-styling the bike’s appearance for the local market.
Manuals
An essential collection of manuals and parts catalogues – your guide to keeping your T50 on the road.
t50 service schedule
Maintenance
Extract from the official Benelli T50 owner’s handbook. This six-page booklet covers basic maintenance, trouble shooting, and technical specifications such as engine details, fuel mix ratios and ignition systems.
Chain
Frequency: As and when needed
Remove the chain from the vehicle. Wash it in a bath of pure petrol. Once thoroughly dried, lubricate with Agip F.1 15 grease or Agip Rocol chain and transmission spray.
Clutch
Frequency: Every 5,000 km
Change the clutch basket oil. To do this the moped is placed on the center stand with the engine warm and the filler and level plugs removed. After draining the old oil replace the bottom plug and fill up to the required level with (SAE 20W20 light graphite) oil. The oil should be level with the bottom of the level plug.
Cylinder head, Piston & Exhaust
Frequency: Every 5,000 km
Clean the cylinder head, piston, exhaust port, exhaust pipe, and silencer.
MAGNETO FLYWHEEL
Frequency: Every 5,000 km
Clean the cylinder head, piston, exhaust port, exhaust pipe, and silencer.
Fuel tank
Frequency: Every 5,000 km
Clean thoroughly using pure petrol and a small chain (to de-sludge the interior). Petrol to oil mix 1:20 5%.
CARBURETTOR
Frequency: Every 5,000 km
Disassemble the carburettor for inspection and cleaning.
WHEEL HUBS
Frequency: Every 10,000 km
After disassembly, clean the bearings thoroughly. Replace if damaged. Lubricate the bearings with grease with Agip F.1 30 grease.
STEERING HEAD BEARINGS
Frequency: As and when needed
After disassembling the steering, carefully clean the bearing cups and balls. Replace damaged parts. Fill the cups with grease and insert the balls.
T50 engine breakdown
Four-part guide to stripping a T50 engine with step-by-step instructions.
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