Benelli is the latest of the famous Italian motorcycle brands to be returning to the South African market. Back on the local market after an absence of 25 years five new models will be displayed at the AMiD Motorcycle Lifestyle Show at Expo Centre from August 24-26.
Benelli is one of the oldest motorcycle brands in the world, dating back 101 years to its founding as a family business in 1911. Besides making motorcycles the company also manufactured high quality shotguns, but this side of the business has since been separated from motorcycle development and production.
As with most of the Italian makers of two wheelers Benelli has a proud record in racing.
Benelli, which is now part of the Chinese Quianjiang Group but continues to operate from its original site in Pesaro, Italy, is the latest addition to the growing number of motorcycle and scooter brands distributed locally by Puzey Motor Corporation SA.
The five Benelli models which will be on display are: new Café 600cc and 1130cc Café Racer, 160hp TNT 1130, and 1130 Trek and Trek Amazonas. In addition Puzey has been commissioned to develop a touring version of the Trek model for Benelli Italy in 2013. The prices of the Benellis range from R60 000 for the 600cc Café to between R125 000 and R150 000 for the 1130cc three-cylinder models.
Mike Puzey, a prolific inventor and designer with more than 25 international patents to his name, continues to expand Puzey Motor Corporation and it now offers a wide range of on/off road motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and powerboards under the following brand names: Puzey, Megelli, TVS, Keeway, Evo and Bladez.
The company is going to use the upcoming AMiD Motorcycle Lifestyle Show to launch a new addition to its Puzey range in the form of the 300cc two-stroke Race Enduro bike. It has been 20 years since Puzey made products right here in SA but the new 300 is produced right here in SA, using Puzey’s own frame and an Italian TM engine, which makes for a great package.
“Make a turn at the AMiD Motorcycle Lifestyle Show and see what can be done on our doorstep, right here in SA!!” said Mike Puzey, the justifiably proud CEO.
