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Benelli is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer with a rich history that dates back over a century. The company was founded in Pesaro, Italy, in 1911 by Teresa Benelli, a widow who wanted to provide work for her six sons. The Benelli family started as a car repair shop, but they soon transitioned to motorcycle manufacturing in the early 1920s.

The company’s first motorcycle was produced in 1921, and it was a 98cc two-stroke machine. Over the next few decades, Benelli continued to expand its range of motorcycles, with models ranging from small displacement bikes to large touring machines. One of the company’s most famous motorcycles from this era was the 250cc Leoncino (little lion), which was introduced in 1951 and became a popular model for the company.

In the 1960s, Benelli made a name for itself in the world of motorcycle racing, with riders like Renzo Pasolini and Kel Carruthers competing on Benelli machines. The company also introduced several iconic models during this period, including the Tornado 650 and the 750 Sei, which was the first production motorcycle to feature a six-cylinder engine.

In the 1970s, Benelli struggled financially, and the company was sold to the Argentinean motorcycle manufacturer Motomel in 1973. However, Motomel also struggled, and in 1989, the company was declared bankrupt.

Benelli was then acquired by the Italian industrial group Giancarlo Selci, who invested in the company and helped to turn its fortunes around. The company introduced several new models during this period, including the Tornado Tre 900, a high-performance naked bike that featured a three-cylinder engine.

In 2005, Benelli was sold once again, this time to the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Qianjiang. The acquisition brought new investment to the company, and Benelli continued to produce a range of motorcycles, including small-displacement bikes and high-performance machines.

Today, Benelli is known for its stylish and innovative motorcycles, with models like the TNT 125 and the Leoncino 800 attracting a loyal following of riders around the world. The company continues to push the boundaries of motorcycle design and engineering, while staying true to its Italian roots and rich heritage.