Benelli 500 VL

Frera 250 VL

Innocenti Lambretta 125 C

Benelli 500 VL
1940

Description

The 500 VL engine (VL stands for side valves) was developed in 1940 for the Benelli 500 VLC motorcycle. Its production, initially conceived for the civilian market, was quickly and primarily focused for military purpose by means of the development of the model 500 VLM (military side valves), equipped with the same engine, considered more reliable than the sportier overhead valve type.

Technical specifications

Manufacturer	Benelli, Pesaro, Italy, 1940
Type	500 VL
Description	single-cylinder engine, cast iron cylinder block, head and crankcase made of aluminium alloy
Stroke	87 mm
Bore	85 mm
Displacement	493 cm³
Compression ratio	4.1
Power	12 hp at 4750 rpm
Valvetrain system	2 side valves, controlled by a two cams housed in the crankcase, driven by a pair of gears
Fuel feeding system	with a single-barrel gasoline carburetor Dell'Orto MC 26 F
Ignition system	with a spark plug fed by a magneto distributor
Cooling system	air-fed
Lubrication system	forced with gear pump

Application

Benelli 500 VLC (civilian market) and 500 VLM (for military applications)