A rear sprocket to fit my Yamaha rear wheel that takes #35 chain isn’t really a thing, so I modified a go-kart sprocket to fit. I had a heck of a time … Rear sprocket fittedRead more
Primary chain tension adjusters
When I designed the jackshaft brackets, I included provisions for adjusting the primary chain tension. The bottom pillow block mounting bolt hole is oval, so that the jackshaft can shift fore and … Primary chain tension adjustersRead more
Front tank shell mount
I have warmed up to the Yamaha XV535 tank shell, and I’ve started figuring out how to mount it to the frame. At the front, I attached it to an existing bracket … Front tank shell mountRead more
Jackshaft spacing
I tried fitting the jackshaft assembly and engine into the frame together for the first time. The throttle and governor assembly is mounted to the rear of the crankcase, which is a … Jackshaft spacingRead more
Front fender test-fit
I originally bought this no-name universal fender off Amazon for The Bride, but I didn’t use it because I decided it was intolerably ugly. It didn’t get any better looking while in … Front fender test-fitRead more
Footpegs mounted
I recycled Bultakenstein’s Yamaha YZF600R footpegs for the Benelli. I considered a bunch of locations and mounting configurations, including floorboards and adapting an entire Kawasaki ATV footrest assembly. But in the end, … Footpegs mountedRead more
Handlebars & controls
The sun came out between thunderstorms, so I rolled the diesel Benelli out into the driveway for a couple of quick progress photos. I bought a higher handlebar for $30 off Amazon, … Handlebars & controlsRead more
Diesel fuel tank mounted
I got the fuel tank mounted. I am going to use the fuel tank that came with the engine. It fits nicely under the seat, behind the engine, and it has the … Diesel fuel tank mountedRead more
Motor mounts complete
In order to rubber-mount the front of the engine to match the rear, I purchased some vibration-isolating mounting pads, commonly used for electric motors, and air conditioner compressors. The integral M10 studs … Motor mounts completeRead more
Rear motor mount
Given these small, air-cooled diesels’ notorious reputation for excessive vibration, rubber engine mounts are practically a necessity. Fortunately, the Benelli frame has existing rubber foot peg mounting points that I can re-purpose … Rear motor mountRead more