Benelli Tornado - real Italian sports motorcycles with pedigree

Italian motorcycles are considered somewhat exclusive. Local engineers have long abandoned the production of simple bikes. Undoubtedly, Ducati is the two-wheeled equivalent of Ferrari and Lamborghini.


If you take Aprilia, they produce simpler motorcycles, and their model range is much wider. But even scooters from the Italian manufacturer stand out against the background of Japanese technology.

And Vespa, which produces nothing but motor scooters, has long gained the status of a legend all over the world, having spawned countless “clones”. Among them, by the way, there were Soviet models. “Tula”, “Tulitsa”, “Vyatka” - these scooters are made in the likeness of Italian technology.


But Benelli motorcycles are rarely remembered. Although, this brand is now actively promoting in Russia. Moreover, our equipment is sold officially and with a guarantee. The secret is simple - it is Chinese, so there are no economic sanctions.

But today we will talk about the real Benelli. This is the Tornado sportbike, which appeared before the brand was sold to the Chinese.

First generation

It all started in the second half of the 1960s. Then the brand introduced the first generation Tornado. Serial production started in 1971.

Externally, the Benelli Tornado looks more like a road model, but that's okay. It’s just that sportbikes at that time didn’t yet look like “plastic rockets.”

Unfortunately, the model did not become popular - in total, from 1971 to 1975, about 2 thousand copies of the Benelli Tornado, two-cylinder motorcycles, were produced. And the brand itself by that time was already falling uncontrollably into the financial abyss.


But the Benelli Tornado 650 was a full-fledged sportbike. And it was not for nothing that it was named after a hurricane - the maximum speed of the S2 version reached 190 km/h. For the mid-1970s, this was something.

The second generation

The Tornado line was revived in 2001. This was preceded by long development. After all, the first experimental motorcycle appeared back in 1997.

Benelli Tornado LE 900 was released in a batch of 150 copies. The manufacturer tried to make a real Italian sportbike with a “pedigree”, without much hope of success.

All motorcycles were considered exclusive. Their features:

✅ Numbered copies
✅ Price 45 thousand euros
✅ Power 143 hp.

Benelli Tornado LE 900 unexpectedly found itself in demand. Therefore, in 2002, a more affordable Tre 900 model of the same series appeared. The new motorcycles differed from the limited-edition Benelli Tornado LE 900 by derated engines of 134 hp. and cheaper designs, which, however, retained all the features.


The potential client was indignant with Italian fervor, saying that he was being offered some kind of surrogate. That's why the Tornado Tre 2003 RS appears in 900. Its power was exactly the same as that of the LE 900.

By the way, it’s not just that they asked for 45 thousand euros for limited edition motorcycles. They were all hand-built with appropriate quality.

Meanwhile, the financial position of the Benelli brand was not getting any better. Therefore, in 2005, it was bought by the Chinese company Qianjiang Motorcycle. A name that means nothing to domestic motorcyclists. But if you clarify that it belongs to the Geely Holding Group, it becomes clear that the Italians still pulled out the lucky ticket.


But the life of the second generation Benelli Tornado turned out to be short-lived. The Chinese owners quickly realized that the development vector needed to be revised. As a result, the production of motorcycles was moved to a plant in China. And there are their own specifics - cheaper bikes with smaller cubic capacity.

Third Generation

In 2023, Benelli presented the revived Tornado. The motorcycle received the index 402, which hints at a cubic capacity of 399 cm3. Why exactly 402 is present in the name, and not 400 - only Chinese marketers know about this.


The new motorcycle is a continuation of the traditions of the second generation Tornado. True, only externally. 48 hp They can’t even be compared with the Tornado Tre 900.

But the new motorcycle will obviously be many times cheaper. It's not on sale yet, but it's not far off. And who knows - maybe the model range will be expanded to include bikes with more powerful engines.

Appearance and fit of Benelli Tornado Tre

At first glance it seems that this is a typical sportbike. But if you take a closer look at the Benelli Tornado Tre of any modification, the differences are immediately visible.


Firstly, the front plastic of the motorcycles clearly references the sports models of past decades. Although, this is more from the sides, but from the front you can see the influence of the Japanese school.

Secondly, the original shape of the tank. It looks like a hump when viewed from the side, although it is very comfortable to lie on.

Thirdly, the Benelli Tornado Tre has an interesting taillight. It seems to be triple, but there are twin fans at the bottom.


The landing is high – 840 mm. So this bike is mainly suitable for tall riders. Nobody forbids those who are shorter than 180 cm to ride. But during stops, you will have to tilt the motorcycle in order to become the entire foot of at least one leg.

Ride comfort is like a standard sportbike. Not for the city or busy highway, in short. But if you really want to, then you can.


There is space for a passenger. But being there can only be recommended to an enemy - it is many times more inconvenient than for the rider, and you can simply fall off with sudden acceleration.

Version differences

The most expensive Benelli Tornado is the limited edition LE. Produced in 2002-2003. Has a number of features:

✅ Carbon tank and fairing
✅ Forged wheels - from Marchesini
✅ Titanium exhaust system
✅ Ohlins pendants
✅ Hand-assembled engine using magnesium alloy parts

Buying such a motorcycle is almost impossible. They were produced in only 150 copies, so these are collector's bikes.

The Benelli Tornado Tre 900 RS came only in red with a black fork and swingarm. The motorcycle received a Brembo braking system.


The most powerful bike is the Benelli Tornado Tre 1130. It was produced for only two years. The motorcycle received a reinforced frame and rear swingarm. The suspensions have been redesigned for the track. Some parts were replaced with aluminum.

Technical features of Benelli Tornado Tre 900

The engine of the bike is three-cylinder in-line. Volume 900 cm3, power – 143 hp. The power unit is perfectly balanced - traction from the very bottom.


The engine of the Benelli Tornado Tre 900 is shifted forward as far as possible. This was done in order to improve handling. The problem is that the engine is liquid cooled, as befits a modern sportbike.


The radiator had to be placed in an unusual place - at the back. It also has a pair of fans located under the canopy.

The motorcycle weighs 198 kg. Despite his athletic nature, he is quite balanced, not “evil” like his Japanese “classmates”.

The power supply system of the entire Benelli Tornado Tre family is injection. The tank is quite large for the class - 18 liters.

Is it worth buying?

If you try, you can find a Benelli Tornado Tre in Russia. As a rule, one or two copies are available for sale. For example, such a motorcycle is now offered in Smolensk. They are asking 600 thousand rubles for it.


I can't say it's expensive, considering the rarity of the bike. But where to look for spare parts for it is the question. We'll have to select something from other models.

Only considering that motorcycles are rare even in their homeland, Italy, repairs can take a year or even more.

So it is recommended to buy a Benelli Tornado Tre only for collection. But he is handsome and a “purebred Italian.” For this alone, it may be worth deciding to buy.