BENELLI 650 Tornado (1970-1971) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Benelli 650 Tornado was a naked two-wheeler parallel-twin motorcycle manufactured by Benelli in 1970. The bike was intended to compete with the British big twins that dominated the American market.

The first manufactured motorcycles were introduced in the American market in 1970 and in 1971 in the European market. The bike was known as the Tornado, and its handling was criticized due to the engine sitting too high in the frame.

In 1970, the Italian motorcycle maker introduced the Benelli 650 Tornado, a naked two-wheeler that suited all categories of riders with different experience levels and ages. It had a more complex design than previous models, so the factory had to purchase new machinery for its production.

The bike's aesthetic department was characterized by standard fittings, like wire-spoke wheels, a two-into-two exhaust system with a silencer mounted on each side, side-mounted rear shocks, a dual seat, and a round headlight upfront.

In the power department, the 1970 Benelli 650 Tornado was set in motion by a 642cc four-stroke two-cylinder air-cooled engine fed by two Dell'Orto carburetors. The engine boasted 52 hp with a peak at 7,200 rpm and sent to the rear wheel via a five-speed gearbox and a final chain drive.

The front end was handled by a tele-hydraulic Marzocchi fork and a drum braking unit, while the rear end was controlled by two adjustable side-mounted shocks and a drum braking unit.