BENELLI 650 Tornado (1971-1972) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1971, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer released the Benelli 650 Tornado, a naked middle-class machine created to suit riders of all ages and experience levels. It was in its second production year and packed the same characteristics as the previous one without any modifications.

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

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

In the visual department, the motorcycle had standard features, such as a round headlight upfront, a dual seat, side-mounted rear shocks, a two-into-two exhaust system with a silencer mounted on each side, and wire-spoke wheels.

The power that set the 1971 Benelli 650 Tornado in motion was crafted by a 642cc four-stroke, air-cooled, twin-cylinder engine that delivered 52 hp at 7,200 rpm. Two Dell'Orto carburetors fed it and controlled it by a five-speed manual transmission.

The bike's 18-inch wire-spoke wheels were fitted with both front and rear drum braking units, delivering optimum stopping performance.

The riding experience was set by a Marzocchi telescopic fork on the front and adjustable twin shocks on the rear.