BENELLI 650 Tornado S (1974-1975) Specs, Performance & Photos

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

In 1974, the Italian motorcycle maker released the Benelli 650 Tornado S, a naked motorcycle that debuted in 1972. It was in its third consecutive production year and packed the same characteristics as previous models without any changes.

When first released, the motorcycle had an electric starter, a rebalanced crankshaft, increased compression, revised gear ratios, and Veglia instruments. Several components were rubber-mounted to minimize the vibration effects, and weights were added to the handlebar ends.

The 1974 machine had standard fittings, like a round headlight upfront, a chromed front fender, a dual seat, a two-into-two exhaust system with a muffler mounted on each side, side-mounted rear shocks, and 18-inch wire-spoke wheels.

The motorcycle's front end was controlled by a Marzocchi fork and a drum braking unit controlling stopping power. In contrast, the rear end was controlled by twin shocks and a drum braking unit.

As for the power figures, the 1974 Benelli 650 Tornado S had its heartbeat set by a 642cc four-stroke air-cooled parallel-twin engine, boasting 52 hp with a peak force at 7,200 rpm. The energy generated by the engine was handled by a five-speed transmission linked to the rear wheel via a final chain drive.