BENELLI 650 Tornado S (1975-1976) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1975, the Italian moto maker released the Benelli 650 Tornado S, a naked middle-class machine that debuted in 1972 after Alejandro de Tomaso acquired Benelli. It was in its fourth consecutive production year and packed the same characteristics as previous ones without any modifications.

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 1975 model packed 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.

When first released in 1972, the bike featured 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.

Regarding power, the 1975 Benelli 650 Tornado S had installed a 642cc four-stroke air-cooled parallel-twin engine underneath the fuel tank, boasting 52 hp with a peak force at 7,200 rpm. The energy produced by the engine was controlled by a five-speed transmission linked to the rear wheel via a final chain drive.

The bike was built around a steel frame, packing a Marzocchi fork, a drum braking unit on the front end, twin side-mounted shocks, and a drum braking unit on the rear, providing optimum suspension performance and stopping power.