BENELLI 654 Turismo (1979-1980) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1979, the Italian moto producer launched the Benelli 654 Turismo, a longer haul-oriented naked motorcycle that packed a handlebar-mounted cowl with a small windscreen for better protection against wind and elements.

It was visually similar to the Benelli 650 Quatro, packing standard features, such as 12-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, a four-into-two exhaust system with a muffler on each side, side-mounted rear shocks, a one-piece dual seat with a pillion grab rail, and a round headlight integrated into a small handlebar-mounted fairing with a small windscreen.

In the performance department, the 1979 Benelli 654 Turismo took its muscles from a 604cc four-stroke air-cooled four-cylinder engine mounted underneath the fuel tank, boasting 60 hp with a peak at 8,700 rpm and 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) at 7,000 rpm.

The power produced by the powerhouse was sent to the rear axle via a five-speed manual transmission managed by a wet multi-disc clutch and a final chain drive.

The bike's skeleton was made of tubular steel tubes that housed the suspension system, comprised of a tele-hydraulic fork on the front and dual side-mounted rear shocks that offered optimum suspension and handling capabilities.

As for the stopping performance, the motorcycle's 18-inch 12-spoke aluminum alloy wheels were fitted with two 265 mm brake rotors on the front and a 260 mm brake rotor on the rear, providing optimum braking performance.