“THE GOOD THINGS in life don’t come cheap these days,” wrote Cycle World in 1972. “The Benelli 650, a pushrod Twin with electric starting and five-speed gearbox, will cost you more than $2,000 by the time it gets here from Italy.”
This one will cost you just $1,200. Though, you will need to do a little bit of work to make it roadworthy.
That’s not to say it’s a dud. The bike “runs and drives,” according to the seller, and presumably does so quite well because it is set up for “antique motorcycle racing.” As someone who was born in the (late) 1970s, I am deeply offended by the use of the word ‘antique’ there. The seller also promises a selection of old parts, should you want to give it a more original feel.
Benelli was established in Pesaro, Italy, in 1911, though it didn’t really start producing its own bikes until after the First World War. In the 1960s, with the Italian economy going to hell, Benelli decided the best way forward was to compete in the US market against British companies who were also desperately trying to find profit outside their economically depressed home turf.
By the time the 643cc parallel twin Tornado 650 showed up Stateside, however, the great cultural shift caused by Japanese bikes had already begun. A classic case of Italian punctuality. Nonetheless, it was relatively well received. Cycle World described it as an original “from a country that specializes in originals.”
Benelli claimed 57 horsepower for the Tornado 650, but in its review of the bike Cycle World suggested that 45-50 hp “would seem more reasonable.” That didn’t stop the bike from being enjoyable and remarkably smooth compared to other twins of the time.
These days, Benelli is largely a Chinese affair ─ wholly owned by Qianjiang Motorcycle (which, in turn, is owned by Geely, which owns any number of vehicle brands, including Volvo and Polestar). The bikes are manufactured and assembled in China, but ─ similar to Royal Enfield’s continued ties to the UK ─ Benelli maintains a direct link to Italy. Its bikes are designed and developed in Pesaro.
This helps Benelli to be Italy’s best-selling brand in the modern age. Its pretty popular in other European countries, as well. That success doesn’t appear to have been replicated in America; Benelli’s been out of the US market for a few years. I read a while back that it hoped to return in 2024 but amid the current political climate it may be reconsidering such a move.
Regardless, when this particular motorcycle was made it was an all-Italian machine. You can find this Tornado 650 for sale in New Orleans for $1,200 here on Facebook Marketplace.