11-11 Update: This Tornado 650S is back up for sale with bidding up to $3,516 and the reserve not yet met
Post-Listing Update: This Tornado did not meet reserve at $5,100.
Benelli is one of the very few motorcycle companies that has been around for over 100 years. An Italian firm (though it’s got more of a Chinese flavor nowadays) that has a great history in small displacement racing, the firm decided to specifically target the US and British markets with a vertical twin – the Benelli Tornado 650S that you see in front of you today.
At the time of its introduction, Benelli claimed the Tornado produced 57 horsepower and was capable of 117 miles per hour, despite its chunky 480 pound weight. The driving dynamics were surprisingly pleasant, thanks to a high revving engine, Marzocchi forks, Ceriani shocks, and one of the biggest drum brakes we’ve seen on a front wheel in a long time. Want to learn more? As usual, Motorcycle Classics has an interesting write up on this bike. Or, check out My Benellis for a pdf scan of a period review from Motorcycle World in March of 1973.
This specific Benelli Tornado 650S has 18,906 miles and has has enjoyed a solid restoration that won Best European at the Motorcycle Classics show in the 2013 Barber Vintage Festival. With the exception of a small chip on the fuel tank, a possibly slipping clutch, and a small oil leak from the engine side covers, this bike is fantastic.
Find this Benelli Tornado 650S for sale in Knoxville, Tennessee with bidding up to $3,650 and the reserve not yet met