6-20-16 Update: A year later, this Benelli Tornado is back up for sale with bidding up to $2,025 and the reserve not yet met
Post Listing Update: This Tornado did not meet reserve with 28 bids up to $6,700. The bike was relisted several times, once with a BIN of $16,900 and another time with a BIN of $13,900, which may give you an idea of what the reserve is.
When most people think of classic Benellis, they think of the small displacement bikes that had lots of success in racing. What some riders don’t know is that in the 70s, the firm decided to specifically target the US and British markets with a vertical twin – the Benelli Tornado 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 a hefty front brake. 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 (VIN: 9125) somehow has just 60 miles and is still under the original MSO as it has never been titled. Everything is claimed to be highly original, and it comes with the factory tool kit. Find it for sale in Saint Louis, Missouri with bidding up to $2,000 and the reserve not yet met