1975 Benelli Tornado 650S

Description

Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

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 650S.

At the time of its introduction, Benelli claimed the Tornado produced 57 horsepower and was capable of 117 miles per hour.

The riding dynamics were surprisingly pleasant thanks to a high revving engine, Marzocchi forks, Ceriani shocks, and a hefty front brake.

Want more thoughts? Check out My Benellis for a pdf scan of a period review from Motorcycle World in March of 1973. Or you can just read the February 1971 cover of Cycle magazine – they called it “the best 650 touring bike ever tested.”

This example is VIN: EA 8834, Engine #: 9245. “I am the third owner, and purchased the Tornado in 2011. I was told the original owner was in the military, stationed in Germany, and imported it. The VIN tag is in German.”

During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 1,800 miles. The odometer shows 5,024 kilometers (3,121 miles).

“I have put limited mileage on the bike every year to keep it in good repair. A number of years ago, I rode it approximately 400 miles to the Italian Motorcycle Owners Club meet in Sturbridge, MA, where it won Best Benelli In Show.”

Maintenance:
“When purchased, I rebuilt the Dellorto carbs, forks, oil and filter change (oil just changed 11/22), installed new tires, and added the Hella Bar end turn signals to replace the non-original, inexpensive plastic replacement parts added by a previous owner. At some point before my tenure, the bike was tipped over, causing scraping to the left side exhaust tip and replacement of the headlight brackets with custom. I also replaced assorted rubber parts, rebuilt the front forks, and repainted the gauge cans and headlight brackets.”

Photo of the “uncleaned oil filter just removed, showing that it’s relatively free of any contamination.”

Modifications:
Hella bar end turn signals and relay, Napoleon rearview mirror.

Battery tender lead.

Custom headlight brackets.

Cosmetic Blemishes:
“This motorcycle is an unrestored survivor, carefully cared for. It has various scratches in the paint, and patina on the engine and assorted components. It experienced a tip-over previous to my ownership, which caused damage to the clutch perch and lever, and necessitated replacement of the headlight brackets.”

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Avon Roadrider tires with date codes of 2613 and 3513.

The sale includes the tool kit, owner’s manual, service manual, and parts manual.

Currently located in Rhinebeck, New York, this Benelli is offered on a clean New York title.

Have any Tornado stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!