Description
Please Note: The previous owner asked us to remove all photos. The featured photo above was replaced with an old image and we will be shooting our own images soon.
Benelli was one of the many companies that struggled to survive the onslaught of Japanese competition, starting all the way back in the 60s. As years passed, Benelli was bought and sold several times until production was shut down and the company was merged into Moto Guzzi in 1988. 2002 marked the return of Benelli, with their first new bike in decades – the Tornado Tre 900 superbike. One year later, the company revealed the Benelli Tornado Tre 900 Limited Edition, a uniquely styled bike that featured a large triple and high quality components.
Though there were some reliability issues, this bike brought Benelli back to the world (it’s still around, currently owned by a Chinese corporation). One of the more interesting technological features was the radiator in the back – if you look closely at the rear end, you can see two yellow radiator fans underneath the brake light, which is one of the coolest things in the world for the 12-year-old inside all of us.
150 Limited Edition’s were produced, and only 40 were scheduled to make to the states at a MSRP of $36,500 – the regular bikes retailed at about half of that. Though 40 were scheduled, less made it out, as Benelli struggled with production schedules and customer satisfaction. The components are top notch, from Marchesini wheels, Ohlins suspension, ExtremeTech steering damper, magnesium motor parts, a dry clutch, ample carbon fiber bodywork, and adjustable swingarm pivots.
The seller of this example (VIN: ZBNB3TLE73P100112) purchased it from us last year as a 0-mile machine offered with the MSO. We have applied for an Oregon title for him and we are still waiting on that to arrive. The bike comes with the original MSO as well.
Please note it is a 2002 model per the plaque on the frame but it is filled as a 2003 model on the MSO (and the VIN says that it’s a 2003 as well)
The seller made this bike a runner – as he notes, “Benelli TRE motors had some inherent flaws including Z25 shaft and gear which was prone to twisting when hot causing starting issues, if not catastrophic engine failure. It was replaced along with new seals for oil, clutch, new water pump. The bike was broken in on the dyno and the fuel mixtures were adjusted. The old style 6 pt fuel injectors were updated to ND 12 pt. It also has new plugs and a DNA air filter. All parts are from either Benelli directly or Maniac Motors out of Germany (the premier Benelli parts dealer). Water pump is new and was upgraded to a Jet Prime pump which allows 40% more flow. Helps it from overheating in hot traffic. A common issue with the Tornado.”
The odometer currently shows 179 miles. The seller states that “about 120 of those were done on the dyno.”
“This bike has all the major work that would be needed to make it a dependable daily runner. There’s a few Tornados out there. I doubt with all the work like this.” He has provided paperwork of these services at Reparto Veloce in Chandler, Arizona for $3,371 as well as a $1,437 service from Iconic Motorbikes for new tires, battery, full fluid flush, oil change, and race muffler installation. There are also receipts for over $1,000 in parts from Maniac Motors.
It has new Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II tires and a Shorai lithium battery.
It comes with the race kit which includes swing arm pivot inserts, swing arm shaft, and rear sprockets.
The sale also includes a new spare exhaust, manuals, and bike cover.
Currently located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this Benelli is offered on a clean Oregon title which will come in the mail 5-8 weeks after the auction ends. Have any Benelli Tornado Tre stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
