Forget about the exotic 898cc triple superbike; this time, it’s back as an A2-friendly parallel-twin sports bike, gearing up to rival Honda’s CBR500R.
In the early 2000s, Benelli had a brief revival before finding new ownership in 2005 under Chinese firm QJMotor, part of the Geely Holding Group. Known for owning Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, and a stake in Aston Martin, Geely has transformed Benelli into a brand seamlessly blending Italian design with Chinese engineering.
Benelli’s motorcycle journey has been one of sophistication and style, exemplified by their latest offering, the 754cc Leoncino 800. With 75bhp, Brembo brakes, and a vibrant TFT dash, the Leoncino 800 is a competitive and well-equipped ride.
Now, all eyes are on the newly unveiled Benelli Tornado 500, poised to be the brand’s most advanced and popular offering. Designed in Pesaro, Italy, at the Benelli Style Centre, the Tornado 500 is an entirely new creation.
At its core is a precisely tuned 500cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin engine with four valves per cylinder. Inspired by previous designs, especially from the TRK 502 adventure bike, the engine has been reworked to meet the latest Euro5+ standards. Resulting in a claimed maximum power of 46.9bhp at 8500rpm and peak torque of 34ftlb at 6000rpm, putting it in direct competition with Honda’s CBR500R.
Beyond the engine, the Tornado 500 features an impressive lightweight tubular steel trellis frame. Marzocchi handles the front suspension with fully adjustable 41mm forks, while the rear boasts a preload and rebound-adjustable monoshock.
Braking is top-notch with twin 320mm discs and twin Brembo radially-mounted four-piston calipers, along with a radial master cylinder. Rolling on 17-inch cast alloy wheels (120/70 at the front and 160/60 at the rear), the Tornado is set to conquer both straightaways and corners.
The design doesn’t stop at performance; the Tornado 500 showcases all-new bodywork complemented by striking LED riding lights on either side of the high and low beams.
Riders can expect a high-tech cockpit experience with a five-inch color TFT dash featuring Bluetooth connectivity. The motorcycle is also equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system and standard USB sockets.
Excitingly, Benelli enthusiasts won’t have to wait long to get their hands on the Tornado 500. It’s set to hit the market in the first few months of 2024. While prices and color options are yet to be confirmed, anticipation is building for this A2-friendly sportster promising a thrilling ride with a perfect blend of Italian flair and Chinese innovation.