In 1968 Benelli presented the 650 Tornado. A two-cylinder parallel pushrod twin. Entirely in line with the Italian approach, it then took a few years before the Benelli Tornado came on sale.
By the early 650s, the two-cylinder pushrod concept was already obsolete and buried. The Benelli Tornado had to compete with the brands and machines that when the 1970 finally came on sale ... had already basically collapsed. From 750 motorcycles were supposed to come from Japan, have four cylinders, overhead camshafts and be at least 50 cc. What parallel twins were still appreciated for was the pulling power at low revs. The Italians had their own thoughts about that. The Benelli Tornado delivered 7200 hp. Or at least: he was given up for that. That power was delivered by the massive-looking Italo twin at XNUMX rpm. Oh, yes: and such a Benelli did too. Very. Benelli then chose to hang sensitive parts in rubber silent blocks.
High speed
That speed was due to the fact that the Benelli Tornado had an extremely short stroke, which leads to low piston speed at high speeds. A good approach in itself. This benefits reliability. But a 650 cc parallel pushrod twin where you upshift at 7000 rpm? That was intense, you know. Only the BSA Spitfire MkIV came close. And it had a tendency to break down at much lower speeds. The Benelli Tornado was therefore more of an ADHDer with Parkinson's than a gentleman's tourer.
All in all, Benelli supplied Tornados between 1970-1975
The first copies did not have a starter motor. Later there was an S version with slightly larger carburettors, a sports seat and - possibly - a fairing. That was in 1972. The 'B' type of the 'Tornado' disappeared. In its place came the '650S'. The most important change is the installation of a starter motor. This replaces the DC alternator of its predecessor. The Bosch (!) Starter is powered by a chain from the crankshaft. On this crankshaft was now, on the left, an alternator, again from Bosch.
According to Italian tradition, the number of Tornadoes that have been built is an 'approximately'.
A total of about 2200 pieces is the number you hear the most. While the entire design of the block revolved around oversize and reliability, quite a few Tornadoes have exploded due to its ultra short stroke approach. The thing is, a '650 Tornado' climbs its revs very eagerly. If you go wrong once, it goes really wrong. Then the Benelli Tornado runs over its revs and pushrods can become bent or valves go through the pistons. In the end, the advantage of a short stroke, in accordance with Cruijff, the low piston speed at high revs, was a major disadvantage because of the fast throttle response. The profit in this is again pleasing to the ear. The sound that a Benelli Tornado gives sounds very aggressive, biting, but very beautiful.
The rare Tornadoes have now been 'discovered'. Prices are rising. Enthusiasts dare to invest. And our photo model was in a pretty neat condition. There were few kilometers on it. Technically it got new seals and gaskets. But owner Theo – the man who likes so many more motorcycles than just BMWs – beamed “It has to be perfect”. Because perfection is the basis of everything for Theo. The only thing that comes after that is 'perverted!'. Also beautiful…
The new color scheme is of course also original. And made with the same paint that Benelli used. The green wing on the tank was surprising. A layer of lacquer was put on the black tank, which came out of the pot bright yellow. This was the result on black.
And this is what it has become. There is still a search for nicer, or new mufflers….
Didn't know fuel hoses could swear like that.... but what a beautiful disaster thing, that aunt nellie
Beautiful! Had a 650S, with bent pushrods and all. Vibrating like crazy, hence the footrests that looked like studded tires.
Tornadoes apparently broke down if you mis-shifted. Not just tornadoes though. Also BMWs. Have also switched wrong at Blauwtje. Result: Crooked valves with which he has driven around with (yes) leaky valves up to the kilometers necessary valve revision, but fortunately not yet burned. The local Notten were amazed at how I had managed to survive. Ah, driving with a little sense works wonders. Blauwtje also eagerly climbs the revs because of his 'steroids cure'. Those valves, that was really a learning moment. Other pistons with more valve clearance and new valve springs have curbed the danger. And that climbing in the revs has only gotten better.
Blauwtje is now a top athlete at age. Still going strong! Get on!
It reminds me of very nice Italian shoes I once had
days in the showroom, and within a week the sheets were added.
Went back with it, it was reimbursed, with a warning that those shoes
definitely not made for working. At most walking from the limo to the Casino,
about a runner, of course.
Beautiful motorcycle.
Italo's go for the passion, not for the pasta!
If you put such an engine next to a Honda CB750 from 1970, then you are immediately lost ... .. already expired at that moment ..
They hadn't even thought of that! Italians stop only when they like something. That has its pros and cons