Benelli Tornado 302 2016 — Specifications

The Benelli Tornado is back. A name sufficient to stir up desire. Remember the beginning of the century when prestigious sportbikes emerged in search of glory (MV-Agusta F4 750, Mondial Piega, Boxer VB1, Honda VTR SP-1, Bimota SB8K,...). The Tornado was part of that frenzy. First in three cylinders 900, then in large 1130. Admittedly, she could not compete with the references of the time, but her engine, her design and her technical solutions left no one indifferent.

It is therefore with enthusiasm that we welcome the return of a sportbike from the Pesaro manufacturer. Especially with this name that smells of gunpowder. From afar, the aspect of novelty is undeniable. Up close too, and it is at this moment that we understand that this Benelli no longer has much of Italy. Nor flamboyant! The renaissance of the Tornado is via a 300 cm3 twin cylinder. With 35 horsepower, the memory falls from its pedestal. It is therefore not necessary to see this machine as the descendant of the 900/1130 Tornados but as a Sino-strategic incursion into the sector of medium cylinder bikes with a sporty look. The clan of YZF-R3, RC 390 and Ninja 300; little valued and active with us but a mass market in emerging countries.

She is not ugly this 302 Tornado. Even flattering with its inverted fork, its long silhouette, its red frame and its petal discs. She easily makes us forget that she shares the mechanics of the BN 302 roadster. The sporty illusion may still appeal to many young license holders, the power of its twin being clearly below the requirements of the A2. Built around a steel trellis frame and a different swingarm from the BN, the little Tornado is equipped with 2 front brake discs pinched by 4-piston axial calipers, 1 240 mm rear disc, fine 110 and 150 mm wheels, a 14-liter tank, and ABS as an option. With 180 kilos dry and a handful of horses less than its rivals, this Tornado will want to play but will have difficulty showing vindictive against them. A concept to discover, keeping in mind that Benelli motorcycles are now Chinese where only the badge retains the colors of the brand.

M.B - Photos manufacturer