Benelli Tornado Naked Tre 899 2013 — Specifications

Imagine a roadster that would never go unnoticed, even parked at the back of a dark parking lot. The 2013 Tornado Naked Tre 899 is exactly that: an aesthetic declaration of war signed Benelli, a concentrate of Italian aggression that promises raw sensations. With 120 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 77.5 Nm of torque, it positions itself as a muscle alternative to the overly polished Japanese bikes. The announced weight of 215 kg fully fueled is not a featherweight, but it’s the price to pay for a steel trellis frame and an engine with character.

Compared to its predecessor, the ferocious 1130, this 899 plays the accessibility card without betraying the family DNA. The power is more accessible, but the triple engine remains a charismatic, grumpy, and responsive animal. It doesn’t deliver its punch with the smooth fluidity of a Japanese four-cylinder; here, everything is more direct, more mechanical, with electronic management that could have been more refined. The 50 mm inverted fork and the dual 320 mm front disc braking system offer serious foundations, even if the caliper is not radial. This is a motorcycle built for dynamic pleasure, not aseptic sophistication.

On the road, the character is confirmed. The handling is healthy and the chassis controls the masses well, but it is a demanding motorcycle. The controls are firm, the single seat at 82 cm is spartan in comfort, and weather protection is a figment of the imagination. In the city, its limited turning radius and lively temperament make it an inconvenient companion. It is clearly a machine for those seeking an object of passion more than a practical means of transport, a roadster for sporty rides and admiring glances.

Who is it for then? For a rider who already has some experience, seduced by the ultra-aggressive design and ready to accept a few compromises in the name of character. Faced with a Yamaha MT-09, more flexible and versatile, or a Triumph Street Triple, more technically advanced, Benelli bets everything on pure emotion and style. Its price of 10990 € at the time placed it in the race, but for a finish and ergonomics that remained very Italian in their excesses and their defects.

In summary, the Tornado Naked 899 is a motorcycle from the old school, made of vibrations, noise and unfiltered sensations. It doesn’t seek to be the most performant or the easiest to live with. It just wants to make you smile with every acceleration, and make heads turn every time you look at it. A risky bet, but for some, there is simply no other choice.