The new Tornado Naked Twin 500 is the natural evolution of the sporty concept that has shaped the history of Benelli. A new take on the “naked” concept, combined with the tried and trusted 500 cc engine, a platform shared with the best-sellers in the range, the TRK 502 and the Leoncino 500. In fact, the Tornado Naked Twin 500 introduces new expressive language that will be the benchmark for the new family of sports bikes from the Pesaro-based manufacturer.
A motorbike inspired by models that form part of the brand’s tradition, in terms of design and volume management. Bikes that are powerful, defined, muscular but fast and perfectly balanced. Despite the bike’s prominent musculature and its aggressive, forward leaning stance, the surfaces are in fact smooth, sinuous and extremely contemporary. All giving an immediate dynamic feeling, which is also partly due to the tapered, compact tail. Completing a totally new and original design is the new headlight that will accompany what will be the future family of naked sports bikes. An iconic luminous signature given by the daytime running lights (DRL) that form a “T” shape when viewed from the front. Completely separate from the high and low beam modules that are located in the central part, this is a feature that will definitely turn heads. A distinctive feature that combines a functional and essential element with something that is highly recognisable. The concept is to “undress” the superstructure of the motorbike while leaving the technical parts visible.
Unmistakable, refined styling is matched by the 500 cc twin-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled front-mounted engine, capable of delivering a maximum power output of 47.6 hp (35 kW) at 8500 rpm and peak torque of 46 Nm at 6000 rpm.
Featuring an extremely smooth, dynamic engine, which is much appreciated on the TRK 502 and Leoncino 500 due to the regularity of delivery and its reliability. However, in this case it has undergone some modifications prior to fitting on the new naked model from the Pesaro-based manufacturer. Here we have a new design for both the clutch cover and the transmission cover, in accordance with the position of the engine in the new frame and the style of the bike. In addition, some updates have been made to the exhaust system, with new catalytic converters adapted to comply with current regulations, and to the airbox, which allows the intake system to be optimised in terms of both performance and noise emissions. Completing the look and feel of the engine are wet-sump lubrication, a wet multiplate clutch with torque converter and slipper clutch, and a 6-speed gearbox with final chain drive.
The chassis of the Tornado Naked Twin 500 is supported by a tubular steel trellis frame, designed to offer maximum agility on the road and between bends, guaranteeing fun in all conditions. It is a very compact and agile motorbike, and thanks to a wheelbase of only 1451 mm, guarantees smoothness and speed during changes of direction. The suspensions consist of an upside-down fork with 50 mm legs and 125 mm travel, and a swinging arm with central monoshock featuring adjustable spring preload and rebound damping, with a travel of 41.2 mm.
The braking system is equipped at the front with a 320 mm diameter semi-floating double disc with a four-piston radial calliper and ABS, and at the rear with a 260 mm diameter disc with a single-piston floating calliper and ABS. The aluminium alloy 17” rims, available in white, are fitted with 120/70 and 160/60 tyres respectively, guaranteeing maximum levels of safety even in the most difficult situations. The tank capacity is 14 litres.
This new motorcycle also features an innovative dashboard, equipped with a highresolution 5’’ colour TFT display, which has a Bluetooth connection available to your phone. Using the handlebar controls, it will be possible to answer and end calls. The Tornado Naked Twin 500 also has front turn indicators integrated into the hand guards, giving the bike even more character. The headlight cluster is fully LED, with the front DRL headlight in an iconic “T” shape when viewed from the front, while the state-of-the-art tail light is integrated into the turn indicators.
Benelli Tornado Naked Twin 500 will be available at all Benelli dealers starting from the second half of 2023. The price is yet to be determined.
