Benelli has unveiled its new middleweight naked roadster motorcycle, the Tornado Naked Twin 500 at the 2022 EICMA in Milan, Italy. This motorcycle will be available in the international markets in 2023. However, its Indian launch details are not available yet. While we await Benelli’s plans for the Indian market, here we explain the top highlights of the new Tornado Naked Twin 500.
Engine
This motorcycle uses the Chinese-owned Italian brand’s existing 500cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that also powers the likes of the TRK 502 and Leoncino 500. Do note that both, the TRK502 and Leoncino 500, are available for sale in the Indian market. Linked to a six-speed gearbox, this motor is tuned to deliver a maximum output of 47.6bhp at 8,500rpm and a peak torque of 46Nm at 6,000rpm. The transmission benefits from a torque converter and slipper clutch mechanism too.
While the engine is similar to the TRK 502 and the Leoncino 500, Benelli has given the Tornado Naked Twin 500 a new design for the clutch cover as well as the transmission cover. Further, the company has updated the exhaust system with new catalytic converters that help it adapt to the newest emission norms.
Styling
The styling looks futuristic and aggressive. This has been achieved through the vertically-stacked twin-pod headlight that is flanked by a T-shape DRL. It also uses a body-coloured front fender, radiator shrouds, a 14-litre fuel tank, a split-style seat, and an underbelly exhaust. The modern graphics on the fuel tank and radiator shrouds, along with the white-coloured alloy wheels, further enhance the styling of this naked roadster. The feature list also complements the modern styling of this motorcycle.
Features
The headlight and DRLs are full-LED while the handlebar integrated front turn indicators lend the front fascia a cleaner look. At the back, the taillight is integrated into the rear turn indicators. Then, the cockpit comprises a five-inch colour TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity to provide access to functions such as calls and music. Moreover, the new handlebar-mounted controls enable the rider to access Bluetooth-related features on the go. The safety net is basic and the Tornado Naked Twin 500 only gets ABS. In comparison, the KTM 390 Duke gets a more comprehensive safety package.
Hardware
In terms of hardware, the Tornado Naked Twin 500 is built around a tubular steel trellis frame. The suspension setup comprises 50mm telescopic front forks and a rear mono-shock. The front suspension misses any adjustability function. The mono-shock, on the other hand, is adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping. Then, the braking setup includes twin 320mm semi-floating discs with a four-piston radial caliper at the front and a single 260mm rotor with a single-piston floating caliper at the back. Lastly, the 17-inch wheels are shod in 120/70-section front and 160/60-section rear tyres.
International Launch Date
While Benelli has confirmed that the Tornado Naked Twin 500 will be available at all Benelli dealers in the international markets from the second half of 2023, it has not announced the prices yet. Further, the Indian launch details, too, are not available at the moment.
