The Benelli Tornado is based around their own liquid-cooled three cylinder motor, which until now has been the niche engine layout successfully dominated by Triumph. The DOHC, 12 valve, inline motor displaces 898cc, with a claimed output of 141 hp (105 kW) at 11,500 rpm and max torque of 100 Nm @ 8,500 rpm. Those figures compare quite well to Triumph's Daytona motor, which has an almost identical layout (but with an additional 57cc), and a claimed maximum of 147 hp. The engine in the Benelli is fitted with balance shafts to iron out any vibration.

Engine cooling is rather unusual as the placement of the radiator is underneath the seat.Cool air is fed to the radiator via two intakes under the front indicators. After the air has done its cooling job it comes out at the rear (under the seat), with the aid of the unique electric extraction fans first seen over 2 yrs ago on the prototype. Other trick parts include a cassette type six-speed gearbox, which can be removed in it's entirety without engine disassembly, very MV like. This is a very useful component for the circuit racers among us who need to be able to change gear ratios with ease and speed.

The chassis is a general mix of steel tubing framing up front and aluminum at the rear, utilizing the engine as a stressed member . Marzocchi USD forks up front have extension, compression and spring preload adjustments, with both the front and rear incorporating height adjustment.

To keep the front end in check on those twisty lanes theres a steering damper fitted as standard, and some great brakes courtesy of Brembo. The seat can accommodate a passenger and comes in with a height of 800mm. Dry weight is a claimed 195Kg.

The Limited Edition differentiates itself with a single seat (also higher @ 810mm), magnesium engine parts, a smaller rear brake (no passenger), dry clutch, Ohlins front suspension, Marchesini forged wheels and a fatter rear tire. Oh, and it's lighter, coming in at 185 Kg dry, and its very expensive!

No word on availability yet, but it should be sometime late Spring.

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