Benelli was one of the many companies that struggled to survive the onslaught of Japanese competition, starting all the way back in the 60s. As years passed, Benelli was bought and sold several times until production was shut down and the company was merged into Moto Guzzi in 1988. 2002 marked the return of Benelli, with their first new bike in decades – the Tornado Tre 900 superbike.
Reliability issues aside, this bike brought Benelli back to the world (it’s still around, though currently owned by a Chinese corporation). One of the more interesting technological features was that the put the radiator in the back – if you look closely at the rear end, you can see two yellow radiator fans underneath the brake light, which is one of the coolest things in the world for the 12-year-old inside all of us. The components are top notch, from Marchesini wheels, Ohlins suspension, and carbon fiber bodywork everywhere, though the first two years of production had fuel-injection that wasn’t what one would call smooth.
This specific Benelli Tornado Tre has 7,056 miles and looks to be in good shape. Unfortunately, that’s all the listing offers. I can’t see anything abnormal from the photos, except for the badge that’s been removed from the (aftermarket?) exhaust.
Find this Benelli Tornado Tre here on CycleTrader (through MotoCorsa) in Portland, Oregon for $9,999.
This bike-uriousity brought to you by David N!