Benelli showcased a range of captivating motorcycles at this year’s EICMA show in Milan, Italy, with one of the standouts being the Tornado Naked Twin 500. The bike drew considerable attention for its radical design, particularly the front fascia.
The EICMA 2023 event showcased a plethora of thrilling bike launches, and Benelli introduced the head-turning Tornado Naked Twin 500 among the naked bike offerings. Despite the chuckles induced by its name – a common quirk with Chinese manufacturers – the bike is a sharp and stylish machine that seamlessly blends elements from Benelli’s modern lineup, exuding sleek and aggressive supermoto aesthetics. The compact LED headlight with an alien-like appearance and the pointed bodywork flowing from the radiator shrouds to the tail contribute to its striking design.
Similar to the unconventional headlamp of the new KTM 990 Duke, the Tornado Naked Twin 500 featured a striking design with vertically stacked projector LEDs flanked by boomerang-shaped DRLs, all without a plastic cowl surrounding the assembly. Moving from the fuel tank to the tail, the motorcycle displayed a more traditional street bike stance with sharp and muscular contours.
In the engine belly, the Tornado Naked Twin is powered by a 500cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, delivering 47.6bhp and 46Nm of torque. To provide context, the new KTM 390 Duke produces 45.3bhp and 39Nm. The bike is built on a steel trellis frame and rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, supported by USD forks and a mono-shock for suspension. Twin discs manage braking at the front and a single disc at the rear, featuring dual-channel ABS. The motorcycle’s features include a 14-litre fuel tank, a five-inch TFT screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and full-LED lighting.
Expected to hit international markets in the first half of 2024, the 2024 Benelli Tornado Naked Twin 500’s entry into the Indian market remains uncertain.
Also Read: Benelli 502C Vs. Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 & Specification Comparison