Today in motorcycle history, July 22, 1999

 


    

    

 

  The motorcycle world can't help but drool as Benelli reveals the Tornado Tre 900 at the Milan Motorcycle Show. 

  After a failed attempt to revive Benelli under Giancarlo Selci in 1989, in 1995 Andrea Merloni bought the rights to the Benelli brand from Alejandro de Tomaso. Needing a relaunch model, Merloni noted the success of John Bloor in reviving Triumph Motorcycles Ltd, and so he instructed Benelli's design team to build a stylist and exclusive motorcycle around a distinctive triple-cylinder 1,000cc capacity motor.  The result was the Tornado Tre.

  Tornado Tre basic specs - 898.4cc, 140hp, four-stroke, in line three-cylinder, inclined forward 15°, incorporating an anti-vibration counterbalance shaft, fuel injection with one or two injectors for each cylinder, 11.8:1 compression, water cooled (rear mounted radiator), six speed tranny. Dry weight - 407 lbs. Max speed: self-limited. 

  Benelli Tornado Tre.  Extra napkins required.

  Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD).  www.nabd.org.uk