Benelli’s absolutely brand new naked bikes, the Tornado Naked Tre 899 and the Tornado Naked Tre 899s, are aggressively styled powerful Italian machines created with the clear goal of getting a share of the naked segment which has gained enormous popularity in the past years. By simply taking a look at the SPECS page and at the bikes, you’ll surely reckon these two have all the chances to complete with the purpose of their creation and I won’t contradict you at all.
2008 Benelli Tornado Naked Tre 899
- Make: Array
- Model: 2008 Benelli Tornado Naked Tre 899
- Engine/Motor: 3 cylinders, 4 stroke, liquid cooled, 12 Valves, DOHC (double overhaed camshaft)
- Horsepower: 86.5 Kw @ 10.500
- Torque: 79 Nm @ 8.500 RPM
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox and 525 chain type
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Introduction
At a first glance you immediately know that this is no Japanese machine and doesn’t even intend to get close to that image considered by many simple and uninspiring. What the two Benelli models try doing is individualizing themselves in the world of stylish, aggressive and powerful three-cylinder powered machines. Relying on their fuel-injected 899cc liquid-cooled, three-cylinder, four-stroke, twelve-valves, DOHC engines and on the versatile chassis to conquer the aimed market segment, both the normal and the “s” versions of the Benelli Tornado Naked Tre 899 will have to fight the finesse, heritage and immediate attraction that come with the name Triumph.
Competition
This takes us to the bike’s strongest and most challenging competitor. It is quite difficult to set the Tornado against either the Speed Triple 1050 or the Street Triple 675 because Benelli’s 899ccs position it just between the two as an option for potential customers who search for a middle way.
But it is well worth taking in consideration the fact that the Triumph Street Triple, a naked motorcycle powered by the famous 675cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, in-line three-cylinder engine being fed through a multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection develops an incredible 107bhp compared with Benelli’s 114bhp. I reckon that the extra displacement doesn’t pay off in the case of the subjects of today’s review, but their efforts couldn’t have been unappreciated as the results are quite remarkable.
Clearly setting it apart from the recently-appeared competitor are the British bike’s compactness, style and proved road abilities, while the Tornados would have to prove that through the test drive opinions and the number of salves.
Exterior
Until getting a feel of the bike, we can just admire its personality and aggressive character exposed through its radical design. We never underestimated the Italian’s talent when it comes to taking a white sheet of paper and turning it into an entire generation of bikes, but this is one demonstration of power. In fact two, I could say as there are clear design differences between the Tornados Naked Tre 899 and the Tornado Naked Tre 899s. The first is a roadster featuring an angry looking headlight, wide and yet small side fairings painted in the colors of the gas tank. Their purpose is to uncover to our eyes the source of entertaining, I mean the three-cylinder engine and the exhaust’s way under the seat.
Having a massive 17 litres gas tank, the Tornado clearly indicates the fact that it was built for sport-touring, only that it misses a wind-protective front fairing and windshield which is a thing pretty much expected from Italian bikes as nakedness is the key to their entire success.
The seat looks well accommodating and at 780mm above ground, it is perfect for the average sized rider and if you were expecting for it to have a suddenly ending rear end, well it has it and it doesn’t. There is enough room for the passenger’s but there, but it looks like the rear end of a fully-faired previous-generation Japanese bike.
Wheels on both models feature 17” in diameter and the difference between the simple and the s model is the fact that this last comes painted in an aggressive orange paint scheme it is more compact and implicit better handling.
Conclusion
I would be a jerk to say that for a shotgun builder, Benelli has really pulled it through with the Tornado models so that is why I simply prefer saying that if accompanied by a well planned marketing strategy, we could witness the incredible growth of this company partly due to the bikes we’ve took a look over today.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Engine and Transmission
Type: 3 cylinders, 4 stroke, liquid cooled, 12 Valves, DOHC (double overhaed camshaft)
Cylinder Capacity: 899 cc
Bore x Stroke: 88 x 49.2
Compression Ratio: 12,5:1
Maximum Power: 86.5 Kw @ 10.500
Maximum Net Torque: 79 Nm @ 8.500 RPM
Firing Order: 1 > 3 > 2
Intake Valve Diameter: 33 mm
Exhaust Valve Diameter: 29 mm
Intake Engine Timing: 21°bTDC 42° aBDC
Exhaust Engine Timing: 42°aBDC 21° aBDC
Maximum Valve Lift: Int.8,75 exh.7.5
Throttle Body, Diameter: 53 mm
Lubrication System: Wet sump
Fuel System: Injection EURO 3
Clutch: Wet clutch 10 discs
Ignition: Digital - inductive type via electronic engine management
Starting: Electric
Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission: 525 chain type
Primary Ratio: 44 / 79
Final Ratio: 16 / 41
Gear ratios (Secondary)
1° 14 / 39
2° 18 / 35
3° 21 / 32
4° 23 / 30
5° 24 / 28
6° 25 / 27
Chassis and Dimensions
Frame: ASD steel tube trellis, with boxed section
Front Suspension: Upside down" fork Ø 50 mm (Ø 43mm totally adjustable on the s version)
Front Travel: 120 mm
Rear Suspension: ASD steel tube trellis swingarm
Rear Travel: 120 mm
Rake: 24°
Trail: 95 mm
Offset: 33 mm
Front Brake Diameter: Ø 320 mm
Rear Brake Diameter: Ø 240 mm
Front Tyre: 120-70/17; 120-65/17
Rear Tyre: 180-55/17; 190-55/17; 200-50/17
Length: 2100 mm
Width: 790 mm
Height: 1050 mm
Seat Height: 780 mm
Wheelbase: 1443 mm
Dry Weight: 199 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17 lt
Fuel Reserve: 4 lt