LOT 624

1972 Benelli Tornado 650S Registration no. KGV 101K Frame no. EA 5680 Engine no. 5887

Sold for £5,750 inc. premium

Lot 624

1972 Benelli Tornado 650S
Registration no. KGV 101K Frame no. EA 5680 Engine no. 5887

The Winter Sale - including The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection - Bicester Heritage|12 December 2020, 10:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

1972 Benelli Tornado 650S
Registration no. KGV 101K
Frame no. EA 5680
Engine no. 5887

Best remembered for its racing fours and road-going sixes, the Benelli factory of Pesaro, Italy exhibited its first 650cc twin at the Milan Show in 1967, though production did not begin in earnest until 1971. Christened 'Tornado', the new model - it was hoped - would cash-in on the popularity of big parallel twins in the lucrative US market. With its 360-degree crankshaft and pushrod valve gear, the unitary construction Benelli motor aped its British rivals but followed Japanese practice by employing a horizontally split crankcase and geared primary drive. Alternator electrics and a starter motor were introduced on the successor 650S. Production of the final version - the 650S2 - ceased in 1975. Engineered to a higher standard than their British counterparts, the Benelli twins were commensurately more expensive and relatively few made their way to these shores. A machine for the parallel-twin connoisseur who dares to be different, this 650S Tornado was first registered in the UK in 2001 and has belonged to the current vendor since November 2015. Apparently original and un-restored, the machine is offered for re-commissioning, or possibly more extensive restoration, and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Representing a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of these rare Italian thoroughbreds, the Benelli is offered with expired MoTs; an original rider's manual; a V5C document; and a substantial file of marque-related literature and other material (inspection recommended).

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

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Additional information

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