EICMA 2023: Benelli Unveils 3 New Bikes

Benelli showcased its latest models at the EICMA 2023 motorcycle show, by unveiling the Tornado 500, Tornado Naked Twin (TNT) 500, and the BKX 300. These additions are critical to the lineup in expanding its range of offerings. 

New Design

The Tornado 500 and Tornado Naked Twin 500 showcase a distinctive design, with a focus on both the engine and frame. The development of these bikes is attributed to the dedicated efforts of the Research and Development (R&D) team and the Benelli Design Center in Pesaro, Italy.

Benelli Design Center has took efforts to create a distinct identity for the Tornado 500 and Tornado Naked Twin 500 by using larger shapes, these models stand out from older Tornados. The unique lighting design, particularly the front lights resembling a lion's fangs, serves as a symbolic representation of the Benelli emblem, enhancing the bikes' aesthetic appeal and reinforcing the brand's identity. The rear brake lights seamlessly integrated into the turn signals. This comprehensive attention to detail not only enhances the bikes' overall appearance but also imbues them with the special character synonymous with the Benelli brand and new design language.

Benelli Tornado 500

Tornado 500 is a fully faired sportbike powered by a 500 cc parallel-twin engine meeting Euro 5+ (BS6) emissions standards. It claims 48 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 46 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm.

With a wheelbase of 1422 mm and a weight of 185 kg, the Tornado 500 seems to be a compact and nimble bike on paper. The chassis is a steel-tube frame that holds a 41 mm inverted fork at front and a linkage monoshock at rear. Braking is handled by radial-mount, four-piston Brembo brakes on 320 mm discs managed by Bosch ABS. The electronic features include a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and navigation capabilities.

in terms of the engine and the frame, and here too the bike has been developed entirely by R&D and the Benelli Design Center in Pesaro, which wanted to add a certain originality to the style, not only by modeling larger shapes compared to the other Tornados, but also with a special lighting signature: the position lights draw the fangs of a lion, the Benelli symbol. At the rear, on the other hand, the lights are integrated into the turn signals.

Tornado Naked Twin 500

The Tornado Naked Twin 500 shares nearly identical specifications with the Tornado 500 but is a naked bike version. Being a street bike, the clip on handlebars has been replaced by a single-piece unit and it also ditches the fairing to stay true to its DNA Although the engine and chassis are the same there is an increase in weight to 194 kg.

BKX 300 S

This is the most interesting of the three new offerings from the Italian brand. The Benelli BKX 300 S introduces a brand-new 300 cc single-cylinder engine, replacing the old 300 cc twin. It makes 29 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 27 Nm of torque. We think this new motor has its genesis with the 250 cc single pot engine that we had seen on the erstwhile Benelli TNT 25 which was on sale in India. It has a 42 mm inverted fork at front and a linkage monoshock at rear. Braking duties are handled by a single four-piston calliper up front with a 280 mm rotor.

We are looking forward to seeing these bikes in India. There is no clear indication if Benelli is going to launch any of these in our market in the near future. But given that the previous generation bikes were on sale we do expect these modern Benelllis to land on our shores in the second half of 2024.