crankshaft above the level of the wheel
axles.
On the street, though, the Benelli
turned out to be a “high-speed road-
burner,” with “superior road holding.” It
also proved to be durable and reliable
throughout Cycle World’s test. “The more
miles it accrued, the smoother and
more responsive it got. It didn’t start
vibrating or leaking or making strange
noises.” The only concerns were the
lack of an air filter on the intake and a seat that was overly firm,
combining with the stiff suspension to give a harsh ride.
The electric-start Tornado S2 arrived in 1973 with higher
compression, a pair of 29mm Dell’Orto
VHBs, and a new seat and windshield.
U.K. moto-journalist Rod Gibson test-
ed the 1973 bike and noted that the
engine thrived on revs and needed to
see 4,500rpm to develop real power.
Vibration was far less than a British twin
though many components like fenders
and handlebars were rubber mounted.
The Tornado struggled on until 1976,
when new, cost-cutting Benelli owner
Alejandro de Tomaso pulled the plug. Rugged and retrospec-
tively stylish, Tornados now command a premium price in the
classic motorcycle market. MC1973-1980 Triumph T140 Bonneville
By 1974, Triumph’s Meriden factory was worker-occupied,
dependent on government support, and had one product line:
the 750 Bonneville and its single-carb sibling, the 750 Tiger. The
machines that emerged from the workers co-op used the familiar
360-degree parallel twin engine, but now with five gears and
a front disc brake. Much attention was focused on fixing the
Bonnie’s notorious deficiencies: Oil leaks were moderated; much
improved Amal Mk2 carburetors were used from 1976; and
electronic ignition followed in 1979. Shifting switched from right
to left side in 1975, and a rear disc was fitted from 1976 — but
electric start had to wait until the T140ES of 1980.
An anachronism at the time, the T140 is now a capable and
rideable classic — a viable alternative to modern retro bikes.
Parts are easy to find, and servicing is simple. Lightweight, easy
to start, with responsive controls, a relatively smooth engine and
confident handling, they’re deservedly desirable and still relatively
inexpensive, excluding the most sought-after models like the
limited-edition Silver Jubilee of
1977, and the T140D Special
of 1979.
CONTENDERS (^) Parallel-twin alternatives to the Benelli Tornado
1969-1979 Yamaha XS
Benelli wasn’t the only bike maker wanting to build a better
Bonnie — and the Tuning Fork guys got their first 4-stroke pretty
much right. The XS650’s 360-degree crank and camshaft ran
on roller and ball bearings, with horizontally split cases and a
chain-driven single overhead cam. Starting was by kick-only until
an electric starter was added for 1972, the same year the twin-
leading-shoe drum front brake was swapped out for a disc. Early
models were criticized for excessive vibration and poor handling,
though both issues were later addressed with a heftier frame and
use of rubber mounts.
Cycle World tested a 1979 XS650F and enjoyed its quick steer-
ing, light handling, broad powerband and relative lack of vibes,
though a combination of transmission lash and jerky throttle
transitions made traffic a chore. But it was the character of the XS
that appealed to Cycle World: “It sounds like a motorcycle, not a
two-wheeled Porsche; and feels like a motorcycle, not an electric
golf cart.” Cycle Guide summed up: “It doesn’t leak, it doesn’t
break, it doesn’t require much
attention and it doesn’t cost
much.” And with more than
500,000 built, there are still
plenty around.
http://www.MotorcycleClassics.com 13
Years produced 1971-
Power 52-57hp @ 7,200rpm
Top speed 97mph (period test)
Engine 643cc (84mm x 58mm)
air-cooled, OHV parallel twin
Transmission 5-speed, chain final drive
Weight/MPG 480lb wet/40-50mpg (avg.)
Price then/now $1,779 (1973)/$2,000-$9,
BENELLI 650 TORNADO
- 1973-
- 50hp @ 7,000rpm/110mph
- 745cc (76mm x 82mm) air-
cooled, OHV parallel twin - 5-speed, chain final drive
- 390lb (dry)/45-50mpg
- $1,995 (1976)/$3,000-$10,
- 1969-
- 53hp @ 7,000rpm
- 105mph
- 654cc (75mm x 74mm)
air-cooled, SOHC parallel twin - 5-speed, chain final drive
- 428lb (wet)/45-55mpg (avg.)
- $1,399 (1972)/$3,000-$7,