Benelli Tornado 550 Unveiled: A New Contender in the Mid-Size Sportbike Segment
Benelli has taken wraps off the all-new Tornado 550, a supersport motorcycle, which will compete in the mid-size sportbike category. The Tornado 550 is powered by a 554cc parallel-twin engine which Benelli claims is an evolution of its 500cc engine. The Benelli Tornado 550 gets an adjustable Marzocchi suspension setup, Brembo brakes and a host of features and rider-aids. Here is everything you need to know about the Benelli Tornado 550.
Power and Performance
The Benelli Tornado 550 is powered by a 554cc parallel-twin engine which produces 53bhp at 8250rpm and 54Nm of torque at 5500rpm. The engine features a 270-degree crankshaft configuration which enables this powertrain to deliver a characterful exhaust note. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox and comes equipped with a slipper clutch as standard.
Chassis and Suspension
The Tornado 550 is built around a steel trellis frame. The chassis is complemented by premium suspension components sourced from Marzocchi. Upfront the Benelli Tornado 550 is equipped with 41mm fully-adjustable, upside-down forks with 115mm suspension travel with compression and preload adjustability. It gets a 45mm monoshock suspension at the rear. The Benelli Tornado 550 weighs 198kg kerb and gets a seat height of 785mm.
Braking and Tyres
Braking duties are handled by twin 320mm front discs with four-piston Brembo radial calipers and it gets a 260mm disc with four-piston Brembo radial caliper at the rear. It gets aluminium alloy wheels which are wrapped in Pirelli Angel GT tyres.
Features and Rider Aids
In terms of features and rider-aids, the Benelli Tornado 500 gets a 5-inch TFT colour display with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to pair their smartphones with the motorcycle. It also gets a USB-C charging socket. It also gets a traction control system, two riding modes; Normal and Sport and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
It rivals the Aprilia RS457 and the Kawasaki Ninja 500, in terms of power output the Benelli Tornado 550 sits above its rivals, offering the highest power figures in this segment.
