Benelli has launched its latest entry-level middleweight supersport in European markets. Unveiled at the last edition of EICMA in November 2023, the new Tornado will officially be launched in Europe soon with prices expected to be announced in the first half of 2024.
Benelli Tornado 400: Design & features
The Benelli Tornado 400 goes up against a plethora of middleweight sport bikes such as KTM RC 390, Yamaha R3, Kawasaki Ninja 400, and the recently launched Aprilia RS457. Visually, it is reminiscent of other Tornado models from Benelli’s lineup, with a lean, angular and semi-faired design.
The vertically stacked twin-pod LED headlamp on the front apron gives the bike a mean and aggressive look. Other visual highlights include a floating tail-section, an upright windscreen, a split-seat setup, and an upswept exhaust muffler. The low-set clip-on handlebar and rear-set footpegs make the riding posture very committed.
In terms of features, the Tornado 400 gets a full-LED lighting, a 5-inch full-colour TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity for calls and text alerts, navigation via smartphone app, tyre pressure monitoring system, and a USB charging port.
Benelli Tornado 400: Hardware, powertrain
Underpinning the Benelli Tornado 400 is a tubular steel frame with a single-sided swingarm which is suspended on 37mm upside down front forks and a rear monoshock. Braking duties are handled by 300mm twin discs at the front and a 240mm single disc at the rear, with floating callipers from Nissin. Dual-channel ABS is a standard offering.
Powering the Tornado 400 is a 399cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin motor paired with a six-speed gearbox via a torque assisted, slipper clutch, which makes for smoother gear changes. This motor pumps out 47.6 bhp and 38 Nm of peak torque which complies with European A2 licence restrictions.
