What do you think of the new Benelli Tornado 400 sportbike?
It appears that Benelli is consistently introducing a plethora of new models to the market. At EICMA 2023, the Italian brand, now owned by the Chinese giant Qianjiang Motors, revealed an extensive lineup of bikes slated for a global release. Qianjiang Motors is among the largest Chinese motorcycle manufacturers, also overseeing brands like Keeway, QJ Motor, and MBP.
Shortly after unveiling several new models late last year, Benelli has already confirmed the availability of some, particularly the Tornado 400, set to hit the European market in the first half of 2024. This sportbike, one of the trio introduced at EICMA 2023, is equipped with a parallel-twin engine, signaling its intent to compete with established twin-cylinder sportbikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 400 (now Ninja 500), CFMoto 450 SR (450SS in the US), Honda CBR500R, and Yamaha YZF-R3.
Initially launched in China as the Tornado 402, the Benelli Tornado 400 has undergone slight updates to comply with European regulations, particularly targeting A2 license holders seeking to transition from A1-restricted beginner machines. Its Euro 5-approved 399cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, featuring dual-overhead camshafts, produces 47.6 horsepower—the A2 category limit—transmitted through a manual six-speed gearbox.
Encased in a tubular steel frame with a distinctive single-sided swingarm, the Tornado 400 utilizes an inverted front fork with 37mm stanchions and a linkage-equipped rear monoshock for suspension. Braking is facilitated by entry-level Nissin floating calipers mounted axially onto the front fork.
Weighing approximately 172 kilograms with a 14.8-liter fuel capacity, the bike is notably lightweight and accessible. It boasts features like full-LED lighting, a five-inch full-color TFT display, Bluetooth smartphone pairing, USB charging, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Benelli aims to release the Tornado 400 in Europe in the first half of 2024, although official pricing details are currently unavailable.