Benelli Tornado Novecento Tre

2003
14.624 km
Frame: 802

CH title
CH taxes paid
CHF 9.750

This Benelli Tornado Novecento Tre left the factory gates in Pesaro in 2003 and was first owned by a superbike collector in the Principality of Liechtenstein who took delivery on the 26th of May 2005.

While in his ownership, this Tornado Tre has benefited from all the recommended factory modifications. In addition, the Tornado 900 Tre was partially upgraded to LE specifications in 2008 with € 2,000 worth of 'carbon' parts from which invoices are on file.

On the 28th of August 2009, this Benelli was purchased by the current owner who had it registered in Geneva, Switzerland. Since acquisition, he has enjoyed some 5.000 kms of motoring with the bike.

On file are many invoices for servicing and other works carried out by Benelli specialist 100% 2-Roues in Geneva, including fitment of a new waterpump and radiator in 2013.

Among the noteworthy maintenance recorded in the history file is also a full top-end engine rebuild in 2012 whose invoice totals € 3,800. The bike has covered a mere 700-or-so kms since then.

One of only 925 green/grey Tornado's manufactured in Biposto configuration, frame number '802' is part of a private Italian motorcycle collection and is in absolutely pristine condition.

This Novecento Tre comes with a Swiss Carte Grise registration document, all its original parts, purchase paperwork, service booklet and owner's manual. The last Controle Technique (MoT certificate) dates from 30th March 2016.

This first-production-year Tornado is a rarity and an investment similar to the MV Agusta F4-series and Ducati 916.

One of the most striking features of the Novecento Tre is its futuristic design, including stacked headlights, flush mounted indicators, aggressive side panels, and angular seat unit with an under-seat mounted radiator and cooling fans visible from the rear.

Initially presented at the Milan EICMA motorcycle exhibition on 21st July 1999, the Tornado was meant to revive the long history of motorcycle manufacturer Benelli. In typical Italian style, Benelli wanted to create a sensation and set their target on the World Superbike championship. Considering this was Ducati's domain, that was one hell of a goal, but it didn't stop Benelli to give it a shot.

To achieve this goal, Bike-crazy Benelli boss, Andrea Merloni enlisted the services of Riccardo Rosa who brought-in massive experience from his time at Scuderia Ferrari, Fondmetal F1 and Cagiva Corse. The development team was further reinforced by Adrian Morton, who had previously worked on the Ducati 916, and WSB superbike racer Peter Goddard.

With its elegant bodywork and super cool twin under seat fans, the tornado was an instant visual sensation. But it wasn't all about looks. The fans allowed Benelli to reposition the radiator under the seat unit, allowing them to give the bike a sharp steering geometry as there was no radiator to get in the front wheel's way. The twin electric fans move air through the radiator, and the designers made the fan blades even more prominent by coloring them bright yellow or red.

The philosophy behind the Tornado Novecento Tre is that of a bike built around the rider. The many aerodynamic tests carried out allowed the elimination of all turbulence, which might tire the rider and disturb driving. In this way, the rider is perfectly integrated, becoming more at one with the bike.

Fabulous colours and graphics enhance the Tornado's lines. The Benelli Tre was available in exclusive grey/green colours, in the aggressive red version and with elegant grey/black livery.

The frame was made by joining the front part, including the steering pivot and the side trellis frame structure made of molybdenum chrome steel to the rear part, made of cast aluminium alloy. The two parts are made integral by strong screws securing the four trellises, which allow an extremely solid join, reinforced by structural gluing, as in the aeronautical industry, to completely exclude micro-movements and vibrations.

The front fork is made by Marzocchi to a Benelli design and the Novecento Tre is the only bike in the world which uses a rear shock with an Ergal 55 central body. As well as being stronger and lighter than the conventional models, its temperatures remain lower, providing constant performance.

The suspension has adjustable rebound, compression and spring pre-loading, so that the bike can be rapidly adapted to the rider's preferences. The length-adjustable feature also allows the rear suspension to be raised or lowered according to the desired set up.

Specification are mouth-watering: 143 hp from the liquid-cooled engine on a dry weight of just 200 kg; a revolutionary frame and some of the best cycle parts money can buy. Every component on the bike is CNC engineered. Even the fairing fasteners, footrest hangers, gear levers and steering damper are CNC specials.

Benelli Sport enjoyed their best ever World Superbike Championship finish on September 1st 2002 when Peter Goddard powered the Benelli Tornado to twelfth place in race one at Oschersleben. Maybe not the result Benelli had hoped for when they started their project, but they used all their race experience to get the roadbike spot on when it came to handling.

The Benelli Tornado Tre remains a stunning bike to look at and one that delivers true Italian exotica as well as a wonderful back story. If you want a future classic that delivers on an emotional level as well as a wallet pleasing one, the Tre is a great option. You have a bike that looks amazing and sounds mind bending on full chat.

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