
2008 Benelli Tornado Tre 1130
Miles: 2,118
Second Owner
California Registration
Listed Price: $25,000
Originally shown in 1999, the wildly exotic Tornado Tre was intended to be the roadgoing version of Benelli’s World Superbike efforts and the spearhead of an attempt to revitalize a moribund Italian brand, a 900cc triple to fit within the then-current racing rules. Unfortunately, production delays meant the racing project was stillborn and, to keep the new superbike competitive on the road, displacement was increased to create the Benelli Tornado Tre 1130. The three-cylinder engine and six-speed gearbox were pushed as far forward as possible in the tubular trellis/cast aluminum plate frame to optimize the bike’s weight distribution. This meant the radiator lived at the rear of the bike, and Benelli wisely embraced this decision: the fan blades were often colored red or vibrant yellow, as with this example, drawing attention as well as cooling air. Suspension components were generally top-notch and the bike’s handling was exemplary, although comfort was considered poor. Fuel injection on early bikes often received criticism but, as motorcycle fuel injection systems improved in general, so did Benelli’s, and later bikes are regarded as being powerful, flexible, and smooth. Unfortunately, Benelli’s resurrection was relatively short-lived, in spite of the stylish and exotic machines they created, and today the company produces a range of frugal small-displacement machines built in China, a far-cry from their glory days.

Rare of rare. 178 hp, dry clutch, so cool. New tires, just gone-through, new oil, radiator fluid. Front and rear brake fluid have been changed. injectors been cleaned, throttle bodies have been adjusted and cleaned. 2100 miles. It’s got all the federal stickers on it California registered. I can’t find another one for sale anywhere in the world. All my research I have done I can find one for sale. Only like 68 for made in a five year period they were made to order. This information off the Facebook /online research groups that deal with his bike. It’s really a super cool bike.
Today’s sweet bit of Italian confectionery comes to us from… Facebook Marketplace, of all places. I normally avoid the place, as it’s a known hive of scum and villainy, but today’s bike appears to be in pristine condition, sports a period Quill exhaust, and has extremely low mileage, although the $25,000 asking price seems very high for a Benelli Tornado Tre 1130. They are rare, exotic, and beautiful bikes, but rare doesn’t always equal desirable or valuable: part of the reason they’re so rare is that they were a hard sell here in the US when they were new. The brand had virtually no presence here, no cachet, and these bikes languished unsold in dealers at discount prices for years. I expect they will rise in value in the future, but I think the seller may be aiming a bit high for now. That being said: if you’ve ever wanted one of these, you’re probably never going to find one nicer, with miles this low, with this set of tasteful modifications. And, considering what new MV Agustas and V4 Ducatis are going for these days, $25,000 is a positive bargain…
-tad