Description
This motorcycle is Lot 311 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 311
1971 Benelli 643cc Tornado 650S
Registration no. OFL 171J
Frame no. ES3942
Engine no. 4603
Best remembered for its racing fours and road-going sixes, Benelli exhibited its first '650' twin at the Milan Show in 1967, though production did not begin in earnest until 1971. It was hoped the new Tornado would cash in on the popularity of big parallel twins in the lucrative US market. With its 360-degree crankshaft and pushrod valve gear, the unitary construction Benelli motor aped its British counterparts but followed Japanese practice by employing a horizontally-split crankcase and geared primary drive.
This Tornado was imported and registered in the UK in 1999 by a previous owner. Owned by our vendor since 2011, it has been rebuilt as a café racer and is an early Series 1 kickstart-only model. Notable features include a double-sided twin-leading-shoe racing brake, as fitted to the first batch of machines; Series 2 tank and side panels; and a Guzzi Le Mans bikini fairing. The frame had already been restored and powder coated, while the tank, side panels and mudguards were repainted in Benelli Racing Green in 2013. Sachs electronic ignition has been fitted and the dynamo rebuilt in 2012 by specialists Selwyn Motorcycles, an electronic voltage controller being fitted at the same time. A rebore and the installation of new-old-stock pistons was carried out less than 1, 000 miles ago in 2020. Last run in September 2024, the machine is offered with a V5C. Key present.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
