TNT is an acronym well known to all Pesaro motorcycle lovers and is synonymous with sporty naked. The concept is proposed by Benelli on the basis of the tested (and best-selling) TRK 502 and Leoncino 500 twin, but with a new, aggressive design language. Completing the design is the new headlight that will accompany what will be the future family of sports nakeds: the daytime running lights (DRL) describe a “T” in the front view, completely separate from the high and low beam modules that are instead located in the central part. As already mentioned, the engine is the 500 bi-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, capable of delivering a maximum power of 47.6 hp (35 kW) at 8500 rpm and a maximum torque of 46 Nm at 6000 rpm, upgraded for this model to the Euro 5+ standard. An engine appreciated for its smoothness and regularity of delivery. In addition, some updates have been made to the exhaust system, with new catalytic converters adapted to comply with current regulations, and to the filter box, which allows the intake system to be optimized, both in terms of performance and noise emissions.
The Tornado Naked Twin 500’s frame is based on a tubular steel trellis frame, designed to offer maximum agility on the road and when cornering. It’s a compact and agile bike, with a wheelbase of just 1451 mm. The fork is inverted with 50 mm stanchions and 125 mm travel and a swingarm with a central monoshock adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping, with 41.2 mm travel. The braking system is entrusted at the front to a 320 mm diameter semi-floating double disc with a four-piston radial caliper and ABS, and at the rear to a 260 mm diameter disc with a single-piston floating caliper and ABS. The 17-inch alloy wheels with 120/70 and 160/60 tires, respectively, guarantee maximum safety even in the toughest situations. The fuel tank has a capacity of 14 liters and the weight is 195 kg. The seat is located at 784 mm.
The instrumentation is unique, a 5” high-resolution TFT color screen, which has a Bluetooth connection to connect to the cell phone and with which, thanks to the handlebar locks, it will be possible to open and close calls. The Tornado Naked Twin 500 also has front indicators integrated into the hand guards, which gives the bike even more character. The headlight cluster is entirely LED, with the iconic T-shaped DRL headlight in the front view, while the latest generation rear light is integrated into the turn signals.