Benelli opens UK order books

BENELLI has named the 19 UK dealers who will sell its long-awaited Tornado superbike, and has today opened its order books for the exclusive limited-edition version of the triple.

Between 40 and 50 of the £22,000 limited edition machines will come to this country from early Spring. They will come with a second, race-spec, silencer, a kit to adjust the swing-arm pivot point and the head angle, and two different rear sprockets to adjust top speed and acceleration. The price also includes a paddock stand, tailored bike cover and an exclusive Alpinestars jacket.

The factory claims the bike’s power as 147bhp, more than either a Ducati 998R or MV Agusta F4 SPR – its two main rivals.

The limited-edition bikes can be identified by their complete carbon-fibre fairing and fuel tank plus full Ohlins suspension.

The £10,000 full-production bike won’t feature such high-spec parts and won’t become available until the end of 2002.

Benelli’s 19 UK dealers are: TT Motorcycles, Avon, 0117 908 9970; Street Machines, Bucks, 01296 433266; ID Leisure, Cambs, 01733 579555; Woods, Clwyd, 01745 822922; KC Superbikes, Cumbria, 01228 596003; Italian MC Centre, Devon, 01363 774499; Italia Moto UK Ltd, Dorset, 01202 469964; Paul Dedman Performance, Isle Of Man, 01624 812390; Bikers, Jersey, 01534 736531; Powerhouse, Kent, 01233 665520; Fastline, Lancs, 01772 902600; Italia Moto, Lincs, 01522 511851; Jack Lilley, Middx, 01932 224574; Cusworths, South Yorks, 01302 814444; Motorcycle Warehouse, Staffs, 01543 577404; Alan Duffus, Tayside, 01382 817051; M&S Motorcycles, Tyne & Wear, 0191 261 0121; Earnshaws West Yorks, 01484 421232; RA Moto, Worcs, 01386 760300