Best remembered for its racing fours and road-going sixes, the Benelli factory of Pesaro, Italy exhibited its first 650cc twin at the Milan Show in 1967, though production did not begin in earnest until 1971. Christened Tornado, the new model - it was hoped - 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 rivals but followed Japanese practice by employing a horizontally split crankcase and geared primary drive. Alternator electrics and a starter motor were introduced on the successor 650S. Production of the final version - the 650S2 - ceased in 1975. Engineered to a higher standard than their British counterparts, the Benelli twins were commensurately more expensive and relatively few made their way to these shores. A machine for the parallel-twin connoisseur who dares to be different, this 650S Tornado was first registered in the UK in 2001 and has belonged to the current vendor since November 2015. Apparently original and un-restored, the machine is offered for re-commissioning, or possibly more extensive restoration, and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Representing a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of these rare Italian thoroughbreds, the Benelli is offered with expired MoTs; an original riders manual; a V5C document; and a substantial file of marque-related literature and other material (inspection recommended).

This motorcycle is to be auctioned at our Live and Online Winter Sale, Hanger 113, Bicester Heritage, OX26 5HA.

SALE TIMES

Friday 11 December
Spares & Memorabilia (Lot 1 - 112) 9am
The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection (Lots 201 – 252) 11am


Saturday 12 December
Motorcycles (Day 2) (Lots 501 – 708) 10am



VIEWING
In light of the current government guidelines and relaxed measures we are delighted to welcome viewing, strictly by appointment. All the lots will be on view at Bicester Heritage in our traditional Hangar 113. We will ensure social distancing measures are in place, with gloves and sanitiser available for clients wishing to view motorcycle history files.


Please contact Bonhams Motorcycles by clicking 'Message the seller' with your preferred date, time and vehicle registration number to book an appointment.


VIEWING TIMES
Wednesday 9 December 9am to 5pm
Thursday 10 December 9am to 5pm
Friday 11 December 9am to 5pm (Lots 501 – 708 only)


LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION

Please note that whilst public viewing is available by appointment, the auction itself will be conducted from a remote saleroom, behind closed doors without public access, in accordance with the current government guidelines. All bidding will be conducted via Online, Telephone and Absentee Bidding. Please contact our Bids Department to register using the 'Message the seller' button.


COLLECTION OF PURCHASED LOTS

Motorcycle lots must be cleared from the sale venue by 2pm Sunday 13 December 2020. Limited collection is available until 2pm Monday 14 December, by appointment only. If collecting Monday, please access Bicester Heritage via the 'Main Gate', Buckingham Road, OX26 5HA. Please email us using the 'Message the seller' button with your collection or transport instructions as soon as possible following your successful bid. Failure to instruct Bonhams by the given time will result in your vehicle being uplifted to store at your expense, as detailed in the Conditions of Sale. Buyers should satisfy themselves that they have collected all relevant log books, documents and keys relating to their Lot(s) at time of collection.


AUCTION ADDRESS

Hangar 113
Bicester Heritage
Buckingham Road
Bicester
Oxfordshire
OX26 5HA