Benelli Tornado Naked TRE 1130 R (TNT 1130 R)

The Tornado Naked TRE 1130R, also known as the TNT 1130R, is a rare, naked, seductive and expensive inline triple. There's no doubt its design inspires power: the 1130R or racing version, looks like a strong, aggressive and sporty motorbike that should deliver goose bumps with the turn of the throttle. Although it was sold as a production motorcycle, the refined technology of the TRE is best suited for the track.

The inline triple, 4-stroke liquid cooled, 1131cc engine R version produces 156HP (116kW) at 10,200rpm through electronic injections, which is a big improvement over the non-R spec model that made ‟only” 127hp (95kW). The 1130R's overall weight is 550 lbs (205kg) and is lower than the base model, too.

To make room for the exhaust headers, some say the design was spoiled by the position of the radiator on the right side of the fairings - placed here instead of in front of the engine. While an innovative choice, it bulges out of place but is an instant head-turner.

The braking system is formed of two front 320 mm wave discs equipped with Brembo monoblock callipers, made from aluminum and known for light weight and power.

The chassis is made up of trestle steel at the front and aluminum alloy cast at the rear. To increase road feel, Benelli opted for a Marzocchi upside-down fork 50mm and the ZF Sachs rear shock, both fully adjustable.

Completing the goodies are a carbon muffler, Ergal-ending handlebar, frame sliders, racing tank filler. Options include a carbon single-seat tail. There's also a DB switch for quiet and loud exhaust.

Bnelli's Tornado TRE 1130 R is unique bike; for sure you won't see many people riding it in North America.

This bike is at home at the road or the track but it's set up to race. With a wheelbase of just 1.44m, switchable wheel sizes, and electronics that include anti-skipping, the Benelli TNT 1130R has been designed to put all its power down when it's needed.

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Benelli Beginings

Benelli beginnings date back to 1911, in Pesaro, Italy. The business, formed by the widow Teresa Benelli and her six sons, started only as a service garage where they produced spare parts and repaired motorcycles and cars, but they dreamt of building motorcycles.

The Benelli brothers completed their first engine in 1920. It was a single- cylinder, 75cc two-stroke adapted to a bicycle frame. Soon after, the youngest started racing; Tonino "the terrible" dominated Italian racing for years on his Benelli 175.

The later half of the 20th century saw hard times for Benelli. Although the brand was known for its ability to deliver excellent quality racing machines (European and world champions Baschieri, Ambrosini and Carruthers rode Benelli bikes), the arrival and modernity of Japanese manufacturers inevitably affected the company. Focus swayed and the Benelli brothers founded Benelli Armi in 1967, a company known for producing high quality shotguns - though it's now a separate business.

Benelli saw its recovery in 1995 when Andrea Merloni took charge of the company bringing the launch of the Tornado TRE and Tornado Naked TRE motorcycles.

The Chinese Group Qianjiang acquired the company and changed the name to Benelli W.J. which is now located in Pesaro, Italy.

For more about Benelli and the Tornado TRE 1130 R take a look at Benelli's website. Enjoy the ride.