The 2026 Benelli Tornado 550 supersport is arriving in US dealers now. The fully faired sport bike is powered by a long-stroke DOHC parallel-twin engine. According to importer Keeyway America, the Introductory price is $5999 MSRP. That’s just the start of this Italian-designed/Chinese-manufactured motorcycle from the storied marque, so let’s check out some of the details.
The ever-so-slightly undersquare motor produces strong torque without requiring revs in the five-figure range. With a 70.5mm bore and 71mm stroke, the twin produces 40 lb-ft of torque at an accessible 5500 rpm, with the 56 horsepower peak attained at 8250 rpm. The 270-degree firing order gives the motor a rumble that mimics a V-twin. A six-speed transmission sends the power to the rear wheel via a chain final drive with a slipper clutch in between. There are two power modes—Sport and Road—plus defeatable traction control.
A five-inch TFT dash helps the rider manage the tech imbued in the 2026 Benelli Tornado 550. You can pair your smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and there’s a USB-C port. However, we don’t have details on the connectivity features. The dash displays everything you’re used to seeing, including gear position. Tire pressure monitoring is also standard, as is keyless ignition.
The steel trellis frame is held up by Marzocchi suspension. The suspension at both ends is adjustable for rebound damping and spring preload. That’s a 41mm inverted fork and a cantilevered shock, with 4.7 inches of front wheel travel and 5.1 inches in the back. Unfortunately, we don’t have basic geometry measurements, such as rake and trail.
The cast aluminum wheels are shod with Pirelli Angel GT tires. While those are excellent sport-touring tires, supersport-oriented riders will be looking for stickier rubber. A 120/70 is up front, and a 180/55 puts the power to the ground.
Brembo calipers slow the Tornado 550 down. Those are two serious 320mm discs in the front, and the caliper is radially mounted. The rear disc is a 240mm platter with a single-piston caliper for reducing speed. The cornering-aware Bosch two-channel ABS minimizes the risk of skidding during deceleration.
The 2026 Benelli Tornado 550 will be available in two colors: Gres White and Tech Silver. If you miss the special introductory price, the MSPR will be $6799.
The 2026 Harley-Davidson Deadwood is the newest cruiser in the Softail lineup, and it arrives with a familiar recipe. The Motor Company took the Heritage Classic, lowered the rear end, chopped the windshield, fitted a solo seat, and painted nearly everything Denim Black. The name comes from the Black Hills town with an outlaw history of its own and a strong connection to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Don Williams goes riding and discovers what the 2026 Harley-Davidson Deadwood is all about.
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Speaking of rallies, here’s one you absolutely cannot miss—yes, we’re rapidly approaching the 34th Annual Biketoberfest Rally in Daytona Beach, sunny Florida.Biketoberfest this year runs October 15th through the 18th. We take a few minutes to chat with Lori Campbell-Baker and Brian Bentley from the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Biketoberfest is all about the beautiful Florida weather, live music, the industry’s top vendors, bike shows, and motorcycle racing at Daytona International Speedway. And don’t forget, there are miles of spectacular rides along the famous A1A, the historic Main Street and the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop. There really is something for everyone here, and almost every event and attraction is free to attend. So, if you want a fun few days out in the Florida sunshine, Biketoberfest really is the place to be. Make sure you download the Biketoberfest mobile App from Apple or Google Play or visit www.biketoberfest.orgfor more details.
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Keith Code founded the California Superbike School in 1980, and it has subsequently grown to be the largest motorcycle track training school in the world. Teejay Adams is an experienced rider, but has still found that she has hangups and limitations to her riding. So, she called Keith’s son Dylan, who now runs the Superbike School with his wife Lara. Teejay went to the 2-day school at the Ridge racetrack in Washington state recently, and absolutely loved it. She tells us exactly what she found out and how it has helped her riding.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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