Benelli Tre-K

This Italian motorcycle manufacturer was founded in the 1920s by six brothers and in it's early history also built guns. Funded entirely by their mother with the family's only savings success was imperative. The company had great racing success firstly with one of the brothers riding. Tonino took their 175cc four stroke to victories in 1937 before retiring shortly afterwards. The bikes continued to win though, most notably with rider Dario Ambrosini's victory in the 1950 250cc world championship. Unfortunately Ambrosini died shortly afterwards. The company forged on however and racing and sales successes continued up until the 1960s when Japanese imports began to compete for European sales.

As sales dwindled the Benelli family was forced to sell the company to car baron Alejandro de Tomaso. New models under his ownership included the Sei 750 and a later 900cc version but neither bike was a great success. The Benelli brand was to enter a long period of stagnation.

Benelli remained inactive for many years until the 1990s when new management under the ownership of Chinese Group Qianjiang launched a whole new range of models. The Benelli Tornado is a fitting successor to the companies prior models and brings the Benelli name well into the 21st century. Other new bikes include the TNT, Cafe Racer and Tre-K. 1130 cc Engine,