Remember Benda, the unfortunately named Chinese motorcycle manufacturer that’s just launched three cruiser style motorcycles in the UK? Well, they’ve just introduced three more ground up new designs at the massive EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, as well as some interesting prototypes and plans to enter the ATV and snowmobile markets. The Chinese really are coming!
Our man Phil West has ridden the four-cylinder LFC700 and the 500cc V-twin models and declared them surprisingly capable and excellent value for money. The three models we get over here are just a few of the wider range offered by the new manufacturer in its home market and now three more cruisers are joining the line-up… and they come packed with some interesting technology.
Topping the range is a new 108bhp, 948cc, V4 called the Dark Flag 950. Using an engine developed inhouse, the cruiser has a spec that sits up there with the best, with components including Brembo brakes and technology that includes a system to cut a bank of cylinders at idle to reduce both heat buildup and fuel consumption. It’s not cutting edge stuff, but to see Chinese manufacturers not just copying, but developing, technology shows the direction of travel for Benda and their ilk.
Benda’s new midrange offering is the Rock 707, a 692cc belt driven V-twin with plenty of torque and power and some innovative features like electronically controlled air suspension and an optional electronic clutch. Even more accessible is the entry level Rock 250 CVT which, as the name suggests, is a 249cc V-twin with a scooter style twist and go, continuously variable, transmission. All three certainly look the part, while bringing something new to the cruiser party.
As well as the three production ready models, Benda also showcased an innovative hybrid prototype called the P51. Combining a 250cc flat twin engine mated to an electric motor, which combine to deliver 62bhp and a staggering 100Nm of torque, the modular hybrid design and is expected to enter production one day.
Presented in a cruiser style chassis, the whole package is said to weigh just 182kg and can do 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds. Three unusual prototype engine designs were also presented: a high revving 500cc inline four, a 700cc boxer twin and a gargantuan 1700cc inline six with a pretty trick structural crankcase design. We expect these will be designed with hybridification in mind, which would lead to a range of even more innovative machines.
Whatever you think about Chinese motorcycles in general, or Benda in particular, there’s no doubt that they’re serious and no longer copying western designs, but innovating too. Speaking at EICMA, their general manager told the press: “It’s time for European consumers to take this quirky and unconventional manufacturer seriously. We are redefining what a modern cruiser can be and proving that Chinese engineering and design deserve a place on the global stage.”
It's hard to disagree on the technology front. Now, about that name…
