Benda’s outlandish flattracker could roll in at under £6k

Benda are making serious waves in the Chinese market and expanding into Europe with dealer networks in Spain and Italy – and now they’ve launched not one but two new four-cylinder models.

The first, the LFC 700, wasn’t unexpected. It was shown as a concept in 2020 and confirmed for production earlier this year. The final version is almost indistinguishable from the concept, right down to its massive 310/35-18 rear tyre.

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It’s to be offered in two versions, a lower-spec model with 85bhp at 10,000rpm and 44lb.ft at 8000rpm from its 680cc inline four and a high-spec model that gets 93bhp at 11,000rpm and 46.5lb.ft at 8500rpm, plus Brembo brakes instead of Nissins, and a slipper clutch as standard.

The second new model, the LFS 700, uses the same 93bhp, 680cc engine but wraps it in an all-new chassis, replacing the long-and-low LFC’s cast-alloy with a shorter design that uses a cast aluminium rear section with a tubular steel front.

The LFS is a much sportier proposition. The wheelbase is 1480mm and the machine weighs a claimed 218kg wet, which is 17kg less than the LFC. Benda promise a 130mph top speed, compared to 121mph for the fastest version of the cruiser model.

With KYB suspension and Brembo brakes, the LFS 700 doesn’t fall into the trap of using low-cost parts either. Even the chain is from DID.

Based on domestic prices, by the time the LFS reaches Europe, it would be around £6k. In China, the LFS 700 is due to go on sale in September, while the LFC 700 has hit the market immediately. The bikes are expected to reach Europe, too, but there isn’t a clear timescale for their availability.