PREVIEW - BENDA motorcycles
Over the past decade, cruiser options for Australian motorcyclists have diminished. That’s about to change with BENDA set to launch on the local market. Bringing style, top quality features, solid engineering and affordable pricing, BENDA may be the answer for cruiser buyers that have been starved of choice.
A new name in Australia, BENDA is a relatively new player globally, too. Founded in China by Hangzhou Saturn Power Technology Co. in 2016, BENDA established their own engine division a year later. Their first model – the Chinchilla 300 cruiser – launched in 2020, with more cruiser and bobber-style motorcycles following. BENDA added an ATV division in 2022, with their two-wheel and four-wheel range expanded in 2024. Last year, BENDA launched in the UK, following that up with a big display at EICMA.
Ahead of BENDA’s impending arrival in Australia, JUST BIKES spoke to Matt Atallah, Director of Juma Group, BENDA’s Australian distributors, about what Aussies can expect from the brand.
“We’ve been in the process [of bringing BENDA to Australia] for around twelve months and approximately six months in terms of gaining ADR compliance,” Matt explained. “The bikes passed with no amendments and flew through compliance.”
Five + One
BENDA’s Australian launch range will include five motorcycles and one ATV. The bikes are the Napoleonbob 250, Napoleonbob 500, Chinchilla 500, Dark Flag 500 Commander and LFC 700, while the initial ATV offering is the Redstone 550.
Both Napoleonbobs are in the bobber style, with the Chinchilla and Dark Flag modelled along conventional cruiser lines. The LFC 700 is a power cruiser in the Ducati Diavel or Triumph Rocket3 mould, but on a smaller scale and with a very modern edge.
The Napoleonbobs and Chinchilla use v-twin powerplants, the Dark Flag has a V4, while the LFC 700 runs an inline four. All except the LFC 700 are LAMS eligible to suit learner riders, with approval expected shortly.
BENDA’s global lineup numbers more than 20 models, some of which will be added to the local range in the future.
“We cherry picked models we believe would best suit the Australian market,” Matt explained. “We have intentions of bringing in more models, such as the LFC 700 Pro, Dark Flag 950, Chinchilla 350CVT and future models, such as the P51 hybrid concept when it enters production.
We are also looking into bringing the ROCK 250 and ROCK 707 further down the track, plus an expanded range of ATVs and SXS’s.
Where to See, Where to Buy
BENDA will launch in Brisbane, followed by Sydney later this year, with Melbourne, Perth and other capitals on the expansion list. Expressions of interest from dealer partners are welcome.
“Our first dealership will be in Brisbane, at 4 Higgs St, Albion,” Matt said. “We are currently taking fully refundable pre-order deposits of $200 for customers to secure their spot in the queue. More than 1,000 people have already registered their interest!”
The first bikes are expected in May, so watch this space for more on BENDA when it officially launches in Australia.
More to Come
Combining unique styling with modern features, quality finish and affordable pricing, the BENDA range is something for new and experienced riders alike to get excited about!
Check out the full range in more detail, get a quote or sign up for the latest from BENDA at www.bendamoto.com.au
Napoleonbob 250 – key features
Engine: 249cc liquid-cooled v-twin
Power/Torque: 19kW / 25Nm
Transmission: Six-speed
Tech: ABS, Traction Control, 3-inch TFT instrument display
Seat Height: 748mm
Fuel Capacity: 9.5lt
Kerb Weight: 182kg
Colour Options: Five
LAMS Approved: Yes*
Price: from $8,990 (excl. ORCs)
With its eye-catching modern retro styling and front suspension that combines conventional tele forks with leading link-style springs, the Napoleonbob 250 is like nothing else on the market.
Clip-on bars, a solo saddle, 18-inch wheels and heavily docked mudguards fit the bobber aesthetic, while the instrument pod is a modern 3-inch TFT unit that’s easy to read in all conditions.
Napoleonbob 500 – key features
Engine: 475cc liquid-cooled v-twin
Power/Torque: 35kW / 42Nm
Transmission: Six-speed
Tech: ABS, Traction Control, 3-inch TFT instrument display
Seat Height: 695mm
Fuel Capacity: 16lt
Kerb Weight: 215kg
Colour Options: Two
LAMS Approved: Yes*
Price: from $11,990 (excl. ORCs)
Stepping up from the Napoleonbob 250, the 500 version offers more capacity, more power and more style. Shrouded USD tele forks, a monoshock rear and downsized (16-inch) wheels with fat tyres give this model a muscular stance. A 2-into-2 exhaust and low handlebars with underslung bar-end mirrors add to this bike’s visual impact. ABS, Traction Control and a 3-inch TFT instrument pod bring modern safety and usability.
Chinchilla 500 – key features
Engine: 475cc liquid-cooled v-twin
Power/Torque: 35kW / 42Nm
Transmission: Six-speed
Tech: ABS, Traction Control, 3-inch TFT instrument display
Seat Height: 705mm
Fuel Capacity: 16lt
Kerb Weight: 215kg
Colour Options: Five
LAMS Approved: Yes*
Price: from $9,990 (excl. ORCs)
If conventional cruiser styling is more to your taste, the Chinchilla 500 has got you covered, but with the same beefy cues as the Napoleonbob 500. Conventional handlebars and a low seat with forward pegs make this model a comfortable place to cruise - from city streets to open roads.
Mechanical features and safety tech are the same as the Napoleonbob 500.
Dark Flag 500 Commander – key features
Engine: 496cc liquid-cooled V4
Power/Torque: 35kW / 42Nm
Transmission: Six-speed
Tech: ABS, Traction Control, 3-inch TFT instrument display
Seat Height: 705mm
Fuel Capacity: 16lt
Kerb Weight: 215kg
Colour Options: Three
LAMS Approved: Yes*
Price: from $12,990 (excl. ORCs)
A larger, 16-valve V4 engine defines the Dark Flag, while electronically-controlled air rear suspension that automatically adjusts to road conditions makes for easy cruising. Engine idle shutdown and cruise control are standard. The styling adds a sharp, aggressive and modern edge to traditional cruiser design cues, with the exhaust silencers and sculpted fuel tank the standouts in this respect.
LFC 700 – key features
Engine: 676cc liquid-cooled inline four
Power/Torque: 63kW / 60Nm
Transmission: Six-speed
Tech: ABS, Traction Control, 5-inch TFT instrument display
Seat Height: 695mm
Fuel Capacity: 17lt
Kerb Weight: 287kg
Colour Options: Four
LAMS Approved: No
Price: from $16,990 (excl. ORCs)
The ‘Big Daddy’ of BENDA’s Aussie launch range, the LFC 700 is a power cruiser in every sense of the word. The 16-valve inline four makes this model unique in the Australian cruiser market, with the 310/35 R18 rear tyre the biggest available on a bike of this capacity. KYB suspension, Brembo brakes and Bosch ABS back up the style and stance with premium componentry. Other features include a full aluminium frame, twin front discs, span-adjustable levers and backlit switchgear.
*LAMS approval still to be confirmed at time of writing.
