One of the surprising motorcycles to enter the Romanian motorcycle market last year is the Benda LFC 700, a model launched in 2021.
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It is no secret to anyone that the Benda brand is part of the Keeway group and the motorcycles are produced in China, and I remember that at the presentation of the motorcycle there were many voices who said that another Chineseness had appeared. But I remember just as well that the LFC 700 amazed many people with its bold design and innovative ideas implemented.
The 677 cc, 4-stroke engine, DOHC, liquid-cooled in-line 4 cylinders, with 4 valves per cylinder, produces a maximum power of 85.6 HP at 10,300 rpm and a maximum torque of 60 Nm at 8600 rpm.
It is the only in-line 4-cylinder engine on a power cruiser, which the manufacturer calls a sport cruiser, and is installed on a cast aluminum frame, as is the swingarm, cast from the same alloy, both being exceptional achievements and very rare at this time, being probably the second technical detail that surprises you.
But truly surprising and unique in the industry is the solution chosen for the placement of the air intake, which is made through the place where the motorcycle’s headlight is generally located.
The chassis is completed by some high-performance and quality components. The braking system is composed of 320 mm discs on the front, assisted by Brembo calipers, on the rear there is a 260 mm disc while the front/rear shock absorbers are KYB. The motorcycle is long, 2440 mm , with a generous wheelbase of 1720 mm, a ground clearance of 160 mm and a seat height of only 695 mm, having a kerb weight of 287 kg and a fuel tank with a capacity of 17 liters.
And if there’s anything that shocks you about this motorcycle from the first meeting, it’s the 310 rear tire, the LFC 700 being the only production motorcycle in the world with such a tire on the rear.
Someone who hasn’t tested the bike might wonder if the large tire size affects thevhandling. It’s true that you don’t take something like this to a skill contest, but turn it, take my word for it and it’s veery likely that many will buy thus bike for how the rear tire looks. Whether is has ABS or traction control almost doesn’t matter.
I also need to say a few words about the shapes of the motorcycle.
Every time I present a motorcycle, no matter the brand, there are specialists who analyze the appearance of the motorcycle by looking at 2-3 pictures on the Internet and find similarities with other models, real or, most often, imaginary.
Benda LFC 700 does not copy anything, it does not resemble anything, and the project is carried out by the company’s specialists.
And the fact that it is an original project was noted and awarded by the jury of the Red Dot design competition in Germany.
These awards are an internationally recognized distinction, which appreciates the remarkable design of a product, its aesthetic, functional side, intelligence and innovation, and originality.
The winning objects reflect the latest technical, social, economic and ecological demands of consumers and are selected by a panel of 50 experts, international designers, visual artists and architects, who test and evaluate each individual item.
The Benda LFC 700 received the “Product Design” award in the company of other products that received the same award: Ducati Diavel V4, Can-Am Maverick R, and a year ago the winners were the Honda Transalp 750 and a couple of Ferraris.
And these are not bought prizes, nor politically ordered, they are real.
i described the motorcycle, i mentioned the international recognition it enjoyed, but i didn’t say how it rides. And it rides! The power is delivered very linearly, the bike really unleashes like a real power cruiser, well, sport cruiser, the brakes are effective, we’re just talking about Brembo components, the shock absorbers do their job.
All in all, you feel good. And, probably, the fact that everyone looks at the motorcycle, with its completely and completely unusual shapes, thanks to which you can’t pass unnoticed in traffic, also counts.
You can have all of this for 11,000 euros, the price of a motorcycle in Romania. For a Japanese enthusiast, it’s probably a high price, but for a beginner, or someone who wants to impress, or simply someone who will test it and be convinced of the motorcycle’s advantages, it might be exactly the price he has to pay to enjoy the reaction of the audience on the sidewalks.
But I’ve talked enough about bikes and this time I have a heartfelt ending to the story.
The motorcycle tested was not received from the brand’s importer in Romania or from a store, but from a customer who bought it.
It is an NGO that organizes charity events and recreational activities for children with disabilities. This Benda LFC 700 is about to receive a Romanian Car Register approved sidecar and will become Batman’s motorcycle, which will be used to ride children with problems, to bring a smile to their innocent faces.
I don’t think there could be a more beautiful use for a motorcycle or a nobler gesture that a biker could make. I wish i could live up to this initiative and i bow with respect to such people, with such a big heart.
The tested motorcycle Benda LFC 700 was offered by Ionuţ Stancovici, the initiator of the successful projects “Kayaking with disabilities” and “Skiing with disabilities”, a man with a heart of gold, who has done true wonders for children with disabilities.
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Every day in life is a story and my stories are, most of the time, with and about motorcycles. All the stories, interviews and news from the motorcycle world posted on the blog POVESTi CU MOTOARE, can also be followed on Facebook, Linkedin or X (ex Twitter) and the films are posted on instagram and the YouTube channel.