Chinese motorcycle brand Benda, known for its focus on large-capacity bikes and cruisers in particular, is taking another step toward global expansion. The company has officially established a European subsidiary and unveiled the Dark Flag 950, powered by a V-4 engine developed in-house.
Strategic Move Into the European Market
In October, Benda Moto Europe GmbH was launched in Salzburg, Austria, following two months of consultancy with Kiska—the design agency affiliated with KTM and part of the Pierer Mobility Group. This move aims to create a cohesive strategy to strengthen the brand’s presence in the European market, where it already has dealerships in several countries.
Benda’s expansion into Europe marks a significant step in its ambitions to grow international sales, particularly with the imminent launch of the Dark Flag 950, the largest bike ever produced by the company.
Dark Flag 950: From Prototype to Production
Initially presented as a prototype in China last September, the Dark Flag 950 has now gone through design registration, revealing a few updates for the production version. These include replacing Brembo brakes with a system from J.Juan and repositioning the ignition to the right side panel, below the fuel tank. Other than these adjustments, the design remains true to the prototype, down to the leather strap running along the center of the tank.
The Dark Flag 950 is Benda’s second V-4 model, following the Dark Flag 500. The 950 cc engine, with an external design nearly identical to the smaller version, was initially conceived in 2021 as a 1,198 cc unit, suggesting potential for future upgrades. The 950 cc version produces 100 hp at 9,000 rpm and 62.7 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm, significantly outperforming the Dark Flag 500’s 56 hp, though still falling short of the promised 151 hp for the 1,198 cc version, which has yet to hit the market.
Design and Differentiation
While the Dark Flag 950 shares similarities with other models in the Benda lineup, it introduces some notable differences compared to the Dark Flag 500. For instance, instead of an inverted fork and adjustable pneumatic rear suspension, the 950 cc model features a conventional fork and twin rear shocks. Interestingly, despite its larger engine, the bike is slightly smaller than the 500 cc model: the seat height is 27.4 inches (0.2 inches lower), the total length is 91.5 inches (a similar reduction), and the handlebars are slightly narrower at 35.4 inches.
Global Prospects and Pricing
Although there is no word yet on Benda’s plans for the U.S. market, its investment in Europe indicates broader global ambitions. This move also provides insight into the export pricing of Benda’s bikes. In Germany, the Dark Flag 500 V-4 is priced at 8,999 euros (approximately $9,450 USD), while the flagship LFC700, with an inline-four engine, cast aluminum frame, and a massive 300 mm rear tire, costs 11,999 euros (around $12,600 USD).
With its bold design, proprietary technologies, and competitive pricing, Benda is positioning itself as a noteworthy player in an increasingly competitive global market.
Source: Cycleworld/CAD images of the Dark Flag 950.Benda
