Can Benda’s Latest Cruiser Triumph Over The Rebel?

Published July 5, 2021
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3 min read

Let’s see how Benda’s newest modern cruiser, the LFC700, stacks up against the India-bound Honda Rebel 500, spec-wise

Chinese two-wheeler manufacturer Benda recently launched its radical-looking modern cruiser, the Benda LFC700, in the country. While it is unlikely to head to our shores, we couldn’t help but wonder how it would stack up against the India-bound Honda Rebel 500 in terms of specifications. Here’s what we found out:

Engine

Specifications	Benda LFC700	Honda Rebel 500
Engine	680cc inline-four liquid-cooled engine	471cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine
Power	Std: 85.6PS at 10,000rpm High-power: 93.8PS at 11,000rpm	45.5PS at 8500rpm
Torque	Std: 60Nm at 8000rpm High-power: 63Nm at 8500rpm	44.6Nm at 6000rpm
Gearbox	Std: 6-speed High-power: 6-speed with slipper clutch	6-speed with assist and slipper clutch

The LFC700’s advantage of a higher displacement engine with not one but two extra cylinders is a no-brainer here. That said, the Rebel 500’s engine isn’t anaemic in any way. Both bikes will be able to cruise at triple-digit speeds comfortably on the highway. While Honda hasn’t revealed the official top speed figures for the Rebel 500, Benda claims the standard variant of the LFC700 can reach 170kmph whereas the High-Power model gets a higher claimed top speed of 195kmph -- both more than enough for our roads. The assist function in the Rebel 500’s powertrain should ensure easier clutch lever operation than the LFC700’s.

Underpinnings

Specifications	Benda LFC700	Honda Rebel 500
Front suspension	Standard: Inverted front fork High-power: Inverted front fork from KYB	41mm telescopic fork
Rear suspension	Standard: Monoshock High-power: KYB monoshock	Linked monoshock
Front brake	Standard: Dual front discs with Nissin radial calipers High-power: Dual front discs with Brembo radial calipers	Single disc with Nissin sliding caliper
Rear brake	Disc, dual-channel ABS	Disc, dual-channel ABS
Front tyre	130/70-19	130/90-16
Rear tyre	310/35-18	150/80-16

The Benda LFC700 gets premium underpinnings, complete with radial calipers, which should ensure better feedback than the Rebel’s axial ones, on paper. The twin disc setup at the front should also result in fierce braking power, compared to a single disc. But then, the Rebel 500 is a lot lighter too, but more about it in the forthcoming paragraphs.

Having a smaller front wheel should make the Rebel quicker to turn, compared to the larger 19-inch unit in the Benda cruiser. On the other hand, the ultra-wide rear tyre in the Benda should offer ample grip while accelerating.

Dimensions

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Specifications	Benda LFC700	Honda Rebel 500
Wheelbase	1,720mm	1,488mm
Ground clearance	160mm	136mm
Fuel tank capacity	20 litres	11.2 litres
Seat height	695mm	690mm
Kerb weight	235kg	190kg

The massive rear tyre and the bigger engine have made the Benda LFC700 a whole 45kg heavier than the Honda Rebel 500. It also has a considerably longer wheelbase which should ensure better straight line stability at the expense of cornering agility. While the Rebel has a potent engine and relaxed ergonomics, the puny 11.2-litre fuel tank may play spoilsport during long-distance riding. Its lower ground clearance may also make it tougher to go over rough terrains.

All said and done, both bikes have accessible seats so shorter riders shouldn’t have much of a problem. That said, the Benda’s heftier weight and long wheelbase may make it challenging to manoeuvre the bike at low speeds.

As far as the feature list is concerned, the Benda gets a TFT console whereas the Rebel features an LCD unit. Both bikes come with an all-LED lighting system and a dual-channel ABS as standard.

Price & Verdict

Benda LFC700

Honda Rebel 500

Std: CNY 45,800 (Rs 5.26 lakh)

High-power: CNY 46,800 (Rs 5.38 lakh)

GBP 5,799 (Rs 5.96 lakh)

In China, the Benda LFC700 is competitively priced for a 700cc cruiser. It even manages to undercut the Honda Rebel 500’s UK pricing. Having said that, the LFC700 might command a premium in markets outside of China.

In a market where both bikes are available, the Benda makes quite a lot of sense for those who like an attention-grabbing, premium, feature-loaded cruiser. If you want a lightweight cruiser with Japanese engineering and build quality, the Honda Rebel 500 ticks all the right boxes.

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Rajeev | 3 years ago It is looking like ducati diavel 1 Reply

Kapil | 3 years ago Chinese products has no guarantee or warranty , don't compare again Japanese bike Honda 0 Reply