Page 44 - LHR November 2025
P. 44
On the road, expect presence over nimbleness. the road, expect presence over nimbleness.
D e s i g n a n d F i r s t H e a r t & S o u l : E n g i n e , One reviewer noted that the
power delivery is “docile
Chassis and Ride Character
Impressions
At its core, the LFC700 brings a
enough to get used to,”
F r o m t h e m o m e n t y o u
approach the LFC700, its
presence is undeniable. The
most eye-catching feature is the
gargantuan 310/35-18 rear
tyre—the widest-in-class
production rear tyre at the time
of its launch. This isn’t a subtle
cruiser; it’s one built for
attention. The front end, with its
c i r c u l a r i n t a k e ( w h i c h
masquerades as a headlamp
but is in fact the air intake for the
engine’s airbox) adds a touch of
futuristic theatre. The actual
lighting setup is tucked into
blade-shaped side cowls,
giving the bike a low-slung,
muscular stance.
Mechanically, Benda hasn’t
skimped: the bike uses a cast-
aluminium chassis, a long
wheelbase (67.7 inches or s o m e w h a t r a r e e n g i n e especially since there are no
about 1,720 mm), and serious configuration for its segment: a ride-modes or traction control
suspension in the form of KYB 676 cc inline-four unit. Yes, you to worry about.
41 mm USD forks up front and read that right—a cruiser that
an adjustable monoshock (or swaps the more common In other words: it’s raw, direct,
dual-chamber air shock in the V-twin or parallel twin for a four- and you engage with the throttle
“Pro” version). On the braking cylinder layout. Output is a n d c h a s s i s m o r e t h a n
side, twin 320 mm discs with quoted at around 85 hp and 60 electronics and rider aids. For
Brembo radial four-piston Nm (44 lb-ft) of torque, though the purist rider who dislikes
calipers up front, and a 260 mm actual figures vary by region electronic wizardry, that may be
disc at the rear, promise (79-92 hp in some markets). It’s a plus; for someone used to full
stopping performance rather not a superbike, but it carries electronic suites, it may feel a
than mere styling.What this the muscle cruiser badge with little pared-back.
means for you as a rider: you’ll authenticity.
arrive somewhere on this On the road, expect presence
machine with emphasis. The ride position reinforces over nimbleness. This is a
cruiser ease: the seat height is machine built to move in
Whether joining a club ride about 696 mm (27.4 inches) in style—not to dart through tight
around Cape Town’s coastline standard trim, making it corners with sportbike agility.
or pulling up in a café in accessible for many riders. But On long, straight roads or
Johannesburg, the LFC700 the weigh-up arrives quickly: a sweeping coastal bends, the
broadcasts “serious machine” curb weight of approximately LFC700 will shine; in tight urban
from first glance. At the same 287 kg (632.7 lb) means this is traffic or on rutted backroads, its
time, it’s not attempting to heavy, and the ultra-wide rear size and weight become factors
replicate a vintage cruiser tyre adds to the visual—and to respect.
look—this is modern, angular, p h y s i c a l — m a s s . T h e
unapologetic. In a magazine suspension and braking Features, Ergonomics &
c o n t e x t , i t p h o t o g r a p h s hardware are competent; the Usability
beautifully. question is: how does it handle In terms of features, the
in the real world? LFC700 offers a solid base: a
44 NOVEMBER EDITION 2025
