Benda Tang Knife vs Honda CB650R: Specs Compared

Jul 12, 2021
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2 min read

Can China’s mid-displacement inline-four naked outshine its Japanese foe?

Benda became quite popular when it showcased its 700cc inline-four engine-powered cruiser concept a couple of years ago. The company showcased a production-ready model a few weeks back and has also built a naked employing the same engine. Called the LFS700 Tang Knife, the naked has got the Honda CB650R directly in its crosshairs. Can it hit the Honda where it hurts or is the Japanese naked still superior? Here’s what their spec sheets suggest:

Engine

Specifications	Benda Tang Knife	Honda CB650R
Engine	680cc, inline-four, liquid-cooled, 16-valve engine	648.72cc, inline-four, liquid-cooled, 16-valve engine
Power	93.81PS @ 11,000rpm	87.02PS @ 12,000rpm
Torque	63Nm @ 8,500rpm	57.5Nm @ 8,500rpm
Gearbox	6-speed	6-speed

Honda India is known to detune its motors for us, and the CB650R is no different. Had it been the European-spec bike, the Honda would have run the Benda quite close but as things stand, the extra output is sure to favour the LFS700 and that’s despite it weighing 12kg more.

Underpinnings

Specifications	Benda Tang Knife	Honda CB650R
Frame	Chromoly steel tube with central aluminium frame	Twin tube diamond
Front suspension	Preload-adjustable USD fork	Telescopic USD fork
Rear suspension	Preload adjustable offset-mounted monoshock	Preload adjustable monoshock
Front brake	4-piston Brembo radial caliper	4-piston Nissin radial caliper
Rear brake	Single-piston Brembo sliding caliper	Single-piston Nissin sliding caliper
Front tyre	120/70 - 17	120/70 - 17
Rear tyre	180/55 - 17	180/55 - 17

Both of these heavy-duty inline four nakeds are evenly matched in the components department. Frames aside, the suspension, brakes, and tyres are of the same type. But obviously, there are a few differences. The brakes on the Benda are from Brembo while the suspension on the Honda is Showa-sourced.

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Dimensions

Specifications	Benda Tang Knife	Honda CB650R
Wheelbase	1480mm	1449mm
Ground clearance	170mm	148mm
Fuel tank capacity	18-litres	15.4-litres
Seat height	800mm	810mm
Kerb weight	218kg	206kg

The Benda LFS700 edges the CB650R in a few crucial aspects: a more accessible seat height, a larger fuel tank, and higher ground clearance. Sure, the 12kg excess weight is going to be felt at slow speeds and parking situations. Also, its longer wheelbase should ideally make it a lazier bike in the twisties.

Price & Verdict

Benda Tang Knife	Honda CB650R
CNY 38,800 (roughly Rs 4.46 lakh, excluding Indian taxes)	Rs 8.67 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai)

Shockingly, Benda has managed to price the LFS700 competitively. In its domestic market, the Benda is one-third the price of the Honda and that’s a big plus point for the Chinese newcomer. So it seems that China has finally managed to upset the Big Red in this comparison.

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