Long and low cruiser with a four-cylinder engine from Chinese manufacturer.

In some circles, talking about a Chinese-manufactured motorcycle is akin to blasphemy. But didn’t we also think that about Japanese motorcycles at one point and look where we are now?

The latest and by no means insignificant new motorcycle to come out of China is this rather dashing but unfortunately-named Benda LFC 700. With a wheelbase not that much shorter than the BMW R18, you can’t say that it isn’t striking!

The engine is a four-cylinder, 680cc DOHC unit that looks suspiciously like Honda’s CB650 motor. While the bore and compression ration remain the same as the Japanese engine, the stroke is 2mm longer thanks to a longer-throw crankshaft. That accounts for the 30cc increase in capacity.

Power is a claimed 97bhp at a screaming and very un-cruiser like 12,000rpm. Final drive is by chain via a six-speed gearbox. The chassis is cast aluminium which contributes to an overall weight of 474lb. Wheelbase is 67.7 in. and overall length is 95.6 in., making it only half an inch shorter than the BMW R18. Crucially, however, the Benda is claimed to be 286 lb. lighter than the German machine.

Front forks are upside down units, Nissin provides the brake calipers and Bosch the ABS. The rear wheel carries an enormous 310/35-18 tyre. Lights are LED and there is a TFT dash. Cruise control, smartphone connectivity and keyless ignition complete the package.

But it is the styling that really catches the eye, from the long, long wheelbase and the hugely wide rear tyre, to the novel four square exhaust outlets on the one side, under the belly of the bike. It’s all very chunky and modern, the complete opposite of the retro-styled BMW and actually looks rather good.

Will it make it to the U.S.? No information on that yet but Benda’s first European importer is already listing it on their website. No pricing has been announced yet, but Benda say it will retail for the equivalent of around $8,000. Given that the BMW R18 starts from $17,500

What do you say? Would you consider it?