When you hear “Chinese motorcycle,” most people think cheap commuter bikes or uninspired knock-offs. But Benda Motorcycles isn’t that kind of brand. It’s built a name for itself by doing the unexpected—offering aggressive, outlandish styling, solid performance, and bikes that are genuinely different from the norm.
With high-revving four-bangers and twins, eye-catching designs, and a willingness to break the mold, Benda is one of the few Chinese marques getting real attention in the global cruiser scene.
Now, it’s officially arrived in the United States.
Thanks to Keeway America, Benda is hitting US showrooms with a focused lineup of three bikes. These aren’t just rebadged clones—they’re original, affordable cruisers aimed at riders who want something fresh without breaking the bank. Before the end of this month, the first wave of Benda motorcycles is set to land at dealerships across the country, and for riders bored with the same old V-twin formula, they just might be worth a look.
At the base of the lineup is the Chinchilla 300, a lightweight cruiser designed with entry-level riders in mind. With a compact frame, low seat height, and classic cruiser styling, it’s friendly, approachable, and easy on the wallet with a $4,999 MSRP. Then there’s the Chinchilla 500, which shares the same attitude but packs more muscle and road presence. It’s a great middle step for riders wanting a bit more power, priced at $5,999.
The most visually daring of the three is the Napoleonbob 500. With a name that sounds like a steampunk action hero, it doesn’t shy away from turning heads. The design is bold and unconventional, and it’s aimed squarely at riders looking for an alternative to the cookie-cutter cruiser crowd. At $6,399, it’s still well within reach and offers a lot of value for the money.
Keeway America is handling distribution and support, adding Benda to its growing stable of global two-wheel brands. For dealers, it’s a chance to offer something unique on the floor, especially as younger and newer riders are drawn to bikes with modern looks, tech, and price tags that won’t require a second mortgage.
According to Keeway, “Benda fills a clear gap in the cruiser market,” bringing something fresh at a time when the next generation of riders wants more than just chrome and nostalgia.
But there’s one thing that could complicate Benda’s US rollout: tariffs.
We’ve talked at length before about how the US powersports industry is being rocked by trade policies, and unfortunately, motorcycles from China are right in the crosshairs. Earlier this year, the US hiked tariffs on certain Chinese imports up to a massive 100 percent or more—part of an ongoing trade dispute that’s impacted everything from batteries to motorcycles. That’s a big deal for a value-focused brand like Benda, and it raises serious questions about long-term pricing.
Thankfully, there’s a bit of breathing room—for now. In a recent update, the US government eased some of those tariffs, scaling back motorcycle-specific duties to a more manageable 30 percent for the time being. That temporary reduction could give Benda and its dealers a chance to get their foot in the door, but the situation remains fluid.
Needless to say, if trade tensions flare up again, or if tariffs jump back to triple digits, those tempting MSRPs could climb faster than these bikes zero-to-60 time.
For riders, that means now might actually be the best time to buy, while prices are still low and availability is good. Whether Benda can weather the shifting landscape of international trade remains to be seen, but there’s no denying that it’s entering the US market with bold styling, solid specs, and a whole lot of attitude.
Source: Keeway America
