Chances are a decent number of you reading this have never ridden a motorcycle with an automatic transmission, let alone one with a CVT. For most of us, the joy of riding comes from disconnecting from the monotony of everyday life and doing something that keeps us fully engaged with our senses. That usually means clicking through gears and feathering the clutch ourselves.
But we’re living in ever-changing times. Automatics were once reserved for scooters—machines many riders dismissed as boring and solely utilitarian. Now, however, automatics are carving out an even bigger place in the motorcycle world, and among enthusiasts, too.
This is where the Benda Chinchilla 350 CVT Neo enters the picture. On paper, it sounds a bit weird: a V-twin cruiser paired with a scooter-style continuously variable transmission, or CVT. At first you might think, what even is this? But looked at from a different perspective, it makes sense. It’s a happy medium for riders who want the low-slung, laid-back vibe of a cruiser, combined with the twist-and-go smoothness of a scooter. No clutch lever, no gear shifter—just gas and go.
The engine is a 343cc V-twin making 34 horsepower at 8,700rpm and 23 pound-feet of torque, numbers not far off from maxi-scooters. With a curb weight of 430 pounds, it sits right in that middle ground between light city bikes and heavier cruisers. Like a scooter, both brakes are mounted on the bars, making it approachable even for riders moving up from smaller machines.
Gallery: Benda Chinchilla 350 CVT
Benda has already confirmed the model for export, with Europe first in line. Given that its US arm already sells the smaller Chinchilla 300 for under $5,000, it wouldn’t be a stretch to see the 350 CVT Neo land stateside as well.
The question is: who is this bike for? Will American riders embrace a cruiser without gears? Personally, I’ll admit I like my bikes completely manual. But that’s me. For others, especially new riders or those who value ease of use over engagement, the Chinchilla CVT might hit the sweet spot.
At the end of the day, it’s about choice. The more options available, the more people can find their way onto two wheels. And if the Benda Chinchilla 350 CVT Neo helps make that happen, then it deserves its spot in the conversation.
Sources: Cycle World, Benda Motorcycles
