Small bikes have always had a certain charm. They’re light, approachable, and usually built to make riding easy for beginners. But every once in a while, something comes along that completely rewrites the rules. We saw that not too long ago with the Kawasaki ZX-25R and ZX-4RR. But this time around, a little-known Chinese manufacturer wants to take small bike performance even further.
This is where Benda’s P51, a radical hybrid concept, enters the chat. It’s a bike that shows just how far performance can be pushed in the small-capacity segment.
First unveiled at the Chongqing Motorcycle Expo before making its way to EICMA 2025, the P51 is inspired by the legendary P-51 Mustang fighter plane. It’s an appropriate name for a motorcycle that aims to soar past the limits of what a 250cc machine can do. Beneath its striking bodywork sits a 250cc liquid-cooled, DOHC boxer-twin engine paired with an electric motor mounted underneath. When both power sources work together, the system delivers a combined 62 horsepower and about 74 pound-feet of torque. That is the kind of output you expect from a middleweight twin, not something half its size.
According to Benda, the P51 can sprint from zero to 62 miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds. That’s absurd for a bike this small. It’s quicker than some 600cc sportbikes and light-years ahead of the typical 250 commuter. The secret lies in its hybrid system, which sends instant torque from the electric motor straight to the front sprocket, filling in the low-end punch that most small engines lack. The result is smooth, seamless acceleration that keeps pulling even as the revs climb.
But beyond the numbers, the layout itself is a clever piece of engineering. The hybrid motor and battery placement help keep the center of gravity low, while the total wet weight sits at just 392 pounds. This makes the P51 agile and balanced, whether carving corners or blasting down a straight. The rear-mounted battery also improves traction, allowing the bike to dig in and transfer power more efficiently (and maybe even pop a few wheelies here and there). Riders can even choose to let the bike handle shifting automatically, making it ideal for daily commutes in and around the city.
As for the styling, the P51 looks like a mix of retro and cyberpunk influences, blending old-school muscle with futuristic touches. It has telescopic forks shrouded by girder-style covers, an aircraft-inspired headlight, and a dual seat setup that hides fold-away pillion pegs. The aluminum frame and steel subframe combine strength with style, while the single-sided swingarm and mono-shock setup give it the stance of a real performance machine. Everything about it feels intentional and engineered for effect.
What makes this concept exciting is how it flips the script on what small motorcycles can be. The P51 isn’t a commuter pretending to be sporty. It’s a serious performance experiment showing how hybrid technology can enhance internal combustion rather than replace it. You still get the familiar sound and feel of a combustion engine, but now it’s paired with instant electric torque that makes every twist of the throttle addictive.
For Benda, the P51 is a statement piece about the future of performance and innovation in the small-displacement category. The company has been expanding rapidly in China and Europe, and recently set up shop in the US. And so projects like this prove it’s ready to bring fresh ideas into the motorcycle industry. While there’s no word yet on whether the P51 will enter production, the mere fact that Benda has built a working prototype means it’s only a matter of time.
Source: Benda Motorcycles
