BENDA Rock 707: V-twin cruiser with air suspension and e-clutch

Cruisers aren't exactly considered a playground for unusual technical solutions. With BENDA, and now the new Rock 707, things look a bit different. With adaptive air suspension featuring a variable seat height and an electronically controlled clutch, the Chinese manufacturer packs two interesting solutions into its new V-twin cruiser. The bike is set to be available at European BENDA dealers from mid-September 2026.

At the heart of the BENDA Rock 707 sits a 692cc V-twin engine producing 54 kW, or 73 hp, at 9,000 rpm. Maximum torque is 68 Nm at 6,500 rpm. According to BENDA, the engine is designed for strong pull at low revs as well as lively responsiveness in the mid-range. Whether the V-twin actually turns out to be a source of riding joy will, of course, have to be shown in a proper ride test.

An electronic throttle control is intended to enable precise throttle response. Power reaches the rear wheel via a belt drive, which according to BENDA combines quiet running with low maintenance requirements. For longer stretches, the Rock 707 also comes with cruise control.

More exciting than the pure performance figures, however, is a look at the technology surrounding the gearbox on the Rock 707. BENDA has fitted the electronically controlled BEC MK-III clutch. The system combines electronic control with mechanical actuation. This is meant to allow starting off, shifting, and stopping without operating the clutch lever. Stop-and-go traffic and slow maneuvering in particular are said to become more pleasant as a result. Those who prefer to shift the classic way can still do so, according to BENDA: the clutch can also be operated fully manually.

This particular combination suits the somewhat unusual character of the Rock 707. On the one hand, the classic clutch lever remains in place; on the other, riders should simply be able to ignore it in everyday use. How harmoniously the BEC MK-III works in practice will only be shown by a test.

The second technical highlight sits at the rear. There, an adaptive twin-chamber air suspension does its work. According to BENDA, the electronically controlled air chambers respond to the weight of rider and pillion as well as to road surface conditions. In addition, the system automatically adjusts vehicle height when stopping and starting off. This allows the seat height to be varied by 30 millimeters, between 690 and 720 millimeters. When putting a foot down, at the gas station, or on laterally sloped ground, the Rock 707 can be lowered. While riding, it is then meant to return to its normal ride height.

The principle is already known from existing BENDA models - it can be assumed that it also works without issues on the Rock 707.

The rest of the chassis is more conventional. The BENDA Rock 707 is based on a steel cradle frame. Up front, an upside-down fork handles suspension duties, while at the rear the electronically controlled air suspension does the work. Braking is handled by disc brakes at both front and rear. ABS and traction control are also part of the package. An anti-hopping clutch is on board as well.

BENDA also leaves some room for flexibility at the rear. As standard, the Rock 707 is set up as a two-seater. However, the pillion seat can be swapped for an optional luggage rack. This is mounted via a special bracket made of chromed aluminum. This allows the Rock 707 to be converted between pillion operation and luggage transport depending on the intended use.

European enthusiasts won't have to wait much longer. The BENDA Rock 707 is set to be available at European BENDA dealers from mid-September 2026. Just a few weeks later comes the big trade show appearance: BENDA plans to present the Rock 707 alongside further new models on November 3, 2026, at EICMA in Milan. The manufacturer will be found in Hall 18, Stand A54.