V4 Cruiser at a Bargain Price! Benda Darkflag 500 Review

When a cruiser with a V4 engine and air suspension hits the market, it certainly grabs attention. The Darkflag is priced at just a fraction of what other manufacturers demand for their (admittedly more powerful) V4 models. At €8,990, it sits in the upper tier of A2 bikes, offering unique technology rarely found in the mid-range category. Featuring a quad exhaust system, a low seat, and plenty of metal, the Darkflag stands as a formidable presence in its category. The Euro 5 version we tested delivers 54 hp. A Euro5+-compliant Commander version with a TFT display, altered exhaust design, an additional color option, and A2-license-friendly 48 hp will be available by summer.

One of the standout features of the Benda Darkflag 500 is undoubtedly its powertrain. A liquid-cooled 500cc V4 engine with 16 valves delivers 54 hp and 42 Nm of torque. The sound is intense at startup, promising emotions that aren't fully realized during the ride. Power delivery is smooth but not forceful: the V4 needs revs to unleash its power; low-rev cruising isn't its forte and is quite challenging. The short gearing means that at 50 km/h in sixth gear, you're already at 3,000 rpm. The engine's strengths shine above 6,000 rpm, with the limiter only kicking in beyond 10,000 rpm. The vibration levels remain moderate, and the V4 character is noticeable despite the small displacement.

The rear of the Benda Darkflag hosts its second major highlight. An electronically adjustable air suspension system automatically adapts to the rider's weight upon sitting down. When stationary, the bike can be lowered into a parking position, making mounting and dismounting even easier. A button on the left handlebar allows switching between Comfort and Sport modes.

In Comfort mode, the suspension provides a smooth, satisfactorily damped ride, although lean angle clearance is reduced. In Sport mode, the Benda raises, and the suspension becomes noticeably firmer. However, this affects responsiveness, as the rear feels harsh and jacked up instead of offering progressive damping. During spirited riding, like the Napoleon Bob 500, the frame touches down first, not the footpegs. Benda should urgently refine this aspect for safety considerations.

With a wheelbase of 1,660 mm and balloon tires sized 130/90-16 at the front and 150/70-16 at the rear, one might assume the Benda Darkflag is not known for nimbleness in corners. However, it proves otherwise. The wide handlebars and an unusually large steering angle for a cruiser make it maneuverable despite its hefty weight of 260 kg fully fueled (as claimed by Benda and confirmed on the 1000PS livestock scale). The low center of gravity helps smaller riders handle it well. It remains stable in hairpins and can be steered precisely with some assertive input on the handlebars. There is a slight tendency to stand up when braking in a lean, but it remains manageable.

The Benda Darkflag offers classic cruiser ergonomics: a low seat, forward foot pegs, and the previously mentioned wide handlebars. The seat height varies between 670 and 700 mm, depending on the air suspension mode. The seat locks the rider into a fixed position, which looks stylish and accommodates tall riders (the tester is 1.87 meters tall) but offers limited room for movement. Smaller riders will find a secure footing thanks to the low seat height. Passenger comfort is limited: with a passenger on board, the rear light might become obscured depending on the size of the pillion, though there’s enough space for short trips. The maximum payload is 180 kg.

The Darkflag comes equipped with ABS, switchable traction control, a cruise control system with set/reset functions, a USB port (USB-A/C on the Commander) at the cockpit, a quirky LED fuel indicator on the tank, and an analog speedometer complemented by a simple LCD display. The latter only indicates the cruise control status with a small green light, which can be easily overlooked in daily use. Operating the cruise control requires some acclimation, as speed maintenance isn't always reliable, and neither the traction control nor ABS is lean-sensitive, though they perform solidly. The lighting system is fully LED. The Commander version features a standard TFT round display.

Up front, a 320 mm single disc with a dual-piston caliper is employed, while a 260 mm disc is used at the rear. The braking performance matches the character of the bike, offering good modulation but not a sporty feel. The brakes are supplied by J.Juan, a subsidiary of Brembo. The CST balloon tires provide adequate grip and are commendable for their rolling noise, although they fall short in self-damping compared to other competitors. The 16-liter tank ensures a range of just over 200 kilometers even during spirited rides—V4 engines are, and remain, thirsty.

Is the Benda Darkflag 500 suitable for tall riders?

Yes, tall riders will find a comfortable position thanks to the spacious seat and stretched ergonomics.

How does the Benda Darkflag 500's air suspension work?

The air suspension automatically adjusts height based on the rider's weight and offers two modes: Comfort and Sport. In Sport mode, the suspension behavior is moderate.

What is the ready-to-ride weight of the Benda Darkflag 500?

Fully fueled, the Benda Darkflag 500 weighs around 260 kilograms.

What is the seat height of the Benda Darkflag 500?

Depending on the air suspension mode, the seat height ranges from 670 to 700 mm.

Is the Benda Darkflag 500 A2 license compliant?

Yes! While the tested version delivers 54 hp, those ordering now will receive the 48 hp version, known as the Commander.

How does the V4 engine of the Benda Darkflag 500 perform?

The V4 engine delivers power linearly and demands revs. It's an exciting engine concept, though initially unusual in a cruiser.

What standard equipment does the Benda Darkflag 500 offer?

It comes with ABS, switchable traction control, cruise control, a USB port, and rear air suspension as standard. The Commander variant additionally features a TFT round display.

How is the handling of the Benda Darkflag 500 with CST balloon tires?

Thanks to its low center of gravity, wide handlebars, and good steering angle, the handling is surprisingly agile for a cruiser.

What is the range of the Benda Darkflag 500?

With a 16-liter tank, realistic ranges of around 200 km are possible.