Benda Dark Flag 600 Ultra EC: V4 cruiser with e-clutch

A cruiser with a V4 and an automated clutch? With the Dark Flag 600 Ultra EC, Benda combines exactly these ingredients. At EICMA 2026, the manufacturer is announcing a new generation of its Dark Flag family. Besides the engine, it brings a new frame, revised seating ergonomics and an air suspension that lowers the bike when parked. The EC suffix stands for Electronic Clutch. And with it, a clutch lever that you can still use, but don't have to.

At the heart of it all is a liquid-cooled V4 with 598.5 cc, 16 valves, 63 x 48 mm bore and stroke and a compression ratio of 12.2:1. Benda quotes 52 kW or 70.7 hp at 10,500 rpm and a maximum of 55 Nm at 8,000 rpm. Add to that electronic throttle control, a six-speed gearbox and a belt final drive. Riders with an A2 licence get an option too: a 35 kW version has also been announced.

Or, more precisely, by foot. The BEC Mk III clutch control, short for Benda Electronic Clutch, takes over clutch operation when pulling away, shifting and stopping, if desired. You still select the gear yourself with the foot shift lever. The clutch lever is retained so that manual operation remains possible. According to Benda, the system is intended above all to reduce rider workload when pulling away frequently, while preserving the conventional motorcycle feel. Cruise control, activated at the push of a button, is also part of the features.

According to the manufacturer, the new double-cradle frame is 3.5 kg lighter and 40 percent more torsionally rigid than that of the Dark Flag 500 Commander. That figure refers to the frame, not a weight saving for the complete bike. Thanks to the new layout, a central, large-volume intake tract replaces the side-mounted airbox. Benda puts the improvement in intake efficiency at 30 percent. At the same time, the arrangement is intended to create more legroom. Overall width is reduced by more than 40 mm, and the footpegs move 11 mm rearward compared with the previous model.

At the rear, a second-generation dual-chamber air suspension does the work. On start-up it automatically levels the bike, and when parked it lowers it. According to Benda, this combination of a low parking position and a riding configuration is meant to make getting on and off easier, as well as everyday riding with frequent stops. The spec sheet lists a seat height of 680 to 730 mm. Up front there is a telescopic fork, at the rear a steel swingarm.

For the wheels, Benda relies on 16 inches, with 130/90-16 tyres at the front and 180/65-16 at the rear. Disc brakes on both wheels and ABS handle the braking, supplemented by traction control and a side-stand cut-off switch. The cruiser measures 2,320 mm in length, 907 mm in width and 1,108 mm in height. Its wheelbase is 1,588 mm. The documents list 254 kg as kerb weight, without further definition of the fill level. The tank holds 16 litres.

Up front, four fang-shaped daytime running light elements frame a central LED projector headlight. The cockpit doesn't stop at a central TFT display: a second display integrated into the tank shows coolant temperature and fuel level. USB-A and USB-C ports supply compatible devices with power. For the controls, Benda uses chrome-accented switches whose design is reminiscent of a gamepad.

The Orion seat features striking decorative stitching, and the one-piece acrylic emblem is thick-walled. Symmetrical exhaust outlets on both sides complete the look. With this, Benda combines cruiser proportions with visibly modern technology, from the lighting to the instruments.

The European market launch is planned for 2027. Benda lists Cast Green, Mecha Black and Stella Grey as the expected colours. Further details on European specifications and availability in individual markets are to follow closer to launch. The current press release does not yet mention a price.

How much power does the Dark Flag 600 Ultra EC have?

According to Benda, the 598.5 cc V4 delivers 52 kW or 70.7 hp at 10,500 rpm. Maximum torque is 55 Nm at 8,000 rpm.

Does the electronic clutch shift gears by itself?

No. The BEC Mk III can operate the clutch when pulling away, shifting and stopping. Gear selection is still done manually via the foot shift lever. The clutch lever remains usable.

What does the air suspension of the Dark Flag 600 Ultra EC do?

It automatically levels the bike on start-up and lowers it when parked. Benda quotes a seat height range of 680 to 730 mm.

Is an A2 version planned and when will the model arrive?

In addition to the 52 kW version, a 35 kW version for A2 has been announced. The European launch is planned for 2027. Price and more detailed market availability have not yet been announced.