Now a new player is making an appearance: Chinese manufacturer Benda is working on its own boxer model – the BD250-3B.
Technical basis: The small boxer with great ambition
Unlike the large-volume BMW boxers, Benda has opted for a compact solution. The model name BD250-3B indicates a cubic capacity of 250 cm³. Visually, the engine appears larger, which is no coincidence at Benda: the NapoleonBob 250 and 500 models already impress with their oversized cylinder heads, which make the machines appear more powerful.
Technically, Benda relies on modern solutions: The two-cylinder boxer has DOHC valve control (double overhead camshafts) and four valves per cylinder. The unit is cooled by both air and water. Large cooling fins on the cylinders meet a striking water radiator. In terms of design, Benda follows the current BMW model: the engine is inverted so that the clutch and gearbox are arranged at the front and underneath to save space.
Specific performance figures are not yet available. However, a liter output of at least 100 hp is expected, which at 250 cm³ should result in an output of around 25 to over 30 hp (18.4-22.1 kW) at relatively high engine speeds.
Unusual chassis solutions
Benda is also innovative when it comes to the chassis: a solid tubular steel frame forms the main frame, with the engine integrated as a load-bearing element. At first glance, the front wheel guide looks like a classic Girder fork, but conceals a normal telescopic fork under decorative covers – similar to the NapoleonBob 500.
At the rear, a particularly elaborate design catches the eye: an aluminum swingarm with a high-mounted pivot point carries a lower-mounted central suspension strut. The deflection mechanism appears to have a complex design and could even include hydraulic or pneumatic elements – a technology that Benda has already successfully used on the Dark Flag V4 with electronic air suspension.
Drive: chain instead of cardan
Surprising: Despite the longitudinally installed engine, Benda relies on a chain drive instead of the cardan shaft commonly used on boxers. The power is transmitted via an ingenious two-stage system: a first chain or belt runs diagonally upwards from the gearbox to a sprocket on the swing arm bearing, from where a second chain drives the rear wheel. The power is redirected through 90 degrees via a gearbox – possibly with hydraulic assistance, but without automatic transmission, as the clutch lever and foot-operated gearshift on the patent drawings show.
Production readiness likely – European launch possible
Benda is known for turning even unusual concepts into production vehicles. Models such as the NapoleonBob 250 with a Girder look or the LFC 700 Pro with folding headlights have made it from patent to the road. Benda models such as the Chinchilla 300, Chinchilla 500 and NapoleonBob 500 are now also available in the USA, where they cost between 4899 $ (approx. 4560 €) and 6399 $ (approx. 5960 €).
A launch of the BD250-3B in Europe – including Germany and Austria – therefore seems realistic. The small boxer could come onto the market as early as 2026.
Even more exciting: there is already speculation that Benda is planning further boxer models with a larger displacement. Similar to the Dark Flag 950, which followed the original Dark Flag 500, an entire Boxer model family could be created in the future.
