Letbe Arthur 700: Chinese Naked Bike Starting at 6,000 Euros Challenges Yamaha MT-07 and Kawasaki Z 650

• 693 cc parallel twin with 75 hp (55 kW) and 68 Nm, available in Germany from May 2026
• Promotional price starting at 5,990 euros (approx. 6,640 USD), list price 6,390 euros (approx. 7,080 USD)
• Imported by FK Motors Europe in Schneverdingen, five color options available

A new name is emerging in the European motorcycle market, and it sounds less like a two-wheeler brand than a Beatles song. Letbe, a sub-brand of the Chinese manufacturer Haojin from Guangzhou founded in 2022, is launching several models in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland starting May 2026. The current flagship in the lineup is called the Arthur 700, positioning itself as an affordable alternative to established mid-range naked bikes such as the Yamaha MT-07, Kawasaki Z 650, and Suzuki GSX-8S.

What does the Letbe Arthur 700 offer technically?

The Letbe Arthur 700 is powered by a liquid-cooled parallel twin with 693 cc displacement. The DOHC engine with eight valves produces 75 hp (55 kW) at 8,750 rpm according to the manufacturer, delivering a maximum torque of 68 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Power is transmitted through a six-speed gearbox. Letbe states a top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph).

The engine bears at least external similarities to Kawasaki’s 650 cc unit, which is also used in a slightly modified form by CFMoto in the 700 CL-X range. Compared to the Kawasaki original, however, the displacement has been increased to 693 cc, which explains the slightly higher power output and stronger torque. The bore measures 83 mm, the stroke 64 mm, and the compression ratio is 11.6:1. The fuel injection system comes from Bosch, and the engine is Euro 5+ compliant. This represents a significant improvement over the initial 2023 version, which was still at Euro 4 level and thus practically ineligible for the European market.

What suspension components does Letbe use?

The Arthur 700’s chassis is based on a steel tube bridge frame clad with plastic side panels that visually imitate aluminum. According to Motorrad Online, the upside-down telescopic fork and side-mounted shock absorber are reportedly supplied by Kayaba (KYB). At the front axle, two disc brakes provide stopping power, with a single disc at the rear, and the braking system is reportedly supplied by J.Juan. The mandatory ABS is a two-channel system. The initial 2023 version used Continental as a supplier; whether this applies to the current version has not been confirmed.

According to Motorrad Online, the tires come from Pirelli. A 120/70 ZR 17 is fitted at the front, a 160/60 ZR 17 at the rear, both on 17-inch rims. The wheelbase measures 1,430 mm, ground clearance is 135 mm, and the overall dimensions are 2,080 x 870 x 1,110 mm (length x width x height).

How heavy is the Letbe Arthur 700 compared to the competition?

Weight is where the Arthur 700 shows a disadvantage compared to its Japanese competitors. The manufacturer’s website lists the curb weight at 202 kg (445 lbs), while Motorrad Online reports a wet weight of 213 kg (469 lbs) with a full fuel tank (14.5 liters). For comparison: the Yamaha MT-07 weighs around 184 kg (405 lbs) wet, and the Kawasaki Z 650 approximately 187 kg (412 lbs). Depending on the comparison basis, the Arthur 700 is 20 to 30 kg heavier than the established mid-range competition. On the other hand, the seat height of 780 mm is relatively low, which should make it more accessible.

What has changed since the 2023 debut?

The Letbe Arthur was first presented in late 2023 under the designation Arthur LB 700, originally as a retro-inspired roadster with a different design language. Quite a bit has changed since then. The styling has been modernized and now more clearly aligns with the current naked bike segment, featuring more aggressive lines. The engine has been upgraded from Euro 4 to Euro 5+, which made European homologation possible in the first place. The equipment has also been revised.

Even the initial version featured some unusual tech features for this price range. An integrated gyroscope enables a lean angle display in the cockpit, though without resulting in advanced functions such as lean-sensitive ABS or inclination-sensitive traction control. The TFT display offers smartphone connectivity via a proprietary app with navigation and entertainment functions. Additionally, a front-facing camera is installed that can record rides, but does not provide active safety features like distance warning. Whether all these features have been retained in the current European version is not entirely clear from the available information. The current manufacturer’s website only mentions a camera with 1,280 x 720 pixel resolution. The equipment list also includes ABS, full LED lighting, a TFT display, and a keyless system.

How much does the Letbe Arthur 700 cost in Germany?

Price is the Arthur 700’s strongest argument. In Germany, the list price is 6,390 euros (approx. 7,080 USD); Letbe currently offers a promotional price of 5,990 euros (approx. 6,640 USD). An additional 249 euros in delivery charges apply, according to importer FK Motors Europe. The importer for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland is FK Motors Europe, based in Schneverdingen in northern Germany.

For comparison: the Kawasaki Z 650 starts at around 7,695 euros in Germany, and the Yamaha MT-07 at approximately 7,699 euros. The Arthur 700 thus undercuts the Japanese competition by roughly 1,500 to 2,500 euros, depending on which competitor and whether the promotional or list price is used. Five color options are available, all at the same price. The manufacturer’s website lists Obsidian Black and Antelope Gray among them.

Who is behind the Letbe brand?

Letbe was founded in 2022 as an independent brand of the Haojin Group. Haojin is a major Chinese motorcycle manufacturer headquartered in Guangzhou, primarily active in the Asian market. According to the manufacturer, the Letbe brand aims to pursue a young, individualistic approach. In addition to the Arthur 700, the lineup includes several other models across different segments, including the Flygon, Mecha, Velocity, Island, Neon, and Aurora.

The brand’s marketing is particularly noteworthy, having provided amusement in the English-speaking motorcycle community. The manufacturer’s website describes the Arthur 700 in a style that reads less like a motorcycle spec sheet and more like philosophical life wisdom. Phrases like “Arthur is a presence felt before you are seen” or “185 km/h isn’t the goal. It’s freedom” come across more as motivational quotes than factual product descriptions. Then there’s the brand name itself, which in English immediately evokes associations with the Beatles song “Let It Be.”

Where does the Letbe Arthur 700 fit in the segment?

The Arthur 700 joins a growing number of Chinese motorcycles increasingly entering the European market. The technical quality of Chinese two-wheelers has improved significantly over the past decade, as brands like CFMoto have already demonstrated. On paper, the Arthur 700 offers respectable performance and a contemporary standard equipment package at a price well below the Japanese competition.

The factors that will ultimately determine success in Europe are ones about which little is currently known: actual build quality, long-term durability, spare parts availability, and service network coverage. Letbe states it is building a network of authorized service centers and offering a factory warranty, but provides no details on scope or duration. According to the manufacturer’s website, all models come with a factory warranty, with exact terms available on request.

Anyone considering a new 700 cc naked bike and shopping on a budget will find the Arthur 700 an interesting option on paper, at least. Whether the price difference compared to the established competition pays off in the long run can only be assessed once independent ride reviews and long-term ownership reports become available.

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➜ This article is part of our comprehensive overview: New Motorcycles 2026: All Models, Releases, and Highlights at a Glance. Find all key information on this topic in one place.