The compact yet powerful Dark Flag 950 is out to give classic big-bore two-cylinder bikes sleepless nights.Based in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province in eastern China, Benda has only been at the motorcycle making game for a decade.Perhaps the lack of history is a strength, as the brand continues to produce good-looking, forward-thinking bikes that are not beholden to the past.Benda's Hangzhou headquarters sits more than 7,000 miles from Milwaukee, yet bikes like this one aim to get all up in Harley's kitchen. - Credit: BendaThe latest example, set to make its European debut at EICMA next month, is the new Dark Flag 950, which challenges the traditional V-twin crowd with a rumbling 948cc V4 power plant.With the liquid-cooled 16-valve engine making 109bhp at 9,000rpm, this pirate ship boasts potent top-end potential for its size, as Benda also promises smooth power and responsive acceleration.The 1,923cc Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output V-twin of Harley's iconic Low Rider S, for comparison, makes 114hp at 5,000rpm.Benda rates the 16-valve, liquid-cooled V4 at 109bhp, an impressive number for a retro a cruiser, especially relative to its size. - Credit: BendaThe engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a low-maintenance belt final drive and a slip-assisted clutch for stability during aggressive downshifts.Adhering to some old-school principles, the chassis features a tubular steel frame and steel swingarm, with responsive Brembo brakes, an upside-down fork and twin hydraulic shocks.A 27.2-inch seat height and 62.6-inch wheelbase put the Dark Flag 950 in Harley Lowrider S territory. - Credit: BendaAt the same time, nodding to modernity, the bike features a bright 3.6-inch TFT display with a claimed 120-degree viewing angle, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, an idle shutdown system and cruise control.Despite coming more than a century after Harley and operating more than 7,000 miles from Milwaukee, the brand appears to nail the retro cruiser styling too: teardrop tank, chopped fenders, round headlight and mirrors and more.The Dark Flag 950 wears a teardrop tank, chopped fenders and a round headlight and mirrors — all staples of the classic cruiser aesthetic. - Credit: BendaThe wide bars and forward controls set up a classic cruiser riding position, while the low-slung seat (27.2 inches) and long wheelbase (62.6 inches) approach the specs of the aforementioned Lowrider S.Benda has yet to confirm any pricing or availability, with more information likely to accompany its upcoming EICMA spotlight.About the Author:Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.