Bennche Spire 800 Review

Bennche Spire 800

While out in Texas for the 2011 Mud Nationals, I had the opportunity to jump behind the wheel of Bennche's sport model, the Spire 800. The Spire is all about sport with power and size to match. The 800cc v-twin has 55HP and lots of low end torque that can easily spin the wheels in the dirt.

Besides the impressive power plant, the Spire 800 comes street-legal ready with windshield, mirrors, horn and blinkers. Unfortunately, that doesn't work in California, but in states like Arizona, it is a huge plus to have all the necessary safety items already installed.

We had a fairly packed schedule trying to cover all the events at Mud Nationals, but I did get to run around in the dirt for a few hours. I was very impressed with the power-to-weight ratio of the Spire 800. It felt very sporty and fun to drive. It comes with four wheel independent suspension, dual vented hydraulic disc brakes, and tilt steering. The width of the Spire is a narrow 52" and much like other stock UTVs, it would benefit with some aftermarket shocks and a long travel suspension, if you plan to get aggressive in the dunes or on the trails.

The Spire comes with a front and rear sway-bar, which gives the user the opportunity to dial it in for terrain and rider preference. I felt that the front sway-bar was a bit much for my liking, so I would probably remove it. But I do like to have the option to make that decision myself.

With an MSRP of $8,999, the Bennche is a great value and they have outfitted the Spire nicely with aluminum wheels and a winch right out of the box.

The Spire 800 has a width of 52". With the addition of a long travel suspension and some aftermarket shocks, it would be quite an impressive duner.

Spire 800 comes street-legal ready with windshield, mirrors, horn and blinkers.

The Spire's bed is built for light loads

Specifications:

Engine

    Engine Type     V-Twin, 8 Valves

    Displacement     800 cc

    Bore & Stroke     91 x 61.5mm

    Compression Ratio     9.5:1

    Fuel System     EFI

    Ignition     Electric

    Transmission     Automatic L-H-N-R

    Drive Train     Shaft Drive; On-Demand 2WD/4WD; Locking Differential

    Cooling     Liquid

    Horse Power     55 HP

    Fuel Tank Capacity     7.6 gallons

    Battery     12 volts 21 amp

Dimension

    Overall Length     104.3 in.

    Overall Width     52.4 in.

    Overall Height     73.2 in.

    Seat Height     16.7 in.

    Ground Clearance     10.2 in.

    Front Tire     25x8-12

    Rear Tire     25x10-12

    Wheelbase     76.2 in.

    Dry Weight     1165 lbs

    Bed Capacity     154 lbs

    Towing Capacity     220 lbs

Suspension

    Front Suspension     Independent Double Wishbone

    Rear Suspension     Independent Double Wishbone

Brake

    Front Brake     Dual Ventilated Hydraulic Disc

    Rear Brake     Dual Ventilated Hydraulic Disc

Other

    Color     Black, Blue, Red

    Warranty     12 Months Limited Warranty

More Photos:

Manufacturer Info:

Bennche, Inc.
1434 Patton Place, STE 106
Carrollton, TX 75007

Toll Free: 888-881-3036

Website: www.bennche.com

Direct Link: Spire 800