Cruiser style motorcycles probably don’t come much more oddly named or strikingly styled than the Napoleonbob 500, the latest offering from new Chinese brand Benda, but the result is so good – and so affordable – it’s worth taking seriously.
It’s one of three new cruiser machines just launched into the UK by importers MotoGB. Benda was set up in 2016 and they specialise in cruiser style bikes. They moved into Europe in 2024 and already have five different engine platforms, three V-twins from 250 to 500cc, one 500cc V4 and even a 676cc inline four. Three models are entering the UK for 2026, this, it’s more conventionally styled sibling, the Chinchilla 500, and the wacky LFC700 hot rod, which we have reviewed previously. Oh, and the name (stop tittering at the back) is derived from ‘B and D Motor’ and, whatever you may think, isn’t likely to change anytime soon.
As mentioned, the Napoleonbob is one of Benda’s two new 500 cruisers. Both are based around a fairly straightforward, but utterly credible, 476cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine in a low-slung, bobber-style cruiser chassis. The Napoleonbob is the more extreme of the two with a different rear end, which hides its monoshock suspension to impersonate the hardtail look. It also sports a ‘floating’ solo seat and ‘flying wing’ handlebars for a stumpier, more aggressive riding position, plus styling features like fork shrouds which mimic the look of girder forks, all for just £300 more than the more conventional Chinchilla. But both, names aside, could easily be mistaken for a ‘pukka’ Harley, work commendably and are very temptingly priced.
At the heart of both the Napoleonbob and Chinchilla 500 is Benda’s own 476cc liquid-cooled, eight-valve, V-twin which not only fulfils the usual cruiser requirement of being a V-twin but impressively also comes with Harley-style belt final drive and has twin shotgun silencers exiting on the right-hand side. So far, so good. It also produces peak claimed power of 47bhp, so fits into the A2 licence requirement. Best of all, though, it delivers sweetly, too. It responds perkily but not intimidatingly, having flexible, enjoyable drive throughout the range and comes accompanied by a fruity, characterful vibe and soundtrack. As an entry-level cruiser powerplant I struggle to think of any better, especially at the price, with the only slight downside being its slightly low 4000-mile service intervals, although, considering the type of use it’s likely to get that probably won’t be a problem.
Handling-wise it impresses, too. Although ‘bobbers’ can be extreme and sometimes prioritise form over function with their big balloon tyres and short suspension travel compromising comfort and handling, that’s not really the case here. Of the two variants, the Chinchilla is a little easier and more familiar, with a slightly roomier riding position. But the solo-seat Napoleonbob isn’t at all bad. Suspension is by KYB and the shrouded and adjustable front forks are more than competent. At the rear, the Napoleonbob’s preload adjustable monoshock (the Chinchilla has twin shocks) is only occasionally caught out by potholes, and although the fat 150/80 x 16 front tyre (and even fatter 180/65 x 16 rear) look a little worrying and are by budget Chinese brand Timsun, it steers far easier than you think it will. The grip is adequate too and, overall, it’s more than fine.
On face value you’d be forgiven for thinking the fairly extreme-looking Napoleonbob 500 would deliver a fairly extreme ride. Not so. With a low seat and a fairly conventional handlebar position, it’s easy to get on and feel comfortable with. Although ‘pegs are a little forward, on the move it all feels natural enough (even though most of your weight is through your backside) and, although more hunched and slightly more cramped when compared to the more laid-back Chinchilla, there are no real comfort or control concerns, at least over shorter distances. I’m 6’3” (190cm) and had no real issues at all.
Similarly, you wouldn’t normally expect a focused bobber to offer much in terms of practicality, but, again, the Napoleonbob’s more than acceptable within reasonable considerations. Around town it’s a nimble, manouvrable joy; it’s a doddle to ride yet also a decent enough performer to makes Sunday ride outs great fun. Admittedly, it can’t take a pillion, and I wouldn’t fancy many motorway miles, but for the type of bike it is it delivers more than satisfactorily.
While even in terms of equipment (something you wouldn’t expect much of on a budget, Chinese-built bobber), the Napoleonbob manages to exceed expectations as well. There are no riding modes but you don’t need them, although there is a basic switchable traction control system. The small, 3”, round TFT dash displays all you need and is utterly in-keeping with the style of the bike. The KYB suspension, although barely adjustable, is decent quality, as are the brakes, there are LED lights all round and, although the tyres are by an unfamiliar budget brand, they’re enough for this type of bike. It also seems decently built with more than a few nice finishes.
The real heart of the appeal of the new Benda 500s is ultimately the price. Both the Chinchilla and Napoleonbob have all the right things in all the right places, perform better than you might expect and have more than few neat design touches. All of that, for £5199 for the Chinchilla and £5499 for the more stylised Napoleonbob, is great value, especially when you realise their nearest comparable Japanese rivals, the Honda Rebel 500 and Kawasaki Eliminator 500, neither of which are belt-driven V-twins, are £5799 and £5999 respectively.
But as is often the case with new, temptingly priced Chinese models, there is of course a ‘but’. First, there’s no getting away from the name (is that the ‘Benda’ or ‘Napoleonbob’? – Ed). It might bother some, it might not bother others, but it does put me off. Second, it’s a new and unproven bike from a new and unproven manufacturer, with the usual long term question marks around reliability, residuals and dealer experience that come it. Plus, its service intervals are a little narrow and some parts, like the tyres, a bit basic. But… it is a very good first attempt.
Benda Napoleonbob 500 specification
Price: £5,699
Engine: 476cc V-twin, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Power: 47bhp (34.4kW) @ 9,000rpm
Torque: 42Nm (31lb-ft) @ 7,200rpm
Transmission: Six-speed, belt
Frame: Tubular steel cradle
Suspension: (F) 41mm USD telescopic forks, no adjust (R) preload adjustable single shock.
Wheels: Cast aluminium, (F) 16 x 3.5in (R) 16 x 5in
Tyres: Timsum TS-970 (F) 150/80 x 16, (R) 180/65 x 16
Brakes: (F) 1 x 320mm discs, four-piston radial caliper, (R) 260mm disc, twin-piston caliper. ABS
Weight: 215kg (wet)
Wheelbase: 1,550mm
Seat height: 695mm
Fuel tank: 16 litres
Fuel consumption: N/a
Service intervals: 4000 miles/12 months
Warranty: 24 months unlimited mileage
Contact: https://www.bendamoto.co.uk
Words: Phil West
Photos: Too Fast Media
