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This Gorgeous Entry-Level Bobber Is Just Dripping with Retro Style

A rising brand’s most beguiling motorcycle yet blends jaw-dropping looks with a splash of rider-friendly tech.

Dark green motorcycle fuel tank with "BENDA" logo and brown leather seat against a teal background.Benda
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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Based halfway across the world in Hangzhou City, China, 10-year-old moto manufacturer Benda continues to carve out real estate in the approachable cruiser space.

The brand’s reach is not limited to Asia, either, as affordable bikes such as the Chinchilla 300, Napoleonbob 500 and LFC 700 are all now available in the US.

Green and black custom motorcycle with brown leather seat parked on cobblestone pavement.
Regardless of how you feel about performance, the Napoleonbob 250’s overall look is undeniably striking.
Benda

Though their sizes and features range, one thing so many Benda bikes have in common is superior styling that feels fresh yet familiar.

No wonder I am rooting for the intriguing Napoleonbob 250 to someday reach our shores.

Small thunder

It’s worth noting right off the bat that this bike will not exactly overwhelm you with its grunt, nor is it trying to.

The 249cc power plant makes just over 25 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 18 ft-lbs of torque at 5,500 rpm, numbers more suited to cruising city streets and maybe twisty two-laners just beyond.

Close-up of a motorcycle engine with bronze cylinder heads, black exhaust pipes, and a green and cream fuel tank labeled "Napoleonbob.
Topped by those beautifully burnished heads, this V-Twin looks fantastic, even if it delivers more bark than bite.
Benda

I use the word “cruising” very intentionally, as there’s no chance you’ll blow anyone away with the pickup or speed unless perhaps you ride it off a cliff.

That said, with a bike that looks this good, pinning it pales in comparison to rumbling around, giving everyone plenty of time to appreciate its ogle-worthy old-school style.

The retro touches are everywhere, from the round mirrors and headlight to the teardrop tank, chopped fenders and classic V-twin. 

Person wearing a black and gold helmet, navy blazer, and brown boots sitting on a black motorcycle with a brown leather seat.
The 29-inch seat height and narrow standover should make it easy for most riders to firmly plant their feet.
Benda

While Benda offers five winning paint schemes, the green-and-brown combo shown on this page brings the strongest vintage vibes, looking almost like the engine won’t even turn over if you’re not wearing tweed.

For all the sumptuous styling, however, this Napbob manages to integrate a surprising amount of innovative modern tech. 

Easily the most notable is that funky front shock setup, which Benda calls a multilink suspension fork. 

Close-up of a green motorcycle front with round headlight, black suspension, and brown seat.
One of the most noticeable features is the multilink suspension fork, which one hopes outperforms its funky looks.
Benda

While it promises 3 inches of suspension travel, I might suggest donning a kidney belt before saddling up; the hydraulic rear suspension offers a mere 1.5 inches, meaning potholes could totally telescope your spine.

Though the gauge’s round shape taps an analog aesthetic, the 3-inch round TFT display is decidedly modern, as are such skid- and fishtail-preventing measures as ABS and traction control.

Rear section of a green motorcycle with brown leather seat, black frame, and large black rear tire.
As awesome as this floating solo seat looks, the scant rear suspension has me preemptively rubbing my lower back.
Benda

Those features, supporting 320mm twin discs up front and a 260mm single disc in back, should inspire confidence, as should a beginner-friendly curb weight of 401 pounds and inseam-friendly seat height just over 29 inches.

Even so, I would not necessarily begrudge anyone spending more time admiring this lovely little wayback machine from the front porch than, you know, actually riding it.

Availability and pricing

The Benda Napoleonbob 250 is available overseas in Malaysia, the Philippines and parts of Europe, with a starting price equivalent to just over $5,200 USD. 

No word yet whether the bike will reach US shores, but considering the brand brought over its big brother, the Napoleonbob 500, last year, anything is possible.

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.

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