Keeway America, the importer of Benelli motorcycles, is on the move. The global company is bringing a new motorcycle brand to the United States—Benda. There will be three Benda motorcycles imported starting in the spring. At the top of the line, Keeway America introduces an intriguing new contender in the compact cruiser class. The 2025 Benda Napoleon Bob 500 blends classic bobber aesthetics with modern tech. Let’s go over it with a fine-toothed comb.
- The 2025 Benda Napoleon Bob 500 has a distinctive look. It’s a steampunk-inspired bobber, exuding an air of retro-futurism with its faux rigid suspension, wrinkle-finish frame and gold accents, lightly upholstered solo saddle with gold stitching, teardrop tank, bar-end mirrors, dual mufflers, and a contemporary powerplant.
- The 476cc V-twin engine is high-revving thanks to a DOHC architecture. You spin it up to 9000 rpm to hit the 74-horsepower peak, and torque comes to a head at 7200 rpm when 31 ft-lbs are produced. A six-speed transmission gives the bike a claimed top speed of 90 mph. Final drive on the 2025 Benda Napoleon Bob 500 is via belt.
- Yes, there is suspension lurking behind the curtain. The traditional fork is clad with a cover that gives it a deco look, while the single shock is hidden behind bodywork. The fork is non-adjustable with nearly four inches of travel, while the rear shock is spring-preload adjustable, though no rear-wheel travel number is claimed by Benda.
- The 16-inch wheels get a pair of wide Timsun tires. That’s a high-profile 150 in the front and a low-profile 180 in the rear. Timsun, based in Shandong, China, sells tires in 60 countries. The 2025 Moto Morini Calibro 700 we recently tested had Timsun tires, and they acquitted themselves nicely. Both tires get bobber fenders, with the rear fender a swingarm-mounted hugger design. The license plate and tail lighting are also mounted on the swingarm for a low-profile look.
- That’s a radially mounted front brake caliper. The Benda-branded four-piston caliper works on a massive 320mm disc in the front. A well-hidden 260mm disc takes care of the rear wheel. The brakes have the job of slowing down a motorcycle that weighs 473 pounds with the 4.2-gallon tank filled.
- Narrow faux clip-ons and forward foot controls mean the 2025 Benda Napoleon Bob 500 is serious about cruising. While the narrow faux clip-ons and forward foot controls speak to style, they position this bike as a stylish cruiser for shorter rides to favorite local destinations where it will likely turn heads when parked. The seat height is an accessible 27.4 inches.
- The blacked-out round dash holds a TFT display. The dash display is contemporary, with an electronic tachometer around the perimeter and a prominent digital speed readout. The switchgear is extensive, with dedicated buttons for ABS and traction control. All lighting is LED.
- With a list price of $6399, the 2025 Benda Napoleon Bob 500 is in direct competition with the Kawasaki Eliminator 500. That puts the Chinese-made Napoleon Bob at $400 less than the ABS-version of the Japanese-built Eliminator. The Napoleon Bob is available with Gold or Titanium Gray wheels, with black being the predominant finish with gold highlights. We’re definitely looking into testing it.
2025 Benda Napoleon Bob 500 Specs
ENGINE
- Type: V-twin
- Displacement: 476cc
- Bore x stroke: 69 x 63.6mm
- Maximum power: 47 horsepower @ 9000 rpm
- Maximum torque: 31 ft-lbs @ 7200 rpm
- Top speed: 90 mph
- Compression ratio: 11.5:1
- Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 vpc
- Starting: Electric
- Fueling: EFI
- Cooling: Liquid
- Exhaust: 2-into-2 w/ crossover
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Clutch: Cable-actuated wet multiplate w/ slipper function
- Final drive: Belt
CHASSIS
- Frame: Double-cradle
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable fork; 3.9 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Spring-preload adjustable shock; N/A
- Tires: Timsun
- Front tire: 150/80 x 16
- Rear tire: 180/65 x 16
- Front brake: 320mm disc w/ radially mounted Benda 4-piston caliper
- Rear brake: 260mm disc w/ hydraulic caliper
- ABS: Standard
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 61.0 inches
- Seat height: 27.4 inches
- Fuel capacity: 4.2 gallons
- Curb weight: 473 pounds
- Color: Gold; Titanium Gray
2025 Benda Napoleon Bob 500 Price: $6399 MSRP
2025 Benda Napoleon Bob 500 Photo Gallery
