As a design-driven brand, Benda has always strived to fully embody our vision of motorcycle design in our products—without compromise, without conformity. Our goal is to bring revolutionary concept bikes directly to life, full-scale and production-ready, rather than chasing trends or pandering to the market. The Napoleonbob 500 is the purest reflection of that commitment.
The Birth of a Unique Napoleon
Like the Chinchilla series, Napoleon also draws its name from a cat breed. Much like its feline namesake, the Napoleonbob 500 is compact yet muscular, featuring a sculpted silhouette, robust front suspension, large wheels, and a low, grounded stance.
So what inspired the design behind Napoleon? Our team at Benda observed a growing shift among riders: many are no longer drawn to group rides or the constraints of carrying a passenger. Instead, they embrace the solitude of solo journeys—a deeper, more personal connection between rider and machine. It’s during those moments alone on the road that we reflect, reconnect with ourselves, and truly enjoy the essence of riding. This insight became the soul of the Napoleonbob 500—a Bobber designed for modern independence, and unmistakably Benda.
Redefining the Bobber
Creating a Bobber that’s both original and outstanding within such a deeply rooted style tradition is a challenge we embraced. We went back to the origins of Bobber culture, where motorcycles were stripped down for simplicity, style, and attitude. That pursuit of minimalism and distinctive stance still captivates today.
But Bobber style has evolved. It now represents freedom, self-expression, and lifestyle. That philosophy aligns perfectly with our own design ethos. While the Napoleonbob 500 retains key elements of the Bobber stance, we believed it needed more—something that speaks to a new generation of riders.
As we see it, many of today’s motorcyclists—much like the older Café Racer generation—aren’t chasing top speed. They seek the spirit of individuality and freedom those machines once symbolized. Café Racers have become more than stripped-down street bikes; they’re retro-inspired, personality-driven icons. Their sporty posture also resonates with Benda’s long-standing focus on sporty cruisers.
This fusion of Bobber and Café Racer DNA defines Napoleon’s fresh approach to riding: a new attitude, a new expression.
A Bobber with a New Riding Style
Every part of the Napoleonbob 500’s development was carefully refined, tested, and reworked. One standout feature is the sheathed-style front suspension, inspired by classic tubular multi-link structures from the early 20th century. This design lends the bike a powerful presence—exactly the look we envisioned for a modern Bobber.
The inspiration came quite unexpectedly. Watching a Napoleon cat perched on a clock, one of our designers was struck by the resemblance to this front suspension idea. That same playful spirit is carried through the design: look closely and you’ll find two cat paw marks engraved on the fork, and a subtle outline of a cat’s head hidden behind the headlamp—an homage to Benda’s signature “cat fang” light design.
Another standout element is the wing-style one-piece handlebar, raised 4cm above the original concept. It brings a new level of comfort to the Bobber form, on par with traditional sport cruisers.
Of course, the most iconic Bobber feature is the floating solo seat. While single seats are standard in the Bobber world, reimagining it with a fresh twist was a significant challenge. Our team pushed beyond conventional limits. For us, a next-generation Bobber should combine smooth curves with muscular lines, offering both lightness and visual substance.
That philosophy flows through every detail of the Napoleonbob 500. Take the rear swingarm, for instance. We fused our obsession with clean, flowing lines and advanced engineering into a single forged piece—paying homage to traditional motorcycle construction while modernizing it with cutting-edge craftsmanship.
A thick aluminum spine connects the fuel tank, seat, and rear axle—creating a striking “soul diagonal,” a signature Bobber silhouette. The floating seat is mounted directly along this line, bringing harmony and boldness together in one clean sweep.
With the Napoleonbob 500, Benda once again proves that true innovation lies in staying authentic. This motorcycle is not just a bobber—it’s a personal statement, a design philosophy on two wheels, and a tribute to those who ride not to impress, but to express. As we continue to challenge the boundaries of motorcycle design, Benda invites all riders to experience the unique soul of the Napoleonbob 500—where individuality meets engineering, and tradition finds its future.
