Benda Napoleon Bob 500 test: a bobber that challenges what is established
Benda is a relatively Chinese brand Young born in 2016who wants to make a place in the market thanks to its own designs and a strong commitment to innovation. They already have several interesting models in their catalog, the majority of which is composed of custom motorcycles.
It is being Distributed in Spain by Keeway which at the moment offers three models: La Benda Chinchilla 500, the Napoleon Bob 500 Benda and the LFC700; A spectacular and futuristic Sports Cruiser.
The first two are more classic custom motorcycles, but both pursue a timeless aesthetic, with avant -garde and design touches Very successful. La Chinchilla is a traditional cruiser with a lot of class and the Napoleon Bob is Bobber style Book and it is a bit more macarra
Both share much of their components, among which their very personal and authentic 476 cc V2 engine who oozes character and sounds like a blessed glory.
The founders of Benda are animal lovers, especially cats. This is why both Chinchilla and Napoleon Bob are called like that, since Chinchilla and Napoleon are names of cat races.
The Napoleon Bob Benda is presented as a motorcycle of Aesthetics daring with a very particular style and a very authentic V2 engine. Let’s see the most remarkable of your proposal below.
Benda Napoleon Bob 500 test: a fusion of classic and modern
The Napoleon Bob 500 certainly enters through the eyes. From the first moment it attracts attention and its design leaves no one indifferent. He seduces children, who are speechless to see her; Neophytes who do not know about motorcycles, but which ones they like; And also to some other Oldschool that a Obviously finished quality.
The truth is that since I am a motorcycle tester, I had never approached so many people To ask me about a motorcycle during a test as they have done with this Benda Napoleon Bob 500.
Its design impacts and likes, but also meets notable quality standards, which are appreciated in details such as the deposit painthe satin black of the silent or the modern LED lighting. It is a motorcycle that meets in design, without being effective.
The Bicilindrical engine in V with its golden tapas and details in titanium gray, is established as The most striking visual point and aesthetic of the motorcycle. An exposed heart, hosted in a double crib chassis that also has a very particular textured black finish.
The Round LED lighthouse is a nod to the classic bobber and is harmoniously integrate with the rest of the set. The light signature remembers the fangs of a felineto continue with the cat theme that is present in more details of the motorcycle.
Rearviews, located at the bottom of the handlebar, not only fulfill their function perfectly, but also contribute to the Minimalist and clean aesthetics of the motorcycle.
The control panel Minimalist tft It is another example of the fusion between the classic and the modern. It offers the necessary and concise information, without unnecessary distractions. Being so simple, it does not need more than two buttons, which are tactile and without surface, again simplicity in the details.
The design is car for the nature of the motorcyclewith a seat located alone 695 mm of the ground, and the tires are wide (150 in front and 180 behind); Key elements that define its Bobber aesthetics.
Benda Napoleon Bob 500 test: engine and cycle part, a good balance
Napoleon Bob 500’s soul is a 476 cc bicylindrical enginea mechanic that delivers 47 hp (the maximum power allowed for card A2) to 8,800 rpm and a torque of 42 Nm at 6,700 rpm.
This engine, liquid refrigerated, is characterized by its intoxicating sound and overwhelming delivery of power in low and means regimes. Ideal to enjoy relaxed walks and Sunday curveo, in the best “grandmother’s rocking.”
The exits of curves and accelerations are briose, with claw and accompanied by a Fantastic sound; and the transmission is by strapwhich domesticates all that stuck.
The suspensions are composed of a conventional forkwith the bars lined with two pods that emulate the exotic hossack -type forks; and a adjustable rear monoamortiguadorwhich is hidden behind a plastic lid, thus creating the visual effect of a “hardtail.”
The brake system is made up of a clamp Radial anchor of four pistons And a disc of 320 mm at the front, and a monopiston clamp and a 260 mm album In the back. With ABS Included, the system offers good touch and a braking power rather than enough to stop the motorcycle safely.
The exaggerated ball-style tires, with measures 150/80-16 in the front and 180/65-16 in the rear, contribute to the Bobber aesthetics and are striking. But surprisingly They do not penalize agility As much as I expected, but it surprises how well the motorcycle moves once rolling. In standing it is another song, since the rotation radius is also quite limited.
Benda Napoleon Bob 500 test: Ergonomics, Bobber style with a cafe racer touch
The ergonomics of the Benda Napoleon Bob 500 is marked by its Bobber style, which prioritizes aesthetics and simplicity. The low seat, located 695 mm from the groundallows anyone to raise the feet on the ground easily, which increases trust and standing control. However, this configuration also implies a somewhat compromised driving position, with advanced feet and the body tilted forward.
The handlebar, in the “Flying Wing” style, forces to wear the arms stretched, which can be tired of long journeys, especially if it is circulated at high speeds due to the lack (total) of aerodynamic protection.
The feet controls are adjustablewhich allows adapting the driving position to the preferences of each pilot, or itself adapt to the summer or winter footwear turning a couple of nuts. However, it is very easy to touch the strokes in closed curves, which requires caution on rosy roads.
In general, the ergonomics of the Napoleon Bob 500 adapts well to pilots of different sizes, although those of greater stature may feel somewhat shrunk. The absence of aerodynamic protection forces to deal with the wind, which can be fatigued in long trips. However, seat comfort and ease of handling make it a motorcycle nice to drive on a day -to -day basis.
Benda Napoleon Bob 500 Test: Sensations ongoing
Getting to the Benda Napoleon Bob 500 requires get a little on paper And it is the same motorcycle that will give us foot. Already when you approach, you begin to wrinkle your forehead as if you were James Dean and when you feel your chin will sharpen, like the Clint Eastwood of the 60s. But it is already when starting it, with that sound so full, when one definitely becomes James Hetfield and cannot avoid releasing a “Yeah!”.
The driving posture, although somewhat compromised, is comfortable for a Bobber and not that we have serious injuries or limitations, can even be natural for many people. The controls are in the right position and the seat offers a acceptable comfort leveleven in long journeys.
What can be more tired is the posture of the shoulders, which also have to fight against the wind. Wind that on the other hand, will come with some power, because the motorcycle accelerates with a lot of energy (you have to grab so as not to leave the ass) and maintain with hardly any effort, speeds well above the legal ones.
Despite its aesthetics and dimensions (1550 mm between axes)the Napoleon Bob 500 Surprised by its agility. And I don’t say it silly. It is an easy motorcycle and allows you to enjoy the driving on rolled roads, provided we keep in mind that it is easy to rub the strokes. In general, chanting turns and opening gas in each curve output, it is a lavish aplomb and torque experience.
The engine pushes strongly from low revolutions, offering a forceful acceleration and a sound that invites you to open the gas. It is not necessary Your best performance is in media regimes.
The brakes fulfill their function perfectly, offering a braking power rather enough to stop the motorcycle safely. However, it is advisable to use both brakes to prevent the front fork from sinking too much.
I like to flatten the motorcycle a little with the butt and when I have it a little more hold, then apply the striker more forcefully. Anyway, it is not a requirement and in general the motorcycle stops well and inspires confidence.
The suspensions offer a good commitment between comfort and sports. The rear shock absorber can be a bit dry in potholes, but in general, the motorcycle feels stable and firm in all kinds of situations. Which is important for this type of geometries, which can be uncomfortable if not.
One of the few critical points of the Napoleon Bob 500 is the accelerator, which can have an ON/OFF effect that hinders the dosage of gas at low speeds. This effect, typical of some motorcycles of Chinese origin, requires a certain woman with the clutch to soften the power delivery and avoid pulls.
For example, when you release the gas in second, in a closed roundabout or turn and you want to reopen it, to the throttle slack (also excessive in the test unit) that surprise on/off effect must be added that gives it an initial abruptness. Fortunately, this problem can be alleviated using the clutch to control power delivery, but it is still an aspect to improve.
