Skip to contentNapoleon Bob 250 is a brutal bobber for the city and the highway
Napoleon Bob 250 is a rare case where style and practicality coincide. In a compact bobber with a V-Twin, you get confident bottom traction, a comfortable fit and bright LED optics that make the bike stand out in the crowd. The Napoleon Bob 250 is designed for everyday trips and weekend outings: it easily dives into city corners, calmly maintains a cruising speed and does not require complex maintenance.
We honestly drove Napoleon Bob 250 on broken asphalt, busy highways and narrow streets to understand where it is strongest and where we will have to make compromises. The seat is relaxed, the handlebar is wide, the saddle is low – the “friendly” geometry helps to confidently control the motorcycle at low speed.
The brakes are predictable, the suspension is tolerant of potholes, and the sound of the V-Twin adds character without tiring on long trips. The fuel consumption is pleasing, the turning radius is comfortable, and the appearance is a clean, modern bobber without excess tinsel. At autochina.blog, we collect only verified facts, compare competitors and give practical advice on tuning and equipment to make it easier for you to choose.
If you are looking for a first “iron” with an expressive design and a clear way of riding, the Napoleon Bob 250 will be a strong candidate. Then there are the characteristics, market prices, the experience of the owners and an honest list of pros and cons so that you can make a confident decision. Read on and find out how to unlock the potential of the Napoleon Bob 250 on the road.
Napoleon Bob 250 — quick specs
Napoleon Bob 250 is a compact bobber with V-Twin and “adult” fit for city and cruising speeds. Below is a summary of Napoleon Bob 250 specs for a quick comparison and selection of a kit for your tasks.
Napoleon Bob 250 specs.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 249 cc V-Twin, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, EFI |
| Power | 25.4–25.5 hp @ 9000 rpm |
| Torque | 25 Nm @ 5500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual, assist & slipper clutch |
| Top speed | ~120 km/h |
| Wet weight | ~182 kg |
| Wheelbase | ~1540–1545 mm |
| Seat height | ~748 mm |
| Front brake | Single disc, ABS |
| Rear brake | Single disc, ABS |
| Front suspension | Multi-link/girder-style with external shock |
| Rear suspension | Twin shocks, preload adjustable |
| Tire sizes | 130/80-R18 (front), 160/70-R18 (rear) |
| Fuel tank | 9.5 L |
| Lighting & dash | Full LED lighting, round LCD/TFT cluster |
Napoleon Bob 250 is a compact bobber with V-Twin and “adult” fit for city and cruising speeds. Below is a summary of Napoleon Bob 250 specs for a quick comparison and selection of a kit for your tasks.
Napoleon Bob 250 specs.
If you are choosing your first Chinese bike and want to quickly understand the platforms and brands, take a look at our Chinese motorcycles guide — there are structured selections and live advice on choosing: (it will help you orient yourself before visiting the dealer).
Engine & performance
Napoleon Bob 250 immediately impresses with traction on the bottoms: the V-Twin willingly pulls from 2-3 thousand. rpm, allowing you to switch lazily and keep a steady pace in the city. The motor/gear ratios are set in such a way that the Napoleon Bob 250 confidently exits a turn without excessive jerks, and the throttle responds predictably. In fact, Napoleon Bob 250 horsepower is about 25.5 hp, and this is enough for brisk starts at traffic lights and confident maneuvers in the stream.
The assist-slippery clutch smoothes downshifts, reducing the risk of blocking and stabilizing the trajectory — another plus that is revealed on uneven surfaces. In general, the Napoleon Bob 250 gives an “elastic” ride without constant twisting to a stop.
At medium revolutions, Napoleon Bob 250 feels especially harmonious: 4-6 thousand. rpm — a zone where mass does not interfere, and traction is enough for overtaking without multi-page preparation. This is where the real acceleration dynamics are revealed: the motor keeps the speed confidently, and the vibrations remain in a “comfortable noise” without tiring the hands and feet. For the Napoleon Bob 250 highway, the top speed of about 120 km/h is a real ceiling, but the cruiser 90–110 km/h is given calmly and without extra drama. At this pace, the Napoleon Bob 250 is stable, does not “bite” when braking and does not lose its line on asphalt waves.
Napoleon Bob 250 gears are selected “long-medium”: in the city you can click the box less often, and in suburban areas – to keep a smooth sixth without frequent shifts to fifth. The elasticity of the V-Twin allows you to drive “on traction”, saving fuel and power. If a short jerk is needed, the motor reacts quickly to a kick-down, and the Napoleon Bob 250 quickly reaches a “working” 80-100 km/h. All in all, we get a clear character: good low-end thrust, predictable response, clear dynamics for cruising modes and comfortable vibrations that add character and not a headache.
Handling, brakes & suspension
Napoleon Bob 250 behaves predictably and friendly in the city: a wide steering wheel facilitates maneuvering in tight traffic, and a low saddle helps to confidently put your feet on the ground at every traffic light. Balance at low speeds is a strong point of the Napoleon Bob 250: the bike calmly crawls in traffic without “sticks”, willingly accepts small corners and does not require frequent steering.
On “recumbent” and junctions, the suspension does not throw out of the saddle: the moves are adjusted so as to extinguish sharp microwaves and not to rock the body. In turns, the Napoleon Bob 250 keeps the line neutral, allowing you to easily adjust the trajectory with a slight turn of the steering wheel.
On the highway, the Napoleon Bob 250 is stable at a cruising speed of 90–110 km/h: the straight line is maintained without jerking, and gusts of wind do not make you convulsively seize the grip. The general inertia of the chassis also helps here: Napoleon Bob 250 weight adds calmness on the waves of the surface, but you feel it when turning in a limited space – plan the maneuver in advance. When overtaking bikes, we predict: I added gas, waited for traction to build up and returned to my row without nervousness, especially if I selected a gear in advance.
The Napoleon Bob 250 brakes are logically modulated: the front one gives readable deceleration without a hard “bite”, the rear one helps to measure speed on slippery surfaces and on gravel. ABS intervenes delicately, and the engine with noticeable V-Twin braking and an assist-slippery clutch smoothes out descents, keeping the bike straight at the entrance to the turn. The suspension takes bumps without breakdowns; if you ride on “patches”, keep the body relaxed – the Napoleon Bob 250 stabilizes itself after a series of bumps.
Napoleon Bob 250 is universal for the height of the rider: the low seat and narrow waist of the saddle will help short people; for tall people, a light turn of the steering wheel “on itself” and a slightly stiffer pretensioning at the back to remove excess sway will do. As a result, handling is calm and understandable: Napoleon Bob 250 does not provoke, but maintains a confident, clean driving rhythm.
Design & ergonomics
Napoleon Bob 250 visually plays in the league of “adult” bobbers: a long silhouette, a low saddle line and a massive tank create the same muscular profile without being overloaded with decorations. Up close, the Napoleon Bob 250 impresses with details: laconic fenders, dense wiring, neat seams on the seat and smooth exhaust geometry. The landing is naturally relaxed – straight arms, easy “forward” foot position and confident support of the feet on the asphalt. Thanks to the low seat height, the Napoleon Bob 250 is comfortable for both beginners and short riders, and the wide handlebar adds control at low speeds.
Napoleon Bob 250 lighting technology is completely LED: a round headlight with a clear light-dark border, compact turn signals and a bright brake light. In the dark, it is not only style, but also practical visibility. The dashboard is minimalistic and easy to read in the sun; the marking of the indication is laconic, nothing more – pay attention to the road. In motion, the Napoleon Bob 250 feels “solid”: the fit does not get tiring on long stretches, and the shape of the saddle holds the lower back without causing it to be constantly caught.
Separately, about double branding. In some markets, the model goes as the Keeway Napoleon Bob 250, in others as the Benda Napoleon Bob 250. In both cases, it is the same design and platform; Differences are often marketing: logos, dealer networks, local colors and equipment. This is convenient when searching for accessories and catalogs: look at both names if you do not immediately find the necessary part.
For taller riders, the Napoleon Bob 250 allows for fine-tuning: a slight turn of the steering wheel “towards itself”, a choice of denser seat foam or a step in the thickness of the gloves/grips. For miniature riders, the Napoleon Bob 250 already “out of the box” gives a confident touch of the ground and clear ergonomics of control. In sum, design and ergonomics make the Napoleon Bob 250 a “daily bobber”: stylish, collected and predictable in everyday riding.
Price & availability
Bob 250 belongs to the affordable 250 cc class and usually costs significantly less than the Japanese 300-500 cc with a comparable set of options. If you monitor the Napoleon Bob price, look not only at the “bare” price, but also at the final on-the-road bill. Napoleon Bob is sold in different countries through local networks, so Napoleon for sale offers appear in waves: lots sell out quickly at the beginning of the season, and at the end, dealers are willing to trade. It is more profitable to take Napoleon with a transparent breakdown of payments and a fixed exchange rate, if the calculation is in foreign currency.
The concept of OTR usually includes: pre-sale preparation (PDI), delivery to the salon, registration/number plates, taxes/VAT, disposal fee (if applicable), sometimes — first inspection or hour of basic insurance. Napoleon Bob 250 is easy to compare by OTR, if you ask the dealer for a detailed estimate: where are the “hidden” fees, and where are the mandatory payments. Napoleon Bob 250 is often offered with accessory packages; consider the alternative – take the “bare” price and buy the equipment separately.
Auction. The best Napoleon discounts are found in the off-season (late autumn-winter), at the end of the quarter and at the change of model year. Ask for: minus dealer fee, free delivery, equipment/maintenance voucher, extended warranty. Napoleon sometimes participates in promotions with credit/leasing: check the total overpayment, not just the monthly payment. If there are several colors/sets, the flexibility of the choice speeds up the transaction – the remaining stock is often discounted.
Accessibility. In some markets, the model is listed as Keeway Napoleon, in others as Benda Napoleon Bob 250. Search for Napoleon under both names: this way you have a better chance of finding the nearest test bike and “live” prices. Prepayment and a waiting list are possible for popular colors; specify delivery terms and transfer fees. Napoleon, when pre-ordering, fix in the contract: equipment, VIN range, production hours, cancellation conditions.
Checklist before payment: verification of VIN and PTS/log book, production date of tires and battery, PDI mark, charge level, set of keys/tools, warranty book and maintenance schedule. Take Napoleon Bob with a test drive: evaluate the clutch, the operation of the gearbox, vibrations at 90-110 km/h and straightness when braking – so the price will be supported by the quality of the copy..
Maintenance & tires
Napoleon Bob 250 is easy to maintain if you make a clear schedule: look at mileage, season and driving style. On “kids” 250 cc, oil ages faster than city cycles, so for Napoleon Bob 250 it is reasonable to keep the oil and filter change interval in the “corridor” of 3,000–5,000 km (or once a season), and not push to extreme values.
Checking the chain in a Napoleon Bob 250 — every 500–800 km: cleaning, lubrication and correct tension significantly extend the life of the star/chain and reduce vibrations by 90–110 km/h. Once every 2 years, renew the brake fluid, monitor the condition of the pads and discs; It makes sense to change the coolant according to the passport or once every 2-3 seasons, especially if the Napoleon Bob 250 often works in traffic jams.
Critical points: air filter (city dust), spark plugs and regulation of valve clearances. Napoleon Bob 250 gratefully reacts to a fresh consumable – the engine pulls more smoothly “from below”, it is easier to touch and less “diesel” in the heat. From the basic materials, choose motorcycle oil with JASO MA/MA2 tolerance; for the city, the all-season viscosity from the manual is suitable, and for the heat, the “thicker” step within the limits of the passport is suitable. Keep a maintenance checklist: mileage, date of change – this makes it easier to plan the budget and catch early symptoms.
Tires form the character of the Napoleon Bob 250 more strongly than it seems. The stock size — 130/80-18 in the front and 160/70-18 in the back — gives a wide choice of compounds. For the everyday city, the Napoleon Bob 250 works better than “street/cruiser” with reinforced sidewalls: predictability on the track and joints, less “jerky” in the wind.
If you ride in the wet, take a pattern with pronounced drainage grooves; for long-distance drivers — a touring compound with an emphasis on resource and stability at 110 km/h. Start the pressure with the values on the sticker/in the manual and adjust by feel within ±0.1–0.2 bar: Napoleon Bob 250 will immediately “tell” with the steering wheel and braking whether you have reached the right balance between grip and comfort.
Control the balance/wear simply: the Napoleon Bob 250 should keep a straight line at 70–90 km/h without oversteer; if it enters – check the pressure, geometry and “dust” wear. After tire installation, always make a short test drive and check the tightening torque.
For the selection of tires and the correct profile for your weight and driving style, it is convenient to contact the partner: Motopneumatik.it – tire selection and accurate tire fitting for bobber landing: (“For a bobber, the correct profile is important – here they will quickly select and advise on the pressure.”)
And the main thing: Napoleon Bob 250 lives longer and more pleasantly, if it does not save on small things – a clean chain, fresh oil, honest tire pressure and a conscious choice of compound. It’s a simple math of comfort and safety that pays off on every trip.
Riding gear & accessories
The Napoleon Bob 250 asks for a body that matches the style of the bobber, but doesn’t sacrifice protection. Let’s start with the helmet: for the city, a full-face or modular with ECE certification and fast ventilation is good – the Napoleon Bob 250 has a low fit and a straight torso, so ventilation is important. Open-face looks authentic, but leaves the chin unprotected; a reasonable compromise — modular with a tinted visor and anti-fog. At cruising speeds, the Napoleon Bob 250 maintains stability, and the helmet with an aerodynamic “tail” will reduce noise and impact. Don’t skimp on comfort: the light shell and normal weight save your neck on everyday trips.
Gloves. For the Napoleon Bob 250, leather short cuffs with TPU overlays/sliders on the palms are suitable – the grip on the wide handle is calm, flexibility and ventilation are important. In the rain, take a membrane, in the heat – perforation, in the off-season, insulated cuffs save you. Jacket and protection: a classic for the Napoleon Bob 250 — a leather or textile jacket with CE Level 2 shoulder/elbow protection and a back “turtle” pocket.
The low fit of Napoleon Bob 250 does not like long floors – choose a shortened cut that does not gather like an accordion and does not press in the lower back. On the legs — jeans with Kevlar inserts and removable knees/hips; boots with a reinforced toe and protector to stand confidently on markings and metal.
Safety iron. On the Napoleon Bob 250, engine guards (arcs), frame sliders and axle sliders are in demand – they take the first contact during awkward parking. Separately – bar-end mirrors: on the Napoleon Bob 250, they reduce windage, expand the view and visually emphasize the steering line. For use in the city, a USB socket, a phone mount and a compact alarm system with a shock sensor are useful; Napoleon Bob 250 stands tight and low, it’s good when the cable lock complements the disc lock with siren.
Luggage and style. Saddlebags (rigid/semi-rigid), swingarm bag and fork/tool roll fit perfectly under the Napoleon Bob 250. It is important that the bags do not conflict with the course of the suspension and turn signals; adjust the fasteners after the first trip. If you need quick access — a tail bag on the “tail” or a small tank strap for your phone and documents. The Napoleon Bob 250 long-distance bike gratefully accepts a minimalistic rear rack — a competent shift of weight preserves the steering.
Where can I buy everything at once? For the selection of helmets, gloves, protection and bags for landing a bobber, we have a verified partner Polo Motorrad CH: — “We choose protection taking into account the landing of a bobber and city traffic.” The catalog is wide, it is easy to put together a “get dressed and go” kit that harmonizes with the lines of the Napoleon Bob 250 and does not deviate from the aesthetics. The result is simple: the right equipment makes the Napoleon Bob 250 safer, calmer and visually more complete — style without compromising on protection.
Pros & cons
Napoleon Bob 250 is a stylish city-cruiser bobber with an emphasis on traction “from below” and simple daily operation. Below are the strengths and trade-offs to see if the Napoleon Bob 250 is right for your needs.
Pros
“Live” V-Twin: elastic traction on the bottoms, elasticity without constant twisting.
Confident control in the city; the low saddle gives peace of mind to beginners.
Full LED light and clear arrangement — visible both day and night.
Friendly service: access to consumables, reasonable maintenance intervals.
A sophisticated style of bobber; it’s easy to put together a complete image with accessories.
Predictable brakes with ABS: good modulation on slippery surfaces.
Napoleon Bob 250 is stable at 90–110 km/h, a comfortable cruiser.
Cons
Mass is felt on parking turns and when pushing.
The “top” reserve is limited: dynamics after 110 km/h are modest.
Specific front kinematics will not work for everyone – fine-tuning is more difficult.
The service network depends on the region: at some dealers everything is excellent, at others it is a queue.
The secondary name is new: the liquidity of Napoleon Bob 250 is still lower than “Japanese”.
Result If you need an expressive daily-bobber without tumbling in maintenance, the Napoleon Bob 250 covers the basic needs convincingly. When buying, check the nearest dealers/services, availability of consumables and real prices – so Napoleon Bob 250 will save value and nerve cells on the horizon of several seasons.
Napoleon Bob 250 review — opinions of owners and test pilots
Napoleon Bob 250 in reviews is most often praised for its calm character and traction “from below”. “The landing is relaxed, the knees are not squeezed, the handlebars are wide – you won’t get tired in the city,” sums up one rider. In the Napoleon Bob 250 review, they note that there are vibrations, but they are “textural”, without numbness of the hands on everyday runs. Napoleon Bob 250 is predictable when starting from a traffic light, the throttle is linear, the clutch forgives roughness during downshifts. The consumption is called “reasonable for a 250”, especially if you keep the engine at medium revs and do not rev to a cutoff.
On the track, Napoleon Bob 250 is comfortable in the range of 90–110 km/h: the chassis is stable, the bumps under braking are small, overtaking is done without fuss with a timely downshift. “After some time in the saddle, the lower back is in order, there is no desire to get off every ten minutes,” test pilots write. For long-distance drivers, the owners recommend softer gloves and earplugs – so the Napoleon Bob 250 feels even calmer. The light is also noted: “The LED headlight really helps in empty areas, the markings are clearly visible,” says one review.
Practical ones are often chosen from the first upgrades. Napoleon Bob 250 gets more “sticky” city tires, gel or molded inserts in the seat, bar-end mirrors for better visibility. Popular steel engine guards, brake pads with a more grippy beginning and a smartphone mount with fast charging — so Napoleon Bob 250 is more convenient in everyday driving. Some owners install a compact “wind turbine” and a quieter exhaust system to reduce fatigue on suburban distances. In sum, Napoleon Bob 250 collects the image of an honest daily-bobber: there is character, but no fatigue.
Napoleon Bob 250 vs Honda Rebel 300
| Category | Napoleon Bob 250 | Honda Rebel 300 (CMX300) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & layout | 249 cc V-Twin, liquid-cooled, 8-valve, EFI | 286 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, PGM-FI |
| Power (hp) | 25.4–25.5 hp @ 9,000 rpm | ~25 hp |
| Torque | 25 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | ~17.6 lb-ft (≈24 Nm) |
| Transmission / clutch | 6-speed, assist & slipper clutch | 6-speed, conventional wet clutch |
| Top speed | ~120 km/h | ~85 mph (≈137 km/h) |
| Curb/Wet weight | 182 kg (~401 lb) | 364 lb (~165 kg) |
| Seat height | 748 mm (~29.5 in) | 27.2 in (691 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 1545 mm (60.8 in) | 58.7 in (1491 mm) |
| Brakes | Front & rear discs, ABS | Front & rear discs, ABS (optional/market-dependent) |
| Suspension | Multi-link/girder-style front with external shock; twin shocks rear | Telescopic fork front; twin shocks rear |
| Lighting & dash | Full LED, LCD/TFT round cluster | LED lighting; simple LCD cluster |
| Price (examples) | Market-dependent; e.g., RM20,888 in Malaysia | MSRP $4,849 (US, 2025) + destination |
| Availability (dealers) | Benda/Keeway regional networks; staggered by market | Broad Honda global dealer network |
| Style vibe | Long-wheelbase modern bobber, muscular silhouette | Minimalist cruiser, low-slung and approachable |
| Tuning potential | Engine guards, bar-end mirrors, saddlebags, small flyscreen; niche aftermarket growing | Very wide aftermarket (seats, exhausts, racks, bars) |
| Best for (rider type) | Returning riders wanting a stylish daily bobber + relaxed weekend cruises | Beginners/shorter riders seeking easy low seat and strong dealer support |
FAQ
Conclusion and what to choose next
The Napoleon Bob 250 is an honest daily-bobber for those who want style, comfort and a clear character without unnecessary drama. If you are a beginner or returning after a break, the Napoleon Bob 250 gives you a low landing, predictable steering and an elastic V-Twin that calmly carries you at low revs and holds the cruiser without stress. In the city, it is a “soft” partner: easy maneuvers, clear brakes and comfortable ergonomics.
The easiest way to assemble a kit for your needs is around the basic configuration: check for ABS (standard in most markets), take engine guards, bar-end mirrors and a compact flyscreen – the Napoleon Bob 250 is more stable in the wind and cheaper in case of awkward parking. For the city, stickier street tires are suitable, for the suburbs – a touring compound: the Napoleon Bob 250 is sensitive to the rubber profile and pressure. For long-distance riding, add a USB outlet, a smartphone holder, a small tail bag; the saddle can be upgraded with a gel insert — the Napoleon Bob 250 will become more comfortable for an hour or more.
To each his own. A beginner will appreciate the “low entry threshold”: the Napoleon Bob 250 forgives mistakes with gears and is stable on uneven surfaces. A returnee will appreciate the calm moment at medium revs and the absence of “nerves” on the steering wheel: the Napoleon Bob 250 allows you to ride rhythmically and without fatigue. For a daily rider, consumption/resource and simple maintenance are important — the Napoleon Bob 250 is service-friendly and does not require exotic consumables. For “weekend” rides, the bobber style and V-Twin sound give emotion, and the chassis remains predictable.
What’s next. Browse our sections with reviews, comparisons and practical checklists for choosing Chinese motorcycles and accessories – they will help you to accurately “hit” the budget and usage scenario. Additionally, take a look at AIInnovationHub.shop: http://aiinnovationhub.shop/ – “Useful checklists and tools – we will pump up the choice of motorcycle accessories and services.” There you will find structured cheat sheets for planning upgrades so that the Napoleon Bob 250 will immediately turn out “for yourself”.
The result in one sentence: if you need a stylish, understandable and economical “workhorse” for every day and for short trips, the Napoleon Bob 250 is a smart choice. Take a test ride, check the OTR estimate and select a starter kit of accessories – so the Napoleon Bob 250 will delight you with controllability, comfort and overall “integrity” of the image from day one.
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