Guides
Bobber Motorcycles in Canada: What Is a Bobber and How Do You Choose One?
Updated
A bobber is a stripped-back motorcycle style, typically with shortened fenders, a solo saddle and a low stance. Modern factory bobbers interpret that look in different ways. For Canadian buyers, start with the exact motorcycle’s published seat height, weight and engine displacement, then check your riding position and intended use.
The design description follows the manufacturers’ bobber features: Indian Scout Bobber · Triumph Bonneville Bobber.
Bobber vs cruiser: how do the terms overlap?
Bobber describes the stripped-back look; it can also be a cruiser. Benda describes the Napoleon Bob 500 as a bobber-style cruiser. Use the styling label to narrow your search, then compare the actual seating, controls and specifications instead of assuming that every bobber has the same riding position.
How to choose a bobber for your riding in Canada
- Seat height: can you reach the ground comfortably on the exact motorcycle? Use the published measurement as a starting point and check the width of the saddle and your footwear too.
- Weight: can you comfortably hold and move the motorcycle at a stop? Read whether the manufacturer gives dry, curb, running-order or wet weight before comparing figures.
- Displacement: compare the engine specification, rather than the number in the model name. Discuss the motorcycle and your experience with your instructor before choosing.
- Riding position: check handlebar reach, foot-control position and whether you can operate the controls comfortably. Think about your commute, longer rides and passenger needs.
For training and rider-fit considerations, read the beginner cruiser guide.
Benda Napoleon Bob 500: published specifications
| Specification | Published value |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 475.6 cc |
| Engine | Liquid-cooled V-twin |
| Seat height | 695 mm |
| Weight | 215 kg curb weight (product-page description) |
| Final drive | Belt |
| Rider aids | ABS and traction control (TCS), standard |
See the Napoleon Bob 500 product page.
Napoleon Bob 500 vs Indian Scout Bobber vs Triumph Bonneville Bobber
The table reproduces specifications from the linked official pages. It is a specification reference; check the exact model and configuration before deciding.
| Model / official source | Displacement | Seat height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benda Napoleon Bob 500 | 475.6 cc | 695 mm | 215 kg curb (product-page description) |
| Indian Scout Bobber (2026, standard trim) | 1250 cc | 649 mm laden / 665 mm unladen | 237 kg dry / 246 kg running order |
| Triumph Bonneville Bobber | 1200 cc | 690 mm | 551.2 lb wet |
Official sources and retrieval date
Specifications retrieved on .
- Benda Canadian product page: https://bendamoto.ca/en/products/napoleonbob-500
- Indian Motorcycle Canadian specifications: https://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-ca/scout-motorcycles/scout-bobber/specs/
- Triumph Canadian model and specifications: https://www.triumph-motorcycles.ca/motorcycles/classic/bonneville/bonneville-bobber
Continue your motorcycle research
Bobber motorcycle questions
- What is a bobber motorcycle?
- A bobber is a stripped-back motorcycle style associated with shortened fenders, a solo saddle and a low stance. The linked manufacturer pages illustrate modern factory interpretations of that look.
- Is a bobber the same as a cruiser?
- The terms can overlap. Bobber describes the styling; Benda calls the Napoleon Bob 500 a bobber-style cruiser. Compare the actual seating and controls rather than treating the labels as mutually exclusive.
- How should a beginner choose a bobber?
- Review the exact model’s seat height, weight, controls and engine specification with your instructor. Check how it fits you and your experience before choosing; use the beginner cruiser guide for the broader training and licensing discussion.
- What are the Napoleon Bob 500’s displacement, seat height and weight?
- Benda’s Canadian product page lists 475.6 cc, a 695 mm seat height and 215 kg. Its description calls that weight curb weight. It also lists a liquid-cooled V-twin, belt final drive, and standard ABS and traction control (TCS).
- Can I compare every bobber’s weight directly?
- Read the measurement label first. This table retains Benda’s curb, Indian’s dry and running-order, and Triumph’s wet weight labels. It also retains Triumph’s published unit. The figures do not provide a handling or rider-suitability ranking.
- Does a low seat height tell me whether a bobber fits?
- Use it as a starting point. Check saddle width, your reach to the ground and controls, and whether you can hold and move the motorcycle comfortably. Indian distinguishes laden and unladen seat heights in its specification.
- What should I check if I want to carry a passenger?
- Confirm the exact motorcycle’s approved seating and passenger equipment, then check your provincial licence restrictions. Discuss those requirements before choosing a configuration.