Bristol is a brand-new, boutique motorcycle company that strives to offer high-quality, affordable bikes with classic styling. High-quality international OEM automotive and motorbike suppliers help Bristol build its motorcycles. Their motorcycles are painstakingly constructed, one-of-a-kind, European-inspired, and bespoke-styled, and they are made for both the casual rider and the discerning aficionado. The Bristol Classic 400i 2023 serves as an illustration.
Design
The Classic 400i maintains the look of those vintage motorcycles down to the fuel tank, telescopic suspension, twin rear shock absorbers, analog panel, and halogen headlamp, among other details. Every Classic 400i that leaves the factory is hand-built, so attention to detail was clearly noticeable, particularly on the welds. As you pass by, its dual stainless-steel exhausts shout and draw attention. What appeals to me most about this motorcycle is the way it feels: how the rear brake pedal feels, how the bike accelerates, and how it handles—exactly the characteristics one would expect from a vintage bike.
Fuel Condition
During a weeklong ride through Metro Manila and back to my home in Cavite on the Bristol Classic 400i, I averaged a respectable 31 kilometers per liter of fuel used, which is not bad for a genuine 400cc expressway-legal motorcycle.
Brake
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which is already built into the Bristol Classic 400i, is arguably one of the most crucial must-have motorbike technologies today. Once the speed reaches 30-35 km/h, the ABS turns on. Let’s not forget that the Classic 400i’s front brake has four pistons—you read that correctly—four pistons. Only more expensive motorcycles on the market often deliver a precise biting sensation comparable to that of the 4-piston caliper.
Engine
The 400cc Hartford engine, an air and oil-cooled single cylinder, 4-valve SOHC, 4-stroke EFI that is connected to a 5-speed gearbox with chain as the final drive, is the core of the Bristol 400i. An 8.8:1 compression ratio means that the engine is tough and can operate on low-octane fuels, which are readily available in the regions. One of my favorite aspects of this motorcycle is the throttle response feel, which is reminiscent of old carbureted classics despite being fuel injected to fulfill current Euro-4 pollution standards.