Introducing the Bristol Assassin R400

The Bristol Assassin R400 is a naked-style motorcycle from Bristol Motorcycles that has gained popularity in the Philippines — especially among riders looking for an expressway-legal mid-size bike that blends style, affordability, and performance. It debuted around 2022 and remains one of Bristol’s key offerings in its 400 cc segment. 

In a market where many riders dream of upgrading from small-capacity bikes, the Assassin 400 offers a balance — enough engine capacity for highway riding, yet manageable for urban daily use. 

Technical Specifications & Performance

• Engine: 371 cc, liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder, DOHC, 8-valve, 4-stroke engine. 
• Power & Torque: ~39 hp at 10,500 rpm and 28.5 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm. 
• Transmission: Manual gearbox, typically 5-speed (some earlier writeups mention 6-speed) depending on variant. 
• Fuel & Ignition: EFI (electronic fuel injection), fuel type gasoline. 
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 13 liters. 

Dimensions & Ergonomics:

• Length: 1,950 mm; Width: 825 mm; Height: 1,105 mm 
• Wheelbase: 1,370 mm 
• Seat Height: 810 mm; Ground Clearance: 170 mm. 
• Kerb Weight: ~149 kg, making it relatively light for its class. 
• Tyres / Wheels: 17-inch alloy wheels; 120/70-17 front, 150/60-17 rear (radial, tubeless). Suspension & Brakes: Inverted front fork, mono-shock rear suspension; disc brakes front and rear with dual-channel ABS for added safety. 
• Electrical & Features: All-LED lighting, digital / TFT instrument cluster, USB charging port, and other modern amenities such as digital odometer, fuel gauge, oil change indicator, and gear shift indicator. 

These specifications make the Assassin R400 a fairly competent bike for both city commuting and occasional highway or longer rides, offering a good compromise between usability, comfort, and performance.

Design & Styling: Aggressive Naked-Bike Looks

One of the Assassin R400’s most appealing aspects is its styling. It has a bold, aggressive design reminiscent of more expensive European / premium naked bikes. Observers often note that its modern front headlight setup, exposed frame elements, and overall silhouette give it a sporty, muscular stance — a feature that appeals to younger riders or those who want a “big-bike” look without breaking the bank. 

Also noteworthy is the presence of upscale touches more commonly found on premium bikes — such as a TFT instrument cluster, inversion front forks, and the overall build — making the bike stand out in its price and displacement bracket. 

In short: Assassin R400 packs both form and function, offering looks that attract attention while still delivering ride practicality.

Real-World Use: What Riders Say

Based on user feedback (from local motorcycle review sites), many owners say that Assassin 400 feels light, agile, and confidence-inspiring especially for mid-level or “first big bike” riders. 

Because of its moderate weight and manageable seat height, it’s often considered suitable even for riders transitioning from smaller-capacity bikes but wanting to dip into the 400 cc class without getting overwhelmed. 

Moreover — and this is interesting — some units of Assassin R400 have even been used in public-service context. For instance, the local arm of Bristol Motorcycles donated two custom-fitted Assassin R400 bikes to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), equipping them with portable oxygen tanks, fire extinguishers, sirens, crash guards, and storage boxes for first aid gear — pointing to the bike’s versatility beyond just personal commuting or recreation. 

This goes to show that, in addition to being a “budget-friendly big bike,” Assassin R400 can also adapt to roles requiring agility and responsiveness — a testament to its balanced design.

Pricing & Market Position (Philippines)

When it launched, the Assassin R400 had an introductory MSRP of around ₱268,000 in the Philippines. 

Some sources report slightly higher pricing (e.g., up to ₱298,000) depending on finish or dealership. 

Given its specs, features, and styling — plus its expressway legality and highway-capable engine — the Assassin R400 positions itself as a mid-range alternative to more expensive “big bikes.” For riders who want a good middle-ground between small-capacity commuter bikes and high-end supersport or big displacement machines, Assassin 400 presents a compelling value proposition.

Strengths & Considerations: What to Know

What works in Assassin R400’s favor

• Well-balanced 371 cc twin-cylinder engine giving decent power and usable torque for city and highway riding.
• Lightweight and manageable size makes it accessible even to riders upgrading from smaller bikes.
• Modern amenities (LED lighting, digital/TFT cluster, EFI, ABS, etc.) uncommon at this price/displacement segment.
• Attractive naked-bike styling — aggressive, modern, sporty — appealing to younger riders or those wanting a “big bike feel.”
• Verified use even in emergency response (e.g. BFP) suggests reliability and practicality beyond casual or recreational use.

Considerations / What to check before buying

As with many bikes in this segment, real-world performance will depend on build quality, maintenance, and whether the unit is original or repackaged from another design — some riders in forums raise questions about branding and origin. For example, some hold that certain units are “re-badged” bikes from other manufacturers. 

Because it’s mid-range and relatively new, widespread long-term reliability feedback may still be limited compared to legacy brands with long histories.

Fuel tank (13 L) and comfort (seat, ergonomics) might not match larger displacement bikes built for touring — so expectations should be aligned accordingly.

Conclusion: Where Does Assassin R400 Fit?

The Bristol Assassin R400 tries to carve out a niche for riders who want the thrill and freedom of a “big-bike” but still demand practicality, affordability, and ease of handling. It appeals especially to:

• Young riders or those upgrading from smaller-capacity bikes
• Riders who want expressway-legal performance without paying premium big-bike prices
• Those who value style and urban versatility — the Assassin R400 is as at home navigating city traffic as it is cruising on open road

Its balanced engine, lightweight chassis, modern features, and aggressive styling make it a strong contender in the 350–400 cc segment of the Philippine motorcycle market. For many, it could well be the “sweet spot” between agility and power, between affordability and performance.

Cheerio!