Hanway Heritage 400 Review: A Budget Bobber That Turns Heads

The 2025 Hanway Heritage 400 delivers head-turning looks, approachable performance, and everyday practicality, all without breaking the bank. 

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There’s no denying it that modern retro motorcycles are having a moment, and Malaysia isn’t missing out. Whether it’s café racers, scramblers, or bobbers, the mix of vintage vibes and modern tech is seriously appealing. And now, China’s Hanway joins the party with something that might just shake things up: the 2025 Hanway Heritage 400.  

This fresh face just landed in Malaysia via MZM Bike Group Sdn Bhd, assembled locally (CKD) in Puncak Alam, Selangor. With a starting price of RM22,800 (excluding road tax and insurance), it’s surprisingly wallet-friendly and it even comes with a two-year or 20,000 km warranty. I recently had the gloss black version on test for a week, and here’s what I found. 

First Impressions: Vintage Look, Modern Feel

The bobber styling is the first thing that grabs attention. Low-slung, minimalist, and just the right amount of aggressive. The Heritage 400 rolls on chunky 16-inch wheels with cruiser-spec tyres (130/90 front, 150/80 rear), giving it proper street presence. 

One cool feature is the interchangeable seat, where you can go full solo bobber mode or slap on the included pillion seat when needed. And trust me, this thing turns heads, especially with the glossy paint that glows under street lights. People definitely take a second look. 

The dash is a combo of analog and digital elements, simple and easy to read. Most of the lighting is circular retro-style, including the taillight, indicators, and mirrors. With a seat height of just 690mm, it’s a comfy fit even for shorter riders. At 198 kg wet, it’s not exactly light, but it’s manageable. 

On the Road: Smooth with a Side of Punch

Powering the bike is a 401cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin DOHC engine, pushing out 42hp at 9,500rpm and 34Nm of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed gearbox and chain final drive. Honestly, the engine feels great for this class, enough power for both cruising and some spirited riding when you open it up. 

The torque kicks in nicely across the gears, and each upshift brings a satisfying pull. Whether you’re casually cruising or gunning it on the straights, the Heritage 400 delivers. It handles surprisingly well too. Filtering through traffic? No problem. Taking corners? Smooth and confidence-inspiring. The Timsun tyres do a solid job of keeping everything planted. 

Braking performance is handled by twin front discs and a single rear disc, both backed by dual-channel ABS. No traction control here, but that’s expected at this price point.

Comfort and Ride Quality

Here’s where it gets a bit tricky. While the bike generally feels solid, the dual rear shock absorbers leave something to be desired. Over potholes or uneven roads, I could feel every bump. It might just be too soft or underdamped. Personally, I’d swap them out for aftermarket gas shocks if I owned the bike, just to get better ride comfort. 

Features and Functionality

Some things feel charmingly old-school, like the ignition key placement on the right side and the handlebar lock under the meter. Stylish? Yes. Convenient? Not exactly but come on, it’s part of the retro charm isn’t it?     

The LED lighting setup is great for visibility, though I do wish the exhaust had a bit more growl. For a twin-cylinder 400cc bike, it sounds a little tame. Probably toned down to meet Euro 5 emissions but still, a louder, throatier exhaust would do wonders for the riding experience.    

Final Verdict: A Solid Bobber for the Price

At RM22,800, the Hanway Heritage 400 is a strong contender in the entry-level cruiser segment. It’s got the looks, decent performance, and just enough modern touches to make it practical without losing that retro soul.    

If you’re looking for a stylish, affordable cruiser-bobber to ride daily, chill on the weekends, or roll up in style at your favorite café, this bike ticks a lot of boxes. Sure, it’s not perfect, but for the price, it’s hard to complain. And let’s be real, it just looks damn good doing it.