Kawasaki Ninja 400 Deatils Review and Buying Guide
Kawasaki Ninja 400 is one of the newest editions to the Kawasaki Ninja series, and the latest version is really over the top! Kawasaki has always been one of the four major Japanese motorcycle brands to focus solely on performance, hence this new bike in the segment was introduced by them.
Kawasaki motorcycle is considered as one of the most performance-oriented motorcycle brands currently available. Their key focus is building the ultimate performance machines, and they have the world’s fastest motorbike and also the performance leader in every segment.
400cc range is a relatively uncommon range of displacement, and there are not so many options here. Therefore, Ninja 400 is a really interesting bike in this segment.
Kawasaki Ninja 400 Overview
This 400cc boy may seem like an interesting bike, and its cc displacement could be a bit confusing for everyone, especially for new bikers.
The bike was first displayed in 2017 in Tokyo, and in December 2017, it was launched in the USA and later on, in Europe and Japan.
Usually, entry-level motorcycles start from 250cc and go up to 300cc, and Kawasaki Ninja 300 was the entry-level sports bike option from Kawasaki. But, with the Ninja 400, they have replaced the 300cc variant and raised the bar up a notch.
For a beginner rider, even a 300cc motorcycle can feel a bit heavy and extra powerful. And this move from Kawasaki where they have replaced their 300cc variant with a 400cc version is a bold one.
On the roads, the Ninja 400 offers better than most of its competitors, even the Ninja 300. The bike has a 103cc more, and still weighs less. Despite the figures, it has a redesigned frame, ergonomics, seats, console, and everything.
Another interesting fact was, Kawasaki Ninja 400 Price In the USA is almost similar to the previous Ninja 300. This already made this a great deal in the segment, and later on, it proved itself more.
The looks and styling are one of the most attractive things here. The bike was designed as an entry-level sports bike but they have given it the looks of a flagship!
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 has a trellis chassis which is fully made from steel. This chassis is really similar to the Kawasaki flagship Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and Ninja H2R. The body design looks really muscular and somewhat similar like Ninja 650. Especially, the front and the headlight looks very much like it.
The point where this stands out than the rest entry levels sports bikes is definitely the ergonomics. This bike is a completely different kind of animal and in a positive way.
The key difference is, This baby Ninja has a sitting position and handlebar position which makes it a really good street bike and also tourer. The whole ergonomics of this bike is a different thing, and it delivers all-round performance to the rider.
Kawasaki has put a badge on this bike, which is “New Rider friendly”. This bike carries more power than the ordinary beginner level sports bike, but because of its chassis, safety features, and ergonomics, even really new riders will find confidence while riding this. This bike represents the riding feels and muscularity of its elder higher cc siblings, so it already prepares the rider if he or she wants to upgrade in the future.
Engine
The bike uses a 399cc two-cylinder motor, which is liquid-cooled and has 8 valves in total. The bore X stroke is 70mm X 52mm, and it is a Fuel Injected engine.
When we compare the engines of Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs 400, we get 103cc more displacement, along with a power figure of 47.5 bhp and a torque figure of 38 NM.
The compression ratio is another thing that changed in this newly designed engine. The compression ratio is now 11.5: 1, which is slightly higher than the previous Kawasaki Ninja 300.
The all-new Kawasaki Ninja 400 delivers all of its power via a 6-speed transmission, and the clutch system is the good old wet multi-plate clutch.
The Bike comes with a remarkably assist clutch and slipper clutch. The assist provides a really light clutch and pull, while the slipper clutch provides a hassle-free experience while downshifting and prevents the loss of torque.
Kawasaki ninja 400 mileage is not a thing the rider has to be concerned about, as the bike provides well enough mileage compared to the competitors.
Brakes, Suspensions, and Tyres
Kawasaki never backs down from using the best materials in their motorcycles, therefore the brakes and suspensions in the Ninja 400 is really top of the line.
The bike comes with 41mm telescopic fork in the front, and Kawasaki’s signature 5.1-inch Uni-Trak, adjustable suspension in the rear swingarm.
The bike has a 310mm semi-floating single disc brake from Nissin in the front and 220mm disc brake in the rear. The bike comes in both ABS and Non-ABS versions for different kinds of riders, and the price difference between the versions is almost none.
The bike comes with standard 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels. The front tyre is 110 sections, while the rear tyre is 150 section in size. The tyres are sized perfectly in the sense that it provides great comfort and also provides great cornering ability.
Ergonomics
The bike is a powerful entry-level sports bike, and the new rider-friendly badge means that it is also easy to handle. But, that doesn’t mean it is even a bit less fun than other sports bikes in the segment.
Despite the muscular sporty looks of the bike, it has a raised clip-on handlebar for a slightly upright riding posture. Also. the footpeg for the rider is moved a bit forward for an even more comfortable ride.
The most interesting feature of this bike for the pillion is definitely the grab rail. It has a fully functioning grab rail. The grab rail is designed to start from the bottom side of the seating area and comes all the way near to the taillight. It is an interesting thing to see in a 400cc sports bike, but it makes the pillion really comfy and also comes handy when traveling with the bike.
Thanks to the suspensions, the bike now has a good ground clearance of 140mm, though the potholes or high-speed breakers may affect this while riding with a pillion.
The bike has a better power to weight ratio than the Kawasaki Ninja 300, and despite all of its comfortable upsides, it can still accelerate like hell and lay down on the corners like a compact sportbike with sporty riding posture.
As this bike is also marketed as a sports tourer bike, it also supports that claim fully with its 3.7 Gallon fuel tank (14 liters). This tank, when merged with Kawasaki Ninja 400 gas mileage, provides a really long range between refueling.
Apart from ABS and Non-ABS, Kawasaki Ninja 400 comes in two different editions - standard color edition and KRT - Kawasaki Racing Team Edition. The KRT edition is exactly the same as standard bike - except for the color and graphics.
A really interesting fact about the Ninja 400 is the price. Kawasaki ninja 400 price, especially Kawasaki ninja 400 price in the USA is almost similar to the previous Kawasaki Ninja 300, and the prices between the versions don’t differ much.
Pros
- Kawasaki Ninja 400 has more cc and slightly more power compared to the segment
- Has Clutch Assist and Slipper Clutch as standard
- Has a slightly upright riding posture and sitting position
- Comfortable to ride in all kinds of the road situation
- Provides a good mileage, therefore runs longer between refueling
- Has ABS options
- Has pillion grab rail for better support
Cons
- The power figure is a bit too much for new riders
- The bike has a higher price tag than the competitors
- The bike has good leaning ability but not the best due to its comfortable seating position
Yamaha R3 vs. Kawasaki Ninja 400: Which is Better?
- Yamaha R3 produces less power and has a smaller engine compared to the Ninja 400
- The Ninja 400 costs more than the R3, and also all the competitors
- Ninja 400 has a more comfortable seating position than the Yamaha R3
- Ninja 400 has a more touring friendly aesthetics than Yamaha R3
On paper, the decision might be simple, that a 300cc motorcycle really lags behind a 400cc one. But, they are not so different in terms of power figures and all that. The real difference between them is the price and the ergonomics. While the R3 focuses on the sports heritage, Ninja 400 focuses on the comfort of the rider and being new rider-friendly.
Kawasaki Ninja 400 Price is almost the same as Ninja 300. But, even then it is a lot higher than the Yamaha R3.
At the end of the day, Yamaha R3 and 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 400 belongs to the same segment, they have really different aesthetic and different price points, and both are suitable for a different style of riding.
Why you should buy Kawasaki Ninja 400
The ninja 400 is a really good option in the segment, especially for beginner riders. The bike is lightweight, nimble, and due to the slight upright seating posture and position, it is a great street bike as well as a trustworthy tourer. Though it has a bigger price tag compared to the competitors, it has a different aesthetic than the rest and provides much more in the overall experience.
If you are a new rider and want to go for the 300cc segment, or you are an old horse but due to reasons like compatibility and necessary you want to purchase a bike in that range, Kawasaki Ninja 400 is totally a worthy one. It will provide you comfort and confidence, two of the most important things while riding a bike.
Safety tips for riding a higher CC bike you should obey this :
Migrating to a higher cc bike is never an easy thing, especially if you are a new rider. For someone who is just learning all the bits of riding which aren’t in the book, even a 300 or 400cc bike can be a tough horse. So, one must follow some safety tips for riding a higher cc to be safe.
While riding a higher cc bike, a biker will have to choose the right bike first. If he or she spends most of the time on the street roads, there are some really great street fighter bikes out there. For track or a full on-road bike, things are a different story. Then, there are bikes like Kawasaki Ninja 300 or 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 400, which has a sitting position which helps both on the road and on long touring. So, the rider should choose the bike depending on the needs.
Secondly, the biker should know all the road signs and laws. He or she must know about blind spots, overtaking rules, lane rules, and all, If you know about all the road laws, you can quickly become not the fastest rider on the road, but a smart and safe one.
Frequently Asked questions
When is the 2019 Kawasaki ninja 400 coming out?
2019 Kawasaki Ninja 400 was launched in mid-2019. The bike was launched in India, Japan, USA, Europe, and other countries.
How wide is the Kawasaki ninja 400 bars?
Kawasaki Ninja 400 bars are wider than the previous Ninja 300. They are also wider than most 300cc sports bikes.
How much is the 2018 Kawasaki ninja 400?
2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 was launched at $4,999 to $5,499 based on the color and ABS.
Kawasaki ninja 400 how to turn suspension down?
Kawasaki Ninja 400 has an adjustable rear suspension. They are 5.1-inch Uni-Trak suspension which can be lowered down.
How many gears does a Kawasaki ninja 400 have?
Kawasaki Ninja 400 has a 6-speed transmission system. It has an assist and slipper clutch as standard.
How well are Kawasaki ninja 400 selling?
Due to the price, Kawasaki Ninja 400 sells are lagging behind competitors like Yamaha R3, KTM RC 390, and others.
How much is motorcycle insurance for a Kawasaki ninja 400?
Full insurance of Kawasaki Ninja 400 is $300-$400 per year which sums up around $25 to $33 per month.
How fast is a Kawasaki ninja 400?
Kawasaki Ninja 400 top speed mph is 105 mph. It has a 0-60mph time of 4.63 seconds.
Kawasaki ninja 400 how to soften stock suspension?
Kawasaki Ninja 400 comes with adjustable rear suspensions, and they become soft after the break-in period.
How can I make my Kawasaki ninja 400 faster?
Stock Kawasaki Ninja 400 can be made faster with slimmer tyres, custom air filter, high octane gasoline, using custom sprockets, and many more.
How much is the Kawasaki ninja 400 USA?
Kawasaki Ninja 400 costs $4999 and up to $5499 based on ABS and special color options.
Kawasaki ninja 400 price list philippines ?
Kawasaki Ninja 400 on sale in the Philippines is at ₱315,000. The KRT edition costs a bit more.
The idea behind Kawasaki Ninja 400 was to replace the Ninja 300 in the segment. Kawasaki has built a better bike than the previous one, and despite some letdowns like the price and the full sporty aesthetic, Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a great all-rounder motorcycle for all-purpose.
The bike is untamed in the hands of an experienced rider, and behaves well and controlled when a new rider is on the saddle. That is a thing Kawasaki achieved, and that’s what makes this bike stand out from the rest.
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