Kawasaki Ninja 400

Welcome to the Kawasaki Ninja 400 or EX400G showroom and specification review. I’ve crated a new post for the Ninja 400 as it now forms part of the best selling motorcycles in Australia series. In respect to that, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is the most popular or best selling ‘Super Sports’ motorcycle sold in Australia in 2018 selling 1089 units. Apart from that record the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is also a LAMS bike aka learner and commuter friendly so anyone can ride it.

 

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a newly revised model released for the Learner or LAMS and commuting motorcycles class in 2018. This class is full of models and manufacturers tempting first time owners wanting a motorcycle they can use for more than just the first 12-24 months. This class also appeals to those wanting a commuter motorcycle that’s value for money. That said the power figures haven’t improved much as you would expect given the engine capacity increase.

The increase in capacity to the 400cc version from the original 250cc then 300cc the answer is pollution or emissions controls.  In a sense it’s a de-tuned traditional 400cc from the 1980’s that said, this is not a 4 cylinder screamer from that era, sounding more like a putt putt. That’s what parallel twins sound like…

In term of looks the Ninja 400 on the outside is a good looking motorcycle with the latest Kawasaki design themes. It’s looks like genuine sports motorcycle. Under the fairing it boasts an all new ‘trellis’ look  frame design, it is not exactly obvious when you look at it. The main factor that differentiates it from the lower capacity predecessors is the slightly larger rear tyre. The look sells it’s self and that’s why the Ninja 400 is so popular aka a commuter dressed in it’s nicest suit.

In terms a specifications There is nothing to write about apart from the new frame design. The Ninja 400 doesn’t even have USD forks or dual front disc brakes and given the competition has these features you would expect it. If my past rides of this engine dating back to the GPX250 are anything to go by it’s not a exciting engine but for a newbie it’s more than enough for a little while. Most importantly and relatively, Kawasaki Ninja 400 is not over priced although under specified.

Is the Kawasaki Ninja 400 any good? Well that depends what you want in a first motorcycle or a commuter, sport bike styling albeit contemporary with adequate power and since is derived from the original 250cc, reliability is a great start. However I prefer something special! even if my choices are a little more expensive. Further more I have the same problem with the Ninja 400 just like the CBR500R in that the specification sheet screams it’s a regular commuter motorcycle as there is no fancy or class leading tech, it just looks like one. The Ninja 400 is not a ‘Super Sports’ motorcycle and calling it as such is degrading to the genuine ones.

Kawasaki Ninja 400 Key Specifications
Engine: 2 cylinder 8V DOHC (EFI)
Capacity: 399cc
Power/Torque: 33.4 Kw @ 10000 RPM 38 Nm @ 8000 RPM
Gearbox: 6 Speed
Kerb Weight: 168 Kg Approx
Performance: 0-100kph NA seconds Approx
Max Speed 100 Kph Approx
Fuel Economy: 14 litre fuel tank
Approx 4 Lts per 100km
Seat height: 785 mm
Dimensions: L1990 x W710 x H1125
Recommended Retail Price: $6,490 (2018)