Comparison of Yamaha YZF-R3 and Kawasaki Ninja 400 2022 sport bikes

Kawasaki Ninja 400 delivers more punch, less weight and a new feel

The new Kawasaki Ninja 400 has a big task ahead of it. Not because it evokes memories of the evil 400s of the early 90s, which, by the way, it copes with thanks to Euro 4, but also because of the previous, excellent Ninja 300, which needs to be surpassed. The new product from Kawasaki is designed to serve as an entry ticket to the world of motorcycle racing with power, flexibility and various bells and whistles.

Test drive: Kawasaki Ninja 400 2018

On paper, everything is fine: more power (+5 hp), less weight (-6.6 kg). Plus, it has a fantastic appearance, partly borrowed from: aggression in design, “shark nose”, sophisticated tail.

Although this is an entry-level racing sportbike, the riding position is a bit conservative, with the pegs set further forward than you might expect. The clip-ons, although now located lower, are still located above the usual level of clip-ons on such equipment. The low 785 mm saddle was left untouched, which, by the way, is good news for short and novice riders. The result is a neutral landing with good visibility and comfort, as far as this word is applicable here.

399cc Kawasaki Ninja engine

But what's really important about the new Kawasaki Ninja is its new 399cc engine, which is the reason the motorcycle was created. Along with the new cubic centimeters comes an increase in power - 44.3 hp. and 28 moments (versus 39 and 19, respectively).

The bike feels great at 6,000 rpm, but push it past 10,000 rpm and the power, excitement and rich exhaust note will leave you grinning.

Naturally, there is no such power here that would make the motorcycle fly out of your hands. But driving at rpms above 7000 brings a lot of emotions. The power is delivered in sufficient quantities for overtaking and comfortable driving on highways at high speed limits. Also, despite the fact that the engine is very rigidly attached to the frame, the vibration from it is so small that sometimes you want to rev the throttle just to check if the motorcycle is working at all.

Since the cubic capacity is low, the gearbox clicks constantly. The updated gearbox is good, and the slipper clutch makes life easier on gear drops.

The Kawasaki W400 motorcycle is a retro classic motorcycle

This is a retro classic motorcycle that is great for those who appreciate old-fashioned technology.

The Kawasaki W400 motorcycle corresponds to the class not only in appearance, but also in characteristics. At the same time, the bike is quite modern, which eliminates the problems that would most likely arise with a real classic that is already half a century or more old.

Appearance

Of course, the Kawasaki W400 uses spokes rather than alloy wheels. There is no windshield. The mirrors are round and located high enough to match the prototypes of the past.

The metal elements are chrome plated, which adds shine to the equipment. The headlight is large and round.

Judging by the video and photos, the car looks aesthetically pleasing in different lighting conditions and in different weather conditions. This is not surprising, because it is made according to the standards that have gone down in history as classic.

Of course, such a model will not be very harmoniously combined with the interior of a high-tech garage, but these are minor things.

If you listen to the description of the motorcycle or just look at it without knowing what kind of model it is, it is easy to mistake it for a rarity from the middle of the last century. And this speaks volumes about the quality of work done by Kawasaki. However, connoisseurs will, of course, notice the nuances that give off a modern motorcycle.

Comfort

The bike is not designed for two, but physically a passenger will fit. However, if you initially plan to buy a bike to transport someone, you should take a closer look at other options and classes. This model will be comfortable and safe to ride alone.

The convenience of the car also depends on how much its maintenance costs. Yes, spare parts are not easy to get, but it is possible.

But at the same time, the bike rarely breaks down, which can be heard more than once in one review or another. In order for the machine to last longer, it is important to promptly check all components and parts, and monitor the cleanliness, temperature and humidity where the bike is stored.

Dimensions and weight

Dimensions correspond to the class:

• height – 1115 mm;
• width – 855 mm;
• length – 2175 mm;
• wheelbase – 1460 mm;
• seat height – 765 mm;
• curb weight – 209 kg;
• Tank capacity – 15 l.

Other retro classics with the same capabilities will have approximately the same characteristics. If a person is used to driving a motocross motorcycle or a sportbike, this option will be inconvenient for him.

However, if he previously preferred road bikes, most likely he will not notice much of a difference.

Specifications

In terms of its parameters, the model, of course, is inferior to the average representative of modern motorcycles. This is as it should be, given the historical focus of the bike. The technical characteristics here correspond to what connoisseurs of the retro classic class expect from them.

Although the bike is new, it gives a good feel for the dynamics of the past examples. The advantage compared to rarities is that compared to them, the Kawasaki W400 has relatively new parts, which means that there will be much fewer problems with it. If, of course, the previous owner was careful in use.

Production

The release of this model did not last long. Having begun production in 2006, the Kawasaki W400 ceased production in 2007. Of course, this is largely due to the fact that the class is far from the most popular.

However, in this case it was probably not only this, because retro classics still have their audience, which, considering the entire globe, is not so small.

Classmates

The main competitors of this model in the class are the Yamaha SR 400 and Honda CL 400. These bikes, of course, are very similar in appearance to a Kawasaki motorcycle, as is always the case with retro classics.

The design framework is too narrow for serious discrepancies in this parameter. In terms of technical features and speed indicators, the cars are also not far from the W400.

Used models of all three bikes can be purchased for 150-200 thousand Russian rubles. Depending on the condition.

History of changes

The model has not undergone any changes in principle. This is natural, given that the release lasted about a year. For such a bike this is not a minus, because it is already good enough.

The car was originally made to match the examples of a bygone era, and it is completely unclear what could be added or changed here.

Such motorcycles should ideally be made immediately, and any additions in the future often indicate that some points were overlooked.

Various upgrades do not make such a bike any better, but only spoil it, depriving it of its uniqueness and historicity in design.

Video

Video review of the classic retro motorcycle Kawasaki W400

What do the owners say?

Connoisseurs of retro classics speak positively about this bike. For many, it, like other representatives of the class, has become a replacement for road motorcycles. Indeed, this technique is perfect for urban conditions, because it is leisurely and measured in dynamics.

Judging by the reviews, the motorcycle leaves a pleasant impression with its smooth ride and characteristic sounds when the engine is turned on and running. Those who have previously ridden really old bikes, which are almost half a century old, say that they don’t feel much difference in the sensations.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the Kawasaki W400 is an excellent example of how to properly make an antique motorcycle. The appropriate appearance and characteristics are combined with modern safety and comfort measures. So if you want to touch the retro classics, this is one of the best options.

Kawasaki Ninja 400 suspension

Although the Kawasaki Ninja 400 suspension is non-adjustable (with the exception of rear preload) , this is not particularly scary, since the adjustment comes from the factory. The fork has become fatter from 37mm to 41mm and feels great in city driving. The bike's excellent overall balance is achieved through a new tubular frame that is closely intertwined with the engine, as well as a swingarm integrated directly into the same frame. No extra weight, the design is somewhat similar to the flagship Ninja H2.

Brakes Kawasaki Ninja 400

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 brakes have also been updated. New Nissin caliper, new, stiffer brake machine with a 20mm cylinder, larger single brake disc (as if removed from the ZZR1400). All this together has a braking force that stops the motorcycle even when you lightly press the lever. At the same time, the lever retains its information content and allows you to evaluate light alloy wheels. The rear brake is as effective as required. The model is equipped with ABS.

After riding the Kawasaki Ninja 400

But there are a couple of places where you can find fault: after riding the Kawasaki Ninja 400 for 150 kilometers, the seat begins to feel hard. Despite the fact that the exhaust is mounted directly under the right heel, burns cannot occur thanks to the heat shield. However, a rider with a foot size of 44 and above may have some discomfort when transferring their foot on the footboard to the toe.

But the overall success of the Kawasaki Ninja 400 lies in the intuitiveness of the bike. It goes exactly where you want it to go, brakes and stops exactly where you want it to go. Combine that with style and practicality, and you've got a combo that suits both beginners and those looking for an entry-level sport bike. Work is done!

Old or new? Kawasaki ZXR-400 or Ninja 400? Inexpensive rockets

Article by: Moto Moto
The Kawasaki ZXR-400 debuted 30 years ago and became a hit in the Japanese market. In Russia, it was loved for its maneuverability and great power. Today Ninja 400 is back. How much has he changed?

The ZXR 400, which debuted in 1989, was a unique motorcycle in its day. On the roads (of the world, but not of Russia), motorbikes of the 750 (GSX-R or ZXR 750) and 1000 (FZR) classes ruled the roost. The time of the six hundredths was still ahead. In the late 1980s, similar models appeared on the market - 250-400 racing models (for example, VFR 400 R), for which the Japanese participated in national championships. Due to their relatively high prices, these motorcycles were mainly popular in Europe.

However, over the years, many used motorcycles have been shipped to Europe. Today they are a delight for sporty driving enthusiasts because the ZXR 400 is cheap, tough to handle, and yet has a sporty character that, despite the passing of years, still succeeds.

In 2003, production of a sports four-cylinder “rocket” with a 400 cm3 engine was completed. Years later, Kawasaki returned to the idea of ​​small-volume sports. First it was “250”, then “300”, and this year “400” debuted. What is the difference between the latter and its ancestor?

The most important difference is that the assumption behind the two machines is different. The ZXR 400 was designed to be a race car - fully equipped, fast, but also expensive. The Ninja 400 is a relatively inexpensive motorcycle and not very complex, but with significant sporting potential, so the amateur will have a great time, and the professional will get more than he expects.

The Ninja 400 is a slightly simplified motorcycle. It's reminiscent of the top-of-the-line ZX-10R, but has a tubular steel frame, traditional forks and single-disc brakes. The engine is in-line two-cylinder.

The ZXR 400's sporting ambitions are evident in every detail. Its front pivot is an inverted fork, and the brakes are two discs at the front and one at the rear with four-piston calipers. Frame: dorsal, made of aluminum. The engine is, finally, a four-stroke with a short stroke. In total, this is a miniature of the ZXR 750, which was then the pinnacle of sports motorcycles. The engine likes to rev high (up to 14,500 rpm) and already offered plenty of power in the production version. Performance from 65 to 68 hp. with a volume of 400 cubic meters. cm is impressive even today - from 162.5 to 172 hp! In the early 90s it was a sensation. Even good bikes could then squeeze out no more than 80 hp.

The engine of the new Ninja 400 is designed differently. Liquid-cooled twin-cylinder heart producing 48 hp. Enough to make the ride enjoyable, it is also easy to handle for a motorcyclist with an A2 license. Its strong points are linear power, versatility, durability and low price.

Just as the technology of the models differs, so does the behavior of the engines. The two-cylinder engine is fast and quiet. The four-cylinder engine is more demanding and expressive. The 4-cylinder requires a long rotation of the starter, but, as I said, it sounds like music. On the Ninji 400, you can engage the clutch with one finger, stick the unit into the slightly working box and drive away. The ZXR 400 has a stiff clutch lever, and the unit's clatter is accompanied by a pronounced touch. To drive, you need to crank the engine to at least medium speed. Dynamic riding on the ZXR 400 doesn't come easy. You need to learn to ride this motorcycle.

The Ninja 400 doesn't have as much power as the ZXR 400, but has a strong midrange and a significantly downsized Chinese engine than the ZXR 400. It weighs 16kg less than the ZXR, has narrower tires and offers a more upright position at the helm. Softly shock-absorbing suspensions provide comfort and good control over the situation. After turns, the Ninja is lively, active but free, and rarely requires the engine to rev quickly or brake hard before the next turn.

And the ZXR 400 forces you to do this. Between 6,000 and 10,000 rpm - the mid-range in this car - there is good flexibility, but the wings only develop higher. The engine instantly revs to 14,000 rpm and after a short run on the highway reaches almost 220 km/h. It's too fast for the Ninja 400.

The ZXR 400 is more demanding in corners, but also has more capability. It was felt that where the suppression of the Ninja reached its limits, it was just beginning. It becomes clear why the suspensions are rigidly tuned and have such dimensions. The accuracy of guidance and forward feedback are still pleasing today, but the reserve... is still great!

The ZXR has a poor driving position: the sofa is too low, the footrests are too high (this requires high ground clearance when folded), i.e. the bike is aggressive... but also uncomfortable. However, this is a low price to pay for a piece of Kawasaki racing history that, despite 30 years, is still impressive. If after this text you don’t think for even a minute that it would be nice to have a ZXR-400 in the garage, then something is wrong with you!