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An entry-level sports bike is undoubtedly the ticket for novice enthusiasts to immigrate to the world of speed, but it’s not just about hitting an infuriating pace as manufacturers step on the line. tightrope while keeping a close eye on affordability, agile handling capabilities, and rider safety. We can recognize that buying a motorcycle is an emotional experience, not to mention that it also gives you the right to have a thrill, but the most difficult task is to choose an ideal motorcycle for you. It can be even more confusing for an amateur. That’s why we decode the best beginner’s sports bike in the segment, the Kawasaki Ninja 400, and explain why it successfully ticks all the boxes. The Ninja series is one of the most illustrious brands in the motorcycle world from the H2R, the first production supercharged motorcycle to the Ninja ZX-10R, which is considered one of the best superbikes ever made and now with the Ninja 400, Kawasaki delivers fat bike performance that won’t leave a hole in your pocket.
There’s a new sheriff in town
With a liquid-cooled 399cc engine, the Ninja 400 has the largest displacement in its segment. It is also the only parallel twin while competitors like the KTM RC390, Honda CBR300R and Yamaha YZF-R3 stick to the proven single cylinder engine. With 44 hp at 10,000 rpm and 28 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm available in a jiffy, the new powertrain delivers meaty mid-range power, something the Ninja 300 was seriously lacking. This gives the rider more usable power and makes the sports bike responsive at low revs compared to its old model where the nuts had to be turned. With the horses ready to gallop, this gives you the opportunity to ride the freeway, negotiate city traffic with ease, or exit bends on the track with more gusto. The 399cc parallel twin is complemented by a smooth and precise 6-speed transmission with a featherweight-assisted slip clutch, which ensures that shifting is effortless. As expected from a Kawasaki engine, this engine is refined and remains vibration free. The deep and gruff exhaust note of the Ninja 400 will bring a smile to the rider’s face as it looks more like a top middleweight bike.
Ninja 400: the sultan of swing
A bigger, more powerful motor usually means more weight issues for the bike, but that isn’t the case with the Ninja 400 as it weighs around 17 pounds less than the Ninja 300 and weighs 366 pounds (ABS version) . This also translates into a higher power to weight ratio, ensuring that it is more user friendly for the track. Kawasaki has pushed the limits in terms of agility and driving dynamics, as the Ninja 400 is based on a new, lighter Trellis steel frame, which features a steeper rake angle of 24.7º and a track of 3, 6 inches paired with a shorter wheelbase. With ultra-precise handling capabilities, Kawasaki has left the riding position more or less upright, so that the Ninja 400 feels comfortable doing both knees and elbows on the track and stays in it. comfortable on the tarmac for your daily driving. It’s a sensible move from the Japanese giant as too aggressive a stance can be overwhelming for amateur riders rather than helping them hone their skills. Plus, with the saddle height remaining at 30.9 inches tall, this makes it accessible to aspiring riders and easier to control, especially when going through bends. The Ninja 400 is nimble and stays planted in the corners thanks to its sturdy 41mm front fork and rear suspension, which are set to firm settings with the new, wider Dunlop Supermax tires that provide extra grip.
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 packs quite a punch
Kawasaki may not be known for its sleek styling, but the Ninja 400 retains its image as a legendary machine. It looks very aggressive with the twin LED headlights and with a massive fairing it dwarfs the competition in this sub-400cc class. When it comes to making a bold statement, the Japanese maker has it all got it as the muscular 3.6-gallon tank is sculpted in such a way that it feels larger than the 4.4-gallon tank on the Ninja 300. Inspired of the ZX-10R, the three-point LED tail light adds a touch of pedigree. Speaking of larger motorcycles, the Ninja 400 borrows the instrument console from the Ninja 650. With an analog tachometer on the left side and a multi-functional LCD display on the right, Kawasaki has balanced old-school charm with modern technology. They also improved the braking system with a larger 310mm front disc.
The Ninja 400 is a good value machine and is available in non-ABS and ABS versions. The former starts at MSRP of $ 5,199 and the latter starts at $ 5,599. Kawasaki also offers optional accessories like a 12 V outlet, a taller windshield, a tank bag and much more.
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