2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 First Ride Review | Ultimate Motorcycling

[@kleinbottled79]

400cc Sportbikes. As god intended. We deviated from His plan when abandoned the class in the early nineties. Foolish mortals. 400's were clearly ment to be the most common class of street bike and motorcycling was supposed to be 3 times as popular. Sadly, lust for power has damaged the sport. Turning cheap laughs into expensive, and deadly, thrills. Average sportbike costs over 12k with very high insurance costs, and a reputation for providing many many healthy young donor organs. Can we rediscover what motorcycling was ment to be? Only time will tell.

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

You're so right... Some of the exquisite 400 jewels that only saw the Japanese market made it over as gray market, but what gorgeous little machines they were.

[@rattletop]

Thanks to KTM for bringing in the 400cc revolution with the duke and the RC series.

[@cazgerald9471]

Thank you Bajaj er I mean KTM.

[@1down5ups]

Ultimate Motorcycling I think 400 might be my first bike man ahahaha

[@bangyahead1]

That is one of the best posts I've read in the last ten years. Well said.

[@Audittr2108]

Great review. After being away from bikes for 8 years or so, picking one of these up next Wednesday!

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Chris, Thanks for the kind words and we're glad to hear you're coming back into the motorcycling fold. Be safe out there! - Nic

[@mr.j9356]

I pick this bike up tomorrow afternoon, don’t think I can sleep tonight. Update: I bought and I love it! Just enough power for the streets to be legal and have fun.

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

We know the feeling! Stay safe out there!

[@martinowings3597]

Thanks for letting us hear the bike! Great audio. I also want one :)

[@HemiBurns]

Fantastic shots of you riding.......You sold me... I bought the KRT Ninja 400 as my first bike....and will keep it as a track bike when I go bigger.

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Hemi Dave, The photography and videography crew did an awesome job! And I'm glad to hear that you picked up a new bike, even better, that you're planning on keeping this one in stable as a track machine. Best of luck and stay safe out there! - Nic

[@AlbertoSanchez-rv6yg]

I want this bike!!

[@clinteastcoast]

I bought the 2020 krt version earlier this year, great bike and I have no desire to upgrade. Very agile bike, and keeps up with most competitors.

[@lincolnchris274]

very balanced and detailed review. Thanks for providing information, not hype!

[@rajanf8383]

I agree. This is by far one the best reviews for this bike and covers a lot of questions a buyer looks for. Thank you Nic!

[@user-yo8ab1ys9e]

Getting this bike in June. CAN NOT WAIT!

[@eliotsalandybrown]

Thanks for this helpful, interesting and watchable video. Loved the HQ track footage.

[@shshankking]

While talking about brakes, KTM duke 390(2017+) has 320 discs in front. But it also has Sintered pads in front and Steel Braided lines front and back, and adjustable levers and ABS by default from the factory. These only makes it much better than Ninja 400. also bigger tank(13.5 LTR/3.5 Gallons). better dash, good tires ok KTM's side too. what little change needed for it to reach speeds like ninja 400 is a small visor(enough to begin with). what I did the addition to that is full system exhaust. my friend owns ninja 400 now and first thing he did, got steel lines, better pads and levers. next he's gunning for exhaust.... Anyways great review.very detailed.

[@mannyechaluce3814]

I like my Hecho en China KTM engine, smells like HOT fried rice that burns my thighs

[@bidhanphuyal466]

Checked in your channel after absolutely loving your video.This is good content man,hope 2018 u hit 100k+.Kudos

[@hypno159753]

I love the 399cc size of the engine. Where I live, if the engine was 400+cc, insurance would double.

[@rattletop]

6:26 haha. Classic line. It never gets old.

[@400chevlc]

Sun Stoners best moment lol

[@skoshunt]

This is just more fun then the "real review".

[@timbarry5080]

Can't wait for a test between it and the rc390

[@akrokdesign]

Yes!

[@bennettfriesen33]

And a year later, this has happened. The RC390 is more of a race bike but the Ninja 400 can keep up with it pretty well on the track. On the street though, the Ninja 400 is by far a better machine. Better straight line speed too.

[@bennettfriesen33]

In Manitoba Canada, any bike over 500cc is crazy on insurance so this engine size is really nice. Still get really cheap insurance as compared to a 600cc

[@crossdaisuke]

Just bought mine yesterday and it's gonna arrive next week! so excited!.. In Japan to ride motorcycles with more than 400cc needs a different license from 400cc and below so yeah this is great

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Crossdaisuke, Awesome to hear! You're going to have an absolute blast on the 400. We've had a couple through the office since the launch and we're always sad to see them go back to the manufacturer. Take care and be safe! - Nic

[@joesjunkgarage]

Fantastic review on this motorcycle!

[@Sidtube10]

Great review! Got the 2021 Ninja 400 in passion red!

[@Vagorim]

400 is the perfect bike for me, I do not care to go any bigger!

[@elithegreat6463]

Good review...this is a great 2nd bike....to join my Harley Low rider-S

[@sergsrt8]

BeaglePower G yes I agree it's definitely important to have the best of both worlds just lift light AND heavy you will be surprised at the results!!!

[@Lettheworshippersarise]

Getting mine this Wednesday 👌 can't wait🏍

[@mike78bassmanify]

Nice review. How is it compared to the 650 Ninja, and which would you recommend for an experienced rider?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Micheal, Thanks! An experienced rider is going to be able to extract a whole lot out of either machine, as they're both incredibly accommodating bikes that are meant to encourage skill progression. If you have track experience, racing experience or just years of riding behind you - you're going to have a blast on either bike. The Ninja 650 is a bit heavier and is capable of producing a little more HP and torque. Depending on what you're doing, that might be something to consider. If you're going to be spending a lot of times chugging down freeway miles or doing long commutes; the 650's extra displacement could be worth it. The Ninja 650 does have a good amount of pep to it, but the 180-degree crank parallel twin has been known to be on the buzzy side. Other than that, the handling, suspension and braking abilities are completely adequate for the size of bike. It's an extremely compliant and poised machine. On the other hand, the Ninja 400 makes a bit less power but is nowhere near as buzzy. When we were on the freeways, I was pleased to discover that the engine wasn't edging towards the redline, nor did it feel like it was being stressed particularly hard. We were hovering a little higher in the RPM range than we would have been on the 650, but it wasn't concerning. The Ninja 400 probably beats out the Ninja 650 in terms of handling, simply because it's lighter and smaller. If you have experience, you'll immediately notice how a normal input on a larger displacement machine seems amplified on something of this size - essentially it takes no effort. The same can be said of the Ninja 650, but because the Ninja 400 is lighter and smaller, with more aggressive geometry, it stands out a bit more. If you're going to be hitting tracks, it'd be wise to consider the circuit. Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, a local circuit in Southern California, is particularly tight and great for lower displacement machines. Circuits that have few turns and huge straights probably aren't the best for that sort of thing. Luckily, most of the tracks in our immediate vicinity are dynamic and accommodate little bikes well. I hope this helps! Take care! - Nic

[@mike78bassmanify]

Ultimate Motorcycling Thanks for a great reply! You answered my questions, and gained a subscriber. Ride safe, Mike.

[@bobbyk1796]

I’m also considering this 400 or 650 as I currently have a 2009 500. Two wheels on the ground

[@lb150t]

The MOTOCROSS sectos are doing the same as well. First you had the KX 80, KX 60 . Now you have a KX 85, & a KX 65 . Who knows soon the 85 Class maybe considered the PEEWEE STARTER Class in the future where do you stop .

[@carlodejesus7870]

Still i love the design of ninja 300 more agressibe

[@Ordinary-drummer]

I see what’s I’ve been missing out on 😳 in love !!!

[@blipco5]

Wow, kudos to Kawasaki for their entire range of interesting bikes. I already have two Kaws but it's the space in my garage that's keeping me from adding number three.

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

You know what the perfect number of motorcycles is in a collection? "Just one more". LOL

[@1down5ups]

Ultimate Motorcycling sir, would you recommend the cbr500r or ninja 400??

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Arvin, The Ninja 400 produces more horsepower, an equal amount of torque and is lighter than the 500R. The Ninja 400 also $1,600.00 cheaper in the United States, for the non-ABS model. We haven't done a comparison of each bike back-to-back, so it's tough to give a definitive answer, but based on economics and spec sheets, the Ninja 400 is looking like the smarter purchase. We'd strongly recommend heading out to your nearest dealer and getting some seat time on both. Something as simple as the riding position may be the biggest factor for you. Take care! - Nic

[@1down5ups]

Ultimate Motorcycling thank you sir! Will consider doing just That!

[@blipco5]

+arvin mendoza ....I owned a cb500F, which is the naked version of the CBR. While the cb500F is a really good bike, it won't set you on fire like this 400. The 500F, though practical and great handling, became boring after a while. And if I recall was just barely faster than the 300 Ninja. Not having ridden the 400 but judging by the reviews of both bikes I'd easily pick the 400.

[@varungowda3348]

What is the expected price of ninja 250 waiting for positive response...

[@timbarry5080]

Great video btw. I subscribed because of it. Thank u

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Thanks! - Nic

[@stevelomas7478]

Hi There. Nice open minded review so thanks for that. I own a Fireblade at the moment but because of a muscle condition i'm struggling to get out on it. I'm looking at the ninja for it's light weight. Do you think it's too much of a backward step to buy the Ninja 400. I'm finding it hard to leave my blade but i need to get out riding again !

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Steve, Moving from a 1000cc liter bike to something like the 400 will definitely be a step back in performance, but when you're talking about street riding, things seem to equalize a little bit. I spent a good amount of time after this launch on the Ninja 400 and found it to be a great option for the casual riding and canyon fun. If you're planning on doing a lot of highway riding, say 100 miles+, something like the Ninja 650 might be a better fit just due to having a bit more displacement and power. The Ninja 400 is significantly lighter and easier to ride than any 1000cc liter bike on the market, so it'll certainly be less stressful on your body. As far as missing the performance, I'd say that it's subjective. On a massive track, the 400 and other lower displacement tend to make long straightaways feel extra long. On a tight circuit, a bike like the 400 can have a leg up in terms of agility. Have you checked out any of the upright naked sport bike offerings? Generally speaking, they're much less taxing on riders simply because of the less aggressive riding position. Bikes like the Z900 (RS, RS Cafe etc.), Street Triple 765 RS, Speed Triple, Tuono, Super Duke R, Duke 790, MT-07, MT-09, MT-10, Monster (all displacements), SuperSport; those are all more than capable of delivering the sport experience, without many of the negative side-effects. Hope this helps! - Nic

[@stevelomas7478]

Hi Nic, Thanks for getting back. It's mainly just a sunday morning blast nowadays so no major distances. I also looked at the 400 for it's seat height , everything suits me apart from the cc ! Probably bit of an ego thing going on with me as well so got to get past that . Looked at some naked rides but because of my condition seat height comes into it. Might try the Ninja and keep my Blade for a bit longer and see how things go, Thanks for your help, your review has really got me thinking ;}

[@Braselton21]

I wanna see the Ninja 400 vs KTM390 vs CBR500R It looks the best out of all the sub 500cc bikes :D

[@deathtroopers4345]

I’m still deciding on this or the 650 but the insurance is cheaper on the 400. I intend to travel so you think the Ninja 400 is ok for long HWY rides?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hi Gaburieru, We had a long term Ninja 400 that I did a decent amount of freeway commuting on, so that's something that I can address. Given that you plan on riding at higher speeds for a prolonged period of time, I would suggest going with something that has a larger displacement. The Ninja 400 isn't pushed excessively and still has some pep when you're traveling at 65 mph and need to accelerate beyond that. However, the Ninja 650's has more headroom and won't be revving out as high as the 400 would in the same situation. That means better fuel economy, less stress on the engine and you'll have some HP left to play with if you need to get out of bad situations. It also depends on how long you plan on riding on the highway. If we're talking about an hour or two of boring straight line riding - either bike would be fine. If we're talking about several hours throughout the day, then I'd recommend something like the 650 or perhaps the Versys 650, which is set up for touring duties. Hope this helps, - Nic

[@deathtroopers4345]

Ultimate Motorcycling Thank you very helpful info. Just different towns in Texas.

[@deadpool467]

The front looks like it was taken off the CBR600RR. Bikes looks really great

[@mikecallaghan6377]

Excellent review

[@hardpipe8569]

sir i just want to ask a question i bought the kawasaki 400 here in the philippines and as part of break in period the mileage of may kawi is about 500kilometer then i start to run at 150kph is that ok to start sir as a engine BreAk in.?

[@1down5ups]

I keep going back this video. Holy well done! Still can't decide between the ninja400 or cbr500r damn

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

You've got it narrowed down that far, now all you have to do is get down to the dealer and get some seat-time on both bikes, then you can make your decision 👍 Take care! - Nic

[@1down5ups]

Ultimate Motorcycling picked up the ninja400 abs in red for $7500Cad OTD! The lightweight ninja was cheaper in insurance too and the bike looked and felt perfect for me when i went to the motorcycle show 👌👌👌

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Arvin, That's what we like to hear! Grab your gear and have some fun this weekend! I'm pumped that we could help you out and also that insurance is affordable on this bike. Take care! - Nic

[@gummybear41283]

what other bikes have you ridden? and how does it compare to a ZX6R or R6

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hi Bob, I've ridden many, many motorcycles over my riding career. A Ninja 400 is going to feel quite different than a proper Supersport like the ZX6R or YZF-R6 for a number of reasons. The most obvious difference will be in outright performance, due to the 600cc+ inline four engines vs. a 400 p-twin. Both the ZX6R and R6 make a little more than double the horsepower of the Ninja 400 stock, and with an exhaust and map, can make nearly three times that. The Ninja has plenty of streetable pep and torque to get you around town, the highway and canyons, while allowing riders to take full advantage of the power available. A 600 Supersport has far more performance potential than we can legally exploit on the roads. Outside of that, the difference in weight, combined with the Ninja 400's smaller physical size, will most likely jump out to any rider. It's smaller, easier to manipulate and far more inviting to newer than any Supersport on the market. Part of that inviting characteristic of the Ninja 400 has to do with the street-soft suspension, which is designed to make the bike extremely compliant, while also soaking up most of the road imperfections in the name of comfort. A Supersport like the ZX6R or R6 will have a far more heavy, planted, and substantial feeling chassis, due to the chassis being significantly stiffer and the suspension being sprung and damped at much higher rates. Again, a Supersport has a higher performance ceiling to manage and needs a stiffer chassis to control it. More weight, more power, etc. The other stand out difference will be in terms of riding position. On any supersport, it will be dramatically more aggressive and less conducive to street riding. However, on the track, it'll outshine anything as that's what a Supersport is designed to do. Hope this helps, - Nic

[@marcuslannizter5386]

I used to ride a zx10r from 2008 and a rsv4r from 2012 (I will never buy a aprilia again) and I sold them because i never do trackdays I only ride on the street and I must say from what I can see from the reviews the 400 ninja could be the perfect commute bike, anyone knows how many miles/gallon or km/L it does?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Marcus, Depending on your commute, the 400 could fit the bill quite nicely. Kawasaki doesn't claim an official MPG that we know of, but casual riding has netted us roughly 50 miles per gallon and with a 3.7 gallon tank, that could get you 185~ miles out of a tank. As is the case with any bike, when you start pushing the motor, MPG will drop off. Hope this helps! - Nic

[@hardpipe8569]

sir do you have an idea if how long the life span of LED headlights in kawasaki 400.?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Hard Pipe, That's a tough question because it's highly dependent on your use. Generally, LED lighting has something like a 10,000 hour lifespan and that should translate to years of use, since you won't be running the bike 24 hours a day, 7-days a week. I'd feel safe in saying that it'll be a long time before you need to replace an LED bulb due to it burning out. Thanks! - Nic

[@sbalak]

Awesome review! Thanks

[@Russel524]

Great Review!!

[@varungowda3348]

Is kawasaki ninja 400 is useful for beginners?? Waiting for the positive reply ...

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hi Varun, All lower-displacement machines are good for beginner riders. Whether we're talking about the Ninja 400, YZF-R3, RC 390, CBR300R etc., their primary function is to be accommodating for new riders and allow them to develop their skills on forgiving machines. To answer your question directly - yes, the Ninja 400 is a fine option for a new rider. I hope that helps! - Nic

[@varungowda3348]

Thanks for the opinion #ultimatemotorcycling

[@valandil7629]

Amazing bike !

[@HarjotSingh-ih3om]

0-100 timmings please! faster than the rc???

[@hardpipe8569]

sir how do feel the vibration on kawasaki 400 if you pull the throttle up to 100kph up.. is it too strong.?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Hard Pipe, We currently have a long term 400 at the office as of now. Around those speeds, the vibration is totally fine. Unless you're revving near redline, the engine vibration is more or less average. For normal riding and commuting, it's a smooth little machine. Take care! - Nic

[@hardpipe8569]

Ultimate Motorcycling thank you sir

[@garthwatford7626]

Hi guys random question what sort of top speeds were you hitting in each gear because it looks like you were hitting nearly 80mph in third gear

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Garth, That's a tough question to answer, and if I were to be completely honest, I'm not sure. I'd say you're right in terms of speeds. Take care! - Nic

[@garthwatford7626]

Ultimate Motorcycling Thanks guys what sort of top speed did you manage to hit? I saw you got to late 90's in 5th gear with revs to spare and a gear to spare

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Garth, At a circuit with much longer straightaways, we were able to get up to 117 mph. Your experience may vary, as the weight of the rider, wind, and other outside factors can impact outright top speed. Take care!

[@szurkelajhar]

Hi man! I just want to ask, how tall are u?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

5'10'' Take care! - Nic

[@cokeboy4208]

I'm 6'2 do you think it would work for me?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey CokeBoy 420, It'd definitely be cramped, but a couple reviewers are in your height range and they did okay. I'd say stop by a dealer and see how you like. A really cheap improvement would be grabbing some aftermarket clip-on handlebars to make the ergonomics a little better for someone of your size. Take care! - Nic

[@cokeboy4208]

@@ultimatemotorcycling will do thanks alot for the reply

[@1down5ups]

Hey Mr nic. What helmet were you wearing??

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Arvin, I'm wearing a Shoei X-14 "Bring TC-5." You can check out our review of that helmet here! ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/01/28/shoei-x-fourteen-review-designed-with-marquez-input/ Take care! - Nic

[@1down5ups]

Ultimate Motorcycling I was looking into getting the scorpion r410, any thoughts?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Arvin, Unfortunately we haven't reviewed the Scorpion R410 yet, so it's difficult to give you guidance in that department. The Shoei X-14 that I used in this review is an excellent option, but if you want something more affordable and still sporty, the RF-1200 is available as well. Below that would be the Shoei RF-SR, which has many commonalities with the RF-1200, but has been built as their entry level helmet. Hope this helps! - Nic

[@1down5ups]

Ultimate Motorcycling thank you so much again for your help! I'll look into those helmets asap👌👌

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Arvin, No problem! The most important thing with selecting a helmet is getting the fitment right. We always suggest that you visit your local retailer and work with their staff to make sure that you've gotten the best fitment you can possibly get. Even if you're interested in a helmet because of its looks and features, it might not be a great fit - which means that it isn't for you as an ill-fitting helmet won't provide proper protection. Every manufacturer has their own sizing and shape, so it's best to try them on and learn what works specifically for you. Take care! - Nic

[@rattletop]

Man I honestly am looking for some competition to the RC 390 though I love mine. But the ergonomics of upright seating positions (high clip-ons and forward rearsets) are just turning me off. Love that the Ninja is a twin engine but the ergos suck. Around a track, I still think the RC takes it because of it's weight and track focused riding position.

[@emudshit]

I thought the same until i rode it, infact the bars bend closer to the tank so u can dive deep down into race possition more than you can on the ninja 300 its the best of both worlds, I sudjest you take a test ride you will love it

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Sun, I think Kawasaki was able to strike a good balance with the Ninja 400. While it does use "Clip-on style" handlebars, it still allows for a sporty position. The rearsets on the Ninja 400 have been brought back, in comparison to the 300, and the handlebars have been brought back as well. What that does is tilt the rider triangle forward a bit, while also still making giving it a relatively neutral static riding position. Taller riders might want a little more room to scoot back in the seat, but beyond that, I think you'll be surprised when you start tossing the Ninja 400 around. There is ample room to work with and Sonoma raceway is a track that has you spending a lot of time on the edge of the tire and hanging off the bike, so if there was going to be an issue, it would have been most pronounced there. Luckily, I didn't pick up on anything beyond a slight bit of knee-bend, which is common with this class of bike for someone with my inseam length. As always, we strongly encourage you to visit your local dealer and see if you can get some seat time. I hope this helps! - Nic

[@shar7469]

I wish Kawasaki just added another 150cc cylinder bumping it to a 450cc triple. I love my 300 because I ride all day with just a tank and half but I'm really scared when on the freeway especially when I'm changing lanes. if I upgrade it will be to a 600.

[@0Oo..oO0]

For the low price of this package, buying some adjustable rear-sets is still a huge bargain.

[@randomshorts7887]

Is it ok for 5'8 feet riders

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hi Rahul, You'll be fine with the Ninja 400. It's a narrow bike with a short seat-height and you'll probably be able to plant your feet on the ground. Take care! - Nic

[@miguel90744]

Ninja 400 best light weight bikes 🤔 Yamaha R3, Ktm 390, Honda cbr500r

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey M 310, The Ninja 400 is an impressive machine and if we are to look at the spec sheet, it is producing the most power, with the least claimed weight. It'll be great to do a comparison between the Ninja 400, YZF-R3, RC390 and CBR500R. Given how solid the base of the Ninja 400 is, it could be fighting for top ranking. Take care! - Nic

[@miguel90744]

Ultimate Motorcycling thanks for the reply, I know what bike I'm getting now Ninja 400 👌

[@AlexanderSiassi]

M 310 I see you on all these Ninja 400 videos. Have you gotten yours yet??

[@miguel90744]

Alexander I ended up not getting one, end up buying a truck lol.

[@AlexanderSiassi]

M 310 What happened 😕

[@BrandonBaunach]

Can u wheelie this thing

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Anything can wheelie if you try hard enough!

[@brianpreval5602]

yes

[@jacobshepherd3997]

brandonbaunach yes, you just gotta clutch up

[@chillaxinmoto]

liked and subbed

[@lb150t]

Personally i think they are starting to miss the POINT with BEGINNER BIKES. First we had the NINJA 250, then they bought us the NINJA 300, now theirREPLACING the 300 with the NINJA 400. Where does it stop ? Soon a NINJA 600 is gonna be considered a STARTER BIKE SMDH. I think most of the manufacturers are going in that direction too some extent . It is still a nice Bike. No Hate on it i must say that .

[@gaylordbuttdick5405]

I think they nailed it with the 400. I'm a beginner rider, only had my license less than 2 weeks and already have 350 miles on my ninja 400. It's super easy to ride and has enough power that it won't get boring anytime soon. I can already downshift while blipping the throttle near perfectly. Considering I wanted a cheap quick little bike to keep for 4+ years, don't see how you could do better than a 400.

[@johnnevin4631]

And I just bought a r3 😫

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey John, The R3 is a solid machine and it'll serve as a great bike while you build up your skills. Stay safe! Take care! - Nic

[@bangyahead1]

7:17 you can hear that slipper clutch kick in and save your ass. Any other clutch and you would have been skittering and then picking up the bike. So the suspension is a bit squishy. You can upgrade that later. Adjustable rear socks are only a couple hundred bucks, and adjustable forks arent much more. With very few hundred dollars more you could have this bike exactly the way you want it and it would keep you happy for a very long time. I'm old. I know. Liter bikes are way overrated.

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Bangyahead1 That wasn't the slipper clutch engaging - we put that to the test elsewhere. With the amount of run off in certain sections Sonoma, we would have been just fine. The suspension is good and within it's class, is certainly one of the top contenders though it leans towards the softer side. The damping characteristics don't lead to any jostling, which makes the Ninja 400 a stable little machine. One stand out qualities of the Ninja 400 is that owners will be able to stiffen the suspension through aftermarket solutions, and continue using this as a platform to hone their skills. It will still offer more than enough power to have fun in the street and depending on the size/configuration of the track, could be more than a great track machine. That was an issue with the Ninja 250 and 300, where riders would jump to bigger bikes but not necessarily have developed their skill-set to its potential. Don't get us wrong, we love larger displacement Supersport machines, but lightweight bikes have a true advantage in teaching the fundamentals of riding. In order to ride something like the Ninja 400 quickly, you have to focus on your movements and smooth your riding out. Small inputs have big reactions, so if you're used to riding larger/heavier machines and manhandling them, that is something you'll have to work out. That said, once you put in time on bikes like the Ninja 400, the larger motorcycles become much easier to ride. The common advice of beginning on lower-displacement bikes does carry a lot of weight, however, it's tough to quantify that to someone who doesn't have the experience on either end. From my own personal experience, riding lower-displacement machines like this and flat track bikes has helped me immensely. Lightweight bikes are far easier to manipulate and once you've had seat time on larger bikes, that's something that becomes quite pronounced. Take care! - Nic

[@HemiBurns]

Thats some great advice...and basically all the great riders learned on the small bikes and became great on the large bikes because of that.

[@mitchellsteindler]

I just wish it wasnt so ugly

[@emudshit]

look at it in person and not in green, u will like it :)

[@mitchellsteindler]

I hope I can do that!

[@neorider9183]

A motorbike MUST BE fast, at least like a ktm 790 or so.. this one is not ! I got fooled by these reviews and I went to a dealer for a test. It's light, decently agile ok, but that's it.

[@disrealnow9664]

You sound like one of those dudes that accelerates fast from the traffic lights and then slows down like a little pussy for the corners coz no skill. So man the f.... up and spend some time getting some skills on a lower displacement bike - that way there will be a lower risk of injuring others and yourself and you might get some more satisfaction than just your regular 'master of the straights' jackass action.

[@hardpipe8569]

sir i just want to ask a question i bought the kawasaki 400 here in the philippines and as part of break in period the mileage of may kawi is about 500kilometer then i start to run at 150kph is that ok to start sir as a engine BreAk in.?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Hard Pipe, We always recommend that owners follow factory break in procedures. If Kawasaki is instructing you to ride for 500 kilometers before exceeding 150kph, then we suggest you follow those guidelines. Hope this helps! Take care! - Nic