Kawasaki Ninja 400 / Z400 HD Clutch Spring Upgrade Install Guide

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

Update: I've been told by a few people that you don't have to drain your oil. I assumed you did, and made this video in the middle of an oil change. I still think it's a good idea to change your oil when you do this though, as there might be clutch shavings in your oil and filter from it slipping. I'm not a professional motorcycle mechanic though. This just seems like a logical assumption to make on a wet clutch design. Besides, fresh oil never hurt anything. Haha

[@davidnoyola8670]

So do people drain the oil first and reuse the old oil?

[@steve-wu7jp]

@@davidnoyola8670 I'm guessing the bike is leaning over on the side stand. The oil sloshes over into the left hand side of the case?

[@eddiebiedebach8876]

#notagrom Having an issue getting the Clutch actuator on properly is what i think the issue is, after I put the cover on and get the Clutch actuator in place i end up having a lot of play on the clutch lever, not retracting back, not a lot of pressure very loose, any idea what i might be doing wrong, in your video I followed all the steps, but for some reason having issue with the clutch cable and tension on that clutch handle bar

[@SportbikerNZ]

I just did this mod yesterday and can confirm oil doesn't need to be drained. BTW very handy vid. Was very helpful.

[@rohinhans7819]

@@SportbikerNZ how does it make the clutch feel, is it significantly harder than stock or very similar?

[@MattFellowswasHere]

Hey man I can’t tell you how much this helps- Literally has all the torque specs and everything in the video…. I didn’t even take the screws out….that’s how lazy I was… I just leaned the plate a few degrees horizontally so the screws all stayed in it…😂…

[@S.G.37]

Thanks for the vid. I thought I was one of the lucky ones with no clutch issues, but nope! I had slippage between 5th and 6th in high rpms. I have my Spears Racing Kit in the garage right now that I’m about to install.

[@SportbikerNZ]

How did the new springs go? Apparently the clutch pull rod only allows a fraction of clutch wear before it bottoms out causing more slippage, so Spears and Norton Motorsport both have aftermarket drop ins.

[@danejurus69]

I already had my clutch go bad and my dealer fixed it for free because it's under warranty. I'd get the better clutch springs but I renewed the warranty for another 2 years and if anything goes wrong with anything, it's covered at no cost to me. I had the clutch repaired at mile 7,500 and I'm now at 17,350 miles and no issues since so I'm hoping whatever Kawi did to fix the clutch made it better than before. Thanks for video detailing this upgrade though. I didn't know it was so easy to upgrade those springs. Cheers, and safe riding my friend. 😀

[@TinkeringTom91]

I have a z400 and I've had a few people ask if it is a grom 😢 😅

[@moreandyanarchy9354]

i just changed my clutch springs and i got a check engine light with the error code 67? its related to the o2 sensor im not sure what happened with it. any ideas?

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

@@moreandyanarchy9354 The o2 sensor is almost directly below the clutch housing. Maybe you clipped/pinched the wire going to it?

[@GSXR.J3]

Do you have to drain the oil or can you just sit it on the kickstand and perform the install?

[@briandavis2726]

Sit on the kickstand. No need to drain oil

[@tribalecho6108]

Also you dont have to pull of both sides of the cowl just have to hit the little pin in the middle by the front tire

[@GamaBikerz]

Hello I also have a Z400 and I need to change the clutch springs. Are the Barnett springs harder than the factory ones?

[@gaylordbuttdick5405]

Is there no gasket for the clutch cover?

[@connihshuah5701]

It's a metal gasket and mine was perfect so I don't think I had to change it

[@kortneegill4069]

so i changed my clucth plates and springs and after putting the cover back on and connecting the clutch cable. it has no tension at all even after adjusting the nuts and lever adjuster nothing any ideas??

[@sheheryarkhan5567]

do you have to replace the clutch cover gasket?

[@sheheryarkhan5567]

So actually you should replace the cover gasket as I just did it was recommended by the Kawasaki dealer.

[@Taino50]

I did this but I am having problems with my clutch stem not having resistance, how can I fix that?

[@MasonCollins-ps9ht]

Idk if you still read these after 5 years. But as of this week my clutch feels like it’s slipping at higher rpm’s in 4-6th gear. So I’m going to try new spring and if that doesn’t work then new clutch

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

I do!

[@yasarnasry8861]

Does this improve the feel of the clutch lever? Way too soft for my liking

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

It does make it a little more stiff. Yes.

[@fgm1197]

same here same bike 2018 ninja 400. 24.000km( around16.000miles?) i installed a quickshifter 2 weeks ago and with constant full throttle during acceleration the slipping is a pain in the butt.

[@CaptainKaos420]

hay i have a 2022 Kawasaki z 400 and i get the slipping your talking about are the springs the same for the model i have ?

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

Should be, unless they've changed engines

[@St.FighterZ]

Im experiencing slipping on my '23 with 10k on it. Did this work for you?

[@jeffomspaugh6691]

The 18 and 19 model year bikes need the different pull rod and bearing too.

[@Jodyrides]

I broke the posts that the clutch springs go around off in my clutch basket when I put heavier springs in my motorcycle

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

You did something wrong. Thousands of people have watched this video and successfully installed their springs without any issues. I've never even heard of that happening.

[@Jodyrides]

@@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix That happened on my Yamaha RD 350 with Don Vesco porting specs.. it made a lot more power than stock, and the clutch would slip mercilessly once it hit power band. The common fix was to put KLH spark plug washers under the clutch springs. Those were indexing washers so you could have the spark plug gap aimed in the direction you wanted. Or you could install stiffer clutch springs, or both. clutch slip is not a bad thing, there are degrees of course... after a few club races, all six of the posts inside the clutch basket snapped off.. I have a Kawasaki 2019 Z 400. I did notice that the clutch is very light. But I adjusted my clutch release method after a couple days, it did not slip anymore because I figured it out. Just make sure you’re completely off the clutch lever before you pour the coal on.. I realize that this requires a delicate touch and good timing to ensure that shifts are fluid like smooth.. there is another alternative, don’t use the clutch at all once you get going. I rarely used the clutch unless it was raining when I rode raced for eight years, winning six championships, and two national championships. A friend of mine went to Keith code superbike school about 25 years ago. He told me they supplied the leathers and the bikes/ninja 600s. They had to sit in a class for a while and then go out on the track following a teacher. The last instruction they gave to the students before they turn them loose was “ we would appreciate it if you did not use the clutch when shifting “ I realize that takes a bit of skill to be able to match up the speeds, and letting off the throttle just for that split-second just before your shift up, and letting off the gas just before you downshift just for that split-second. But whether you use the clutch or not, the same crashing goes on inside the transmission

[@G.SpotFPV]

many thanks for the share, still having no issue today After the Spring change? Also does New springs improve the accélération ?

[@MiguelGonzalez-uq3by]

There was no gasket in your clutch case?

[@charlesb689]

Thank you so much for the good advice! I have the same ninja 400 2018 at just above 8k miles with the clutch slipping all the time. Hopefully I will do this mod very soon

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

Thanks for watching!

[@nextgamebud8342]

Did you do it? How did it work.

[@astnu]

#notagrom I would like to ask my bike has slip but it can be spot rarely and only got 2000 miles on it. I am not riding a lot. So should I change springs and pull rod and I will be fine? Cause I don’t wanna touch plates what is your view?

[@iLykeCahrs]

After I put my clutch cover back on turned that lever back I couldn’t get my clutch to renegade. Why could this be?

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

I'm not sure. Search the Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/589805504716542/

[@darryl1351]

Did you ever figure this out? Having the same issue

[@KBradAdams]

@@darryl1351 Did you ever figure out what the issue was? AK never replied?

[@darryl1351]

@@KBradAdams I did! Turns out the lever was binding in the clutch cover not allowing the clutch to properly disengage. Dealer warrantied the cover and replaced it.

[@KBradAdams]

@@darryl1351 OH man good to hear and Thanks for the reply!

[@kenforrester4580]

weird. your bike don't have a clutch cover gasket?

[@c0uchsl0uch]

Are you still riding? I thought there would be a gasket In there? This will help me with my Z400

[@anthonypellegrino6712]

Looks like your clutch cable was a bit tight there at the end, no?

[@samuelrogers8498]

Was there a gasket between the cover and the block? Great vid

[@tylerkimdura6690]

Samuel Rogers yes there is, it’s recommended you replace it.

[@cleborp4453]

What does this do ? And what does everyone mean their clutch was slipping?

[@johnny_123b]

Have same problem. Even slightest pressure on clutch lever makes (sometimes-not often) clutch slip. I always hover fingers over it, so Im gonna have to replace springs too. Could you tell me where I could find just slightly stronger springs?

[@S.G.37]

BiccLasagna go to Spears-racing for the springs and also a clutch arm spring that helps as well.

[@alittlesnag]

Do you know if this is the same process for the 2019 z400 by chance?

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

Yes, it's the exact same but less work because you don't have as many plastics to deal with. If you need anymore help, head over to Kawasaki Ninja 400 USA on Facebook. We have plenty of Z400 riders in there!

[@alittlesnag]

@@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix For sure, I appreciate the response and I'll be sure to head over there. Thank you!

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

@@alittlesnag I'm the Admin over there "Jack Seven" If you need anything, feel free to message me!

[@gaylordbuttdick5405]

Do I need a new gasket? Just got a new one on there but need to open it back up again.

[@SportbikerNZ]

I've done this without replacing any gasket and no oil leaks for me. Make sure to clean around the lower cover area after reinstall as there will be some drips there from removal. It's easier then to see if something is leaking.

[@gaylordbuttdick5405]

@@SportbikerNZ I appreciate the reply. I got it done and these clutch springs fixed all my clutch problems!

[@SportbikerNZ]

@@gaylordbuttdick5405 Just as an fyi, there is also a replacement clutch pull rod sold by both Norton and Spears. Apparently the stock pull rod only allows the clutch to wear about 25% before slipping. The replacement pull rod allows 4x the wear. When I did my springs I also put in the new pull rod.

[@gaylordbuttdick5405]

@@SportbikerNZ I actually read about the pull rod issue right after I got done installing my springs... Just not looking forward to taking the clutch case off again but plan on installing that part too when I get the chance. Appreciate the heads up though!

[@reylennanncesar3732]

Any disadvantage if i use a 1/2 drive torque wrench for tightening the springs?

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

No. It just needs to be setup for in/lbs rather than ft/lbs

[@markwalker6692]

I notice you didn't have a clutch cover gasket. Is this normal? Didnt see one on mine but I keep seeing them online to order wondering if mine is missing it. The dealer who fixed my clutch said they installed one too but its not there.

[@connihshuah5701]

Mine has it... It's a metal gasket

[@markwalker6692]

@@connihshuah5701 Damn i didn't even see a gasket. Looked like nothing was even there like in the video.

[@markwalker6692]

@@connihshuah5701 Actually idk maybe I just missed it if it's metal.

[@connihshuah5701]

Its metal and not on the cover but on the bike where the cover goes

[@markwalker6692]

@@connihshuah5701 OH okay I appreciate it. You're the first person who got back to me about it, I thought mine was missing. I saw rubber ones for the 400 for sale online and assumed they were like that stock.

[@jeffomspaugh6691]

Where did you get the torque specs?

[@jeffreysuarezbogantes4721]

have you any link or page where i can find good clutch springs and clutch disk too????

[@nextgamebud8342]

Hot body racing

[@reylennanncesar3732]

Need you advice... My mechanic told me my clutch was slipping and needs replacement. I insisted that clutch is not slipping since what im experiencing is when I upshift say from 2nd gear to 3rd, it will just engage 3rd gear but goes back to 2nd gear and revs high. Happened several times also in other gears whenever I upshift. Im suspecting the issue is in the transmission and not the clutch. Any thoughts?

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

I think your mechanic might be correct. My Z125 is 4 years old now with 5K miles and I noticed that the clutch felt a little weak recently and it has been doing exactly what you described.

[@reylennanncesar3732]

@@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix thanks! Ur a big help. I researched a bit more and found out its more of a shifting mechanism issue.

[@reylennanncesar3732]

Btw i used ur videos as my guide when i changed air filters. But u dont seem to have a video about changing sparkplugs yet. Needed that too.

[@matheusgpbh]

sorry, my english is not perfect. Does this change help with the clutch problem?

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

It prevents the clutch from slipping

[@matheusgpbh]

@@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix thank you Bro'

[@matheusgpbh]

sometimes when I'm walking mine doesn't fit the gear... but that happens infrequently

[@uxofpv5747]

Gracias, quizás así se soluciona mi problema. La mía se estaba deslizando en las revoluciona y ahora perdió mucha fuerza, no se mueve a mas de 30kph :( ....

[@jasonhan3854]

Hey notagrom, I have a question. I just bought a used ninja 400 and when I go over 8k rpm or so, and pull the clutch, I feel A LOT of vibration I mean A LOT! on my clutch lever, in low RPM I don't feel it though. And so, my question is, do you feel that on your bike? especially when it's above 10k RPM?

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

You shouldn’t be feeling any vibration there. You probably need a new clutch set, which is basically the same process to install, you just have to make sure the plates are in the correct order.

[@jasonhan3854]

@@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix i just had the clutch set replaced.. i think it's the engine vibration.. it gets pretty bad when it's at high RPM.. maybe engine damper is almost gone? The bike is at 30k km

[@nooblet224]

I really need to do this upgrade on mine. 7,500 miles and the clutch still sucks.

[@kawasakiricky2571]

Are you located in the pittsburgh area ?

[@Racer510]

I love your videos! I'm curious what sort of camera you use for your videos? The quality is nice.

[@dorvaknin5774]

If the gear slips, replacing springs will fix the problem?

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

As long as your clutch isn't fried, yes. But if your clutch is fried, you'll probably be doing springs anyway. So it doesn't hurt to start with the cheaper easier solution first.

[@tylerlyon2755]

How many miles are on the bike?

[@justmerj7626]

Does the 2021 need new clutch springs as well?

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

I'm not sure. Only way to find out is to wait and see if they fail. You'll know when they do. Your RPMs will jump higher than normal when you shift into a higher gear and give it full throttle.

[@justmerj7626]

@@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix I'm getting a 2021 ninja 400 and considering getting the springs and installing them just to be safe

[@kayakexcursions5570]

Thanks for the video, I have an 18 400 with 26,000 miles and the clutch is slipping!

[@NP911.]

Does it really feel uncomfortable past 112? And why? I’m considering getting this bike as my first and want to know everything I possibly can. And is it uncomfortable given the bigger tank? I’m 5’8

[@samuelrogers8498]

im 6ft and feel fine on the bike. bike feels good to me at all speeds, but i wouldn't recommend going 112 right away.

[@AlexJ5A13X99]

Owners manual states a break in period of 1000 miles without over stepping 4000rpm. I found that just about impossible unless you’re riding through small towns at 45mph so I tried to not go over 5000rpm.

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

I'm 6'3" and it's fine for me. I think it needs a better seat, but they do make one that you can upgrade to for $200. I'm going to try to recover mine in a future video with some gel I got on eBay for $50. So we'll see how that goes. As for being comfortable at speed, it's fine as long as the wind isn't blowing. I was in a low valley doing 110 and a gust of wind almost blew me off the road one time. Luckily there wasn't any traffic (it was a long backroad in the middle of nowhere) because it blew me into the opposing lane.

[@samuelrogers8498]

@@AlexJ5A13X99 ride it how you like it but dont go crazy all the time. If you read the whole break in debate on forums its 50 50. I rode chill and took those 1000 miles to really learn what I'm doing. But it never stopped me from doing what I wanted with the bike.

[@danejurus69]

The 400 actually has a small tank. All my 600 riding friends point that out to me as soon as they get on my bike.

[@briandavis2726]

Very helpful video. Thanks!

[@u2walalang]

Is the ninja 400 comes with slipper clutch ?

[@mark52111]

yes

[@karimtayo9485]

I want clught disc full set kawasaki

[@rick343]

I replaced my springs with Barnett springs and my trans is slipping again, anyone have this problem??

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

You probably need clutch disks. This has happened to a few people in the group that waited too long to upgrade springs

[@rick343]

@@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix I did my springs around 600 miles, I have just I have just over a thousand on the bike now, it's just slipping during acceleration, pretty bad, I contacted Barnett, where I got the springs, they don't know how many plates I need, do you know how many I'll need, man Kawasaki sure dropped the ball on that slipper clutch, would like to be able to get on it once in a while and not have to wait for the trans to catch up to the motor.

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

@@rick343 I'm not sure as I haven't had to do it yet, but you can find out by joining the Kawasaki Ninja 400 USA group on Facebook.

[@rick343]

@@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix Will do, thanks for the reply.

[@cuchsluch]

Where did you go TX. BRO ?

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

I'm alive! Lol

[@spideyphl1800]

i subcribe and i wanna thank you for making this video . it help me a lot . appreciated GBu sir!

[@rohinhans7819]

Would It slip when riding or when shifting?

[@nextgamebud8342]

Shifting

[@martinfafard5155]

thank you very much for your video it was very helpful

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

Thanks for watching!

[@Slambog]

Question on this I have a 2019, I was reading this post below, but seems to be primarily on 2018s anything about this being an issue on 2019s as well. www.ninja400riders.com/forum/9-ninja-400-general-discussion-forum/2021-highway-experience.html#/topics/2907?page=20

[@rohinhans7819]

I have a 2019 and only notice any amout of sliding when shifting at high rpm and going really hard on it. It will slip down to the correct rpm but won't just jump to it so this mod would be useful

[@randomyoutuber6992]

Forgot to put the oil in before the ride lol

[@nextgamebud8342]

Me too instructions weren’t clear 🥴 dick stuck in the pipe

[@mark52111]

Great job on the video and the install. I didn't see you put on a new gasket. If I were a betting man I'd guess your install will be fine reusing the old gasket but technically I think you're supposed to replace the gasket anytime you crack open the case. I'd suggest this as cheap insurance. Worst case scenario you'll leak some oil at the seam which I'm sure you'll notice and take the appropriate action at that time. Thanks for posting the install. Take care. Ride safe.

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

You're probably right. It didn't pop out or anything and I'm not leaking, but not a bad idea.

[@troybolton4055]

I just did the springs and didn't replace the gasket. It is seeping now. I wouldn't recommend doing this without another gasket on hand

[@seanwatts392]

When those dogs ran out to the edge of the grass I got scared!! Lmao

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

Lol I'm just used to it. I don't even worry about them anymore.

[@seanwatts392]

@@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix that's crazy lol. As soon as I saw them I jumped lmao

[@gaylordbuttdick5405]

Thanks so much for this video.

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

Thanks for watching!

[@gaylordbuttdick5405]

@@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix I have a question if you have a minute. My ninja 400 clutch has a problem where if I give the lever any free play then it wont return to the neutral position or it wont go all the way forward in other words. Any idea what this could be?

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

@@gaylordbuttdick5405 I'm going to be making a video soon that might address this. I'm not 100% sure if we have the same issue or not, but I should have that video out soon.

[@gaylordbuttdick5405]

@@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix Cool hopefully the video will answer my question. Just wondering if kawasaki will cover this because I was reading their warranty info and it says to use the warranty you are supposed to keep receipts of all your maintenance and I dont have any receipts or proof that I did the maintenance correctly.

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

@@gaylordbuttdick5405 If you had taken it to them, they would have, but you would have likely ended up with the same problem later down the road as they probably would have replaced the parts with the same one's that always fail.

[@steve-wu7jp]

great job

[@JW-gb6hq]

thanks

[@therealmr.whiskers1547]

Watching this made me feel really weird. I feel like somehow you have stolen my bike. That key setup is damn near spot on to mine. I have a DONT FUCKING DIE tag from motoloot, a purple anytime fitness fob, and a house key and my 400 key. It looks like you have the exact same.

[@CarlosHernandez-kn4xk]

BRO NICE. BUT NO NEED TO DRAIN THE OIL;)

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

Thanks. I made a comment above on my thoughts on not changing the oil, but I do appreciate the input. Let me know what you think.

[@johnny_123b]

Are you sure? I'd assume there is oil in clutch. I can see it in oil window...

[@CarlosHernandez-kn4xk]

Not if is tilt.

[@northparkanita3152]

You forgot to add oil comment before you can go ride....gee wonder how many fools forgot to put oil back in lol

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

Um. What?

[@manbeastx69]

Great video but those dogs though,I hate owners who do not take care of their animals.

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

Ehh, it's Texas. People rarely leash or fence their dogs, which isn't illegal here. It's just a normal thing, hence why I usually don't even say anything about them in the videos.