What's changed since going back to the Ninja 400's Stock Exhaust?

I've noticed some BIG differences in how the bike feels since going back..
After going back to the stock exhaust on my 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT, I've noticed some big differences in how the bike feels on the road. Obviously it sounds a lot tamer and quiet, but I wasn't expecting it to change how it rides!
So in today's video you join me for a ride as we discuss what those differences are.
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NOTICE: This video is fair use under U.S. copyright law because it is transformative in nature, uses no more of the original than necessary and has no negative effect on the market for the original work.

[@jonathanalfred9847]

I was considering getting a slip on for my Ninja 400. But i dont like loud obnoxious sounding bikes. My bike isnt even brocken in yet so i havnt been revving it out. But today i went for a ride with my stock pipe. And started going into the higher rpms. And i decided i like the sound of the bike just the way it is. It has some nice tones to it. And i dont make people turn there heads from three blocks away because they hear me coming. I dont need the attension. And I like the ability to come home late at night without bothering all my neighbors. So today i decided to stick with the stock pipe. And when i got home i came across this video which made me feel good about my decision. I also wanted to say that i noticed someone in the comments saying to get a real bike. I also own a Ducati 939. And loved the little 400 Ninja so much that i bought one. Its a great around town bike. Plus sometimes its more fun to rev out a small bike then always holding back on a superfast bike. And on smaller canyon turns i can wip that little 400 around at faster speeds than my way more powerful 939.

[@elwood62]

To sum up, the engineers know what they’re doing and the bike runs well in stock form. My opinion on mechanical mods has shifted drastically since I started riding more.

[@Kwackajack]

Yep! I forgot how smooth the bike in stock form is

[@buzzyaiki]

I live in Japan and have a 2020 Ninja 400 as well. My first mission was getting a new exhaust on for looks and sound. Got a Remus sports flow slip-on (illegal here) a few weeks after purchasing the bike and kept it on for a year and a half, taking it off for regular garage check-ups. I put on the original muffler back on for my last tune-up this past August and left it on...what a nice difference!! No lack of power, a tad heavier in curvies, but all in all, way better ride than having the little-noisy shitbox making my ears ring every night...Good video man!

[@CornDawgOG]

You are the only KZbinr I actually worry about when they haven't posted for a while.

[@Kwackajack]

I appreciate this, I’m all good. Just going through a busy period of life with lots of changes. I’ll be back soon 👊🏻

[@Jodyrides]

that’s not my real last name but it’s pretty damn close..I learned decades ago when I road race d 2 production motorcycles that the factory knows more than I do. I think I may have been the only racer that left the machine totally stock in the engine/air cleaner/exhaust department. I won 6 road racing championships, two time national champion with a totally stock running engine. To top it off, my racing weight was 190 pounds. I raced against guys that weighed as little as 140 on the same machine, and I had one or 2 miles an hour on them at top speed. I even left the stock air filter inside the stock airbox with the lid on the stock airbox. everyone I mean everyone else was experimenting putting aftermarket parts on their machines, making them slower. Louder but slower.. I was actually protested several times and had to prove that my engine had stock pistons and standard bore and stroke dimensions.. because my machine was stock, I trusted it, I knew it was not going to seize or hole a piston or throw a rod , so I was able to learn how to actually ride fast by picking perfect lines, late brake, set up each corner so I would have the highest exit speed in the right gear at the right rpm so I could have a couple miles an hour extra speed all the way down each straight to the next corner and the next corner and the next corner. I learned how to maintain momentum, basically I learned how to ride and how to set the bike up by leaving the engine alone.. The factory knows more than we do..

[@jimmytableful]

My fuel consumption on the 400 went up between 10-20% with the Leo Vince slip on. I leave it in a lower gear now with the rpms at 5-6k instead of 4-5k so that takes more fuel and I’m sure the lack of back pressure also contributes. Always a pleasure bro!

[@Kwackajack]

Thanks mate! Yea it was surprising how much of an effect it had on the consumption

[@breandanhenderson3783]

Great to see a moto channel actually call this out… Everywhere else I say “Loud Pipes Save Lives”. A safer bike will save your life everyday of the week especially for new riders. I always recommend spending that exhaust money on proper gear… I would love to see you do a full safety gear video from you, keep up the mad work.

[@Kwackajack]

Cheers mate!

[@D.E.X]

Louder pipe don't save lives, unless you know of a rigorous study I am unaware of. Louder usually just means incomplete combustion (and the resultant uptick in hydrocarbon pollution) , loss of power, angry neighbors, and traffic stops and tickets. Hearing you doesn't seem to get peoples attention.

[@Motoboo_Marine]

@@D.E.X us in the firearms community call that kind of stuff "fuddlore". Basically ideas that a bunch of (mostly older guys) will parrot back and forth as truth despite it never being scientifically proven to be so.

[@shibapatrol801]

I had a cheap Chinese exhaust for a while and it did sound pretty decent but it started to rust so I decided to upgrade to the Akrapovic carbon exhaust but before I did, I put the stock can on and I noticed few things as well. For one, I was getting much less vibrations! This was confirmed by my wife who rides pillion very often and she even suggested keeping it on because it made riding in the back a little bit more comfortable. I noticed I would speed more with the stock can because it was so quiet, I didn't notice I was going much faster than I though (80kmh in a 50 zone). With an aftermarket exhaust, you hear the tone change much more clearly and you get a sense of speed without having to look down at how fast I was going. Fuel consumption is much better with stock, for sure. I did a 300km (one-way) journey on the bike a year apart, originally with stock pipe and the second with an aftermarket exhaust. Basically travelled the same route in similar conditions (Summer in Japan) and stock was approx 20% more fuel efficient. So for me between the looks, the sound and the fuel economy, I would choose the stock can over the Chinese can but.. I would choose the Akrapovic slip-on over the rest. It looks good, sounds good and while fuel economy won't be as good as the stock, I'm sure it's better than the leaky Chinese can lol

[@mujjuman]

wow! thanks for sharing this. i'm going to keep the stock exhaust

[@Kwackajack]

No problem 👍 It's not that the aftermarket was bad, just obviously the bike runs best stock

[@cmb9059]

@@Kwackajack I think that's just goes for cheap exhaust.. mine gained hp and acts fine with my two brothers.

[@cmb9059]

@@Kwackajack two brothers, akrapovic, Yoshimura and quite a bit more wouldn't be a problem and should gain power and wouldn't make it act up.

[@cmb9059]

@@Kwackajack like my friend has a ninja 400 and got a leo like yours and his bike was slower and even though I have like 40 pounds of weight on him i still beat him in most races.

[@ronoldcross8189]

Modern bike are engineered for best overall performance. Any mods to the engine, exhaust even drive train are a r tradeoff. Every mod must weigh the a perceived gaind against the actual changes in mileage and performance. Keep up the good work.

[@Kwackajack]

Well said

[@Rastei]

@@Kwackajack Except if you live in Europe with EURO5 restrictions electronical implemented on cars and bikes lol

[@bradleyjones5932]

engineered to a price more than anything

[@tiktoktrending3891]

High quality vlog, interesting about the vibrations when going back to stock!

[@buddy1065]

Thanks for the great follow-up observations. My slip on is still in my closet and I'm still enjoying the air induction sounds of my little sewing machine 2020 KRT. Nice hearing the wind in my helmet once again.

[@karlfonner7589]

I just bought a wrecked 400. I’m having a blast with it I’m definitely keeping the stock exhaust on it. I love the little sewing machine engine - it keeps me out of trouble and when you Revit up it does sound quite good

[@sephkateno1037]

If the ecu is running on stock digits then the best thing is the stock exhaust. Back pressure is always needed but it depends on the air filter too just a straight pipe with no silencer at all just opens up the exit you have to open up the intake too and modify the air to fuel ratio. My mivv gp pro exhaust has three silencers I never run it without at least one.

[@poorcomboz3577]

Only thing is, with the stock exhaust the on off throttle is very sensitive and twitchy, with a straight through muffler like the Leo Vince I felt it being way smoother

[@noahkiger9788]

yeah ive got the stock exhaust on right now, i was wondering if a pipe would help correct this. trying to engine brake or even let off the throttle is a nightmare

[@smoke05s]

The fuel mileage difference is there because you have picked up some midrange. It takes less of a throttle opening to produce the same power so you save gas. They guy below uses a lower gear for the same reason, in order to make the same power as before. Loud pipes alone do not save lives, it is a tool to skew the odds in your favor (you still have to be diligent) . . . but there are downsides and midrange reduction is one of the side effects (without a dyno tune to correct the fueling). 280 to 400km is very significant. To be fair the LV10 on the top end even with the fueling off probably makes more power than stock but who rides around at redline all the time (on the street)? . . . Don't answer that!

[@RootsBassCanada]

I'm about to change back to stock exhaust. Can't wait to try it out. Hoping to sell my bike soon.

[@njohnson3331]

I bought cheap slip-ons for my last two bikes, and regretted it both times. Both times I decided to replace the cheaper ones with somewhat pricier products. I'm not talking about no-name brands, just the more economical products lines. Anyway, the second slip-ons were better sound and build quality, but I still regretted it due to the noise level. I left the DB killers in with both bikes, but I couldn't stand the noise on medium to long rides. I'm sure other people love it, but not for me. My next bike will think very carefully about what mods I'm going to do.

[@RootsBassCanada]

Thanks for the video. Been thinking of changing my exhaust on my Z400. But been having trouble finding the one I like. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise that I shouldn't change it.

[@cmb9059]

Get a Two brothers black series it's alot more expensive then the leo but I believe that's why he had issues is that it's really a cheaper exhaust.

[@cmb9059]

The s1r to be specific

[@Motoboo_Marine]

Only thing that irks me about the stock exhaust is my heel constantly hitting it xD

[@YearofTheLaw]

Same reason I swapped out ASAP.

[@yehudiel4588]

foot size?

[@Zepplin76]

My 10 1/2 US right foot entered the chat to agree

[@joshuaspop8865]

A silencer in that slip-on probably would’ve made it perform similar to the stick can. Silencers are needed for back pressure. But yeah, stock is mostly fine. I will say an ECU flash is a very positive thing. The FTECU kit opens some restrictions and makes the bike run smoother and the engine runs MUCH cooler. Just buy the kit and do it yourself. It doesn’t change the fuel maps, so no time is needed.

[@D.E.X]

I'm wondering if you tuned the bike when you put the after market can on (would have made a difference you'd notice and if you are turbo-charged, untuned could even cause oil leaks) and if you did, did you retune when the stock can went back on? A lot of folks forget an exhaust back pressure change can significantly affect the engine, mileage, power...

[@smoke05s]

Dyno tuning would make it run correctly but it is still debatable if he would still have lost midrange (fuel mileage) or not. Mileage is the best indicator for midrange because you ride where there is a speed limit. It takes a certain throttle opening to get up to speed. if that opening is less or you get up to speed faster so you are on the gas shorter it is the same. You have increased midrange. . . . Dyno tuning is so expensive for such a small HP gain almost no one does that on these bikes (for the street). If you have please chime in and let us know if your gas mileage on your typical ride went up or down after dyno tuning / a pipe and filter compared to stock.

[@danialmekhiel8733]

Seeing this video and reminiscing over the what was “normal” fuel prices 🥺

[@andrewchas8170]

I mean your points are valid but did you tune your bike with the aftermarket exhaust? If you don't tune it after you change the exhaust it will not operate to its full capacity. Because it changes the air/fuel mixture.

[@GPSKULING]

The mid range is better with stock exhaust.

[@kawi724_eric]

Why not get it tuned to the new parts and have an even better bike? I would rather the aftermarket exhaust vs. sounding like I am riding a scooter. LOL

[@user-qd6pu9co7q]

Hey buddy, glad the stock exhaust wasn't a disappointment for ya. I would've like to have heard how it has changed the power delivery through the range but doesn't matter too much. My ninja 400 is a stock commuter so I've taken all your points for granted hahaha. Up shifts I rarely use the clutch (engine breaking wrist twist). I know that growl you speak of (best heard up a hill at 80 or so). Fuel tanks only going 250kms would horrify me as I average 380kms. All the best on your road trip mate. 🤙🤙

[@Kwackajack]

Yea the fuel range with the slip on wasn't terrible, but not amazing either. How do you find it as an everyday commuter?

[@user-qd6pu9co7q]

@@Kwackajack I've clicked almost 30,000kms on it and it hasn't missed a beat once. We've had a tremendous amount of rain at times and the thing has just chugged through anything. I have noticed that it gets a little hot in stop start traffic in summer but that's about all. I average 380kms at slightly faster highway speeds tucked, but sitting up at normal speeds it'll get the same distance (approx 3.8L/100kms). The one thing I changed was the mirrors; I got the ninja 300 mirrors as they're much lower and make it waaaaaay easier to lane split. Vis is ok still. One of my biggest gripes with the bike in commuting is the front headlights: no one can miss you for sure, but the highbeam is horrid. It just adds about 20% more light but only a few degrees higher, which is fine on a straight road but I have some fast sweepers and it's impossible to see anything around the corner. I'm adding LED bar eventually inside the wind shield to help.

[@Kwackajack]

Yea I know what you mean about the high beam. I was really impressed with the regular LEDs at night but switching from low to high doesn’t do a whole deal. Have you thought about switching to a different screen (double bubble/touring) if you’re doing that many highway k’s?

[@user-qd6pu9co7q]

@@Kwackajack I've got the factory taller screen in the smoked. It's good but any bigger and I think it's start looking a bit odd. At present the wind blast is around my shoulders and I'm about medium height. I don't mind laying on the tank but yeah I get those drivers mocking me doing the same thing to their steering wheels hahahaha. I can fit a light bar behind the taller screen just been too busy. I don't like that adventure bike look with LED'S hanging off it everywhere .

[@davinmb]

Hey mate, Do you get that induction whistle between 3-4000rpm? If so did you notice a difference with the Leo exhaust?

[@flyluffy643]

hey jack! i just bought my kawasaki ninja 400 like urs.. i just wondering how did u put the phone mount/phone holder on ur motorcycle and what kind of mount did you used? can you send me the link where did you buy your phone holder. ty!

[@vdhazer]

The stock exhaust is always the ideal choice.

[@NorfLondonGardener]

Nice video, thanks

[@netxzero3993]

For me i did not notice changes on the engine braking as i am still engine braking on my open pipe. You can check it out on my page i uploaded it. Gas consumption is something i have not tested since i get 27km/L and 33 on twisties and long downhills and this is because i changed the exhaust when i was still breaking in the bike. People here cross streets without looking and i almost hit one when i was with the stock. So now its a lot safer as they hear the bike before crossing.

[@mujjuman]

this is not the same but it reminds me of my escalade... i changed the tires from touring to all-terrain tires. i am on the gas way more with the all-terrain tires just to maintain speed vs getting away with just coasting with the touring tires \. my highway mileage dropped by almost 10mpg!

[@GameMasterAddict235]

buy a higher windscreen. i cant stand my stock screens. too low.

[@mrnobodytheuser2950]

In an Australian summer that low windscreen is great

[@AlcatrazMeow]

Do you have a rattling noise coming from the front? Like keys hitting the switch while riding only it isnt this

[@fakeraybanz6357]

I believe it’s the timing chain and there was a recall for it

[@andrewleavesseur2305]

Iv noticed this a couple times! Did you figure it out ?

[@AlcatrazMeow]

@@andrewleavesseur2305 nope, some say its the timing chain and all kawis are like that. Althought there have been a recall, its a specific production dates and not all 400

[@Junkfiles446]

what's the difference in top speed with stock and open?

[@ahuman9864]

Going back to stock from a yoshi alpha tomorrow night. I realized I wasn’t enjoying the bike as much as I could because I was constantly being conscious about the noise. People would turn around like “wtf is that” or “that bike sounds broken” When I would rip it, it sounded like a dirt bike with no exhaust so I would bring the clutch in just to avoid the noise at night, or if I was not trying to stand out it would be impossible. Cruising through the downtown area would be a nightmare. Very cool bike but it loses all its merits because how wrong it sounded in public. The other problem was that it was loud always, even during idle. It’s like I couldn’t hear the engine.

[@bails5564]

I'm considering getting the performance exhaust from Kawasaki

[@doug_velasquez007]

"little growl, not a big one" LoL I know what you mean. I'm happy with stock exhaust. I mean ya it's heavy and ugly but that bike is light enough and I'm only 130lbs.

[@datspdx9248]

Dang, I wish I saw this video before I bought the Leo Vince slip on

[@TuffTgr]

how are you liking your lv?

[@thatsmolbean1150]

damn I knew I recognised the road, Bonogin

[@ridenowJP]

Simplicity.

[@Paul-dz7xi]

LOUD HORNS SAVE LIVES

[@mimi1girl2dempsey3]

Wish Harley riders could figure this out.

[@softwarey]

Bonogin road!

[@Kwackajack]

Sure is

[@thepontiff7505]

when going past a 50 sign keep the camera off your speedo, lol

[@Kwackajack]

Hahaha

[@johnadams3038]

The stock looks so ugly..

[@Kwackajack]

It isn't the best looking pipe, for sure. Said that since I got the bike, but you get used to it

[@johnadams3038]

@@Kwackajack It’s strange because the exhaust of the Ninja 650 is so much smaller and better looking. Why that has such a big pipe I don’t get it

[@ur2slob724]

@@johnadams3038 pass emissions

[@brettwhittlesey6862]

Quiet bikes kill don't ever forget that

[@sovietspy86]

Take that heat shield off

[@thomasbrooksjr380]

Did you get ecu tuned ?

[@Kwackajack]

Nah

[@goldencatpat]

litearlly can not hear a thing lmao.

[@keithquinn5624]

Why not just get a real bike? No offence….

[@romeosgenericchannel3971]

Bike will do 120 mph, how is not a real bike lol

[@keithquinn5624]

@@romeosgenericchannel3971 how many minutes does it take to get there?

[@markwatkins6882]

@@keithquinn5624 So tell me Einstein,what's a real bike ???

[@Paul-dz7xi]

@@markwatkins6882 I think he means a moped.

[@mimi1girl2dempsey3]

I learnt to never shit on another person's ride. Just good manners.

[@dillongoodman2965]

Dude is a squid 🦑