NEW Kawasaki z400 - First Test RIde

[@heathvamp1711]

I just bought this two months ago, im a beginner and this bike is so awesome. I am so in love with it already. Took my motorcycle class and got my license, im ready to go. Its so easy to ride. Thanks for the vid

[@MrDrakenhoff]

Heath Vamp ride safe 😀👍

[@Kwando3242]

I just bought this bike, Beginner rider as well. Fucking awesome.

[@Jodyrides]

I am an old guy, I currently have a gold wing GL 1800. I started out on small bikes over 700,000 miles ago. And somewhere along the line I just kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger bikes. I lost touch with small bikes. I have had Kawasaki 400 triples, Honda CB 400 f, Yamaha RD 250, RD 350, rz350,Then I moved up to the original Z1 900, CB 750 SS, Seca 550, Seca600, FJ 1200, moto guzzi sp1000,moto guzzi v11 sport,moto guzzi norgeTwo Yamaha ventures, a BMW K 1200 LT, now a gold wing, I’m not even mentioning all the dirt bikes and trials bikes and rode racing machine so I rode, I’m just pointing out how I gradually moved up in weight Through the 1970s, the 1980s, the 1990s, until now. A buddy of mine very into bikes like myself, who also has had over 100 motorcycles like myself, was visiting here in Pennsylvania, and he bought a Honda CBR 250 single cylinder. He’s a smaller guy, about 5 foot6, ex roadracer like myself.. he rode that bike from here in Pennsylvania all the way to his new home in Melbourne Florida on I-95. He said he had the throttle pinned most of the way. I was amazed that it would keep up with traffic and, not grenade on him on that 1000 + mile ride.. He told me that I have to get on a small bike again. So here I am watching videos on smaller bikes because I just bought a Kawasaki Z 400. I pick it up tomorrow. I rode it today on a testride.. just as I was pulling away from the owner on the test ride, I lifted my visor and told him, I won’t be right back, and before he could say anything, I pulled away. I did leave my truck there after all. you can’t find out what a motorcycle is like just driving up and down the street. so I took it on some hilly back roads, I was pleasantly shocked at how much grunt the Z 400 has. I thought I would be ringing its neck and its tongue would be hanging out. Not the case. I headed for the steepest hill within 10 miles, and here in Pennsylvania, it’s not hard to find a steep hill. I took it to “Hillandale Avenue “ they named that one correctly. I was flabbergasted that it went up that hill without straining in fourth gear, I was not even at half way to redline. I pick it up tomorrow. I have a feeling, my big heavy gold wing is going to be sitting in the garage most of the summer

[@MrDrakenhoff]

I'm certain that you will be having a lot of fun on the 400! Seems like you have a lot of experience with bikes, woah! ^^ I wish you all the best! Ride safe!

[@Jodyrides]

@@MrDrakenhoff thanks for the good wishes on riding safe, but every time somebody tells me to be careful when I’m on my bike, I always say with a smile on my face, that’s the most useless advice I ever get, because, obviously, I’ve made it this far, so I’m doing some thing/everything correctly, 106 motorcycles so far, 700,000+ miles, six road racing championships, two time national Rd. racing champion in my class, AMA, WERA.. I wear all the gear from boots, Kevlar pants, leather jacket,/I have 16 jackets, for different temperatures, and different lean angles for the bars, and different colors to reflect sunlight or absorb heat, same with gloves, I have approximately 30 pair of leather pre curved gloves, no fingerless gloves.. I have had two deer impacts while riding my motorcycles. One at 70 miles an hour on my BMW K 1200 LT. You can’t prepare for that. It’s over the instant you realize what just happened. $5500 damage to my machine, I did not go down either time. The second impact was on my daily commute to work on my Honda Pacific coast, at 30 miles an hour.. I was waiting at the stop sign one day and I got hit from behind buy a car. On my first commuter Honda pacific coast. I had one of those flashing tail lights/back off light system.. that is actually what caused him to hit me. While I was laying on the ground coming to. I heard the driver of the car explaining to the police, I saw his tail light flashing, and I thought he was pulling out..The driver fell into the trap of the syndrome known as “target fixstation “, my tail light got his subconscious attention, and he drove right into me because that’s where he was looking. But thanks for the good wishes on riding carefully, but I don’t need it, it’s actually a distraction..

[@MrDrakenhoff]

@@Jodyrides I never said to ride careful! ;) As long as you know your own limits, the definition of "safe" can mean so many different things. You clearly have a lot of experience, miles on bikes, and I'm not saying that you can't handle riding itself, but no one (at least in my eyes) is ever done learning. Racing-titles doesn't really help you if a deer decides to jump out in front of you as you also stated ;) Again, I'm not necessarily saying that you should ride careful per say, but I was just trying to say something like "happy riding" if that makes more sense. ...so happy riding mate!

[@Jodyrides]

@@MrDrakenhoff I did not mean to come across so strongly. It’s just that I have been hearing people mostly non-riding experts, telling me to be careful.. I know it’s dangerous. If you think about it long enough, it’s actually stupid to ride a motorcycle. And I hate being reminded of how dangerous it is by someone telling me to be careful. Jay leno told his story one time about a person that just found out the J is a motorcycle enthusiast. Jay said it never fails. Every time a non-motorcyclist starts talking about motorcycles around me, they always have a story of a guy they know that went headfirst into a chipper while riding his motorcycle... and you know what, that is so true. After I heard that story from Jay Leno, that is when I started telling everyone it tells me to be careful, that that is the most useless thing anyone ever tells me.. if I wanted to be that careful, I wouldn’t even get out of bed in the morning.. so no offense taken now that you understand my feelings about that cliché. But I’m sick of hearing it.. since 1966..d;)

[@gt2745]

@@Jodyrides typical American. No wonder Russia and China are fed up with your BS, and will be wiping you off the map pretty soon. Wanker.

[@Watchinchemtrailz]

The 400 pre 2020 had some clutch issues they fixed in 2020 and up

[@tonycornea6945]

That's how you make a video.🔥

[@MrDrakenhoff]

🔥

[@mindspinn311]

Love the 400 engine! The Z400 is more fun than the Ninja ergonomics change the experience. Same for the Duke 390 and RC390. Sadly the slipper clutch in the 300 and 400 Kawasaki bikes is known for being vague. I’m tempted to get one of these Z400 anyway, but I love my Versys 650 and don’t want to give it up.

[@MrDrakenhoff]

Awesome! The Versys is probably a bit more versatile than the z400 depending on what you want. Thanks for watching :)

[@dramalexi]

Thanks for the review. It's very good to know if you can hear the roaring of the wind or not.

[@CVsnaredevil]

Maybe the clutch just needed some lube? I remember having the same feelings with my Ninja 300 at times but whenever I would lube the cable, it felt much better. But yes, compared to my BMW R1200GS that has a hydraulic clutch, the Ninja 300 clutch feel is too light IMO. The Ninja 300 also has a heavy feel with initial throttle application. Took some practice to get used to the feel.

[@MrDrakenhoff]

Yeah you might be on to something there.. either way it felt weird 😅

[@MunsKi]

i like the gauge

[@MrDrakenhoff]

me too!

[@BloodPanther06]

I think it is hilarious that you blur the gauges lol I am seriously considering trading my Z125 for a Z400 because all the ratings I have read and the reviews I have watched say the bike is really good for not just beginners, but it is good for a daily commuter as well.

[@MrDrakenhoff]

Cory Yarbrough i’d say go for it if it’s what you want 👍

[@robertsalyers1351]

I own this bike and I Love it

[@MrDrakenhoff]

Awesome! How long have you had it for?

[@robertsalyers1351]

About 7 months now Getting ready to do my first oil change has about 800 miles on her now can't wait until spring

[@MrDrakenhoff]

Robert Salyers oh wow! Ride safe buddy 🙌

[@cuchsluch]

Whats the top speed ?

[@MrDrakenhoff]

c0uchsl0uch00 What I see listed everywhere is 100mph+ (160kmh+) so probably something like that 👍

[@martintoftling1344]

I just got my Kawasaki Z900. And i like it

[@MrDrakenhoff]

Amazing!

[@bfarm44]

I live in the country with nothing but twisters. Perfect ride.

[@MrDrakenhoff]

What country is that?! 😮😮

[@udmbfckx2916]

Thanks for your review....This bike is unique in that it won't be outgrown by the many newcomers to motorcycling. Just add a wider, taller windscreen and voila! It is pretty decent for highway riding. Those that compared this a Hayabusa are immature trollls. Ignore them and don't waste your time, they do not own a bike or even know how to ride! At 2:15, I did not see a sign, why do you have to give right of way? I am trying to understand. Thanks!

[@MrDrakenhoff]

udmbfck x hey, thanks for your response! In norway we have something called “rule of the right” which basicly sais that you have to yield to traffic from the right unless there are any other signs that would indicate something else. Hopefully I explained that well enough? 🤗

[@udmbfckx2916]

@@MrDrakenhoff Yes! Makes sense, there is something similar here in the USA regarding being on a waterway and who should 'go first' Thank You! PS: Wow, no signs!

[@___play.boy___4180]

This dude was speeding the whole time lol

[@rottweilerfun9520]

That's pretty much how If be riding too. He's making the video realistic..haha.

[@mugfilms87]

Perfect urban fun bike

[@rottweilerfun9520]

I enjoyed your enthusiasm , thanks for the " not a review "....lol

[@MrDrakenhoff]

just being high on life thats all! Thanks for watching :)

[@ilhamsabirin4673]

Nice review sir.. How about the throttle response in all rev range? Is it accurate and smooth?

[@MrDrakenhoff]

Thanks! It's been over seven months since I rode this bike so I can't actually remember, but since I didn't mention anything about it in the video it wasn't "bad" either ;)

[@ilhamsabirin4673]

@@MrDrakenhoff alrite.. It has 400c engine but some say it pull like a 600.. Do u agree?

[@MrDrakenhoff]

Ilham Sabirin maybe in the low rpm-range, but not when the 600s rev up in their powerband 😬

[@robertniemiec8146]

Have you ridden the ninja 300?

[@MrDrakenhoff]

I have not! ...but I did ride the ninja 400 the year before this video.

[@robertniemiec8146]

@@MrDrakenhoff haven’t had a bike in ten years and looking for a low cc bike to get back in the groove. There is so much choice now compared to 15 years ago I don’t know what to get. Considering ninja 300, 400, r3, maybe cbr500.

[@MrDrakenhoff]

@@robertniemiec8146 That's awesome! Hope you find exactly what you're looking for :)

[@crad5476]

Why do you sometimes censor the speedometer?

[@MrDrakenhoff]

Zoe Boe cause I like spending a lot of time blurring the speedometer 😅👍

[@Nostrum19]

cuz he's woke

[@r3b0rn80]

I heard bikes were expensive in Norway... How much does it cost ?

[@MrDrakenhoff]

About 9800 USD is the price for the z400 in Norway 👍

[@LapeVideos]

@@MrDrakenhoff that's crazy! It's like 5400 Euros in the Netherlands.

[@MrDrakenhoff]

LapeVideos ouff 😮

[@gsss1236]

@@LapeVideos ye but norway is a rich country too so people make good money

[@michaelanderson3813]

It's alittle under $7000 USD OTD in Kentucky USA

[@lee-enfield0247]

Is that Norvay?

[@MrDrakenhoff]

It is 👍

[@KSEMC]

Bra video og test kjøring👏👌

[@MrDrakenhoff]

Takk :)

[@toxendon]

@@MrDrakenhoff Vurderer Ninja 300 som første sykkel... Skal ta lappen neste vår. Men butikkeieren i området anbefalte meg denne i stedet. Hva er best for en grønnskolling tenker du?

[@MrDrakenhoff]

@@toxendon ville anbefalt å prøve begge og se hvilken du liker best. Personlig er jeg mer en nakensykkel-kar, så jeg hadde nok gått for z400 av de to. Men som sagt, prøv begge og velg den du liker best 😊👍

[@lieyuk6853]

How much cylinder this is??

[@MrDrakenhoff]

This is a parallel-twin engine 👍

[@Rodcam_95]

399 cc

[@bfarm44]

Its a slipper clutch, they feel completely different.

[@MrDrakenhoff]

Might be that, though my MT09 has a slipper clutch as well. Felt a lot different 🤔

[@minkya1010]

so it's a completely different clutch than the Ninja 400?

[@mindspinn311]

minkya1010 same

[@minkya1010]

@@mindspinn311 thanks

[@darylamon6146]

I think thats the alipper clutch

[@gnesmond]

Would you say it's a good starter bike for someone who used to ride small dirt bikes a few years back, and wants to get back into motorcycles

[@MrDrakenhoff]

Yeah definitely! I started on a bike like this myself👍👍

[@fishboy2123]

i bought this as my first bike and have 2k miles on it in 2 months and i love it

[@DangerNoodlesMC]

Didn't sound too bad either! :O

[@MrDrakenhoff]

It's no MT07 with TOCE :o

[@DangerNoodlesMC]

@@MrDrakenhoff Not a mt09 acra either 😜

[@debb.7431]

where are you? In Canada?

[@MrDrakenhoff]

Norway actually :)

[@tarunkota333]

What about power wheelie ?

[@MrDrakenhoff]

tarun kota not from me 😅

[@tarunkota333]

@@MrDrakenhoff 😅 give it a try next time subscribers love to see that stuff..😊

[@broderp]

What you call a bad clutch, I call a very forgiving and easy to use. Maybe if you drove like you're on a public road and not on a race track you would have a different opinion.

[@MrDrakenhoff]

That might very much be, ride safe brother!

[@LapeVideos]

@@MrDrakenhoff Could it be the Assist & Slipper Clutch feature they brag about?

[@MrDrakenhoff]

LapeVideos could be, but I’ve got a slipper clutch in my MT09 as well and it doesn’t feel the same at all 🤔

[@Balunliinfi]

why no 700mm seat height for Asian hahahha

[@MrDrakenhoff]

🤔😉✌️

[@jackwhite8157]

Pud

[@MrDrakenhoff]

yess...

[@javierc2726]

You realize that the clutch can be adjusted right? Are you new to motorcycles right?

[@MrDrakenhoff]

Javier C If i remember correctly that wasn’t the kind of adjustment I meant. It was aimed at the feeling when the clutch was gripping, might just be that I am used to stiffer springs in the clutch but I’m not sure to be honest 🤷‍♂️ have a great day buddy 🤗

[@lizardsandlionfish]

"MT-09 is a little bit better than this bike" Yeah no shit its $5000 more lmao, this dude has no idea what hes talking about :( "clutch is a little more rough than a 125cc" ... yeah its 300 more cc's it has to be...

[@MrDrakenhoff]

I hear where you are coming from, but that logic doesn't nessesarily work in every case. THe cc and clutch

[@markus123S]

First? 😅

[@MrDrakenhoff]

Oh yeah! 😀

[@markus123S]

Stolt nå😂

[@scandimc]

Its so pretty! (Not)

[@MrDrakenhoff]

hehe

[@michaelanderson3813]

Your opinion matters!