2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 Track Review at Sonoma Raceway
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2018
- If you're wondering whether the new Ninja 400 is going to be a decent track tool, Ari's got the answer for you. Ride along as he rips around Sonoma Raceway on the latest lightweight from Kawasaki.
If you're more curious about what the new Ninja is like as a streetbike-and what exactly is new for 2018-you'll want to check out this First Ride Review story: www.cycleworld.com/kawasaki-b...
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And in case you're wondering, here are the specs on this bike:
PRICE | $5,499 (as tested)
ENGINE | 399cc liquid-cooled parallel twin
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE | 6-speed/chain
CLAIMED HORSEPOWER | 44 hp (as per European website)
CLAIMED TORQUE | 28 lb.-ft.
FRAME | Tubular-steel twin spar
FRONT SUSPENSION | Showa 41mm fork; 4.7 in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION | KYB shock adjustable for spring preload; 5.1 in. travel
FRONT BRAKE | Nissin two-piston caliper, 310mm disc with ABS
REAR BRAKE | Nissin two-piston caliper, 220mm disc with ABS
RAKE/TRAIL | 24.7°/3.6 in.
WHEELBASE | 53.9 in.
SEAT HEIGHT | 30.9 in.
FUEL CAPACITY | 3.7 gal.
CLAIMED WEIGHT | 368 lb. wet (CA model)
AVAILABLE | Now
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*When MC finally does a review on a bike most of us can afford*
SunzOffski 🤣
I do want actually.
SunzOffski I want it.
I bought a new Ninja 500 in 2009 (no ABS or fuel injection) for $5854 in the U.S.
Wow. Bought a 2016 R3 for $5550.....no buyer's remorse, but that extra cc's would've been nice. Hope you like your bike!
Only Ari and Zack can go around a track , ground the pegs and notice the flowers...
Sonoma normally looks kinds bare ad this is a nice departure from that, and the Ninja 400 is not set up for track riding stock so there's more lean to be had with a full-on TRACKDAY BRO setup; it's not going super fast
I like how Ari is talking like its everyday riding. I would just be silent and supper focused
Jesusswe91 i never understood how they could multi-task like that.
Like Stirling Moss said, if a driver/rider is still able to speak, he's not pushing 100%. To us he seems to be riding pretty hard, but I suppose he still has something to give.
Nobody was recording his lap time, so why would he go 10/10ths? Plus, there were others on track. I'm sure if he was going for time attack alone on track, he wouldn't be talking...
I think he was just pushing to his own sense of comfort and still have fun with a bit of challenge. I suspect the good traits of the machine added to that, it seemed quite dialed in for the task at hand and he was enjoying it.
Check out Ari's earlier videos on his CBR300R and KTM. When he's not talking, he's setting track records... :)
Love that bike! And the way you keep your speed at footpeg scratching level and talk quietly at the same time to us is amazing too. Great review, as always, thanks. Too bad the brakes are to the squishy side, but that can maybe be solved or minimized with aftermarket brake pads
I just bought this bike as a upgrade to my ninja 250. i love this bike. i can't wait to take it to the track. thanks for the great review.
Ari Rossi, running on flower power and love
Damn this little thing rips! Good to get your perspective on it, Ari. Thanks a bunch!
Pure joy to see you ride around that track. This sine of bike seems like a good choice for someone who has not been to much at a track.
Man, the fact that you can mention a squirrelly back end, absolutely fly around this track and speak as though you’re just walking through a park is absolutely mind blowing! I’m beyond impressed! I’ve been in the woods my whole life, but this is my first street bike. Just got it and can’t wait to ride it more. I’m having a hard time finding a negative review on this little green machine! Thanks for showing everyone how capable this bike can be.
The fact I hear the scraping makes me realize I need to work on my turning more. I want to feel the scrape so I know the feeling so I won't be scared of it. Thank you and I appreciate the video
Thank you for giving us a feel of what this bike can do on a race track.
I picked up a used one of these last year for $3,800. Awesome bike. More speed than you legally need on the streets (I had it at 110 the other day on some open interstate . . . ), lightweight, comfortable (I'm 6'4" too), good gas mileage, nice dash display . . . Just an all-around sweet little machine.
Dude, you're flying around there! 10,000 rpm throttle cracked .. ahh look at the pretty flowers. :P and you blew by spurgen .. which also makes me happy.
Please do more of your track test video's in this format. Really enjoyed.
I hate squishtownUSA. I agree... That track is beautiful.
Indeed
I think this 400 could trash your h2 haha ;)
This video helped tremendously in my decision to purchase this bike. Thanks!
Great video buddy!
Love the bike 'n the circuit.
Keep the good job.
Greetings from Brazil.
Thank you Ari for a quality review
That felt like part 2 but there is only the one video. Also, I can't wait to see how it does against the 390
Points out new tire and low grip, proceeds to fucking demolish the track. What a beast.
Waiting for this for so long! ✌🔥
I was waiting for a review on Ninja 400 to happen..liked it...
Hope Kawasaki will launch it in the Indian markets too...
Ari, I'm really liking this bike, it looks like it has good low end torque but can also be ridden at higher rpm's, also capable of doing an occasional track day without risking your life. Wind protection, comfy ergos, great for someone like me who is 55 & done with supersports & looking for something more tame. Nice ride & review!
I'm 56... My last bike was a 954... So far I like the little Ninja!
This bike looks pretty cool and has all the performance too! Wow!
When I think about the back roads in my area I honestly think this is not only a great beginners bike. Like with cars a lot of people always talk about how they like to use the whole car and not only 10% of power and grip, and if you drive by the rules you never go beyond 60 mph on a back road anyway. So this sounds like a lot of fun for the reasonable drivers out there.
I'm 37, have been riding for 20 years, presently have a 1200cc bike..........and I want one of these!! People are all obsessed with CC and BHP, the finest bikes are the wee flickable lightweight ones like this. I won't be buying one this year but 2019 I 100% will!
jackwednesday the 300 was a great city bike horrible on the high way. I guess it depends on how much u weigh I weigh 250
I'm an old 65 yr. old Harley guy and I just bought a new 2016 Ninja 300 in passion red. I paid 4,400 out the door. So far I'm loving the bike and can't wait for the break in is over so I can ring it's neck to 13,000rpm.
Thinking exactly the same. Owing a 1200 cc bmw, tested that... i will swap !
Thank you Ari!! Killer review!!
This is the most great video ever,.. Congratulations 🎊
Hey guys, if you're more curious about how the bike works on the street, be sure to check out this Q&A article that covers everything from comfort to fuel economy: cycleworld.co/g4VhZn
This was kinda the cherry on top video that helped me decide on a new N400. Experienced rider, Monster 1200s - just want to learn how to ride better.
I'm a strong proponent of this size/class machine as a reliable and fun "keeper". After serving in the industry as a mechanic and service manager for over 15 years with Kawasaki and Suzuki brands, this class of machine seemed always overshadowed by larger and more powerful ones to come along but the sustainable and easy keeping traits of these are strong reasons to consider them. I'm currently seeking a late '70s KZ400 or GS400 for myself after all these years.
I think Kawi totally hit the sweet spot with this one. Just enough torque to pull a taller gear but not crazy fast to get gouged by the insurance. The only contender at the moment would be CBR500r in terms of power. But at 428lbs that thing is a fucking whale compare to this.
Really enjoy, thanks ari and zack
Great one again Ari!
I caught myself smiling the whole video thanks .
Beautiful video, i love your riding style. So smooth!
Thanks man! Gotta be smooth on stock tires. ;)
Oh yea, stacked up Durex is better i bet :)))
Oh yea, stacked up Durex is better i bet :)))
Nice! Looks like a great all-rounder!
Nice funding man was looking for someone flogging it. That suspension is such an upgrade. The old ninja was like riding a pogo stick at that speed
Great video ari 👍
Miss these videos, guys! Although especially as of recent, Waheed's been doing a lot better.
Ari, you always seem to so perfectly describe the exact feelings/thoughts I myself have on whatever bike you're riding. One of the few journalists who isn't full of shit and really knows what they're doing. Like you, I am really impressed with this new Ninja 400 given that they kept it at the same price point. It looks like the perfect little sportbike in so many ways. As far as the front brake, I know the feeling on the Ninja 300. If you bleed the crap out of it or add a SS line, it makes it a lot better. I think I actually prefer the Ninja's brakes, at least on the street, compared to the wooden ones of the R3. Pretty cool that they upped the rotor size and are now semi-floating. I'm sure a new master and SS line would fix this problem easily for aggressive riding and that really isn't all that expensive. I guess the only thing left to look out for is reliability in the future, especially with this major update. I also hope they've gotten with the times and don't suggest 7.5k valve service intervals lol.
That's pretty cool how you all know each other and there's no serious competition among Moto journalist. Adam Waheed was mentioned in another video.
Oh there's competition (especially on track!) but we're all friends.
Great lines. I wish I had a track near me, I am dying to take my bike to a track
So I guess I’ll go for the 400 instead of the r3 . Thanks for the reviews
love this track too, from racing on it in Gran turismo 4
Haha, great vid. As a former 300-owner (who threw on gobs of mods), this bike appeals to me a lot. Nice to see that they've gone with LED lights, with both lamps illuminated on low-beam. A quickshifter on a small bike like this works wonders, and it was practically a must-have on the 300. A brake upgrade would definitely be in order, and the 300 brakes felt a bit wooden.
The 300 exhaust crowded my heel too, but an exhaust swap saves both weight and clears out some room too (not to mention the loverly burble of a good aftermarket exhaust).
Too bad Kawasaki didn't make this a small-bore triple, but I'm very glad this bike exists. This would be a killer second bike as a companion to my Daytona 675R. :) I'm still kind of on the hunt for the smallest but best-performing lightweight, small-bore bike I can get my hands on.
Great riding as usual, Ari. Lovin' Sonoma with the pastoral beauty everywhere.
Love Kawasakis, especially in their good 'ol Kawi green
I just started riding and got the z400. Amazing bike to learn on. I would recommend to anyone. It just fun!
I'm definitely excited to get my first bike. The 400cc looks like a winner to me
Good job dude!
Thanks for another great review, Ari. I've owned a new-gen Ninja250R, so I'm generally familiar with Kawasaki's product already, but you've been my favorite bike writer and reviewer since way before you lopped off the dreads, so your opinion of this bike really matters to me. I now ride a Honda CBR250R and love it, but the one bike that I've missed the most since I started riding in 1980 is my old 1982 Yamaha Seca 400. Not that it was anything special, but I really loved everything about that bike and I've regretted having to sell it for almost 35 years now. I can't help feeling that this new Ninja 400 could well be the spiritual reincarnation of that bike for me and end years of longing and heartache. In much the same way as Kawasaki's new Z900RS re-ignites long simmering passions in Z1 riders of the late 1970s, the Ninja 400 reminds me of those heady days when we had so many choices in the sub-600cc category before liter bikes completely took over the market. I'm really hoping to see more from you (and Zack - maybe a commute video?) about this bike in the future online and in the pages of Motorcyclist. Dare I hope that you will take one under your wing and produce another series comparable to your terrific conversion of a CBR250R to track use? You're the best there is when it comes to wrenching these smaller-displacement bikes and I learned so much about my CBR from your extensive videos and articles. Please make it so!
Came from the 250 and moved on to the 300 and that was already a big improvement. I'm really curious if the step up is again as big!
Kawasaki always stepping up 🤘🙌🤙
Thanks Ari ,you're awesome
ARI IS BACK!!!
Which performance parts would you recommend for track use only (except complete exhaust system)? I'm thinking Bridgestone RS for starters, different brake lines and fluid, different pads and perhaps upgrade to a 320 mm? Different air filter for extra power? Does it need a steering damper? I'm 186 cm and about 80 kg.
All the best Ari!
Always like your review Ari. Would steel brake lines and better pads fix the brake issues...or is it just the nature of the design?
I ride this bike on twisty roads like I'm at the track. It's so fun!
Good video! Thanks
Its good that Ari reviewed this green bike.
What Zack would say: Engine is really good, breaks solid, handles superb, rides amazingly will I buy this? No I will buy R3!!
I think it was mostly timing. RC390 was getting sold and the only viable option at the time was to build an R3. Sometime this year Kawasaki drops this little bomb.
It looks awesome
Hi Ari, thinking about getting this bike for tracking. I also have a Triumph Street Triple RS and use my son's GSXR-750. Have apron. 13 track days under my belt 2 sec. faster on the GSXR. Between this bike and the KTM which bike is a better track bike and why?
Thanks
Can you ride more z650s? I just got one and I’d love to see more vids other than the ones you have on here
The dealer mentioned something to me that I dont think I've seen anywhere else...
Does this thing have a Cassette Style Transmission?
I want to improve the front and rear brakes with a performance upgrade. Any suggestions?
Was this event closed from the public? I wanted to come and watch and i dont know how
This makes me want to do a full track build on one!
Ayup, me too!
You could even start with a new one at sub 5g.
Does anyone know where I can buy one of those Kawasaki Ninja Mats that you see in the beginning of the video???
I have a question regarding power/acceleration of this bike; I had a 1983 GPz 550 which I found more than 'quick' enough for my style of riding.. how would this bike compare with a 1980's 550 in terms of acceleration and practical mid-range power for 'moderate' sport-riding . PS I really regret selling my GPz it was way-cool and very low milage for it's age.. momentary laps of reason..
Great vid as always.... in relation to your comment on the brakes could you fix the squishy feel by going to braided lines?
That would likely help, since the stock rubber lines aren't as rigid. ABS bikes often suffer from a bit of squish simply b/c there's so much more plumbing. I'd be curious to try a non-ABS bike to see if it's better.
nice video sir👍
Man wouldn't it be cool to see these guys do a track attack build on a Ninja 400, slick tires, exhaust, some tuning goin on and just wring it out on a track day? Ari seems really fast i bet with the right tires on a 400 he could pass 600s and maybe liter bikes in the corners.
hell or even with the new Suzuki GSX250 see how far one could take that
@Ari which one you pick from this Kawasaki 400 or Yamaha R3 ?
When do we get the class comparison video for 2018....
"Spurgeon here with another-WTF! Damnit Zack!"
Hey Ari, what gloves are you using? Thanks!
How does it compare to the old FZR-400?
could zack do a mc commute for a tmax 2017 or 2018 if there is ?
Seeing a lot of reviews addressing this bike for beginner riders. What about for a seasoned sportbike rider with decades of racing, track, and street riding experience, who is looking for something less strenuous to ride, but can still wick it up? Thanks!
A note about factory tyres: Find what tyres will fit that Z-rated to ensure good grip and put them on when you buy the bike. Bad tyres always make for a scary experience.
Good thing the Ninja's stock tires aren't bad!
For once haha! They chose some nice tires :) The little things that count!
Z-rated tires = capable of 149mph lol. Has little to do with what makes a tire good or bad. Nobody's going over 120mph on a small cc bike even with extensive modifications anytime soon.
The 2018 and 2019 Ninja 400 comes stock with very decent Dunlop Sportmax tires.
Wow, Sonoma looks beautiful in green clothing!!
I'm so used to watching it in summer when NASCAR goes there and everything is tan and brown and dead.
Hey I am gonna be 32 ,and I just decided that I would love to learn to ride , I do the full license for A category what is unlimited cc , but I still think that this would be the best first bike option to develop skills and confidence , would you recommend higher cc like z650 or mt07 maybe street triple , or the ninja would be the best ? thank you . I love what you doing guys .
please do a comparison of this and the R3.
0:07 i was scared that he dropped the bike
This is really sounding like THE best new affordable motorcycle to buy in 2018 apart from when the new Yamaha Tenere 700 drops assuming they do a good job.
Please Kawasaki, put a torquer version of this engine in the Versys 300X.
so im liking the bike after tons of reviews and research... but my problem is is it worth the extra? So now that its out the 300's are going to be cheap. So get a really good deal on a 300 or spend the extra cash on the 400, is it truely worth it? any opinions appriciated lol
@two wheels. I need Ur help pls find which bike is better. CBR250RR. OR. TVS AKULA PLS MAKE A VIDEO. PLS ✌️
Is this the full review or will we see more?
sounds surprisingly good, aurally wise
Gosh I had some of my best riding memories in my Ninja 300, this makes me want to get one. Such a cool looking bike with the leds, the gear indicator, and the same dash as my Ninja 1000. Good job Kawasaki.
Ninja 1000 is heavy as a PIG. It should be called PIG 1000.
Waiting for the trellis frame version.
Will you also review the new Ninja 250?
How's the ABS on this model? Too intrusive or pretty transparent?
Betting this bike will sound pretty rad with a proper full system.
i thought i heard scraping noises, was it the pegs?
is this all stock?
Tyre warmers help alot when jt comes to new tyres
why do we need auto blipper if we have slipper clutch ?
Less then 100 miles on mine so far. only complaint is the white tach needle against white numbers. Very hard to read while trying to break the bike in and keep it mostly below 4000 for the first 150 miles...
Have the Canadian version since 2014... ain't she awesome!
Wht size front&rear spocket for race track.
Ninja 400 & r3 in this both bike which is the best bike
What's tires you use for track.