Thoughts after one week with the Kawasaki Z400
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ต.ค. 2024
- #ShortRider #WomanRider #BeginnerBike
Two weeks with this 2020 Kawasaki Z400 while I am bikeless saved my butt. As always when I borrow a bike for long enough - I ride it all around town, highways, and of course... MOUNTAINS. It was so comfortable and easy to ride I didn't hold back on day #1 with it in the curves. Thank you so much, Jay for lending me your bike!! Again!
That thank you gift for Jay
Portable GPS Tracker bit.ly/Monimoto7
That disc brake lock bit.ly/KryptDi...
My top Revzilla gear and accessories picks: bit.ly/TopRevz...
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I have had my z 400 for 6 months now. I love her. If you are a beginner or going from a 125cc to something A2 conform i can recommend this one. Also a great one if you're short im only 1.55m/5'1.
Thinking of looking at this bike, I’m 5’3” with 26 inseam. Will this bike fit? Either way, I gonna go to an bike shop and try it out
I’m 5’6 and learned on a grom. I love it’s size but I seek automatic. I’m told z400 has that capability.
Perhaps I can use an EFM or rekluse clutch as well to make it automatic
Thank you for the info
Just buy a honda they sell automatic bikes from factory @@lostintheclouds8719
Did you have to lower your bike?
That’s the bike have, in the same colour. Done about 700 miles on it since I bought it. Bloody love it. Can easily ride it for two hours in one go and not feel uncomfortable at all.
Future doodle was such a clever idea. I’m glad to hear you’re doing this full time. I hope you’re enjoying life 🤘🏻
I love how you gave him a gift. So many people would not have done that. I love the reviews.
I bought a Z400 as a re-entry bike, since I had not ridden in almost 20 years. I originally thought that I would sell it after a few months to get something more powerful, but I enjoy it so much that I will keep it. Its light weight makes it more responsive that expected and makes it easy to push around in the garage. Taller riders might find it too cramped, but I am short with a 28" inseam, so it is fine for me. The only issue that I have had is with the mirrors. The mirrors were too close together for me to see much behind me, so I got a pair of "mirror extensions" that moved them a couple of inches to the side. Other than that, I love my Z400.
I'm 68 yrs old yooper Dan and I cut off my mirrors & added a 4 inches of chrome tubeing extension to them. Can see perfect behind me & they look great.
Hi Doodle, a nice video, packed with good information on these 400cc range bikes, which you always have fun riding, and you speak from considerable experience. This was a great gesture by Jay, and by you for gifting him!
Your size/fit observations are VERY valuable ... because it seems that MOST 'reviewers' refrain from noting anything that might limit sales (manufacturer pressure?). Nice job, Lassie.
Good review from a different perspective. Bigger isn't always better. I have 5000 miles on mine in 18 months. To reply to a question below, it's not gutless at low rpm. I can roll up in 6th gear easily from 40mph.
Your reviews are better than subject matter expert bc you give your perspective as a real world rider..thank you girl....
Doodle, Jay was very appreciative of the gifts you gave him. 🙂. Obviously you like the Kawasaki Z400 a lot. Nice review of sorts. I laughed at future Doodle at the end of the video. Have a great weekend.
🤪 have a great weekend!
@@DoodleOnAMotorcycle Doodle, it was very nice of you to repay his kindness.
With a 2009 cbr1000r and a 2022 Busa also in the garage, my favorite bike to ride is still my 19 z400. With a tune, it's just FUN to ride!
So funny, the 3 bikes she compares (The Duke, MT, and Ninja/Z400) were exactly the bikes I was considering. I ended up going with the Z400 actually and it's unbelievable fun. Sub'd
I just bought a Z400. I sat on the Duke for 1.5 seconds. I couldn't have been more uncomfortable. I have no clue why people talk about the Duke all the time on YT. I'm 6 ft tall 185 lbs and I LOVE the Z400. It was a tough decision between the Yamaha MT-03 and the Z400. The Z just felt more comfortable all the way around and the Kawi clutch is much more forgiving than the amazing Yamaha. Hope that helps.
The duke sits good for me at 6'0, just wish reliability was bettet
Great review, thank you. I tried a 650RS and this straight afterwards. I have to say I preferred the 400. I’ve been riding many years, though my skills are still modest, but the Z400 was just so light and with a wonderful chassis it was a great confidence booster and I head that in your review too.
The 650 by comparison felt surprisingly flat, tired almost, and it certainly put me off buying one.
I got a z400 as my first proper motorcycle after riding a scooter. So far, it has been great. I can comfortably commute even on highways. I do eventually want something with more wind protection, but I want it to keep the light weight of the z400. Versys 400 would be wonderful.
I've heard the Versys 300 is great.
That one has a really nice trim on it. Been riding the Z400 for just over a month now. 2022 model. And I have loved it very much.
This is my first bike and so far its awesome and great on mountain curves in upstate NY and ride around town too. Just overall really comfortable bike. I want something with more power but may even keep the Z400 too cause I love it so much
Picking up my first z400 on Saturday. Im in upstate new york too lol. By cold spring, where are you?
@@Desekratedd I'm 2 years late, but I'm getting a z400 next month. I'm in central PA! Yall having fun?
Another great real world review, of special interest to a returning rider (from the UK).👍👍
My first bike was a Kawasaki Z400 (1974). It had a sight glass. Right side, just past the brake, IIRC. Fun bike it was.
I'm really glad you mentioned your height. I'm a small man - 5' 5" so hearing that you can nearly flat foot it really helpful.
Good review. Like the more upright seating position of the Z but prefer the full fairing of the R just for looks. Nice friend who lends you his bike.
FWIW regarding cramped space - I've seen reviews from people 6'2" that say it's fine apart from bashing your right heel on the exhaust shield. And one 6'4" rider who says it's OK but he might go for the raised seat. I think this bike will fit a 6 foot person just fine as is. Depends on the makeup of your 6 feet through, whether it's in the legs or the torso.
Hiya Doodle,
Awesome feedback on the z400, as that's what I'm riding for now, I really enjoyed the review, as you always keep it interesting. Ride safe...🏍💨👍💯😎
Annie from Oz 🇦🇺
Yay welcome back Future Doodle!!! Even on a super short appearance she never fails to amuse me. 😎
I just got one and i love it. Handling is awesome. My first bike was also a Suzuki boulevard S40. I love that one also. Love your vids. Keep up the good work. 👍
You are the 'Prettiest biker on TH-cam.' Not those who show off their body and have nothing to say useful about biking. You give us useful information. Thanks 🙏
Doodle.
Fantastic video! The 300, 400 and 500cc class bikes are perfect for everything you mentioned. They are light, nimble, very sporty and perfect for commuting on. The demand for these bikes really says something. Newer riders should pick these bikes as their second ride and live with them for a good while before moving up in displacement. As usual, great job Doodle! I love "Future Doodle" as she is always correct! She is my favorite but you are OK too! 🤣
Peace Doodle!
Ride SAFE and BE safe Lady!!
🙌👏👏👏👌✌🖖🤙👍👋🙂🌹
She's back! Future Doodle is back! Praise the Lord! We've missed you, FD, but now, all is well with the world! FD, you are *always* needed! Oh, and about this nonsense of having to check oil levels . . . . O : Great content, Doodle: useful and dispassionate.
Nice information from someone whose interest is enjoying riding and getting others to enjoy too
NGL Future Doodle is my favorite Doodle, the back and forth always elicits a chuckle.
🤪
Excellent review. Love your stuff!
Thank you for all your great vids. very informative. well done!!
Thanks for referring me to rider share doodle, took a can-am ryker on a spin for this past weekend it was an absolute blast, definitely looking forward to testing out other bikes 👍
That’s awesome! 😃
I trained on this bike for a few hours and didn't like it. I just was not comfortable on it. I switched to an MT-07 and things improved instantly. Bigger bike but still light.
6:28, would be interesting to see your favorite bike care/detailing products. I tend to use waterless wash, dry with a waffle-weave microfiber, then apply a corrosion inhibitor and UV protectant.
You can see that all in this playlist! 😋 th-cam.com/play/PLTQU1JIgQDN4By1gWwFdUrZZd-Y17aIg6.html
@@DoodleOnAMotorcycle 🙌
I could listen to you talk all day. I never want your videos to end. You need to just go live and stay there like the Truman show lol
😅
I've been trying to look into possible beginner bikes for myself, I've never ridden before so I have a helluva lot to do and learn, but I'm kinda split between this and the MT-03 since the vitpilen isn't in stock anywhere near me. Starting to thing z400 may be the way to go when I eventually get my first.
Same here. I'm leaning towards the MT-03 for cost and insurance. Thing is there are none available in my area. Will see in the next few weeks. Sat on a Z todayand it felt like a good fit.
5:16 .. I feel for you, for scratching your tank. Hope you find the impetus to get it repaired. Such a pretty tank; beautiful bike.
5:49 .. Really kind of you for buying your friend some presents that he needs. Makin' me emotional watching you give him the goodies.
The most important thing to my comfort in the Twisties is as much about the tires as the bike itself. After five decades of riding my top three are 1 Michelin, 2 Metzler, 3 Bridgestone. And I will not trust my life to Dunlop tires.
😮
I agree that the v 400 is small, and the v 650 seems to be small for that capacity. Yesterday I was picking up my bike (VStrom 650, which is arguably large), and got to talking about future options. The v 400 was right behind me, it looked like a toy bike. I will ride one just to see how it is. (I’m average 5’ 10”, and strong enough to pick up a fully loaded and fueled VStrom). Just toying with the idea a a “little” bike, just for kicks.
You won’t regret it. I have a Honda 919, and the Indian 1200 S, and a Z 400. My go to bike is the Z 400. Perfect for around town cheap on gas and everything else and it’s fun to ride once you raise the handlebars and the seat
Had a sight glass on my '06 ZX-10R, '13 FJR 1300, '15 R1200 RT, and '21 R1250 GS Adventure. Didn't know any motorcycles had dip sticks until you said your Triumph does. Triumph does some weird things like non-adjustable mirrors and oil dip sticks 😜
😅
im also a z400 2022 model owner. greetings from Philippines. Ride safe
Hey doodle! Just wanted to say hi from the other side of the world. You just did a video on my dream bike. 😊
You were spot on with the duke 390 being taller than the ninja. I went on a dealership and sat on both. With the duke, I was like a dog paddling on air with both feet even with the kickstand on. No chance on flat footing it. With the ninja I was able to stand on my tiptoes. Btw, I stand proud at 150 cm/4'11 (that is the average height on my country 😅).
I was torn because I like the duke because it is lighter but I also like the ninja for its forgiving nature and seat height. So I ended up with a lowered Kawasaki Z250 SL. It is like the perfect mix of both - Naked look of the Duke + 150kg weight then the seat height of the kawasaki + reliability.
Sorry for the ramble. Smooth roads and ride safe always!
Sweet!!! 😁😁
Great editing, yet another good real world evaluation.
Hi Doodle! Thanks for the review. My wife and I ride together and she currently has a ninja 300. Due to some unexpected health issues she is needing to get something that is sporty but more upright sitting. I'm curious to know our of the many naked bikes in the 300-400cc range seemed to be the most upright? Thanks for the videos and inspiring more women to ride!
I'm 5'10 200 lb. I fit fine on the Duke 390 but found the Z400 too cramped. The Z650 was fine, as were most of the other 600cc naked bikes I shopped.
Which would you get -Z400, Ninja 400, MT03, or Duke 390? Let's see if I can get a low cc Honda or Suzuki! Here are my other low cc bike reviews: bit.ly/LowCCBikes
Ahh dammit I tried to get the sound of the bike as you all requested my last review video, but I put the sound recorder under the seat without the cat fur, so mostly you just heard it rattling inside. I'll remember with the next bike review!!
Ninja 400
Z-400
It had been about 20 years since I had ridden, so I got a Z400 as a "re-entry" bike.* It is really wonderful for that, although rear-view mirror extenders have been helpful for riding in traffic. I grew up in the NC mountains and still prefer nimbleness and lean-angle over straight line stability. The Z400 has plenty of power for the backroads I prefer, yet can deal with highway speeds when needed. I really like the light weight. It makes low-speed handling easier. It also makes it easy to move around the garage. I will probably drop it one day, but at least I should be able to pick it back up by myself. I considered the Duke 390, but I prefer the lower seat of the Z400 (I have a 28" inseam).
*The local dealers would not allow demo rides, so it was moderately terrifying for my first ride in 20 years to be on a newly-purchased motorcycle!
Z400!
I'm a small rider and the z400 was in my list of bikes to test drive when I was looking for my first one. Unfortunately they're not being sold in Europe now due to not being aligned with the EURO5 regulations. In the end, I bought a BMW G301R and I wish I was close enough to lend it to you for a review whilst I'm on two weeks on vacation 😁
Ahh!!!
Interesting review and very through, thank you as being a very short Jet Li style asian this helps alot for a future buy.
Awesome video Doodle. Definitely the MT03 and the Z400 are very close as a great bike to start on. As I've riden a MT03 more it be my pick. Especially if you're just commuting on a daily basis.
Fast forward 2024 they bumped it up to 451cc so I think I’ll add one to the garage
I have a blue one, it has different handle bars than the ninja so you sit in more of an upright position but overall they're practically identical
Hello there from newzealand,
Just wondering if you rode this at night? Was keen on your thoughts regarding the LED headlights.
Many thanks in advance,
Glenn.
I believe the difference between the Ninja and Z400 is the fairings and the handlebars? Thanks for the vid.
Hi Doodle, 😉 👍 great job with this video 👏👏👏👏👏👏 entertaining and informative 😉 so sorry to see the result of your collision with the garage door 🥺 but I'm sure is sortable...
Thanks Future Doodle for confirming the engines of the two
I was very disappointed in the Street Twin I test rode. I agree that the tires felt slippery once you leaned it over. I sure wish I was smaller in stature so I could enjoy less expensive to buy, insure, and own motorcycles.
Hello Doodle!! Very informative video as usual. I really c want to ask you; this compared to your S40....quicker? Less vibes? Which is more comfy?
After my BMW was stolen, I wanted to downsize and got a Z400. I just could not bond with it. At the time they came out, a small but serious bike was needed in the USA, I thought it would be similar in concept to an RD400, and bought one. After the learn-the-new-bike process was over, it just wasn't for me. I wish it was, it was an expensive test ride for sure, but in the end, there was just something about it that didn't resonate.
So still looking for the small bike that works. A lot of gen 3 KTMs for sale locally, so maybe it will happen this year?
Old video but the motors are tuned a little different than the 400r. Still sweet. I’m considering this one.
Keep riding! Keep smiling! Be safe!
I have the same bike and put 4.5k miles on it over this last summer and although I'm looking to get a bigger more powerful bike If I could afford to keep my 400 and buy another bigger bike I totally would!
Hi, nice review.
My one local non mark up dealer just got an used 2022 abs model with 5k miles for $5,100, is it a good deal? No drops, only scrapes. I'm a new rider woh wants it for highway commute and wants to keep for 3 to 4 years. I sat on a Duke 390 and fit perfectly (the adventure one I can't flat footed). I also love the rebel 500 and Husqvarna Svartpilen which I felt in love with the ergonomics and style, since I'm a retro type of dude and love round headlights, but sadly there are no Husqvarna Svartpilen.
Cool videos ❤️
Will be nice to see your take BWM G310R and G310GS, Cheers!
Nice.. I've had my ninja 400 for about a month now and 🙂🏍
Hi, Doodle. Great video, go on. Have a question for you. I own a 2017 KTM Duke 390 for almost two years now, wich is the old model in Brazil. What do you think about exchanging it for the Z400? Love the KTM, but sometimes I miss 20Km/h more top speed... Best
I have a 2021. Learning still. 🙂
What kind of disc lock is that? If it took an hour for the locksmith to get it off I'm buying 2 of those. 6:01
Hello Doodle, yup another good video, thank you for not doing Fan-Based riding option. You keep it totally non basis and open to everyone’s choice and opinion. If you get a chance, check out the Royal Enfield 650 lineup.
Yes, the Interceptor if possible.
Is there a contest for most adorable person on TH-cam?
Because Senora Doodle wins ~ hands down!!💯👍🏽🥳🦾 🏍 🔥
🤪
I’m torn between the z400 and the cb500f how do these two compare and what would you pick for a complete beginner? Thank you really good video by the way :)
Haven’t ridden the CB500F! Both seem really similar - I’d just pick whichever one of those I could find the best deal on!
I'm surprised how little attention the 500 class by Honda gets. The 500F and the CBX500 both interest me vs. the Z400, but the 500F is closer in price. Seems like it has more reviews in the UK than US. Everything I hear about them has been good.
When did cubics decide the level of a bike ? I too love the way kawas lean ( that is why they are my fav), suzu ok , yama and honda just differ . Ever tried a sport cruiser ?
For daily/ 4 season commuting you do need to think about aerodynamic comfort ( hands , legs , head). Or you will get muscle fatigue. Hope you get your bike back soon. Take care
No sport cruisers yet - that’d be cool!
Yeah, everyone seems to believe - at least in the US - that CCs decide everything. When I used to go to the Daytona races, the 250 class was crazy fast due to high RPMs and low weight. I think if more people saw that, they would understand better that it is not necessarily engine size that dictates performance.
Kawasaki has been implementing the Oil Sight Glass since forever now. Mu 04 636 had this Oil sight glass.
50 mph curves? We have curves that will place you airborn at 50. Even Rossi would need a parachute. But, 15 mph or 50 mph, curvy roads are sweet.
You are always good. Being 5' 6.5", I really like your perspective.
I like Doodle's opinions, BECAUSE she is a lightweight and relates well
with her comments, with other people that have similar issues....
He, he he!
Brilliant vid Doodle!!! Ride safe ;-)
I keep going between a Rebel 500, Honda Shadow and Kawasaki Vulcan S. Now I’m looking at this. Currently have a 150cc and am super comfortable on it but would like to go faster. I’m 5’2” and need a low seat height. I’m torn!
Z400, more fun to ride than any of those others on your list 👌
Time for some Honda reviews! CB500F, CB650R.
Looks like Jay is a good friend of yours
Makes me giggle, I'm 5'6 with a 28" inseam. I can't get comfortable on most stock bikes. Even cruisers I have to change out bars and push them forward. Thanks for the review, looking at adding a n400. Oh and sight glass oil level isn't a new thing. Had a 85 suzuki gs550 that had sight glass for oil level.
I'm planning on buying one in the next month, REALLY wish I could find that color combo. It looks like they don't make it with the green frame anymore.
I really could not find but 30 to 60 seconds of a review of this bike. iys more of a comparison & was all over the place. I was wanting to know if you liked it & how it handled.
Pretty sure the no-sight-glass is a British bike thing. My '81 kz440 and '81 gs550 both had sight glasses.
My 2016 Triumph Bonneville had one 🤷🏽♀️
What’s the most recommended small (300cc to 500cc) bike for a 64-year old guy that hasn’t owned a bike since his late 20’s?
I’m in great physical shape, 5’11” tall, 175lbs, 32” pants inseam.
My bike in my late teen’s was a Honda 500-4cylinder. Then in my 20’s, a Honda 750-4cylinder.
I’d rather try a smaller naked, and then if I want to upsize, then go to a Yamaha MT-07.
For now though, should I get a KTM Duke 390, Yamaha MT-03, Honda cb300r, or a Kawasaki Z400?
I really really love you, Kawasaki Z400
Me too!
when i went bike shopping i had to choose between the ninja 600 krt and the z400 i can confidently say the ride height is almost exactly the same im 5'10 180 and i fit flat foot on both the 600 and the 400 however they had some z600 and the z900 and those were both a fair bit bigger seat wise
I didn’t know they have the same engine as the ninja400 ! Thanks for the review
Your '5 foot 3 .75 inchs .....Ohhh darn just missing on 5 foot 4 must be so depressing ;-) Thank You for the video ...IM still deciding on my first bike ...
Nice video.. which bike u have more fun riding? Z400 or Z650?
Mmmm… we’ll Z650 I only rode for 20 min on a demo day so z400 🤪 but if I had to keep one of those 2 i’d pick Z650 - which is still very light and low
Yay!!! Future Doodle is so smart!!!
Is it gutless at low rpms…do you have to wind it out to high rpms to get it to go or is it ok? So other than vibrations does this handle as well in the curves as the MT-03? Excellent review. My riding is exactly the same as yours…casual daily and love the curves.
Unfortunately didn’t get the MT03 in tight mountain curves like I did this one - but they both feel practically the same in fit and dimensions and really easy to lean
Awesome review! I have this bike & I love it😁
8:14 I think this is really helpful as I've been unsure and indecisive as what I want as my first bike but this is a really good point
Enjoying the vids! Can you review a CanAm Ryker please?
Can't wait for your Triumph Tiger road trip 😊
Still loving my Z400...
Doodle, Please try and do a review on the Kawasaki KLX300SM and the Kawasaki W800. Rode both for a demo day.
Very good review. Thank you
You gave some dope ass gifts! :D
Grom rider here! I rode the Z400 twice at a Kawasaki Demo a few weeks ago. Having no other benchmark than my Grom (and a Honda 250 Rebel at a MSF course) this was a really fun bike to ride on. Little vibrations! I felt I was gliding.
The one thing I wasn't a fan of is the seat design. It has you saddling up against the gas tank. Each time I went over a bump my crotch hits the gas tank :D Need a crotch guard.
😅