Kawasaki Ninja 400

Kawasaki has given the Ninja 400 ABS a makeover for 2023, catering to riders seeking a stylish and versatile bike for both urban and twisty roads. Despite its compact size, the Ninja 400 boasts a potent 399cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, pumping out 45 horsepower and 37Nm of torque for an agile and exhilarating ride. Equipped with a six-speed transmission and slipper clutch, seamless downshifting is a breeze. Enhancing its maneuverability is the lightweight trellis frame, ensuring nimble handling at every turn. The Ninja 400's braking system comprises a 310mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc, delivering reliable stopping power and control. For an added layer of safety, ABS is available as an optional upgrade.

Designed to cater to both new and seasoned riders, it offers approachable power, comfortable ergonomics, and exhilarating performance. Boasting a low seat height and stylish LED headlights, the Ninja 400 is the ultimate choice for those eager to embark on the thrilling world of sport riding.

The Ninja 400 boasts a fierce and intimidating appearance, thanks to its angular front hood featuring dual LED headlights and a sleek elongated tail with captivating LED taillights.
   

Its bold and muscular design gives it a mean and commanding presence on the road. The bike's slightly taller and more upright stance adds to its overall appeal. The captivating shade of green, reminiscent of the venomous green mamba, adds a touch of excitement, especially when paired with a matching riding jacket and helmet. In person, the Ninja 400 is truly a sight to behold, with its stunning and distinctive appearance that ensures it stands out from the crowd.

Dimensions

The Ninja 400 retains its reliable 399cc parallel twin engine, but the move to BS6 emission standards has slightly affected its performance. With a decrease of 4hp in power (now at 45hp) and 1Nm in torque (now at 37Nm), the Ninja 400 remains the leader in its class, edging out the 390 KTMs by a mere 1.5hp.

With its impressive ground clearance, the Ninja 400 allows for greater lean angles, enhancing its agility on the road. The slim and nimble design of this parallel-twin bike further adds to its maneuverability. Its shorter wheelbase of 1370 mm, typically found in smaller displacement motorcycles, contributes to its remarkable agility. Equipped with high-performance tires, the Ninja 400 delivers exceptional grip once they reach optimal temperature. This combination of features makes it a formidable force in the hands of skilled riders, offering thrilling performance and precise cornering abilities.

The Ninja 400 sets the standard for comfort with its exceptional seat design. Offering ample space and ideal cushioning, it ensures a comfortable ride for riders of all sizes. The well-thought-out rider's triangle strikes the perfect balance, providing a sporty yet comfortable riding position. This thoughtful design doesn't compromise the bike's corner-carving capabilities, making it a versatile choice for any rider.

The Ninja 400 maintains its suspension setup with non-adjustable telescopic forks and preload-adjustable monoshocks. While this configuration performs well, it would have been great to see an upside-down fork, a feature embraced by its rivals. Nevertheless, the ride quality is impressive, handling most road conditions with ease. Even when encountering larger potholes and sharp bumps, the comfort level remains high.

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 impresses with its outstanding build quality. From precise panel fit to high-quality plastics, well-placed and responsive switchgear, and impeccable paintwork, every detail exudes a premium feel.

The Ninja showcased its blistering acceleration, going from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 5.25 seconds during our performance test. With its rev limit set at 12,000 rpm, it has the potential to reach a top speed of 185 km/h according to the speedometer.

Ninja's engine is a user-friendly power source that delivers a smooth yet powerful midrange. It remains refined throughout, with minimal vibration at higher revs.

When it comes to braking, the Ninja 400 showcases its stopping prowess by coming to a complete halt from 60kph in just 17.13m. While it may feel slightly less aggressive at first, it quickly proves its ample stopping power.

Kawasaki has equipped the bike with petal discs in the front and a traditional setup in the rear. While the lever feedback and initial bite could use some improvement, the presence of ABS provides added reassurance. Experienced riders may find themselves less reliant on it, but it's always good to have that extra layer of safety.

With its winning combination of speed, agility, performance, and sleek aesthetics, the Ninja 400 delivers an exhilarating and satisfying ride. Packed with impressive features, it confidently stands up against other Japanese motorcycles in its category, making it an ideal option for those venturing into the thrilling realm of sportbikes.