This is motorcycle jurnalist Kenny Sagawa.
I tested Kawasaki Ninja 400.
Ninja 400 is brand new model that's designed from scratch
Previous model was a scale down of 650cc and it was more for a touring purpose.
New Ninja400 shares same platform with newly designed full model changed Ninja250 that is more for sports riding.
Conventional model was 300cc, but have changed it's displacement to aim for higher performance.
I am explaing how Ninja400 is different from Ninja250
To start off, Engine. Ninja250's engine outputs 39hp, the most powerful engine among other 250cc class. However, Ninja400 outputs 45hp.
Well, it seems there are not much difference in terms of horsepower. However, it's not. The torque is 1.5 times stronger compare to Ninja250.
This gap in torque contributes and brings Ninja400 for much higher level in terms of engine and riding performance.
Exhaust became longer compare to Ninja250. I assume that they needed this for killing dB.
Tire is radial where Ninja250 adopts bias tire.
150mm wide tire is equipped for Ninja400, 140mm wide for Ninja250
Other than that, many stock parts are similar as well as it's appearance.
It's actually very hard to tell the difference.
Ninja400 is only 1kg heavier than Ninja250.
Therefore, you don't feel any difference while pushing and straddling.
However, riding it on a high speed range like in AUTOPOLIS circuit in Japan, it's different story.
It's natural because the weight of motorcycle is almost the same and the torque is 1.5 times larger.
However, I felt much more power than what it actually is especially while I am accelerating.
Ninja250 goes up to 160km/h(100mph), where Ninja goes to 175km/h(110mph).
I only rode for few laps so could have faster top speed.
Acceleration is clearly different.
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At the uphill section of the circuit, Ninja250's engine pick-up stumbles little bit where Ninja400 is steadly accelerate.
Ninja400 pick-up was just fine and climb up the hill even with one gear higher.
Let's check straddling position to the motorcycle.
Exactly the same position with Ninja250 model.
Seat height is 790mm and I can tougch the ground easily with my feet. (179cm/73㎏)
Position and the angle of the handlebar is nice and tight.
Sporty, but exquisite position to ride on a street as well.
Not so sparta for your back like riding supersports
You can go for miles of ride with this position.
You can enjoy giving full throttle riding with Ninja250 in circuit, but you will ride faster with strong torque of Ninja400 and still leaving a margin.
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This margin indeed connects to "safty" while on the street.
This whole package is not just bigger displacement of full model changed Ninja250. You will definitely feel the difference and seriousness of Kawasaki pride from this middle class model, Ninja400.
■You can shop Ninja400 parts from below URL.
https://japan.webike.net/KAWASAKI/NINJA400+%282014-%29/6545/mtop/
