Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/126417
IAbove) The engine breathes through twin 32mm Keihin constant velocity tarbs. (Below) SOHC 398cc mill produces sufficient pep. Front disc replaces drum brake of earlier models. Specifications Dimensions Overall length , , , , .. , •..... BO.5 in. , : ..........•........ 3.9 In. Overall width Overall height ...........•....•.......................... 44.5 in. ~ , ..........•..... 53.1 in. Wheelbase Road clearance-:-: ....•..................................•. 5.3 in. Dry weight ........................................•..•• 370 Ibs. ,, , ," , , . , , . , • , , , " ' . 3.1 gal. Fuel ta l1 k capacity Engine ing made Itln In the meantime, of course, the gas lines disappeared in the Los Angeles area. Wouldn't you know ill Many of the KZ400's features are designed to appeal to the first-time rider, the guy who bought the bike as an inexpensive way of getting around; Convenience features such as a sidestand that folds up as Soon as the bike starts moving, a window in the sidecase to check engine oil level at a glance, and a rear brake adjustment indicator. When we tested a KZ1000 LTD last year, we wrote that it would be nice if the bike's fork lock were incorporated into the ignition key module. Well, Kawasaki did it for tQe KZ400, but oddly enough, not on a KZ650 that we saw shortly before starting the KZ400 impression. As far as comfort is concerned, we gave the Kawa good marks. The handlebar-peg-seat relationship fit us very well. As far as the controls were concerned, we could only find fault with the rear brake pedal which was much too large to our way of seeing, and the rider had to consciously keep his foot from coming to rest on it while riding. Of course, the beginning rider needs to find the brakes in a hurry sometimes, so you win some, lose some•.. We also wish Kawasaki would do away from those ribbed, hard- rubber grips and go with something a little softer. But on the other hand, maybe Kawasaki's just doing its bit to get riders to wear gloves, as we all know they should. Win some ... We didn't do too much night riding during the test and probably wouldn't do a whole lot more if we owned one. The headlight'S main purpose seems to be in making sure oncoming drivers see something. It is inadequate as far as giving you enough light to see upcoming obstacles in time to react early. However, we haven't been impressed with very many motorcycle headlights at all. With all the consumer conveniences on the bike, we we.re surprised to find that the turn signals weren't self cancelling, That's OK - we only forgot once or twice. The KZ400's appearance does a lot for it - clean and simple styling with excellent paint and trim, Ours was an attractive deep blue. We said we liked the KZ400 and we'll stand by that statement. But we haven't tested the competition Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki all have four·sU'oke twins of about 400cc displacement. So our recommendation of the KZ400 rests solely on its merits. Suggested retail is $1,694. Check it out. • Type. , SOHC 2 cylinder. 4 stroke. air·cooled , •... , ............•. , , 64 x 62mm Bore and stroke, , Dlsplacament . ' , , , • , , , . •. 398cc Compression ratio ,, , , ., , , •.•........• 9.5 Kelhin CV32 x 2 Carburetors.............•.............. , , , , , • , .. , ... " Forced lubrication Iwet sump) Lubrication system , .......................•• , , " 2.9 ~ Engine oil capacity •.. , Starting system , •, , , , . , , .•. , , . , ElectrIc and kick Ignition system, . , • , ........•.. , Bettery and coli Transmission Type, .. , . , 6-speed, constant mesh, return shift Clutch , .• , .........•.......... , , . . . . .. Wet. multi disc G..-ratio: 1st..........••. , •.•.....................• 2.54133113) 2nd : , 1,1&128118) 3rd ,." ,., 1.32l25119) 4th " .....•.........•• , , ••.. 1.10123121) 5th, ,,, , 0.98122123) 8th., , ••.................................. 0.88(21124) ,,, ; . . . . . . . . .. 2.43158/23) Primary reduction ratio Final reduction ratio , . , •........... , , ••..... 3.00 (46115) Overall drive ratio. " . , , 6.39lTop gear) Frame Type Steering angle Castor , ,,, Trail. , Tire size Suspension Suspension stroke , " Tubular, double-c:radle , .. , ............•• 41" to either side , , . . .. 83" , . , ..••.. ,', •....... 3.94 In. , .'. 3.008-184 PR 3.50S-184PR Telescopic fork , , .' ,,, Swingarm ,, '.' , , , .. 5.9 in. , 3.11n, ' ,,, , , Front Rear Front Rear Front. Rear Brakes Type Front, .. , ,, Disc brake Re•....... Internal expansion. leading-trailing Effective disc diameter , . ,. . , .. ,., 231 mm Rur bnlke drum Inside diIImeter and width , •..... 110 x 30mm 23