2018 KAWASAKI NINJA 400
FULL TEST
P90
ers crave, now the 399cc parallel-twin has the right mix of
outright performance and everyday usability.
It will also make a great platform for racing. Who
remembers the Aprilia Cup with those beautiful Aprilia
RS250 two-strokes of the late 1990s/2000s? Those
bikes had around 60 horsepower on tap, and while the
Ninja 400 isn't quite going to top that legendary machine
in terms of outright engine power, when put in race trim
with good suspension and tires, the 400 should offer
comparable performance for the first time from a junior
bike since the 250 class finished early in the last decade.
CHASSIS AND BODY
• Trellis chassis has been
reduced by 17 pounds compared
to the 300's.
• 41mm fork is 4mm larger than
before.
• Rear suspension has new
linkage ratios to enhance rider
feel.
• 310mm disc is the same
diameter as larger bikes like the
ZX-6R and ZX-14R.
• Rear brake caliper is all new
with larger dual pistons and a
220mm petal disc.
• Five-spoke star wheel design
is similar to the Ninja 650.
• The 400's bodywork has been
designed to mimic the lines of
the ZX-6R and ZX-10R more
closely than the 300.
• The front of the body under
the lights now sports chin
spoilers, similar to the Ninja H2
and ZX-10R.
• LED headlights are a premium
feature for this segment.
• Tail section has the same
triple peak design as the Ninja
H2.
• Seat height is the same as the
300, but the seat foam thickness
is twice as much as the outgoing
machine's.
• Same instrument cluster
as the more expensive Ninja
650, with a gear indicator and
remaining fuel range.
There's not much to this thing
once you take the bodywork off.
(Right) The
Journo Cup
was a vicious
encounter!
Here, Adam
Waheed leads
Road Racing
World's Chris
Ulrich, Rennie,
Cycle World's
Ari Henning
and Ultimate
Motorcycling's
Nic De Sena.
(Below) In
race trim, the
Ninja will be a
weapon.
