「Owners Review」To Be Honest, What do you think of the KAWASAKI “Z400”

Motorcycle

From the Webike Community's My Bike, the "Owner Review Summary" introduces various motorcycles based on the voices of owners who actually ride or have ridden them. This time, here's what the owners have to say about  KAWASAKI「Z400」.

To be honest, the Kawasaki "Z400" is this kind of bike!

The Z400 was introduced in 2019 based on the body & engine of the current full-cowl Ninja 400 model. Its distinctive feature is its thorough weight reduction. The Z400 is based on the current full-cowl Ninja 400 chassis and engine and is characterized by its lightweight design. The real name is the ER-4n, which was introduced in 2011. It is somewhat complicated, but to understand the origins of the current Z400, you need a bit of background on these models.

The ER-4n in question is a naked version of the Ninja 400 of the time, which can be traced back to the Ninja 650/ER-6n model with a 649cc engine. In other words, both Ninja 400 and ER-4n were based on the higher-end 650cc parallel-twin 400cc models of the time.

However, with the full model change for 2019, the Ninja 400 series will share the same chassis with the 250cc Ninja 250. In other words, the Ninja 400 series shares the same chassis with the 650cc Ninja 250 model, but now it is based on the Ninja 250, resulting in a significant weight reduction. The Z400 is a naked version of the current Ninja 400 model, which is lightweight anyway.

I have already mentioned that the Z400 is a model with a 400cc class engine mounted on a lightweight 250cc class chassis. The Z400 is a lightweight 250cc class chassis with a 400cc class engine, so there is no reason for it not to be fast.

Moreover, the upright position of the bar handlebars allows the Z400 to be ridden in a variety of riding positions, from leaning out to leaning in. From city riding to touring and winding roads, you can enjoy riding with its lightness and engine power.

How do Webike users feel about the MT-25?

Z400

Average price of the new model: (approx.) 4862 USD
Used model price: (approx.) 3721 USD 
Number of reviews: 5
※ Data as of January 23, 2024

Average owner satisfaction is 3.87 out of 5 (93 people rated)

It should be noted that the handling and driving performance of the bike received a high rating of 4.4 points or higher. Users also commented that the handling and riding characteristics are especially recommended for beginners and women, as the 250cc feel is just right for those switching from a small-displacement bike.

On the other hand, the loadability rating is low at 2.48 points. The reason for this seems to be that the rear seat is narrow and it is difficult to attach a seat bag.

Z400, Quick Summary

Advantage

- The light weight of the vehicle makes it very easy to maneuver, and its power makes it easy to maneuver at will.
- The motorcycle is stable on the highway without being driven by the wind.
- The clutch lever is so light with the slipper clutch that it makes you laugh.
- ABS, LED lights, and helmet lock are standard equipment

Disadvantage

- Not many coloring options are available
- Small rear seat seat surface, so load ability is not so good.
- Vibration around 5000 rpm is quite strong. The mirrors are shaky and my hands are numb.
- No hazard lamps

Z400 Owner's Voice

Here are some of the most impressive voices among the many reviews.

Taka (2019 Model)

Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models love at first sight
Advantages/Satisfactory points The tank does not get hot
The torque is good, and it turns just fine.
A lightweight body and lightweight clutch are the best! It has been a year and a half since delivery and has run 23,000 km with zero breakdowns.
Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points I want to change the headlight because I like the early Z900 or the current Z1000.
The mirrors, blinkers, and exhaust were sad in the stock condition, so I changed them.
Advice for prospective buyers It was my first mission bike too, and I test-ridden a Z250 and a rental bike, but the torque was different and I decided on this one!

Shouei (2019 Model)

Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models I was attracted by the 400cc power in a 250cc class body and bought it. I liked the Ninja400 but decided on the Z400 because I like naked bikes.
Advantages/Satisfactory points Easy to handle due to lightweight 250cc class body
Good footing
Energetic engine
Large side shrouds provide good wind protection for a naked bike
Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points Slightly unstable due to its lightweight body.
The rear seat seat is small, so load ability is not so good.
Vibration around 5000 rpm is quite strong. Mirrors are shaky and hands are numb.
Advice for prospective buyers It is light and easy to handle, so I think it is just right for those who are switching from a small displacement bike.

I switched from a VTR250 and had no problem at all in handling. The seat height is 30mm different, but I didn't feel the difference as much as the number.

The only thing that bothered me was the intensity of the vibration. I guess it depends on the individual, but I honestly did not want to cruise at high speeds without countermeasures.
Please refer to the fact that I changed the grips to those with anti-seismic gel, which considerably reduced the vibration.

Ao (2019 Model)

Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models I was looking for a naked bike that would not be out of the ordinary, and the 250 cc vehicle with a slipper clutch was the deciding factor.
Advantages/Satisfactory points Handling and handling are just so light.
The clutch lever is so light with the slipper clutch that it makes you laugh.
It is easy to ride from city driving to winding roads and long tours.
Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points Not much to complain about, but if I had to say..
Not enough coloring is available.
No hazard lamps.
When I put a key ring on the key, the handle is in the way and it is hard to turn the key.
Advice for prospective buyers Since the body size is the same as that of a 250cc machine, it can be ridden as if it were a 250cc machine, so it is especially recommended for beginners and women.

Check out Z400's competitors

The Z400 has a fun character with a lightweight chassis and a powerful engine, but its rival would be the Ninja 400, which followed a similar birth.

However, the key point is that the Ninja 400 from the 2019 model year onward has a completely different character than the Ninja 400 before that.

The Ninja 400 after the 2019 model year has the same lightweight and compact body as the Z400, but the Ninja 400 before that is based on the Ninja 650 and has a more tourer-like character, slightly different from the sporty image of the current Ninja series.

Now, if you are interested in the reviews of our competitors, check here!
※ Average owner satisfaction and number of reviews are as of January 23, 2024.

KAWASAKI Ninja 400

Average Owner Satisfaction: 3.96 (921 people rated)
Average price of new model: (approx.) 5036 USD
Average price of used model: (approx.) 3569 USD
Number of reviews: 79