2019 Z400 Test Ride Review: The Best Value for the Price [Webike Motoreport]

[KAWASAKI Z400]Details & Test Ride Reviews

The appearance of KAWASAKI Z400 exhibits similarity or likeness to the Z250, a style that is familiar somewhere, but actually the motorcycle with the name "Z400" appeared for the first time in 30 years! Generally speaking, it looks like Z250 on the outside and on the inside is like the NINJA 400. Since it is like a street fighter with a heart of lightweight sports, the expectation increases before the ride.

I will let you know the review of the Z400 as a 400cc street fighter!

1. Traditional "Sugomi" Design

Overall Dimensions [L x W x H]

1,990mm x 800mm x 1,055mm

[Curb Weight]

166kg

The curb weight is 166kg, which is equivalent to the 250cc class, despite the 400cc class. The newly designed trellis frame and the use of the engine as a stressed member have been optimized the rigidity of the frame and achieve a significant weight reduction.

It incorporates a sharp and aggressive Sugomi design that can be called a Z series identity without exception. Z400 has the style to recognize instantly that it is the Z-Series of KAWASAKI Super Naked by the lowered headlight and a raised tail cowl.

By the way, the appearance is almost the same as Z250, but, the overall length of the exhaust system of the Z400 a little longer than Z250 by increased the engine displacement.

2. Foot Grounding

[Seat Height]

785mm

[Foot Grounding]

The seat height is 785cm which is slightly higher compared to the current 400cc naked. In spite of that, its foot grounding is good due to the seat shape with regard to the foot grounding and the slim body. When the 155cm tall staff tried to ride on, she could stand on tiptoes, but she seemed not having a hard time managing it. Thanks to the supporting high pipe handlebar and its light body.

3. LED Headlight Contributes a Sharp Appearance

[Headlight]

The newly designed headlights that are contributing to making the sharp appearance of the Z400, is adopted LEDs to low beam, high beam, and position light. It has achieved excellent visibility due to the significant improvement in light intensity from the conventional halogen bulbs.

[Tail Light]

The LED has been adopted in the light of tail that has been designed with reminiscent of the Z1000 and ZX-10R.

▲ The tail design reminiscent of the Z1000 and ZX-10R

4. Z Series Common Multifunction Meter

The Z400 has been adopted the common multi-function digital meter of the Z series. The needle of the tachometer is digitally displayed, and the movements of the needle can be selected from the 3 display modes to the rider's preference.

The meter displays the odometer, trip A/B, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, water temperature gauge, navigable distance, average / instantaneous fuel consumption, clock, and the economical riding indicator. It is simple yet highly visible, various information can be checked at a glance.

5. Around the Handlebar

Since it is not equipped with electronic control systems, the switch box around the handlebar is quite ordinary. And there aren't many operation buttons that can be confusing so anyone can get used to it immediately. There was no hazard switch.

6. Sufficient Braking Power Though Single Disk

[Wheel / Brake]

Stylish and lightweight 5-spoke wheels are adopted. Tire sizes are the same as the Ninja 400 with a front tire size of 110, a rear tire size of 150. Radial tires are adopted to both wheels.

The Z400 has the same 310mm disc rotor as KAWASAKI flagship models, such as the Z1000 and ZX-14R. Although it has the single-brake system, it provides sufficient braking power due to combination with the lightweight body that is equivalent to 250cc models.

ABS is equipped standardly, and the ABS unit is made of NISSIN.

[Suspension]

41mm upright front forks are adopted. The handling of the Z400 is quick and nimble thanks to the slightly raised caster angle. The rear suspension can be preloaded in 5 stages to suit the scene and preferences such as pillion riding.

7. Lightweight, Powerful New Design Engine

Maximum Output: 48ps/10,000rpm
Maximum Torque: 38N.m/8,000rpm

The newly designed engine, the same with the new Ninja 400, generates max 48ps. In order to demonstrate this much power while being lightweight and compact, a review was made of not only the engine but also the intake efficiency and fuel injection.

In the air intake system, the air cleaner box with the large capacity and the downdraft intake are newly adopted. By not only increase the efficiency of the intake air but also change left or right intake funnels length in the air cleaner box the torque gap was eliminated. It is the engine that rotates smoothly to high rev range without sacrificing the torque at low rev range.

By the adoption of the high-performance injector and the setting of fuel injection, sub-throttle valves were eliminated. This allows the intake duct to be shortened, achieving a lightweight and compact engine without sacrificing the power.

The assist & slipper clutch, which is also useful for city riding and release the back-torque when the light clutch operation and sudden shift down, is also adopted.

8. Easy to Knee Grip With Slim Tank

Fuel Tank Capacity: 14L

The tank, which is slim around the thigh part and easy to grip by knees, has a capacity of 14L. The actual fuel consumption was around 25km/L, so it is possible to travel around 300km with full tank gasoline.

9. Seats with Improved Foot Grounding and Comfort

The slim design of the seats around the tank also contributes to the foot grounding. Because it uses a low-resistance urethane, comfort during riding has been also improved. The accessory box of under the seat does not remain enough space when the OEM optional ETC gadget is installed, so there is only a space for small items in the storage.

10. What's the Selling Price Concern?

MSRP

Starting at 4,999 USD
*As of December 2019

11. Actual Test Ride

The combination of a powerful engine with a lightweight body equivalent to the 250cc models makes feel like a Motard if I will say in short.

Not only the pipe handlebar of the uprighted position, the slightly uprighted caster, and the short wheelbase but also the lightness of the handling is reminiscent of the Motard. The Z400 places more emphasis on city riding than the Ninja 400, so its riding position is natural and it doesn't give a tired feeling even when riding for a long time.There is fatigue to the body by the running wind when it is a highway riding indeed although I do not worry about it much in the city riding.

The light clutch work by the assist & slipper clutch is very useful in the city where it has a lot of stop-and-go situations.Especially when starting, since the clutch operation is also easy, it is recommended for beginner riders who are not good at clutch operation.

In my opinion, the most important point is the price. The price of the lightweight sports NINJA 400 ABS is 5,299 USD. The Z400 has the same engine as the NINJA 400 and the lighter body because there is no cowl, and the price of the Z400 is 4,999 USD, which is 300 USD cheaper than the NINJA 400. So, it is not an exaggeration to say that it is the strongest motorcycle at cost performance.

If there are those who are looking for a street fighter in middle bikes, the Z400 is a recommended motorcycle for them.

Photography Cooperation: KAWASAKI MOTORS JAPAN

See Accessories of NISSIN
See KAWASAKI Moto Index Page
See Accessories for KAWASAKI Z400
See Accessories for KAWASAKI Z250 (2013-)
See Accessories for KAWASAKI NINJA400 (2014-)
See Accessories for KAWASAKI Z1000 (Water-cooled)
See Accessories for KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-10R
See Accessories for KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-14R (ZZR1400)