Kawasaki Ninja 400

The Ninja 400 gets a sturdy yet lightweight body that is complemented by its futuristic and sharp design language. The H2 inspired fangs of this bike combined with the twin LED headlamps to offer a bold look to the front end. The headlamps are highly visible and offer significant brightness. The visual appeal is further enhanced by the lime green and black colour, which now gets honeycomb graphics on the side fairing and hints of red on the front fairing and underbelly. At the rear, you get a sharp tail light embodied into the seat and sharp turn indicators. The Ninja 400 is equipped with exactly the same instrument cluster as the Ninja 650, adding to the high-grade feel of the cockpit. The refined instrument panel design features a large analog tachometer surrounded by warning lamps on one side, and a multi-function LCD screen, and a gear position indicator on the other. A clean design omitted any unnecessary items, and a revamped layout enabled a slim engine and a cooling system with a bare minimum of external piping.

Thick cushioning, low vibration seats made of low-rebound urethane contribute to superb ride comfort. Suspension setup comprises 41 mm telescopic front forks and Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock with adjustable preload at the rear. Kawasaki has fitted the Ninja 400 with a trellis frame, quite similar to the one on the Ninja H2, which contributes significantly to the bike's low curb mass. Moreover, The new chassis features a short wheelbase and a long swingarm design, complemented by a steep caster angle, to deliver light, natural and effortless handling. A relaxed rider triangle is good enough to accommodate a variety of rider sizes and riding situations. The raised handle position and slightly foot forward footpeg position put the rider in an excellent position to control the bike while being in a comfortable position. A cover for the radiator fan helps direct the engine heat away from the rider, contributing to rider comfort. 

Hauling the Ninja 400 is a 399cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 8-valves, parallel-twin DOHC engine. The new engine delivers significantly improved performance compared to its predecessor - maximum power of 45 PS at 10,000 rpm and peak torque of 38 Nm at 8,000 rpm. This power is transmitted to the wheels using a 6-speed gearbox. The better performance of the Ninja 400 is a result of the new downdraft intake and a larger airbox offering increased intake efficiency. Besides, a more compact clutch with less rigid operating plates offers a lighter lever pull, almost 20 percent lighter. The new clutch has a more comprehensive engagement range, facilitating control. The engine layout was optimised for size, weight, and efficiency. Despite the large displacement, the weight is kept to a minimum. 

In terms of braking, the Ninja 400 is equipped with 310 mm single semi-floating discs, along with a single balanced actuation dual-piston, at the front and 220 mm petal disc along with dual-piston at the rear. The rigid new front brake master cylinder eliminates idle stroke to offer more control, while meticulously selected brake hose material and dimension contribute to the brake touch. The Ninja 400 also features the latest ABS unit from Nissin, which is the most compact and lightweight unit available. 

With a better, bigger engine, the Ninja 400 is a perfect upgrade to its predecessor. The bike offers a power-packed performance and looks stunning. Kawasaki has made all possible attempts to use technology to deliver excellent performance, ride quality, and features. The price is on a higher side, but then it's aimed at the niche market.