Kawasaki Z 400

The Z400 ABS comes in below the Z650 naked sports in Kawasaki’s lineup and receives an aggressive, street-style design. The design is primarily inspired by the ‘Sugomi’ styling of the flagship Z models; the all-new bodywork integrates the designs of the Z650 ABS and the Z300 ABS to deliver an agile, aggressive, and masculine impression. At the front, it poses a predator-like stance with the Quad-LED headlamp that offers significant brightness for a wide illuminated path. The rounded design of the front cowl is accompanied by a dark, close-packed visor that adds to the aggressive looks. Its muscular fuel tank section, bodywork abound with flowing curves and sharp creases, and a tapering tail-end adds to its bold stance. The stacked instrument cluster features a clean and easy-to-read analogue tachometer and multi-function LCD screen that displays gear position indicator, fuel and temp gauges, economical riding indicator, and much more. The Kawasaki Z400 is offered in one standard paint scheme - green and black.

Similar to the other Z model’s, the Z400 also uses a steel trellis frame for optimum rigidity and lightweight handling. The engine is incorporated by the frame as a stressed member. With both the engine and frame being refreshed, engine placement could also be optimized. The brand-new chassis features a short-wheelbase/long-swingarm design, combined with a steep caster angle that delivers light and natural handling; the lightweight of the Z400 also contributes to its easy handling and facilitates manoeuvring. Moreover, the 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 and adjustable preload at the rear, which offers the plushness of comparatively larger displacement bikes.

Displacing 399 cc, the 4-stroke, 8-valves, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, DOHC engine delivers significantly better performance than its predecessor. It generates 45 PS of max power at 10,000 rpm and a peak torque of 38 Nm at 8,000 rpm, which is passed on to the wheels through a 6-speed gearbox. The more powerful performance is owed to the new downdraft intake, accompanied by a bigger airbox offering improved intake efficiency. A more compact clutch with slightly lesser rigid operating plates offers a 20 percent lighter lever pull. Harmonizing with the exceedingly light feel at the lever, the new clutch has a more comprehensive engagement range, which eases the control. Plentiful weight reduction efforts keep the weight to a minimum, despite a larger displacement. The clean design, trimmed of any unwanted items, and the renovated layout enable a slender engine and a cooling system with minimum external piping.

Braking power comes from a single semi-floating 310 mm petal disc up front and a single 220 mm petal disc at the rear. A stiff new front brake master cylinder helps eliminate ineffective stroke, offering better control, while carefully selected brake hose material and dimensions contribute to brake touch. The Z400 comes equipped with ABS and features the latest ABS unit from Nissin, which is the most compact and lightweight in this category. The bike comes equipped with 17-inch five-spoke cast wheels shod in 110/70 profile tyre up front and a fatter 150/60 profile tyre at the rear.

The Kawasaki Z400 is a perfect combination of performance, technology, and style. The new, powerful engine is peppy and adds fun to the ride experience, while its scintillating looks make heads turn around on the streets. It indeed isn’t the only stylish and fun sub-500cc starter around, but it surely is something people can opt for before leaping into the 500+ cc segment.