Kawasaki Ninja 400 debuts

KAWASAKI has just revealed this replacement for the Ninja 300, with capacity up to 399cc and a significant boost in power and torque.

The Ninja 400 makes a claimed 45hp and 28lbft from an all-new parallel-twin engine, up from the 39hp and 19.9lbft of its predecessor.

Kawasaki says it offers better performance throughout the range, with improved low-down torque, while retaining a smooth throttle response and rider-friendly character.

It’s got a new steel trellis frame which uses the engine as a stressed member and helps deliver a 6kg weight saving over the Ninja 300, putting the Ninja 400 at 168kg wet.

It benefits from an assist-and-slipper clutch said to make the lever 20% lighter to pull and gets styling details inspired by the Ninja H2, with ‘chin-spoilers’ just below the twin LED headlamps.

It’s got the largest front brake disc in its class according to Kawasaki, at 310mm, with Nissin ABS.

The riding position is ‘relaxed, sporty’ and the seat height is 786mm, while Kawasaki says the ‘large-volume bodywork’ offers good wind protection.

The new Kawasaki Ninja 400 was unveiled early this morning at Japan’s Tokyo Motor Show.

Here are the specs of the new Ninja 400, straight from Kawasaki:

Displacement: 399 cm3

Bore & stroke: 70.0 mm×51.8 mm

Power: 45hp @ 10,000rpm

Torque: 28lbft @ 8,000rpm

Dimensions: 1,990 mm × 710 mm × 1,120 mm

Seat height: 785 mm

Curb mass: 168kg

Tank: 14l