Sonoma normally looks kinds bare ad this is a nice departure from that, and the Ninja 400 is not set up for track riding stock so there's more lean to be had with a full-on TRACKDAY BRO setup; it's not going super fast
Like Stirling Moss said, if a driver/rider is still able to speak, he's not pushing 100%. To us he seems to be riding pretty hard, but I suppose he still has something to give.
Nobody was recording his lap time, so why would he go 10/10ths? Plus, there were others on track. I'm sure if he was going for time attack alone on track, he wouldn't be talking...
I think he was just pushing to his own sense of comfort and still have fun with a bit of challenge. I suspect the good traits of the machine added to that, it seemed quite dialed in for the task at hand and he was enjoying it.
I picked up a used one of these last year for $3,800. Awesome bike. More speed than you legally need on the streets (I had it at 110 the other day on some open interstate . . . ), lightweight, comfortable (I'm 6'4" too), good gas mileage, nice dash display . . . Just an all-around sweet little machine.
I'm 37, have been riding for 20 years, presently have a 1200cc bike..........and I want one of these!! People are all obsessed with CC and BHP, the finest bikes are the wee flickable lightweight ones like this. I won't be buying one this year but 2019 I 100% will!
I'm an old 65 yr. old Harley guy and I just bought a new 2016 Ninja 300 in passion red. I paid 4,400 out the door. So far I'm loving the bike and can't wait for the break in is over so I can ring it's neck to 13,000rpm.
Man, the fact that you can mention a squirrelly back end, absolutely fly around this track and speak as though you’re just walking through a park is absolutely mind blowing! I’m beyond impressed! I’ve been in the woods my whole life, but this is my first street bike. Just got it and can’t wait to ride it more. I’m having a hard time finding a negative review on this little green machine! Thanks for showing everyone how capable this bike can be.
Ari, I'm really liking this bike, it looks like it has good low end torque but can also be ridden at higher rpm's, also capable of doing an occasional track day without risking your life. Wind protection, comfy ergos, great for someone like me who is 55 & done with supersports & looking for something more tame. Nice ride & review!
Love that bike! And the way you keep your speed at footpeg scratching level and talk quietly at the same time to us is amazing too. Great review, as always, thanks. Too bad the brakes are to the squishy side, but that can maybe be solved or minimized with aftermarket brake pads
Dude, you're flying around there! 10,000 rpm throttle cracked .. ahh look at the pretty flowers. :P and you blew by spurgen .. which also makes me happy.
The fact I hear the scraping makes me realize I need to work on my turning more. I want to feel the scrape so I know the feeling so I won't be scared of it. Thank you and I appreciate the video
Ari, you always seem to so perfectly describe the exact feelings/thoughts I myself have on whatever bike you're riding. One of the few journalists who isn't full of shit and really knows what they're doing. Like you, I am really impressed with this new Ninja 400 given that they kept it at the same price point. It looks like the perfect little sportbike in so many ways. As far as the front brake, I know the feeling on the Ninja 300. If you bleed the crap out of it or add a SS line, it makes it a lot better. I think I actually prefer the Ninja's brakes, at least on the street, compared to the wooden ones of the R3. Pretty cool that they upped the rotor size and are now semi-floating. I'm sure a new master and SS line would fix this problem easily for aggressive riding and that really isn't all that expensive. I guess the only thing left to look out for is reliability in the future, especially with this major update. I also hope they've gotten with the times and don't suggest 7.5k valve service intervals lol.
Its good that Ari reviewed this green bike. What Zack would say: Engine is really good, breaks solid, handles superb, rides amazingly will I buy this? No I will buy R3!!
I think it was mostly timing. RC390 was getting sold and the only viable option at the time was to build an R3. Sometime this year Kawasaki drops this little bomb.
Thanks for another great review, Ari. I've owned a new-gen Ninja250R, so I'm generally familiar with Kawasaki's product already, but you've been my favorite bike writer and reviewer since way before you lopped off the dreads, so your opinion of this bike really matters to me. I now ride a Honda CBR250R and love it, but the one bike that I've missed the most since I started riding in 1980 is my old 1982 Yamaha Seca 400. Not that it was anything special, but I really loved everything about that bike and I've regretted having to sell it for almost 35 years now. I can't help feeling that this new Ninja 400 could well be the spiritual reincarnation of that bike for me and end years of longing and heartache. In much the same way as Kawasaki's new Z900RS re-ignites long simmering passions in Z1 riders of the late 1970s, the Ninja 400 reminds me of those heady days when we had so many choices in the sub-600cc category before liter bikes completely took over the market. I'm really hoping to see more from you (and Zack - maybe a commute video?) about this bike in the future online and in the pages of Motorcyclist. Dare I hope that you will take one under your wing and produce another series comparable to your terrific conversion of a CBR250R to track use? You're the best there is when it comes to wrenching these smaller-displacement bikes and I learned so much about my CBR from your extensive videos and articles. Please make it so!
I'm a strong proponent of this size/class machine as a reliable and fun "keeper". After serving in the industry as a mechanic and service manager for over 15 years with Kawasaki and Suzuki brands, this class of machine seemed always overshadowed by larger and more powerful ones to come along but the sustainable and easy keeping traits of these are strong reasons to consider them. I'm currently seeking a late '70s KZ400 or GS400 for myself after all these years.
I think Kawi totally hit the sweet spot with this one. Just enough torque to pull a taller gear but not crazy fast to get gouged by the insurance. The only contender at the moment would be CBR500r in terms of power. But at 428lbs that thing is a fucking whale compare to this.
When I think about the back roads in my area I honestly think this is not only a great beginners bike. Like with cars a lot of people always talk about how they like to use the whole car and not only 10% of power and grip, and if you drive by the rules you never go beyond 60 mph on a back road anyway. So this sounds like a lot of fun for the reasonable drivers out there.
Haha, great vid. As a former 300-owner (who threw on gobs of mods), this bike appeals to me a lot. Nice to see that they've gone with LED lights, with both lamps illuminated on low-beam. A quickshifter on a small bike like this works wonders, and it was practically a must-have on the 300. A brake upgrade would definitely be in order, and the 300 brakes felt a bit wooden. The 300 exhaust crowded my heel too, but an exhaust swap saves both weight and clears out some room too (not to mention the loverly burble of a good aftermarket exhaust). Too bad Kawasaki didn't make this a small-bore triple, but I'm very glad this bike exists. This would be a killer second bike as a companion to my Daytona 675R. :) I'm still kind of on the hunt for the smallest but best-performing lightweight, small-bore bike I can get my hands on. Great riding as usual, Ari. Lovin' Sonoma with the pastoral beauty everywhere.
A note about factory tyres: Find what tyres will fit that Z-rated to ensure good grip and put them on when you buy the bike. Bad tyres always make for a scary experience.
Z-rated tires = capable of 149mph lol. Has little to do with what makes a tire good or bad. Nobody's going over 120mph on a small cc bike even with extensive modifications anytime soon.
Man wouldn't it be cool to see these guys do a track attack build on a Ninja 400, slick tires, exhaust, some tuning goin on and just wring it out on a track day? Ari seems really fast i bet with the right tires on a 400 he could pass 600s and maybe liter bikes in the corners. hell or even with the new Suzuki GSX250 see how far one could take that
Hey guys, if you're more curious about how the bike works on the street, be sure to check out this Q&A article that covers everything from comfort to fuel economy: cycleworld.co/g4VhZn
Which performance parts would you recommend for track use only (except complete exhaust system)? I'm thinking Bridgestone RS for starters, different brake lines and fluid, different pads and perhaps upgrade to a 320 mm? Different air filter for extra power? Does it need a steering damper? I'm 186 cm and about 80 kg. All the best Ari!
I've had the benefit of a LOT of seat time at the track. Sonoma is a tricky circuit, and Spurg had never been there before. I'm looking forward to his write up, since it's guaranteed to be more interesting than mine!
That’s awesome! Two of my favorite motorcycle UA-cam presenters on one track haha. Been at Sonoma twice now, once with my street twin and once with the street triple. Also my favorite; love the technicality of the track
Ari is being modest, he could easily school me on a racetrack. But damn if we weren't all having the same amount of fun! I think that's the biggest takeaway for me. Whether you're tackling 4 or 5 track days a year like myself, or you're racing on Sundays like Ari, there is a lot of fun to be had and a lot of ways to improve your riding by heading to the track with your friends. Especially if your friends like to grab your ass while while heading into the carousal at Sonoma.
Nice video!!! It is faster than stock RC390 (not your upgraded one :P) on the track? What is better and worse? Amazing driving skills :) Best regards from Vietnam!
I'd recommend it. If you're a decent rider you'll embarrass guys on 600s and 1000s. This thing works really well. Upgrade the brakes and you're good to go.
That would likely help, since the stock rubber lines aren't as rigid. ABS bikes often suffer from a bit of squish simply b/c there's so much more plumbing. I'd be curious to try a non-ABS bike to see if it's better.
Hey Ari, didn't realize this, but Kawasaki is selling essentially the same bike overseas with a 250 motor. It makes nearly the amount of power the 300 does. For 250 racing, it sounds like it'd be a total class killer.
Yeah, it sounds like it would be! But Production 250 bikes have to be sold in US dealerships to be legal for racing, so the overseas bike wouldn't qualify.
so im liking the bike after tons of reviews and research... but my problem is is it worth the extra? So now that its out the 300's are going to be cheap. So get a really good deal on a 300 or spend the extra cash on the 400, is it truely worth it? any opinions appriciated lol
I remember being so let down, when I first heard the Ninja 400 was coming out, I was hoping for an oldschool high reving tiny i4 engine. This bike is great with low weight and very great power for newer riders and commuters, but damn would I have wished it would be a 70-80hp 400cc i4 with a 17-20k redline :'(
they could easily make them cheaper than a 600, the supersports all need to have fancy electronics and bits and pieces. A leaner 400cc would be cheaper - maybe more in the 650 price range. Yea fuel / emissions is what really kills them, but one can still hope.. a 400-500cc triple would also be cool. I'm just tired of no one trying to step outside of the comfort zone. All bikes are trying to be the same, even though there are so many models and brands.
Noise and emissions can be done to any bike, a 400 won't be louder than a 600, Honda still sell the CB400 in Japan, a quick search and I found that in 2011 the naked is over $8k and the half faired is over $8,700. That is for a bike that hasn't been changed since 1992, they did update it this year to comply with Japan's emissions, but I don't know how prices changed. According to Wikipedia, the bike weighs 200kg (reduced 2kg for this year). Peak power is 55hp at 11k RPM. So, the question is, would you pay these prices when you could pay the same for a 650 that would smoke this little thing? Add the cost of lighter materials, cost for stronger engine internals to have them rev higher and this thing will most definitely cost as much as a 600. Unless you can find an eccentric billionaire to buy out/start a motorcycle company and build them, I'd say these will remain in the pages of history.
The engine itself would be of smaller size, that means the internals would not have to be as strong to hold the higher pressure that 600 cc engines do, the 400cc engines would also allow for slimmer frames, and all in all you could cut down on materials, welds, parts, etc everywhere. Without the need for all kinds of fancy electronics, engine maps, and so on (except abs), that would also cut down on price. Then we come to suspension that would likewise be more akin to the relaxed nature of 650 bikes and more street tuned, than the 600 bikes' suspension - which again cuts price. It would not be much different from Honda's cbr650 f, except slimmer, weighing much less, and with a smaller frame you'd be able to afford aluminium instead of steel frame without the price going up. In the end it would likely sit in the average 650 price range (maybe a little above), but definitely not anywhere near 600cc prices.
This is really sounding like THE best new affordable motorcycle to buy in 2018 apart from when the new Yamaha Tenere 700 drops assuming they do a good job.
Hi Ari, thinking about getting this bike for tracking. I also have a Triumph Street Triple RS and use my son's GSXR-750. Have apron. 13 track days under my belt 2 sec. faster on the GSXR. Between this bike and the KTM which bike is a better track bike and why? Thanks
The ninja 400 seems like a great new version of the 300, however i dont think it looks really great. The 300 had way better styling and i feel like the power was already enough for a starter bike, cause if you want more power you would get something like a 650 ninja instead.
My GF just got an R3 as her first bike. I've been riding it a lot to places to practice until she gets licensed and I have to say its an incredible machine. I own a 2015 Ninja 650 and have over 10 yrs of experience and that R3 is a blast to ride and play around on but it definitely lacks the punch of a bigger bike, as you'd expect, and I do miss mine sometimes, especially when we're two up. For a first bike and for normal city/highway you can't go wrong IMO.
Paul the Hutt envy you guys. Over here where I am the bikes you mentioned are considered as serious toy's. I did say it coz I am a Ninja fan lol. I'm sure the Yammer is a cool bike. Cheers and ride safe
Less then 100 miles on mine so far. only complaint is the white tach needle against white numbers. Very hard to read while trying to break the bike in and keep it mostly below 4000 for the first 150 miles...
It's great the Kawasaki is able to sell this at $5k but I wish instead that they would've just updated the ninja 300. made it a little lighter with maybe a sport exhaust/ecu flash for like 2-3hp more and definitely fixed braking.
Hi Ari, I am riding Z750 (2005) at the moment, this is my daily commuting bike and I also take it on track from time to time. Nothing more than that. I do not stunt or wheelie. It is good bike but on track it is disappointing, especially suspension which wiggles a lot in a turn. Saying that, would Ninja 400 be upgrade for track? Or maybe I should think about Ninja 650? I thought about KTM 390 but I want bike that is reliable.
Seeing a lot of reviews addressing this bike for beginner riders. What about for a seasoned sportbike rider with decades of racing, track, and street riding experience, who is looking for something less strenuous to ride, but can still wick it up? Thanks!
*When MC finally does a review on a bike most of us can afford*
SunzOffski 🤣
I do want actually.
SunzOffski I want it.
I bought a new Ninja 500 in 2009 (no ABS or fuel injection) for $5854 in the U.S.
Wow. Bought a 2016 R3 for $5550.....no buyer's remorse, but that extra cc's would've been nice. Hope you like your bike!
Only Ari and Zack can go around a track , ground the pegs and notice the flowers...
Sonoma normally looks kinds bare ad this is a nice departure from that, and the Ninja 400 is not set up for track riding stock so there's more lean to be had with a full-on TRACKDAY BRO setup; it's not going super fast
I like how Ari is talking like its everyday riding. I would just be silent and supper focused
Jesusswe91 i never understood how they could multi-task like that.
Like Stirling Moss said, if a driver/rider is still able to speak, he's not pushing 100%. To us he seems to be riding pretty hard, but I suppose he still has something to give.
Nobody was recording his lap time, so why would he go 10/10ths? Plus, there were others on track. I'm sure if he was going for time attack alone on track, he wouldn't be talking...
I think he was just pushing to his own sense of comfort and still have fun with a bit of challenge. I suspect the good traits of the machine added to that, it seemed quite dialed in for the task at hand and he was enjoying it.
Check out Ari's earlier videos on his CBR300R and KTM. When he's not talking, he's setting track records... :)
I hate squishtownUSA. I agree... That track is beautiful.
Indeed
I think this 400 could trash your h2 haha ;)
Ari Rossi, running on flower power and love
I picked up a used one of these last year for $3,800. Awesome bike. More speed than you legally need on the streets (I had it at 110 the other day on some open interstate . . . ), lightweight, comfortable (I'm 6'4" too), good gas mileage, nice dash display . . . Just an all-around sweet little machine.
I'm 37, have been riding for 20 years, presently have a 1200cc bike..........and I want one of these!! People are all obsessed with CC and BHP, the finest bikes are the wee flickable lightweight ones like this. I won't be buying one this year but 2019 I 100% will!
jackwednesday the 300 was a great city bike horrible on the high way. I guess it depends on how much u weigh I weigh 250
I'm an old 65 yr. old Harley guy and I just bought a new 2016 Ninja 300 in passion red. I paid 4,400 out the door. So far I'm loving the bike and can't wait for the break in is over so I can ring it's neck to 13,000rpm.
Thinking exactly the same. Owing a 1200 cc bmw, tested that... i will swap !
Man, the fact that you can mention a squirrelly back end, absolutely fly around this track and speak as though you’re just walking through a park is absolutely mind blowing! I’m beyond impressed! I’ve been in the woods my whole life, but this is my first street bike. Just got it and can’t wait to ride it more. I’m having a hard time finding a negative review on this little green machine! Thanks for showing everyone how capable this bike can be.
Ari, I'm really liking this bike, it looks like it has good low end torque but can also be ridden at higher rpm's, also capable of doing an occasional track day without risking your life. Wind protection, comfy ergos, great for someone like me who is 55 & done with supersports & looking for something more tame. Nice ride & review!
I'm 56... My last bike was a 954... So far I like the little Ninja!
Love that bike! And the way you keep your speed at footpeg scratching level and talk quietly at the same time to us is amazing too. Great review, as always, thanks. Too bad the brakes are to the squishy side, but that can maybe be solved or minimized with aftermarket brake pads
Dude, you're flying around there! 10,000 rpm throttle cracked .. ahh look at the pretty flowers. :P and you blew by spurgen .. which also makes me happy.
The fact I hear the scraping makes me realize I need to work on my turning more. I want to feel the scrape so I know the feeling so I won't be scared of it. Thank you and I appreciate the video
Ari, you always seem to so perfectly describe the exact feelings/thoughts I myself have on whatever bike you're riding. One of the few journalists who isn't full of shit and really knows what they're doing. Like you, I am really impressed with this new Ninja 400 given that they kept it at the same price point. It looks like the perfect little sportbike in so many ways. As far as the front brake, I know the feeling on the Ninja 300. If you bleed the crap out of it or add a SS line, it makes it a lot better. I think I actually prefer the Ninja's brakes, at least on the street, compared to the wooden ones of the R3. Pretty cool that they upped the rotor size and are now semi-floating. I'm sure a new master and SS line would fix this problem easily for aggressive riding and that really isn't all that expensive. I guess the only thing left to look out for is reliability in the future, especially with this major update. I also hope they've gotten with the times and don't suggest 7.5k valve service intervals lol.
Its good that Ari reviewed this green bike.
What Zack would say: Engine is really good, breaks solid, handles superb, rides amazingly will I buy this? No I will buy R3!!
I think it was mostly timing. RC390 was getting sold and the only viable option at the time was to build an R3. Sometime this year Kawasaki drops this little bomb.
Points out new tire and low grip, proceeds to fucking demolish the track. What a beast.
That felt like part 2 but there is only the one video. Also, I can't wait to see how it does against the 390
Thanks for another great review, Ari. I've owned a new-gen Ninja250R, so I'm generally familiar with Kawasaki's product already, but you've been my favorite bike writer and reviewer since way before you lopped off the dreads, so your opinion of this bike really matters to me. I now ride a Honda CBR250R and love it, but the one bike that I've missed the most since I started riding in 1980 is my old 1982 Yamaha Seca 400. Not that it was anything special, but I really loved everything about that bike and I've regretted having to sell it for almost 35 years now. I can't help feeling that this new Ninja 400 could well be the spiritual reincarnation of that bike for me and end years of longing and heartache. In much the same way as Kawasaki's new Z900RS re-ignites long simmering passions in Z1 riders of the late 1970s, the Ninja 400 reminds me of those heady days when we had so many choices in the sub-600cc category before liter bikes completely took over the market. I'm really hoping to see more from you (and Zack - maybe a commute video?) about this bike in the future online and in the pages of Motorcyclist. Dare I hope that you will take one under your wing and produce another series comparable to your terrific conversion of a CBR250R to track use? You're the best there is when it comes to wrenching these smaller-displacement bikes and I learned so much about my CBR from your extensive videos and articles. Please make it so!
I'm a strong proponent of this size/class machine as a reliable and fun "keeper". After serving in the industry as a mechanic and service manager for over 15 years with Kawasaki and Suzuki brands, this class of machine seemed always overshadowed by larger and more powerful ones to come along but the sustainable and easy keeping traits of these are strong reasons to consider them. I'm currently seeking a late '70s KZ400 or GS400 for myself after all these years.
I think Kawi totally hit the sweet spot with this one. Just enough torque to pull a taller gear but not crazy fast to get gouged by the insurance. The only contender at the moment would be CBR500r in terms of power. But at 428lbs that thing is a fucking whale compare to this.
I just bought this bike as a upgrade to my ninja 250. i love this bike. i can't wait to take it to the track. thanks for the great review.
When I think about the back roads in my area I honestly think this is not only a great beginners bike. Like with cars a lot of people always talk about how they like to use the whole car and not only 10% of power and grip, and if you drive by the rules you never go beyond 60 mph on a back road anyway. So this sounds like a lot of fun for the reasonable drivers out there.
Please do more of your track test video's in this format. Really enjoyed.
This was kinda the cherry on top video that helped me decide on a new N400. Experienced rider, Monster 1200s - just want to learn how to ride better.
Thank you for giving us a feel of what this bike can do on a race track.
Damn this little thing rips! Good to get your perspective on it, Ari. Thanks a bunch!
Pure joy to see you ride around that track. This sine of bike seems like a good choice for someone who has not been to much at a track.
This video helped tremendously in my decision to purchase this bike. Thanks!
I caught myself smiling the whole video thanks .
Haha, great vid. As a former 300-owner (who threw on gobs of mods), this bike appeals to me a lot. Nice to see that they've gone with LED lights, with both lamps illuminated on low-beam. A quickshifter on a small bike like this works wonders, and it was practically a must-have on the 300. A brake upgrade would definitely be in order, and the 300 brakes felt a bit wooden.
The 300 exhaust crowded my heel too, but an exhaust swap saves both weight and clears out some room too (not to mention the loverly burble of a good aftermarket exhaust).
Too bad Kawasaki didn't make this a small-bore triple, but I'm very glad this bike exists. This would be a killer second bike as a companion to my Daytona 675R. :) I'm still kind of on the hunt for the smallest but best-performing lightweight, small-bore bike I can get my hands on.
Great riding as usual, Ari. Lovin' Sonoma with the pastoral beauty everywhere.
Thank you Ari for a quality review
I was waiting for a review on Ninja 400 to happen..liked it...
Hope Kawasaki will launch it in the Indian markets too...
I just started riding and got the z400. Amazing bike to learn on. I would recommend to anyone. It just fun!
I'm definitely excited to get my first bike. The 400cc looks like a winner to me
This bike looks pretty cool and has all the performance too! Wow!
Great video buddy!
Love the bike 'n the circuit.
Keep the good job.
Greetings from Brazil.
A note about factory tyres: Find what tyres will fit that Z-rated to ensure good grip and put them on when you buy the bike. Bad tyres always make for a scary experience.
Good thing the Ninja's stock tires aren't bad!
For once haha! They chose some nice tires :) The little things that count!
Z-rated tires = capable of 149mph lol. Has little to do with what makes a tire good or bad. Nobody's going over 120mph on a small cc bike even with extensive modifications anytime soon.
The 2018 and 2019 Ninja 400 comes stock with very decent Dunlop Sportmax tires.
"Spurgeon here with another-WTF! Damnit Zack!"
That's pretty cool how you all know each other and there's no serious competition among Moto journalist. Adam Waheed was mentioned in another video.
Oh there's competition (especially on track!) but we're all friends.
Great bike. Ari. Miss the dreads.
Ladybug Adventures I think he should bring the dreads back!
Spurgeon Dunbar you think they slow him down ?
No more dreads please 🙏🏻
Now that I think about it... a pony tail with beard is more a current look.
No. Bad.
Love Kawasakis, especially in their good 'ol Kawi green
Miss these videos, guys! Although especially as of recent, Waheed's been doing a lot better.
Why can't Japanese bike manufacturers make 250-400 Inline 4 cylinder sports bikes again!!!!
because this is lighter and cheaper. I'm on a '74 honda cb350F. Nothing like revving that thing out. But it sure feels slow.
Probably emissions
i'll buy it just for the sound
Nearly got myself a Kawasaki zxr 400 it's a great bike
Last is the 2017 Honda CB400 super four inline 4 with revised ecu
Waiting for this for so long! ✌🔥
This makes me want to do a full track build on one!
Ayup, me too!
You could even start with a new one at sub 5g.
Looks like a blast. Don't think I wanna downgrade from my Ninja 650 for one though.
Also Ari is a beast on two wheels. Lol.
Enea ngSnirnrcsniAniasu
Great, great review. I like a man that can drag a knee while admiring the flowers.
Ya gotta pause to appreciate the flowers!
Nice funding man was looking for someone flogging it. That suspension is such an upgrade. The old ninja was like riding a pogo stick at that speed
So I guess I’ll go for the 400 instead of the r3 . Thanks for the reviews
Man wouldn't it be cool to see these guys do a track attack build on a Ninja 400, slick tires, exhaust, some tuning goin on and just wring it out on a track day? Ari seems really fast i bet with the right tires on a 400 he could pass 600s and maybe liter bikes in the corners.
hell or even with the new Suzuki GSX250 see how far one could take that
Great lines. I wish I had a track near me, I am dying to take my bike to a track
ARI IS BACK!!!
This is the most great video ever,.. Congratulations 🎊
Beautiful video, i love your riding style. So smooth!
Thanks man! Gotta be smooth on stock tires. ;)
Oh yea, stacked up Durex is better i bet :)))
Oh yea, stacked up Durex is better i bet :)))
Nice! Looks like a great all-rounder!
I ride this bike on twisty roads like I'm at the track. It's so fun!
Please Kawasaki, put a torquer version of this engine in the Versys 300X.
Hey guys, if you're more curious about how the bike works on the street, be sure to check out this Q&A article that covers everything from comfort to fuel economy: cycleworld.co/g4VhZn
Really enjoy, thanks ari and zack
Always like your review Ari. Would steel brake lines and better pads fix the brake issues...or is it just the nature of the design?
Thank you Ari!! Killer review!!
Which performance parts would you recommend for track use only (except complete exhaust system)? I'm thinking Bridgestone RS for starters, different brake lines and fluid, different pads and perhaps upgrade to a 320 mm? Different air filter for extra power? Does it need a steering damper? I'm 186 cm and about 80 kg.
All the best Ari!
was that spurgeon from revzilla?!
Sure was!
I've had the benefit of a LOT of seat time at the track. Sonoma is a tricky circuit, and Spurg had never been there before. I'm looking forward to his write up, since it's guaranteed to be more interesting than mine!
That’s awesome! Two of my favorite motorcycle UA-cam presenters on one track haha. Been at Sonoma twice now, once with my street twin and once with the street triple. Also my favorite; love the technicality of the track
Ari is being modest, he could easily school me on a racetrack. But damn if we weren't all having the same amount of fun! I think that's the biggest takeaway for me. Whether you're tackling 4 or 5 track days a year like myself, or you're racing on Sundays like Ari, there is a lot of fun to be had and a lot of ways to improve your riding by heading to the track with your friends. Especially if your friends like to grab your ass while while heading into the carousal at Sonoma.
That last part. LOL!
Great one again Ari!
Nice video!!! It is faster than stock RC390 (not your upgraded one :P) on the track? What is better and worse? Amazing driving skills :) Best regards from Vietnam!
Commenting for the answer aswell
Look at the dyno charts from the channel motorcycle.com . I know its only hp figures but its a start
Maybe the RC390 wins from 0-60mph but top end i still feel the Kawa has the edge
Kind of want one for a track bike.
I'd recommend it. If you're a decent rider you'll embarrass guys on 600s and 1000s. This thing works really well. Upgrade the brakes and you're good to go.
What abt the day 1? On the street? Post the video on day one also
love this track too, from racing on it in Gran turismo 4
Great vid as always.... in relation to your comment on the brakes could you fix the squishy feel by going to braided lines?
That would likely help, since the stock rubber lines aren't as rigid. ABS bikes often suffer from a bit of squish simply b/c there's so much more plumbing. I'd be curious to try a non-ABS bike to see if it's better.
Hey Ari, didn't realize this, but Kawasaki is selling essentially the same bike overseas with a 250 motor. It makes nearly the amount of power the 300 does. For 250 racing, it sounds like it'd be a total class killer.
Yeah, it sounds like it would be! But Production 250 bikes have to be sold in US dealerships to be legal for racing, so the overseas bike wouldn't qualify.
Ari Henning ah!
0:07 i was scared that he dropped the bike
so im liking the bike after tons of reviews and research... but my problem is is it worth the extra? So now that its out the 300's are going to be cheap. So get a really good deal on a 300 or spend the extra cash on the 400, is it truely worth it? any opinions appriciated lol
Wow, Sonoma looks beautiful in green clothing!!
I'm so used to watching it in summer when NASCAR goes there and everything is tan and brown and dead.
Ari, i've noticed my wife has been watching a lot of your videos lately but she doesn't ride motorcycles. Should I be worried?
Hahaha, that's a question only you can answer!
I remember being so let down, when I first heard the Ninja 400 was coming out, I was hoping for an oldschool high reving tiny i4 engine. This bike is great with low weight and very great power for newer riders and commuters, but damn would I have wished it would be a 70-80hp 400cc i4 with a 17-20k redline :'(
Those probably won't ever be made again by bigger manufacturers. Emission standards and norms killed them :'(
Would you pay the price of a 600 supersport just to end up with a 400? Yeah, I don't think so. Manufacturers don't make any money on used bikes.
they could easily make them cheaper than a 600, the supersports all need to have fancy electronics and bits and pieces. A leaner 400cc would be cheaper - maybe more in the 650 price range. Yea fuel / emissions is what really kills them, but one can still hope.. a 400-500cc triple would also be cool. I'm just tired of no one trying to step outside of the comfort zone. All bikes are trying to be the same, even though there are so many models and brands.
Noise and emissions can be done to any bike, a 400 won't be louder than a 600, Honda still sell the CB400 in Japan, a quick search and I found that in 2011 the naked is over $8k and the half faired is over $8,700. That is for a bike that hasn't been changed since 1992, they did update it this year to comply with Japan's emissions, but I don't know how prices changed. According to Wikipedia, the bike weighs 200kg (reduced 2kg for this year). Peak power is 55hp at 11k RPM. So, the question is, would you pay these prices when you could pay the same for a 650 that would smoke this little thing? Add the cost of lighter materials, cost for stronger engine internals to have them rev higher and this thing will most definitely cost as much as a 600. Unless you can find an eccentric billionaire to buy out/start a motorcycle company and build them, I'd say these will remain in the pages of history.
The engine itself would be of smaller size, that means the internals would not have to be as strong to hold the higher pressure that 600 cc engines do, the 400cc engines would also allow for slimmer frames, and all in all you could cut down on materials, welds, parts, etc everywhere. Without the need for all kinds of fancy electronics, engine maps, and so on (except abs), that would also cut down on price. Then we come to suspension that would likewise be more akin to the relaxed nature of 650 bikes and more street tuned, than the 600 bikes' suspension - which again cuts price. It would not be much different from Honda's cbr650 f, except slimmer, weighing much less, and with a smaller frame you'd be able to afford aluminium instead of steel frame without the price going up. In the end it would likely sit in the average 650 price range (maybe a little above), but definitely not anywhere near 600cc prices.
Great video ari 👍
is this all stock?
@two wheels. I need Ur help pls find which bike is better. CBR250RR. OR. TVS AKULA PLS MAKE A VIDEO. PLS ✌️
Came from the 250 and moved on to the 300 and that was already a big improvement. I'm really curious if the step up is again as big!
This is really sounding like THE best new affordable motorcycle to buy in 2018 apart from when the new Yamaha Tenere 700 drops assuming they do a good job.
I would love to see a video of the N400 vs RC390
That bike (the RC390) rules the track
Would love to see how it goes
Saket Chaturvedi the ninja 400 has more power
How does it compare to the old FZR-400?
Hi Ari, thinking about getting this bike for tracking. I also have a Triumph Street Triple RS and use my son's GSXR-750. Have apron. 13 track days under my belt 2 sec. faster on the GSXR. Between this bike and the KTM which bike is a better track bike and why?
Thanks
The ninja 400 seems like a great new version of the 300, however i dont think it looks really great. The 300 had way better styling and i feel like the power was already enough for a starter bike, cause if you want more power you would get something like a 650 ninja instead.
How's the ABS on this model? Too intrusive or pretty transparent?
Betting this bike will sound pretty rad with a proper full system.
Dream job, Ari. But 1000 all the way lol!!!
I'm really torn between this and the R3 as my first bike. It's going to be a fun afternoon of test rides :)
With Passion N400 please? 😀
My GF just got an R3 as her first bike. I've been riding it a lot to places to practice until she gets licensed and I have to say its an incredible machine. I own a 2015 Ninja 650 and have over 10 yrs of experience and that R3 is a blast to ride and play around on but it definitely lacks the punch of a bigger bike, as you'd expect, and I do miss mine sometimes, especially when we're two up. For a first bike and for normal city/highway you can't go wrong IMO.
Paul the Hutt envy you guys. Over here where I am the bikes you mentioned are considered as serious toy's. I did say it coz I am a Ninja fan lol. I'm sure the Yammer is a cool bike. Cheers and ride safe
Get a cbr500 they are the Camry of bikes
Christopher Huggins Why would anyone want a "Camry of bikes"? Lol
Less then 100 miles on mine so far. only complaint is the white tach needle against white numbers. Very hard to read while trying to break the bike in and keep it mostly below 4000 for the first 150 miles...
@Ari which one you pick from this Kawasaki 400 or Yamaha R3 ?
Kawasaki always stepping up 🤘🙌🤙
Hey Ari, what gloves are you using? Thanks!
Compare it with R3. Please.
JT Ripper aur bhai new video kb laara h apne channel m
soon ! with NINJA 400 !
with RC390
It's great the Kawasaki is able to sell this at $5k but I wish instead that they would've just updated the ninja 300. made it a little lighter with maybe a sport exhaust/ecu flash for like 2-3hp more and definitely fixed braking.
Hi Ari, I am riding Z750 (2005) at the moment, this is my daily commuting bike and I also take it on track from time to time. Nothing more than that. I do not stunt or wheelie. It is good bike but on track it is disappointing, especially suspension which wiggles a lot in a turn. Saying that, would Ninja 400 be upgrade for track? Or maybe I should think about Ninja 650? I thought about KTM 390 but I want bike that is reliable.
Upgrading the factory brake line will make a massive improvement and help you find your way out of squishtown USA.
This or Yamaha r3 for first bike??
you can say sad, but that bike its the world champion
Tyre warmers help alot when jt comes to new tyres
The dealer mentioned something to me that I dont think I've seen anywhere else...
Does this thing have a Cassette Style Transmission?
Have the Canadian version since 2014... ain't she awesome!
I want to improve the front and rear brakes with a performance upgrade. Any suggestions?
Seeing a lot of reviews addressing this bike for beginner riders. What about for a seasoned sportbike rider with decades of racing, track, and street riding experience, who is looking for something less strenuous to ride, but can still wick it up? Thanks!
Can you ride more z650s? I just got one and I’d love to see more vids other than the ones you have on here