Really great review. I agree with everything you have said. The mirrors are a nightmare I have bought extenders which don’t look fantastic but work really well and solve the issue of adjustment etc. I had a triumph trident for my first bike and found it a bit too lively this bike is brilliant as a beginner or even if your experienced and want something that handles really well is comfortable and well powerful enough👍
bought one as my first bike, pretty happy with it so far, one year in, laws where I live means another 2 years before I can upgrade, really fancy the z900 next. Great video by the way, stuff the cold weather though 😊
2:41 not necessarily. Other than Oil what are the common maintenance items? Coolant is behind a fairing. The air filter is underneath the tank! (Makes you miss the old 250r where it was under the seat fairing. Oil change, breaks, and chain maintenance etc is pretty much the same as a faired bike. A tip for doing the rear wheel alignment. The tick marks are finicky so I normally just count the number of threads exposed on each bolt to make sure its symmetrical.
change engine oil regular.. and dont jetwash around the electrics/cdi ...and kawasaki last forever....regular wd40 on cables and stuff... im very tempted by this z400 i dont need high speed anymore now im 57 years old
Good review sir thank you very much. I have an FTR 1200 S, a Honda 919, and a Z 400. I love the little Z 400 for getting around town. The gas mileage is phenomenal. i’m putting knobbys on it, and hope to explore tame Forest roads out in the gold country of California.
My only advice for those roads is to please make sure your left foot is positioned on top of the gear shifter during left turns. I've had a couple of boots scrapes that I was not ready for haha
Hugely fantastic review! The most down to earth, real world honest review I've seen on ANY bike. How would you compare this with the 2019/2021 Honda CB500F? Ir would be great to know your thoughts
Unfortunately, I've personally never ridden the Honda cb500f. But based on when I can find about it, they look nearly identical in shape and form so I'd imagine it'd be almost identical as far as ride and performance. Even when I get down to the most minoot details, it looks like the Z400 is rocking 45 horsepower where the Honda is rocking 47. That 2 horsepower is not going to be in big enough difference to really alter the experience too much. Both are probably very excellent rides and worthy of praise for their performance
Does 120 and can clutch up wheelie, it’s my first bike and it’s plenty of trouble. Didn’t even test ride it, sat on this a ninja and a duke and felt the most confident on this, kind of regret not going for the ninja after being confident enough to really ride one at a demo day as I find myself wanting a little more wind protection personally. Need to figure out how to chop up a ninja fairing and make a half fairing like an old fz6 and then this is the perfect bike
What Leo Vince do you have? I'm thinking about getting the z400 in 2023 model on Monday. Taking the weekend to think about it after test riding it today. thank you
Hey, good morning! I really wish I could remember exactly which one it was but it was completely Hollow inside. I think in the video I show a quick picture of it just being straight open. I'm so sorry I can't remember the name of it.
What’s the most recommended small (300cc to 500cc) bike for a 64-year old guy that hasn’t owned a bike since his late 20’s? I’m in great physical shape, 5’11” tall, 175lbs, 32” pants inseam. My bike in my late teen’s was a Honda 500-4cylinder. Then in my 20’s, a Honda 750-4cylinder. I’d rather try a smaller naked, and then if I want to upsize, then go to a Yamaha MT-07. For now though, should I get a KTM Duke 390, Yamaha MT-03, Honda cb300r, or a Kawasaki Z400?
For your height and weight, I would recommend the z400 out of the ones you mentioned. You would be able to flatfoot it and everything no problem and it probably be the most comfortable since you would have the most upright seating position. The mt07 would be a nice pic if you end up deciding you're going to be doing some more Highway riding.
I just got a z400 and similar sizing. It's an amazing bike and has quickly started to feel like an extension of my body. I got it because it was the most comfortable to me and it continues to be that. The Ninja is also great but the z400 has a really relaxing postition for the lower back. (Theyre all great, the z400 also just gives a couple extra hp
Hey, I live pretty close by. Had a Suzuki GZ250 for a while, turned into the little engine that tried (and is why I no longer have it😢.) Looking into this as a daily commuter with the plausible chance of going up the interstate. Was wondering your your experience with the hills were?
Oh yeah you'll have a significantly better experience. I had a Suzuki Gixxer 250 and when I would ride on 48 between the Monroeville area and North Versailles area, it was genuinely a battle. I was pretty much giving it juice just to make the 250 work for me. But with the Z400, it absolutely ate it up and that's one of the steeper Hills I know of in the area. It worked great in the Pittsburgh / Mount Washington area as well which is usually pretty hilly. So if push came to shove, you would have absolutely no issue with the Z400 as a daily commuter. When it came to the interstate, it does seem to fight for its life to be able to go 85+ miles an hour for a long time. I'm sure I could do it, but you're pretty high up in the RPMs in 6th gear to make it happen.
Did you get a ninja 400 or zz400rr which did you prefer I like the ninja 400s and the z is growing on me don’t like the look as much but then again I do
I want to run around on a ninja 400 for awhile and it was actually extremely fun. By the time that zx4r came out, I was already on the ZX6R. I would to try and ride the zx4r but for the price difference between the 4 the 6, I would take the 6 every time.
So the best way I can describe it is that I'm personally addicted to 0 to 60 launch speeds. I don't know if it's the g-forces or the way it feels like the world melts around you other than the one-point you're focusing on... but here is my answer. Both feel like they're on Rails and so incredibly stable in hard cornering maneuvers. If we are comparing a bike with similar 0-60mph stats, then I think I would prefer 3.0sec experience in a car due to the absolute ease of just press gas and everything else is done for you for the same G-Force. On the ZX6R, I have to constantly worry about my launch in relation to my clutch & and gears, and even then, I have to pay extreme attention to prevent the front-end from power wheeling on me. As for price... I would take a 10k-12k zx6r price WAY before a 75k corvette cost. So if I really break it down like this and say that in one hand, I get to save $50,000, but I have to worry about gearing and power wheelies, excetera, I would much rather save the money lol. But if you told me I'd be forced to ride a 250cc motorcycle forever or pick the Corvette I'd take the Corvette every time.
Yep, ended up selling it for about $3,700 to a very nice young guy who wanted to learn how to get into motorcycles! Have to pass on all the good vibes!
@Order 636 Fair price. I'm looking for a used Z 400. I do t want to buy it new. I've only passed the msf as far as experience goes(12 hrs on a bike). If I have to buy it new so be it I'll pass it on to the old lady when I want to get a bigger bike. I'm 6ft 190 to 200 lbs. Will it fit me ok you think?
@@danielprescott2880 yeah, the best thing to do is find used for most bikes. The only time I recommend new is if you're looking for a super sport or sport bike because unfortunately you know people are buying those with the intent of running them extremely hard but yes, I was about 240ibs and 6'1" and I didn't have any issues whatsoever. So you shouldn't have any problems in that department
I just got the 2023 yesterday as my first bike. I love it! but thank you for the tips!
It's an incredible and amazing first bike!!!! Wish you the absolute BEST with it!!!
I got mine saturday, its awesome
@@0397rb ayyoyooo!
Got mine 2 days ago but still cannot ride it 😢
Really great review. I agree with everything you have said. The mirrors are a nightmare I have bought extenders which don’t look fantastic but work really well and solve the issue of adjustment etc. I had a triumph trident for my first bike and found it a bit too lively this bike is brilliant as a beginner or even if your experienced and want something that handles really well is comfortable and well powerful enough👍
My favorite review so far
bought one as my first bike, pretty happy with it so far, one year in, laws where I live means another 2 years before I can upgrade, really fancy the z900 next. Great video by the way, stuff the cold weather though 😊
They don’t put a radiator guard on because they sell them on their site for like 75$
2:41 not necessarily. Other than Oil what are the common maintenance items? Coolant is behind a fairing. The air filter is underneath the tank! (Makes you miss the old 250r where it was under the seat fairing.
Oil change, breaks, and chain maintenance etc is pretty much the same as a faired bike.
A tip for doing the rear wheel alignment. The tick marks are finicky so I normally just count the number of threads exposed on each bolt to make sure its symmetrical.
Great video, thanks! I have a Grom now, and I’m hopefully picking up a Z400 this week!
(And go Steelers!)
Very nice!!! I hope you absolutely love it! It's an incredible bike!
change engine oil regular.. and dont jetwash around the electrics/cdi ...and kawasaki last forever....regular wd40 on cables and stuff... im very tempted by this z400 i dont need high speed anymore now im 57 years old
My son got the Z 400 last week, and he hasn't stopped smiling since !!!
Good review sir thank you very much. I have an FTR 1200 S, a Honda 919, and a Z 400. I love the little Z 400 for getting around town. The gas mileage is phenomenal. i’m putting knobbys on it, and hope to explore tame Forest roads out in the gold country of California.
My only advice for those roads is to please make sure your left foot is positioned on top of the gear shifter during left turns. I've had a couple of boots scrapes that I was not ready for haha
@@order636 Yeah I get problems with my 919 on that
@@order636 which leovince exhaust is that ?
@You I believe it was the Corsa Evo slip-on exhaust from Leo Vince
I agree about the mirrors, but I’m built for this bike so I don’t think I’ll need to adjust anything.
Subscribed! Keep it up, great content
Thanks for the sub!
Here's a little fact. Your 50mpg in U.S is different to our mpg range in U.K.
1 US MPG = 1.201 UK MPG so:
60mpg in UK 😬
Hugely fantastic review! The most down to earth, real world honest review I've seen on ANY bike.
How would you compare this with the 2019/2021 Honda CB500F?
Ir would be great to know your thoughts
Unfortunately, I've personally never ridden the Honda cb500f. But based on when I can find about it, they look nearly identical in shape and form so I'd imagine it'd be almost identical as far as ride and performance. Even when I get down to the most minoot details, it looks like the Z400 is rocking 45 horsepower where the Honda is rocking 47. That 2 horsepower is not going to be in big enough difference to really alter the experience too much. Both are probably very excellent rides and worthy of praise for their performance
My 2004 ninja 250r did 80mph all day long and I owned that bike for eight years 👌 top speed was around 105_110 mph
for whatever reason the z400 insurance rate is 3x that of the ninja in my area
Does 120 and can clutch up wheelie, it’s my first bike and it’s plenty of trouble. Didn’t even test ride it, sat on this a ninja and a duke and felt the most confident on this, kind of regret not going for the ninja after being confident enough to really ride one at a demo day as I find myself wanting a little more wind protection personally. Need to figure out how to chop up a ninja fairing and make a half fairing like an old fz6 and then this is the perfect bike
i think your resale will be better on this. there are 5 or more ninja 400s on cycle trader for every 1 z400, at least. keep it clean, ride safe!
What Leo Vince do you have? I'm thinking about getting the z400 in 2023 model on Monday. Taking the weekend to think about it after test riding it today. thank you
Hey, good morning! I really wish I could remember exactly which one it was but it was completely Hollow inside. I think in the video I show a quick picture of it just being straight open. I'm so sorry I can't remember the name of it.
@@order636 ok thanks for replying - not many do on here. have a great day
What’s the most recommended small (300cc to 500cc) bike for a 64-year old guy that hasn’t owned a bike since his late 20’s?
I’m in great physical shape, 5’11” tall, 175lbs, 32” pants inseam.
My bike in my late teen’s was a Honda 500-4cylinder. Then in my 20’s, a Honda 750-4cylinder.
I’d rather try a smaller naked, and then if I want to upsize, then go to a Yamaha MT-07.
For now though, should I get a KTM Duke 390, Yamaha MT-03, Honda cb300r, or a Kawasaki Z400?
For your height and weight, I would recommend the z400 out of the ones you mentioned. You would be able to flatfoot it and everything no problem and it probably be the most comfortable since you would have the most upright seating position. The mt07 would be a nice pic if you end up deciding you're going to be doing some more Highway riding.
@@order636 awesome, thanks!
@@rays9033 no problem! I wish you nothing but the best!!
I just got a z400 and similar sizing. It's an amazing bike and has quickly started to feel like an extension of my body. I got it because it was the most comfortable to me and it continues to be that.
The Ninja is also great but the z400 has a really relaxing postition for the lower back.
(Theyre all great, the z400 also just gives a couple extra hp
Great video thank you
Glad you enjoyed it
great job - so did you sell the z400?
Yes, I sold it to another rider looking to start his two-wheel adventure!
Hey, I live pretty close by. Had a Suzuki GZ250 for a while, turned into the little engine that tried (and is why I no longer have it😢.)
Looking into this as a daily commuter with the plausible chance of going up the interstate. Was wondering your your experience with the hills were?
Oh yeah you'll have a significantly better experience. I had a Suzuki Gixxer 250 and when I would ride on 48 between the Monroeville area and North Versailles area, it was genuinely a battle. I was pretty much giving it juice just to make the 250 work for me. But with the Z400, it absolutely ate it up and that's one of the steeper Hills I know of in the area. It worked great in the Pittsburgh / Mount Washington area as well which is usually pretty hilly. So if push came to shove, you would have absolutely no issue with the Z400 as a daily commuter. When it came to the interstate, it does seem to fight for its life to be able to go 85+ miles an hour for a long time. I'm sure I could do it, but you're pretty high up in the RPMs in 6th gear to make it happen.
My ninja 250 was fine at 75 all day, but I’m 150 lbs and 5’6”
Get a 2021 z400abs like me. I'm 4'11 and 100 lbs. I tip toe, but I love my moto! Same color-red
Did you get a ninja 400 or zz400rr which did you prefer I like the ninja 400s and the z is growing on me don’t like the look as much but then again I do
I want to run around on a ninja 400 for awhile and it was actually extremely fun. By the time that zx4r came out, I was already on the ZX6R. I would to try and ride the zx4r but for the price difference between the 4 the 6, I would take the 6 every time.
Mini motos are the best beginner bikes. If you never ever ride a motorcycle before.
How would you describe the fun of motorcycling vs your vert corvette? Thanks
So the best way I can describe it is that I'm personally addicted to 0 to 60 launch speeds. I don't know if it's the g-forces or the way it feels like the world melts around you other than the one-point you're focusing on... but here is my answer.
Both feel like they're on Rails and so incredibly stable in hard cornering maneuvers.
If we are comparing a bike with similar 0-60mph stats, then I think I would prefer 3.0sec experience in a car due to the absolute ease of just press gas and everything else is done for you for the same G-Force. On the ZX6R, I have to constantly worry about my launch in relation to my clutch & and gears, and even then, I have to pay extreme attention to prevent the front-end from power wheeling on me.
As for price... I would take a 10k-12k zx6r price WAY before a 75k corvette cost.
So if I really break it down like this and say that in one hand, I get to save $50,000, but I have to worry about gearing and power wheelies, excetera, I would much rather save the money lol.
But if you told me I'd be forced to ride a 250cc motorcycle forever or pick the Corvette I'd take the Corvette every time.
@@order636 thanks order, hope to see more car and bike videos from you. :)
Heyyy i want to buy it can we have deal..?
Have you sold the bike yet?
Yep, ended up selling it for about $3,700 to a very nice young guy who wanted to learn how to get into motorcycles! Have to pass on all the good vibes!
@Order 636 Fair price. I'm looking for a used Z 400. I do t want to buy it new. I've only passed the msf as far as experience goes(12 hrs on a bike). If I have to buy it new so be it I'll pass it on to the old lady when I want to get a bigger bike. I'm 6ft 190 to 200 lbs. Will it fit me ok you think?
@@danielprescott2880 yeah, the best thing to do is find used for most bikes. The only time I recommend new is if you're looking for a super sport or sport bike because unfortunately you know people are buying those with the intent of running them extremely hard but yes, I was about 240ibs and 6'1" and I didn't have any issues whatsoever. So you shouldn't have any problems in that department
@Order 636 Thanks for the input man. Much appreciated. Just subbed.
I think being 5’6” I need to lean more forward, so that causes me to be pushing my crotch away from the tank.
Low key all stock mirrors suck
What is a beginner bike ????
It's a motorcycle that someone who has never been on a motorcycle before could ride easily haha
@@order636 so what is a beginner bike again ?
A lower displacement bike(generally lower power output), that isn't a crazy expensive, that people use to get into the hobby.