Thoughts after one week with the Kawasaki Z400
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- #ShortRider #WomanRider #BeginnerBike
Two weeks with this 2020 Kawasaki Z400 while I am bikeless saved my butt. As always when I borrow a bike for long enough - I ride it all around town, highways, and of course... MOUNTAINS. It was so comfortable and easy to ride I didn't hold back on day #1 with it in the curves. Thank you so much, Jay for lending me your bike!! Again!
That thank you gift for Jay
Portable GPS Tracker bit.ly/Monimoto7
That disc brake lock bit.ly/KryptDi...
My top Revzilla gear and accessories picks: bit.ly/TopRevz...
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Music: "Kyoto by Dawn" - Ooyy Copyright © Epidemic Sound
I have had my z 400 for 6 months now. I love her. If you are a beginner or going from a 125cc to something A2 conform i can recommend this one. Also a great one if you're short im only 1.55m/5'1.
Thinking of looking at this bike, I’m 5’3” with 26 inseam. Will this bike fit? Either way, I gonna go to an bike shop and try it out
I’m 5’6 and learned on a grom. I love it’s size but I seek automatic. I’m told z400 has that capability.
Perhaps I can use an EFM or rekluse clutch as well to make it automatic
Thank you for the info
Just buy a honda they sell automatic bikes from factory @@lostintheclouds8719
Did you have to lower your bike?
That’s the bike have, in the same colour. Done about 700 miles on it since I bought it. Bloody love it. Can easily ride it for two hours in one go and not feel uncomfortable at all.
Future doodle was such a clever idea. I’m glad to hear you’re doing this full time. I hope you’re enjoying life 🤘🏻
I bought a Z400 as a re-entry bike, since I had not ridden in almost 20 years. I originally thought that I would sell it after a few months to get something more powerful, but I enjoy it so much that I will keep it. Its light weight makes it more responsive that expected and makes it easy to push around in the garage. Taller riders might find it too cramped, but I am short with a 28" inseam, so it is fine for me. The only issue that I have had is with the mirrors. The mirrors were too close together for me to see much behind me, so I got a pair of "mirror extensions" that moved them a couple of inches to the side. Other than that, I love my Z400.
I'm 68 yrs old yooper Dan and I cut off my mirrors & added a 4 inches of chrome tubeing extension to them. Can see perfect behind me & they look great.
I love how you gave him a gift. So many people would not have done that. I love the reviews.
You are the 'Prettiest biker on UA-cam.' Not those who show off their body and have nothing to say useful about biking. You give us useful information. Thanks 🙏
Hi Doodle, a nice video, packed with good information on these 400cc range bikes, which you always have fun riding, and you speak from considerable experience. This was a great gesture by Jay, and by you for gifting him!
Your reviews are better than subject matter expert bc you give your perspective as a real world rider..thank you girl....
Good review from a different perspective. Bigger isn't always better. I have 5000 miles on mine in 18 months. To reply to a question below, it's not gutless at low rpm. I can roll up in 6th gear easily from 40mph.
With a 2009 cbr1000r and a 2022 Busa also in the garage, my favorite bike to ride is still my 19 z400. With a tune, it's just FUN to ride!
Your size/fit observations are VERY valuable ... because it seems that MOST 'reviewers' refrain from noting anything that might limit sales (manufacturer pressure?). Nice job, Lassie.
So funny, the 3 bikes she compares (The Duke, MT, and Ninja/Z400) were exactly the bikes I was considering. I ended up going with the Z400 actually and it's unbelievable fun. Sub'd
Doodle, Jay was very appreciative of the gifts you gave him. 🙂. Obviously you like the Kawasaki Z400 a lot. Nice review of sorts. I laughed at future Doodle at the end of the video. Have a great weekend.
🤪 have a great weekend!
@@DoodleOnAMotorcycle Doodle, it was very nice of you to repay his kindness.
I just bought a Z400. I sat on the Duke for 1.5 seconds. I couldn't have been more uncomfortable. I have no clue why people talk about the Duke all the time on YT. I'm 6 ft tall 185 lbs and I LOVE the Z400. It was a tough decision between the Yamaha MT-03 and the Z400. The Z just felt more comfortable all the way around and the Kawi clutch is much more forgiving than the amazing Yamaha. Hope that helps.
The duke sits good for me at 6'0, just wish reliability was bettet
I got a z400 as my first proper motorcycle after riding a scooter. So far, it has been great. I can comfortably commute even on highways. I do eventually want something with more wind protection, but I want it to keep the light weight of the z400. Versys 400 would be wonderful.
I've heard the Versys 300 is great.
This is my first bike and so far its awesome and great on mountain curves in upstate NY and ride around town too. Just overall really comfortable bike. I want something with more power but may even keep the Z400 too cause I love it so much
Picking up my first z400 on Saturday. Im in upstate new york too lol. By cold spring, where are you?
@@Desekratedd I'm 2 years late, but I'm getting a z400 next month. I'm in central PA! Yall having fun?
My first bike was a Kawasaki Z400 (1974). It had a sight glass. Right side, just past the brake, IIRC. Fun bike it was.
That one has a really nice trim on it. Been riding the Z400 for just over a month now. 2022 model. And I have loved it very much.
Another great real world review, of special interest to a returning rider (from the UK).👍👍
Great review, thank you. I tried a 650RS and this straight afterwards. I have to say I preferred the 400. I’ve been riding many years, though my skills are still modest, but the Z400 was just so light and with a wonderful chassis it was a great confidence booster and I head that in your review too.
The 650 by comparison felt surprisingly flat, tired almost, and it certainly put me off buying one.
I'm really glad you mentioned your height. I'm a small man - 5' 5" so hearing that you can nearly flat foot it really helpful.
Good review. Like the more upright seating position of the Z but prefer the full fairing of the R just for looks. Nice friend who lends you his bike.
Yay welcome back Future Doodle!!! Even on a super short appearance she never fails to amuse me. 😎
FWIW regarding cramped space - I've seen reviews from people 6'2" that say it's fine apart from bashing your right heel on the exhaust shield. And one 6'4" rider who says it's OK but he might go for the raised seat. I think this bike will fit a 6 foot person just fine as is. Depends on the makeup of your 6 feet through, whether it's in the legs or the torso.
I just got one and i love it. Handling is awesome. My first bike was also a Suzuki boulevard S40. I love that one also. Love your vids. Keep up the good work. 👍
I could listen to you talk all day. I never want your videos to end. You need to just go live and stay there like the Truman show lol
😅
Nice information from someone whose interest is enjoying riding and getting others to enjoy too
Hiya Doodle,
Awesome feedback on the z400, as that's what I'm riding for now, I really enjoyed the review, as you always keep it interesting. Ride safe...🏍💨👍💯😎
Annie from Oz 🇦🇺
NGL Future Doodle is my favorite Doodle, the back and forth always elicits a chuckle.
🤪
Doodle.
Fantastic video! The 300, 400 and 500cc class bikes are perfect for everything you mentioned. They are light, nimble, very sporty and perfect for commuting on. The demand for these bikes really says something. Newer riders should pick these bikes as their second ride and live with them for a good while before moving up in displacement. As usual, great job Doodle! I love "Future Doodle" as she is always correct! She is my favorite but you are OK too! 🤣
Peace Doodle!
Ride SAFE and BE safe Lady!!
🙌👏👏👏👌✌🖖🤙👍👋🙂🌹
6:28, would be interesting to see your favorite bike care/detailing products. I tend to use waterless wash, dry with a waffle-weave microfiber, then apply a corrosion inhibitor and UV protectant.
You can see that all in this playlist! 😋 ua-cam.com/play/PLTQU1JIgQDN4By1gWwFdUrZZd-Y17aIg6.html
@@DoodleOnAMotorcycle 🙌
5:16 .. I feel for you, for scratching your tank. Hope you find the impetus to get it repaired. Such a pretty tank; beautiful bike.
5:49 .. Really kind of you for buying your friend some presents that he needs. Makin' me emotional watching you give him the goodies.
I trained on this bike for a few hours and didn't like it. I just was not comfortable on it. I switched to an MT-07 and things improved instantly. Bigger bike but still light.
I've been trying to look into possible beginner bikes for myself, I've never ridden before so I have a helluva lot to do and learn, but I'm kinda split between this and the MT-03 since the vitpilen isn't in stock anywhere near me. Starting to thing z400 may be the way to go when I eventually get my first.
Same here. I'm leaning towards the MT-03 for cost and insurance. Thing is there are none available in my area. Will see in the next few weeks. Sat on a Z todayand it felt like a good fit.
Excellent review. Love your stuff!
Thanks for referring me to rider share doodle, took a can-am ryker on a spin for this past weekend it was an absolute blast, definitely looking forward to testing out other bikes 👍
That’s awesome! 😃
She's back! Future Doodle is back! Praise the Lord! We've missed you, FD, but now, all is well with the world! FD, you are *always* needed! Oh, and about this nonsense of having to check oil levels . . . . O : Great content, Doodle: useful and dispassionate.
im also a z400 2022 model owner. greetings from Philippines. Ride safe
The most important thing to my comfort in the Twisties is as much about the tires as the bike itself. After five decades of riding my top three are 1 Michelin, 2 Metzler, 3 Bridgestone. And I will not trust my life to Dunlop tires.
😮
I agree that the v 400 is small, and the v 650 seems to be small for that capacity. Yesterday I was picking up my bike (VStrom 650, which is arguably large), and got to talking about future options. The v 400 was right behind me, it looked like a toy bike. I will ride one just to see how it is. (I’m average 5’ 10”, and strong enough to pick up a fully loaded and fueled VStrom). Just toying with the idea a a “little” bike, just for kicks.
You won’t regret it. I have a Honda 919, and the Indian 1200 S, and a Z 400. My go to bike is the Z 400. Perfect for around town cheap on gas and everything else and it’s fun to ride once you raise the handlebars and the seat
Had a sight glass on my '06 ZX-10R, '13 FJR 1300, '15 R1200 RT, and '21 R1250 GS Adventure. Didn't know any motorcycles had dip sticks until you said your Triumph does. Triumph does some weird things like non-adjustable mirrors and oil dip sticks 😜
😅
I have a blue one, it has different handle bars than the ninja so you sit in more of an upright position but overall they're practically identical
Thank you for all your great vids. very informative. well done!!
I'm 5'10 200 lb. I fit fine on the Duke 390 but found the Z400 too cramped. The Z650 was fine, as were most of the other 600cc naked bikes I shopped.
Interesting review and very through, thank you as being a very short Jet Li style asian this helps alot for a future buy.
Fast forward 2024 they bumped it up to 451cc so I think I’ll add one to the garage
Great editing, yet another good real world evaluation.
I'm a small rider and the z400 was in my list of bikes to test drive when I was looking for my first one. Unfortunately they're not being sold in Europe now due to not being aligned with the EURO5 regulations. In the end, I bought a BMW G301R and I wish I was close enough to lend it to you for a review whilst I'm on two weeks on vacation 😁
Ahh!!!
I really really love you, Kawasaki Z400
Me too!
I have a 2021. Learning still. 🙂
Hey doodle! Just wanted to say hi from the other side of the world. You just did a video on my dream bike. 😊
You were spot on with the duke 390 being taller than the ninja. I went on a dealership and sat on both. With the duke, I was like a dog paddling on air with both feet even with the kickstand on. No chance on flat footing it. With the ninja I was able to stand on my tiptoes. Btw, I stand proud at 150 cm/4'11 (that is the average height on my country 😅).
I was torn because I like the duke because it is lighter but I also like the ninja for its forgiving nature and seat height. So I ended up with a lowered Kawasaki Z250 SL. It is like the perfect mix of both - Naked look of the Duke + 150kg weight then the seat height of the kawasaki + reliability.
Sorry for the ramble. Smooth roads and ride safe always!
Sweet!!! 😁😁
Keep riding! Keep smiling! Be safe!
Nice.. I've had my ninja 400 for about a month now and 🙂🏍
Thanks Future Doodle for confirming the engines of the two
Which would you get -Z400, Ninja 400, MT03, or Duke 390? Let's see if I can get a low cc Honda or Suzuki! Here are my other low cc bike reviews: bit.ly/LowCCBikes
Ahh dammit I tried to get the sound of the bike as you all requested my last review video, but I put the sound recorder under the seat without the cat fur, so mostly you just heard it rattling inside. I'll remember with the next bike review!!
Ninja 400
Z-400
It had been about 20 years since I had ridden, so I got a Z400 as a "re-entry" bike.* It is really wonderful for that, although rear-view mirror extenders have been helpful for riding in traffic. I grew up in the NC mountains and still prefer nimbleness and lean-angle over straight line stability. The Z400 has plenty of power for the backroads I prefer, yet can deal with highway speeds when needed. I really like the light weight. It makes low-speed handling easier. It also makes it easy to move around the garage. I will probably drop it one day, but at least I should be able to pick it back up by myself. I considered the Duke 390, but I prefer the lower seat of the Z400 (I have a 28" inseam).
*The local dealers would not allow demo rides, so it was moderately terrifying for my first ride in 20 years to be on a newly-purchased motorcycle!
Z400!
Old video but the motors are tuned a little different than the 400r. Still sweet. I’m considering this one.
Hi Doodle! Thanks for the review. My wife and I ride together and she currently has a ninja 300. Due to some unexpected health issues she is needing to get something that is sporty but more upright sitting. I'm curious to know our of the many naked bikes in the 300-400cc range seemed to be the most upright? Thanks for the videos and inspiring more women to ride!
Awesome video Doodle. Definitely the MT03 and the Z400 are very close as a great bike to start on. As I've riden a MT03 more it be my pick. Especially if you're just commuting on a daily basis.
I like Doodle's opinions, BECAUSE she is a lightweight and relates well
with her comments, with other people that have similar issues....
He, he he!
I was very disappointed in the Street Twin I test rode. I agree that the tires felt slippery once you leaned it over. I sure wish I was smaller in stature so I could enjoy less expensive to buy, insure, and own motorcycles.
I believe the difference between the Ninja and Z400 is the fairings and the handlebars? Thanks for the vid.
Hi Doodle, 😉 👍 great job with this video 👏👏👏👏👏👏 entertaining and informative 😉 so sorry to see the result of your collision with the garage door 🥺 but I'm sure is sortable...
Still loving my Z400...
After my BMW was stolen, I wanted to downsize and got a Z400. I just could not bond with it. At the time they came out, a small but serious bike was needed in the USA, I thought it would be similar in concept to an RD400, and bought one. After the learn-the-new-bike process was over, it just wasn't for me. I wish it was, it was an expensive test ride for sure, but in the end, there was just something about it that didn't resonate.
So still looking for the small bike that works. A lot of gen 3 KTMs for sale locally, so maybe it will happen this year?
i had a 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250 and it had a sight glass too.
Pretty sure the no-sight-glass is a British bike thing. My '81 kz440 and '81 gs550 both had sight glasses.
My 2016 Triumph Bonneville had one 🤷🏽♀️
Hello Doodle, yup another good video, thank you for not doing Fan-Based riding option. You keep it totally non basis and open to everyone’s choice and opinion. If you get a chance, check out the Royal Enfield 650 lineup.
Yes, the Interceptor if possible.
Is there a contest for most adorable person on UA-cam?
Because Senora Doodle wins ~ hands down!!💯👍🏽🥳🦾 🏍 🔥
🤪
Looks like Jay is a good friend of yours
Yay!!! Future Doodle is so smart!!!
I have the same bike and put 4.5k miles on it over this last summer and although I'm looking to get a bigger more powerful bike If I could afford to keep my 400 and buy another bigger bike I totally would!
I keep going between a Rebel 500, Honda Shadow and Kawasaki Vulcan S. Now I’m looking at this. Currently have a 150cc and am super comfortable on it but would like to go faster. I’m 5’2” and need a low seat height. I’m torn!
Z400, more fun to ride than any of those others on your list 👌
Time for some Honda reviews! CB500F, CB650R.
What kind of disc lock is that? If it took an hour for the locksmith to get it off I'm buying 2 of those. 6:01
I didn’t know they have the same engine as the ninja400 ! Thanks for the review
I really could not find but 30 to 60 seconds of a review of this bike. iys more of a comparison & was all over the place. I was wanting to know if you liked it & how it handled.
Kawasaki has been implementing the Oil Sight Glass since forever now. Mu 04 636 had this Oil sight glass.
Hello there from newzealand,
Just wondering if you rode this at night? Was keen on your thoughts regarding the LED headlights.
Many thanks in advance,
Glenn.
Awesome review! I have this bike & I love it😁
Brilliant vid Doodle!!! Ride safe ;-)
Your '5 foot 3 .75 inchs .....Ohhh darn just missing on 5 foot 4 must be so depressing ;-) Thank You for the video ...IM still deciding on my first bike ...
8:14 I think this is really helpful as I've been unsure and indecisive as what I want as my first bike but this is a really good point
Can't wait for your Triumph Tiger road trip 😊
It’s a great bike with a very poorly designed exhaust. Easily changed which most factory exhausts suck due to regulations but that thing is directly underfoot and a piss poor effort engineering wise.
Cool videos ❤️
Will be nice to see your take BWM G310R and G310GS, Cheers!
Very good review. Thank you
50 mph curves? We have curves that will place you airborn at 50. Even Rossi would need a parachute. But, 15 mph or 50 mph, curvy roads are sweet.
You are always good. Being 5' 6.5", I really like your perspective.
I just got a 2019 kawasaki ninja 400 3 days ago 😁my first bike
Great bike Tamara, you’re going to love it. Ride safe!
@@trippontwowheels thank you will do
You gave some dope ass gifts! :D
I told you you would enjoy the Kawasaki bikes
I would have changed his oil and filter, less then $40..... I think the worse about lending out your bike is somebody putting miles on your oil interval😢.
Love my z400...
I am getting a new z 400 can't wait
Yay!!
Sight glass has been around for a long time. There was one on my 80's Era ninja. I think the lack of one is just a British thing or something, lol.
My 2016 Triumph Bonneville had one 🤷🏽♀️
@@DoodleOnAMotorcycle My 2021 Trident doesn’t though 😞
@@DoodleOnAMotorcycle My 2007 Bonneville has one! :)
Yup you used to see sight glasses and center stands and better seats on the 80s and 90s Ninjas. That’s the price we pay for “progress” I guess 😁
@@martinowings3597 The lack of a sight glass is the one thing I miss on the Trident vs the z650 or MT-07.
I'm planning on buying one in the next month, REALLY wish I could find that color combo. It looks like they don't make it with the green frame anymore.
when i went bike shopping i had to choose between the ninja 600 krt and the z400 i can confidently say the ride height is almost exactly the same im 5'10 180 and i fit flat foot on both the 600 and the 400 however they had some z600 and the z900 and those were both a fair bit bigger seat wise
I’m torn between the z400 and the cb500f how do these two compare and what would you pick for a complete beginner? Thank you really good video by the way :)
Haven’t ridden the CB500F! Both seem really similar - I’d just pick whichever one of those I could find the best deal on!
I'm surprised how little attention the 500 class by Honda gets. The 500F and the CBX500 both interest me vs. the Z400, but the 500F is closer in price. Seems like it has more reviews in the UK than US. Everything I hear about them has been good.
Makes me giggle, I'm 5'6 with a 28" inseam. I can't get comfortable on most stock bikes. Even cruisers I have to change out bars and push them forward. Thanks for the review, looking at adding a n400. Oh and sight glass oil level isn't a new thing. Had a 85 suzuki gs550 that had sight glass for oil level.
Great review 👍
Grom rider here! I rode the Z400 twice at a Kawasaki Demo a few weeks ago. Having no other benchmark than my Grom (and a Honda 250 Rebel at a MSF course) this was a really fun bike to ride on. Little vibrations! I felt I was gliding.
The one thing I wasn't a fan of is the seat design. It has you saddling up against the gas tank. Each time I went over a bump my crotch hits the gas tank :D Need a crotch guard.
😅