2019 Kawasaki Ninja 400 Vs. Z400 | Standard Vs. Sportbike Comparison
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- Опубліковано 25 сер 2024
- Cycle World compares two affordable sport motorcycles from Kawasaki in this 2019 Ninja 400 ABS versus Z400 comparison review. With so much in common, will one be better than the other?
Kawasaki wants riders of any skill level to taste its sporting pedigree. And for new riders, or those who simply want something small, fun, and affordable, it offers this pair of sub-$5,300 sport motorcycles in the shape of the 2019 Ninja 400 and Z400 ABS. This green duo is designed for entry-level riders who want to have as much fun as possible while learning the ropes.
Both bikes are powered by Kawasaki's all-new liquid-cooled 399cc parallel-twin. Introduced for the 2018 model year, this compact engine delivers 43.6 hp at 9,940 rpm and 24.6 pound-feet at 8,270 revs. It puts power back to the chain final drive through a slick-shifting six-speed gearbox and manual cable-actuated clutch.
The duo offers a powerband that has the best of both worlds: soft off the bottom, making the engine well suited to a novice learning to find the balance between the clutch and throttle. Yet it has enough immediate torque to get you moving from a stop without having to wind out the engine like you did on the previous-generation 250/300 engine. Gentle clutch engagement further complements the experience making it easy to get rolling from a stop.
"The engine in these two bikes is a new rider's dream come true," says our youngest, smallest, and most price-conscious 21-year-old tester, Evan Allen. "I like how smooth the power comes on initially. It just makes these bikes easy to ride."
Hard on the throttle both bikes deliver an exhilarating experience, that is, for entry-level bikes. Kawasaki motorcycles are known for punchy engine demeanor and menacing tone, so it’s nice to see the 400 duo incorporates this DNA. A hint of engine vibration is present above 7,000 rpm but we wouldn’t deem it excessive.
“The engine does vibrate a little bit at higher rpm,” Allen says. “But it sounds so good. I like the whine of the engine and the sound the bike makes as you upshift through the gearbox. It’s a fun bike to ride, regardless if you’re new to riding or have a couple years of seat time.”
While the powertrain on the green bikes feel identical, the chassis and the way the rider interacts with the machine is more diverse. Specifically, the Z400 benefits from a more traditional one-piece handlebar versus the Ninja 400’s above the top clamp clip-on-style bars.
The Z400 isn't necessarily more sporty feeling, but it does have a more natural bend, that's as well suited to city riding as it is hunting apexes around curves. One gripe: The Z400's side shrouds can dig into the inside of tall rider's knees. On the other hand the Ninja's hand controls aren't as agreeable, feeling almost tricycle-like, especially when compared to other fairing-equipped sportbikes.
“This is one of the major differences between the bikes. The Ninja 400’s clip-ons make for a more forward-biased riding position. It left me a little sore on surface streets,” tells the kid. “But it returns the favor in the twisties. The Z400 on the other hand was comfortable everywhere.”
Although we favored the Z400’s handlebar, there’s no doubt the Ninja 400 is the superior machine when logging highway miles. The addition of the fairing and windscreen do an admirable job of shielding the rider from wind and road debris.
"On the freeway the Ninja certainly blocks more wind," Allen confirms. "But the Z400 is still more comfortable overall. For a naked bike, it is a pretty smooth ride. It didn't create excessive turbulent air that was disrupting."
A negative-lit (white numbers on black face) display keeps tabs on each machine’s vitals. Kawasaki opted to use separate faces on its Ninja and Z bikes. Both readouts relay the same information, including handy gear position indicators, fuel level, and mileage functions. But overall, we prefer the appearance of the Ninja’s more conventional-looking setup, with its large round face analog-style tachometer versus the Z’s all-digital readout with the tachometer integrated at the top of the face.
Fuel-mileage-wise, the Ninja 400 recorded a 45.9 mpg average while the Z400 registered slightly less at 45.4 mpg-a possible nod to the more slippery aero of the Ninja. This equates roughly to a 166-mile range based on the 3.7-gallon capacity of the fuel tank.
On the scale, the Z weighs 7 pounds less than the 371-pound Ninja, mostly due to fewer body panels. You’ll be hard pressed to feel the difference though, at any speed.
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For those worried about freeway riding in the Z400: I just bought a Z400. With the $500 you save from the Ninja 400 you can buy a windshield for $130-$150 that will get the wind off your chest and helmet. Plus you can get the comfort seat for $220 which is more plush and raises the seat height by 1 inch. It’s a fantastic bike and even better with those accessories!
I've been SUPER obsessed over these bikes. I'm a new rider dont even have a bike yet. These are two obvious choices for me! Thanks for the great video!
I`m a 50 year old rider , and I love your comment . Reminds me of me when I was still relevent . Ride safe and enjoy your bikes Aaron , whatever you end up with :)
You can't go wrong with any of these two men I own a kawasaki vulcan s and I love it but one of these bike's is in my bucket list for sure.
I am also a new rider. No matter how many bike reviews I have watched, I always go to these 2 as my bikes of choice. Still tough to decide which of these two I will buy. I also want to buy both but still don't know what to buy first.
Aaron Burela get the 400 I love it such a great bike and looks so good too. Looks like. A bigger sport bike without the uncomfortable position
Always get a dual sport for your first bike like a drz400. Indestructible and you can hooligan around everywhere and not get bored after two weeks.
I chose the z 400 for the ergonomics. I also added a riser to the handlebar so it takes all the weight off of my wrists. I'm almost 50 and working in construction for years has given me elbow and wrist numbness pretty fast if I'm putting much weight on them. I love this bike! I liken it to riding a mountain bike with a great motor! My last two bikes were over 900 lbs each so it's like riding nothing. It really brings a person back to when they started riding and the fun little bikes we used to have. I don't see me ever selling this bike. It's the absolute best commuting bike size. I bought it last fall during Kawasaki days for 3799.00
Wow you got a great deal!
$5799 plus $430 freight and $200 material surcharge here in Miami, Florida for the 2022 Ninja 400 ABS model. No longer inexpensive when adding in dealer fee, sales tax, tag, insurance and title application fees
Why does the ninja have a 13mph higher top speed? I’m wondering if the z is tuned for lower end torque, or if all the sites I’ve seen are just wrong.
@@trailguy probably bc of the shape of the motorbike. Front glass + more aerodynamic shape, since engines are equal
What riser did you get?
Both are great bikes for experts or beginners. Small and fun, quick for what they are.
Back in 1998 I started to realize I Love motorcycles and I would read every magazine I could find
So, I would like to Thank you all for putting out a great magazine and helping me pick a motorcycle
I can’t decide and I’m about to buy one of these within a month to start my first season. Ninja looks a lot better but z400 more comfortable. Waaah
I'm 51 years old so I picked the z400
Dont buy based on looks. Comfort is much more important in the long run. I bought the Z400, couldn't be happier. As a new rider you will not notice any of the things listed in this video.
@@robertsalyers1351 same here. I'm also 51, the Z400 was my choice over the Ninja.
@@broderp Ended up with a Yamaha XSR700, couldn't be happier 😀
i have the same exact dilemma... the ninja looks way better but the z400 is more comfortable. not sure which to buy
This was one of the more informative vids on these 2 machines. These 2 guys know their shit!! Good duo too 😃 Love both bikes!!! Best in class for sure 😎
I own a 2006 Z1000 and a 2014 Z1000 , and both these 400cc bikes look great to me . Would have loved this kind of choice when I was a learner :) I`m obviously going to lean toward`s the Z over the Ninja ,,,, nothing wrong with sports bikes , It`s just naked bikes are sooooo much more fun to ride on public roads , and they look soooo fuckin` good .
I had a 2003 z1000 and loved it. But I always go for the naked;)
Oh why?
I sat on both this weekend on a store. We can immediately see the handling difference. The Z400 is more confortable and is cheaper. For me is an non brainer decision. The Ninja can handle a bit better the wind on a highway but not much of a difference like he was making sound to be living in SoCal. Honest, if you are not going to travel to Palm Springs and getting crazy desert wind gusts all the time or if you are going to race on tracks a Z400 probably will do the business better for you as a first bike
I own a 2018 ZX14R and even I really want both of these.
I have to say that both bikes look great, I am also a new rider and I have to say I went with the Z400 ….I love it, but very sad that here in Ontario Canada my season is now over, I'm chompin at the bit for spring to come back. wishing every one a safe ride.
Hey, I'm also in Ontario. Would you happen to know if insurance rates for the ninja and the z400 are different?
@@09764312468 they looked at the displacement when I got the z400,. My insurance was $85 a month (Riders Plus) I am also a new rider
I've got the exact ninja in this video and love it. I'm teaching my wife how to ride with it. But that z400 looks awesome as well. Might have to get my ninja a brother. Vroom!
Trying to getting bikes and purchase one of my own. Excellent content and presentation/discussion of pros & cons.
Thank you for posting.
I’m now a subscriber to your channel and will be looking for more of your videos.
BTW - based on what you covered, I’d also select the Z400 if I was ready to buy.
Adam, I really love your reviews. No bullshit, great vids and you get exactly what it says on the tin. Although I ride a big BMW, I really love these small capacity bikes because as an experienced rider you can take them to the limit without falling foul of the law or killing yourself. These are proper size bikes for first timers and experienced motorcyclists. Best regards from North east Victoria Australia
I’m from straya as well😂
As I've said in other video comments, the Z400 won't let you down on long, flat and straight highways. Passing is much easier. Just needs a decent windscreen for the long haul.
If you want a NEW budget bike that you may not even outgrow, this is the one.
If you are older and don't care any more about those 'squidy' days or muscle bikes and want to go on the economy route while on your way to your Golden Years (!), getting the most bang for your cheap buck and keeping your body relatively comfortable, there is simply no other choice than the Z400.
The $500 you save? Buy a windscreen and get some soft luggage or a trunk with a backrest.
Is that to say the ninja will let you down relative to the z400 on long flat roads?
@@09764312468 long flat roads for hours is what I should've said....Because at the end of the day, the clip-on crowd will be suffering more than the flat-bar crowd.
Or, buy a leftover 2019, now that the 2020’s are out. A local dealership in Toms River NJ is selling the Z400 for $3,999, and the Ninja without ABS for $3,999 also. The Ninja 400ABS SE is going for $4,399. I’m going to test ride both soon. I also like the KTM Duke 390, but I’m hearing about reliability issues, (valves, head gaskets) so I think it’s going to be between these two. I have a Harley now, but want to add another bike to to play around with and not get into to much trouble on😂. If I buy something faster, I know I’ll be tempted to push it WAY past the speed limit, I know me, and I’ve seen me do it!!! Either of these looks to be a great choice. Everyone be safe out there.
Do they ad any fees to 3999 price ?
I am picking the Z400 as my first bike purely for the ergonomics, but if i could have a second bike i'd pick the ninja as the second one :)
I got my Ninja new from dealer on sale for $3150. Has there EVER been a better deal on a new bike? Probably. I got my Bandit 1200S new for $5500 when MSRP was $8500.
you can find some dealers letting go of 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401's for almost $3,000 under MSRP.
What dealer and was it just on sale or did you negotiate?
How do we find those?
versys 300 could really use the extra torque and power in this 400 cc engine...
I don’t know why I see soo much humans instead of ‘Bikes’ in a bike review.
I own the Ninja 400 and I can tell you that you wouldn’t regret buying it for your first bike if you think below considerations / circumstances are checked for you
1. You want to keep your investment, insurance and upcoming years maintenance to minimum for your first bike but a bike with adequate power to keep you going, especially on the highway (You will see the true color of this 400cc by keeping the Rev higher than 8k rpm).
2. You want to improve your riding skills at this stage, especially in cornering, before you decided and felt you are good to go for a much more powerful bike say a supersport bike. This bike only got ABS to help your ride. There is no traction control, no high tech electronics to intrude your riding which is a good thing for a new rider.
Man, I just watched the 2020 BMW S1000RR reviews and I already fallen in love with it. Hope it will be my first supersport bike one day when I can spare the money with better riding skills.
Autobot coming off a Harley 883r (I know... girl bike), how does this compare? I’m a relatively small guy at 5ft7. I found the Harley to be tall, heavy and obviously very very underpowered. Not to mention an unsafe ride (no abs, squishy suspension, odd riding posture, all or nothing torque)
This wouldn’t be my first bike but it would be my first sport bike. Will I get bored with a 400? How does it compare to the power (lack there of) in the 883
That new hairdo: Adam Wahomes
The "Ninja" its sports touring and the ninja ZX-R's" are more in power scale and more torque.
Don't have a small bike in my garage anymore but want one, got to sit on and test drive both, looking more tward the Z400 after this reveiw,thanks for the info, just what I needed...
Where is the versys 400!?
I am waiting for it as well!
*versys x 400
It is a big miss in my opinion that the versysX 300 hasn't been turned into a 400 yet.
I wish I could find a video that compares the 650 to the 400
everything they say is so true, I use to own a naked bike and it was a pain on the freeway because if you dont tuck you feel every little bit of wind trying to blow you off the bike, but then the naked bike was so much more nimble through the twisties, we have a local mountain area and every weekend its full of bikes racing up and down, going up I was slower, but coming down because I can handle the curves better I was easily passing the 600 and 1000 bikes, a fast time down that mountain was under 20 mins, I was easily getting down under 15 mins, without trying. I miss that naked bike a lot and I have saved up 5K to buy either one of these and yet i can not decide to pull the trigger on which one?
Great video guys !
A supercharged 400 or 650 cc kawi would be a dream 💚
Cheers
increase displacement is cheaper than add a supercharger... also because you still need more resistant components so not worth at all
Or 4 cylinder 400
JAY BEE bet that would sound amazing.
They did a good job actually picking a winner and qualifying it. But also made a good case for when someone might want the ninja 400. I feel like Adam would have picked the ninja all day long. Why would he pick a bike that's going to dig into his thighs after an hour or two. He also made the point about Expressway driving in the fairing being preferable for that. For Adam the bike is the Ninja 400 without ABS. There's no need to acquiesce just so he can pick the same winner as Justin.
Absolutely, if you're doing interstate riding those fairing and windscreen do so much to help with reducing the buffeting you get at highway speeds. I'm buying mine for backroads where I'll be running at 45-55mph, so the naked makes more sense for me.
next up: Kawasaki Z400 ABS vs. KTM 390 DUKE ABS
nvm KTM looks way better XD
@@kurce2145 aand, its lighter
@@DirceuCorsetti but Kasawaki is actually more reliable XD
@@DirceuCorsetti the 2019 390 is heavier
Twin vs single...🤭🤭🤭
Ninja 400 best beginner bike going. Freaking blast to ride
Really nice, insightful review. Thanks guys
Do the 650's also. This is great
Z400 is more upright and comfortable for me but both have a hard, uncomfortable seat.
With the money I'd save I might change the seats out and get a windshield. Saw this advice on another comment... 🤔😉
Awesome vid guys, just what I needed to know. Riding an (NC700x) now but looking for something with a lower seat and more torque, less weight. The Z400 sounds like a fun commuter bike.
'I'm a heavy guy too. Someone wants to be noticed.'
I'm 6'2 200 and have no issues on the Z400 I will be looking at a z900 as my next bike though, And maybe a used Road King for the long haul.
How about your right foot does it touch the exhaust? I'm 6-3 and this is a concern of mine. I've heard people say that a slip-on fixes the problem please let me know
@@joebotz1243 it did but a slip-on did fix it.
@@Watchinchemtrailz thanks man that was my concern
What are the maintenance requirements of this engine? Would like to see this covered for all bikes.
It’s crazy how Kawasaki now thinks these two bikes should have the same price.
@Calamity It started off that the Z was cheaper because it doesn't have all of the plastics. It's much cheaper to make the same bike without plastics. Now they keep those savings as profits.
Great comparison review!
so which is it for Z400: standard, naked or streetbike ?
I’ve been debating between these two bikes for about a month now and I’d get the z400 but the only reason why I’m hesitant is because it doesn’t seem like a great option for the highway
Take the 500 bucks you save, by a 150 dollar puig wind shield and you're good to go.
I just bout a Z400. With the $500 you save from the Ninja 400 you can buy a windshield for $130-$150 that will get that wind off your chest and helmet. Plus you can get the comfort seat for $220 which is more plush and raises the seat height by 1 inch. It’s a fantastic bike and even better with those options!
extreme bikes. congrats and thanks for the video. 🙏
I picked mine up for $4,500 in red & black
Whaaat? 4,500? That’s a good price
What state? 0 miles?
Since I would have an hour long commute on the highway I think I would go with the ninja 400 due to the fairing and windscreen. I had a 2009 Ninja 650R over 10 years ago and it was great on the highway. I have had all sorts of bikes so if I get a ninja 400 it would be for nothing but my highway commute.
i have a back pain... I'll go with Z400👍
did you get it ?
@@nixcanpor810 👍
@@nixcanpor810 👍😂
That wheelie a 13:26 was great :)
really cool bike , i love this ninja 400 .
No matter what 1 you're choose according to the internet. You're gonna put a clutch at within 2000 miles.
How much do you guys weigh ? Knowing that would give us bugger guys a much better idea of what the stock suspension is capable of. Why are we acting like women who don’t want to discuss weight ? Cmon fellas
dbtrackz33 I’m 6”2 215 and I curious as well I’m a new rider looking for my first bike. Happy you asked about weight
It’s blows my mind how they can build such a fun, high quality bike and sell them as cheap as they do, in this day. I’ve seen the Z at the dealership for $3500, brand new. Shoutout to Kawasaki for making fun, accessible.
Thank you guy, I appreciate this type of comparison. I sold my CB300R last summer now I’m looking at getting another little bike. I think the z is probably the way to go. On the Z how’s the wind at 75mph?
Feels fine to me.
My 2019 Kawasaki z400 will do well over 75 mph easy
@channelofstuff - which is illegal - just sayin'...
i want one where i can put suitcases at the back on and or lock my helmet in the buddy seat and ride with it without damaging the farings
I like both, how do I pick
how do you pick a winner between apple and orange?
With the Z style and straighter handle bar , is the wrist in a more off a straight position
My Ninja 400 was $3150 new, zero miles so it is the winner.
Where did you get it for that price?
That’s insanely cheap!
You said those bike are made in Thaïland.
Where can you find this information for other models and brands (websites aren't so transparent in that regard) ?
People praise japanese companies but all these 'small' displacement bikes are mostly made in south east Asia... What about long term reliability ?
From what i've heard kawasaki's bikes are more reliable than ktm, although yamaha's are more reliable than kawi. And then honda's are known for being bulletproof
x_rebelfighter_x to be fair, everything is more reliable than a Ktm
my Personal opinion the ninja 400 is the best by far !!
It just looks so good!
My only complaint with the z400 is the suspension and lack of aftermarket support. When you lean the bike over, the rear shock likes to porpoise. However, I'm also 230lbs which doesnt help. Also, I have been trying to acquire a good windscreen for this bike, and all the suppliers on backorder! Lastly, the cooling system runs hotter than average at higher rpms, so maybe an upgraded coolant may be in order.
Ninja looks better but z400 more comfortable.
You can change the angle on the ninjas bars. I agree they come setup odd.,
I know this comment is old but how do u do that?
@@alejandromato1992 Aftermarket clip-ons ends up being the answer. I don't remember exactly what I was thinking when I made that comment, but there was a time when I thought the sweep of the stock bars was adjustable, I now believe it is not.
@@kleinbottled79 oh ok, I’ll look into that, thanks!
I thought they make power in different places through rev range
It was that plastic on my knees that swayed me away from the Z400.
It's the Miata of bikes, and that's a great thing
One day i will migrate to Australia 🇦🇺 and will buy ninja 400 with my hard work.
Through review. Thanks!
I AMA new rider I have the versys 300x I think it’s a great bike my confidence is threw the roof next year one of then I kinda like the ninja
The ninja is such a beautiful bike
Hello..would you spend your own money on one or get a used 2018 mt-07 or used new sv650 for instance? Which is more fun? Do you have to wind it our a lot? I am 6 feet 30 inch inseam.
I bought the z400. Enough power for me. Good commuter. Gets just under 60mpg mostly highway
Just picked up a z400. It's a better bike than I expected.
Mt-07 is an incredible bike, best friend has one. But for first bike not the best choice
Awasone bikes both are the very best on their class
Why does the ninja have a 13mph higher top speed?
Klr 400?
Yes please. Kawi is bound to bring it back at some point - it would be a waste to not keep using the "KLR" name.
That would be cool
Hi! I'm a motorist from China.Choosing Z400 or Ninjia 400 is also a dilemma for us. It helps me a lot on purchasing bikes.But in China we don't have a detail review of these two bikes. May I translate your videos into Chinese and share with Chinese motor funs? Because we don't have ways to visit oversea websites directly. We'll appreciate you response!
Our government needs to block our content to foreigners!
@@hewasdeadwhenigotthere7109 Well，thanks anyway！
@@zlouis8542 Don't listen to the other guy, I am sure it would be perfectly fine to share a translated review.
Tempest and a Computer thank you body!
The ninja is thé coolest gaze catching talk starter
Мой знакомый водитель сказал что kawasaki Ninja 400 - очень нестабильный на скоростях выше 120 km/h, абсолютно не сбалансированный, как дешевый Scooter. Зачем вы обманываете ?
Ninja all the way. The Z mirrors are only good for looking at your shoulders.
So what b8ke does Adam own or what does he like?
Bharat Mata ki JAI
Hindustan zindabaad JAI HIND
Ninja 400❤😍😍😍😍😍🇮🇳🙏🏻
As a taller guy (6ft2 with long legs) i think the ninja will suit me more...
You can get a higher seat for it
Adam reminds me of Rob Schneider...
400% true
Lowkey one of the reasons I picked the Ninja 400 over its competitors was because of the way it looks. With that said I would prefere the Duke 390 to the Z400 because it the Z looks ugly as funk and Duke 390 look fkn awesome (In my personal opinion...)
Good to know, how’s the 400? I’m also thinking about the same to get it.
Z400 kinda sucks with aftermarket support but hopefully that changes in the future
It is the exact same bike as ninja 400 most parts are identical
Sierra Nevada after market support is gonna blow up soon for the ninja though bc of how many they’ve sold
Sierra Nevada I’m mostly talking about windshield but I know they already make some for Z400 the only issue is they are not in the US where I reside
Sierra Nevada also yes it’s a naked bike but only reason I wouldn’t get the ninja is the ergonomics I would rather not have clip ons
@@DPloiDEBT puig and kawasaki both make windscreens for z400. I have the oem kawasaki large screen atm
i vote on the ninja 400 is the better bike not the z400
Please get a different host if you haven't already....ditch the zero!
I thought these bikes are made in India?
Japan or Thailand.
Cardboard wrapped in vinyl seat, slipper clutch sucks, Bring back the EX500/500 Ninja, the working man's rocket!...…Kawasaki, Suzuki,,Honda, Yamaha,the prices go up every year, not the working man's pay, y'all are raising prices quicker than we can get a 10/20cent pay raise a year!?
Wath is the top speed of Z400?!?
About 100
@@rocketj7449 Mine reached 172 Km/h but there was some traffic so i can not do a full test.
Jonathan Powers L
I have a z400 with akra full system exhaust and I got it up to 206km/h
Flying Tokyo guess you were going down a 20% hill huh buddy😂
Looks ninja 400best
Yes 500 out of 5000 is 10% 🤣🤣
So is 50 out of 500...😝😝😝
And the winner is the Kawasaki 😂😂
Come on guys stop being so serious
$500 is not the issue here.
You take a test ride on both and decide which one is right for you.
Thanks 🙏
they keep talking about how the handling is different all because of the handlebar position, have these people never heard of rake and trail?
they're not made in thailand 🗣
Yes they are
Bayi jeeti he meri
so buy a used 30 years old 50cc scooter, and you can drive home with 4k more in your pocket.... XD what a bullshit... choosing it because its 500 less..
Wrong !
Always, trying too hard
Metrosexual motorcyclists! lol
I dont understand why theyve put that disgusting grey on the ninja 400. It ruins the look
You're crazy that cement grey looks sexy
all i want is a fully green bike like it always was...no let have all those mixed up colors.
sorry l never like kswasaki for some reasons no need to expr here..however l.like to cmpare ninja vs cbr ninja vs yamaha or cbr vs yamaha .... .. would you please to state ninja 400 spec max power.max torque top speed otr ever got .weight price in us dollar...
.