10 Things We Like About the Kawasaki Z400

Jun 09, 2023

The Kawasaki Z400 is one of the best entry-level naked bikes currently on the market

The beginner rider is now spoiled for choice when they enter the showroom. What was once only limited to Kawasaki Ninja 250’s and anything in between, has grown to a much more extensive selection. It seems manufacturers have finally realized how lucrative the entry-level market can be.

Although other motorcycle brands have followed suit to offer a bike that is not only affordable but also offers fun when you twist the throttle, Kawasaki is still the leader with its 400 cc range of motorcycles. Kawasaki’s Ninja 400 is probably one of the best lightweight sports bikes targeted at new riders looking for a fully faired bike from Japan.

With its naked counterpart, it seems that Kawasaki has upped its game to also offer an exciting little two-wheeler for a more budget-orientated rider. Is it any good compared to its full-faired sibling? Well, here are 10 reasons why we feel that the Z400 could be a great addition to your stable, no matter if you are a beginner or a veteran looking for a fast commuter.

Related: Why Kawasaki Ninjas Are Best For Beginners

Kawasaki’s Z-series of motorbikes have long been known as the naked alternative to its Ninja series of Bikes. But despite losing its sportier exterior, the performance offered is still pretty much the same, minus some little differences here and there.

One major difference between the Ninja 400 and Z400 is its weight. Although on paper the Z400 has only shed around 2 pounds by losing the fairings, it feels much lighter the moment you throw your leg over one. The lack of an aerodynamic body also makes it feel slightly smaller than its sportier sibling.

Due to its lighter body, the Z400 is much more nimble and maneuverable, making it a great ride to cut through city streets. Add to that the presence of the Ninja 400’s non-adjustable 41mm Showa fork and the spring-preload capable linkage-assisted KYB shocks, albeit set at a softer spring rate, and you have yourself a sweet whip for the streets that is also a hoot to ride around the canyons.

Not only targeting entry-level riders, the Z400 has the same seat height as the Ninja 400 with a 32-inch inseam making it a comfortable option for those who happen to be around 5 foot 5 inches. You may not be able to flat foot with both feet, but you will be able to confidently manage this bike easily.

Kawasaki claims that the handlebars of the Z400 are slightly higher than the Ninja 400, hence a more upright riding position. But as the Ninja’s ergonomics aren’t as aggressive as say an Aprilia RS660, and the riding position of the Ninja and Z are quite similar. The difference is more felt at the angles of the wrist where the clip-ons of the Ninja support a tucked-in position, whereas the Z400’s handlebar doesn’t.

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to put the Ninja 400’s engine through its paces, you’ll know how exciting the lightweight power plant can be. Kawasaki’s 399cc parallel engine which is paired with a six-speed gearbox claims to put out 28 foot pounds of torque at 8000 RPM. Gear changes are made easier and quicker with the addition of an assist and slipper clutch.

It seems that Kawasaki’s engineers also spent some time tuning the engine's exhaust sound for the Z400, creating a note somewhat resembling its bigger brother the Z900RS. This is achieved by the large airbox and the downdraft intake that gives it a nice growl.

If you’re going to ride fast, you had better be sure you can stop fast as well. Fitted with a 310mm semi-floating front disc which is paired with a Nissan dual-piston caliper, riders are sure to be able to stop when they get a little too carried away by the speed that the Z400 offers.

The feel at the lever is commendable, especially for the type of power this bike is designed to put out. ABS is standard, as it should be for this class of bike, but there is no option for adjusting the level of ABS.

Despite being an entry-level Bike, Kawasaki spared no expenses and has opted for 110/70 and 150/60 Dunlop GPR-300 rubber that are proven to perform quite well on the street. The Dunlops offer more than enough grip and feel in a variety of conditions while keeping the cost of the Z400 low.

Although these tires may provide sufficient grip for when you ride fast on the street, it is advised that you upgrade them if you consider keeping the Z400 in your stable for more than a season or two of riding.

Being a beginner-centric bike, you can’t deny that the Z400 lacks certain creature comforts when compared to other bikes in its class, such as the KTM Duke 390. The only creature comforts riders get from this bike are ABS brakes and as mentioned before a slip-assist clutch.

The Z400’s LCD hybrid analog dash has helpful readouts such as a fuel gauge, gear position indicator, live and average MPG, and more. We won’t deny, the Z400 doesn’t offer a bright TFT color dash or rider modes, and the looks may seem quite boring for some, but what it lacks is it gives back in pure unadulterated fun on two-wheels.

Related: 10 Great Bikes That Offer A Back-To-Basics Experience

You can’t deny that a bigger engine would make the Z400 less fuel efficient compared to the competition. But Kawasaki prides itself in providing a fuel-efficient two-wheeler that is not only affordable but, won’t rip a hole in your wallet when it comes to filling up.

Considered one of the most fuel-efficient motorbikes with a displacement above 300 cc, the Z400 claims an average of around 45 miles per gallon. With a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons, it is estimated to get around 166 miles on a single tank.

There’s no doubt that Kawasaki got it right with its new 400 platform. The engine has enough performance to keep the most seasoned riders happy while giving novices an easy entry point to big bikes. The chassis is stable, compliant, and incredibly agile, making it an excellent option for motorcyclists across the skill spectrum

Style-wise, there’s no denying that it does look like any other commuter bike, making it somewhat less appealing when compared to the Yamaha MT-03 or KTM Duke 390, but this makes it seem more mature look when compared to the competition. A mundane bike that hides a boatload of performance. Now if only Kawasaki would make one with retro styling like the Z900RS.

As the naked variant of the Ninja 400, you are sure to easily find upgradeable parts and accessories to fit onto the Z400. The after-market scene for all Ninjas big and small is quite expansive, and you are sure to be able to transform your bike exactly how you want to, easily. But with a bike as close to perfection as the Z400, what else could you add to it to make it any better than it already is?

Since owning his first motorcycle in 2008, Rinaldi has never looked back and has ridden all bikes, big and small. He is currently sporting a Yamaha MT25.