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Common Tread

Kawasaki Z400 unveiled at EICMA

Nov 06, 2018

Like getting a package in the mail, the Z400 wasn’t a surprise, but I was still glad to see it when it showed up.

Kawasaki made no attempt to hide their Z400 intentions, and why should they? The sub-500 cc market is seriously competitive. Strip the fairings off the Ninja to make a small streetfighter (alleyfighter?), and Kawasaki’s got a real contender, especially against the Duke 390. 

Styling and bodywork are mostly what differentiate the Z400 from its Ninja origins. Losing the fairings and going naked doesn't really save weight here, but visually, the Z400 still looks as substantial as last year's plastic-clad EX400. Kawasaki calls this design “large volume” bodywork, which makes the Z400 looks more like a full-size motorcycle than a stripped-down Ninjette.

Kawasaki Z400
If you've seen a Ninja 400, this bike will look very familiar. Kawasaki photo.

Other changes include a traditional handlebar, instrumentation styled after the Z650’s. and a silhouette that slots nicely into Kawi’s existing Z line. This isn't the first time Kawasaki released a motorcycle called the Z400, but back then, all anyone wanted was to copy Honda's CB350. Now, Kawasaki's leading the way with its small standard.

Kawasaki Z400
The Z400 is just the right size for urban rides. Kawasaki photo.

Not that much has changed, and yet it’s a different motorcycle that appeals to riders the Ninja never reached. Not everyone wants a small sport bike, even if it has good road manners. Kawasaki’s Z400 release appeals to customers who want something modern with streetable power, plus practical ergonomics and modern features like LED lighting and a slipper clutch. Kawasaki calls it “New Rider Friendly,” and I think it’s even friendlier than its Ninja sibling thanks to fewer plastics and the more upright riding position. Taller riders will also have more room to sit up, plus easy adjustability with standard handlebars. Many Ninja aftermarket parts should bolt right up, another benefit of a repurposed platform. 

Kawasaki Z400
That looks like a proper motorcycle. Kawasaki photo.

I’ve seen two taglines floated with this bike in Kawasaki marketing materials: “Refined Raw” and “Built to be seen.” The first is an oxymoron, and I’m going to leave it at that. The second, I like better. The Kawasaki Z400 has big bike looks, a fun little engine, and a price tag ($4,799 with ABS) that should get the attention of all kinds of riders.  No doubt Common Tread will get our hands on one soon.

Kawasaki Z400
Look at the spec table. It's almost identical to the Ninja 400's. Kawasaki photo.

2019 Kawasaki Z400 Specs

Price $4,799 (ABS)
Displacement 399 cc
Bore x Stroke 70 mm x 51.8 mm
Compression ratio 11.5:1
Front suspension 41 mm telescopic fork
Rear suspension Bottom-link Uni-Trak swingarm adjustable preload
Front tire 110/70-17
Rear tire 150/70-17
Front brakes 310 mm semi-floating single disc
Rear brakes 220 mm single disc
Seat height 30.9 inches
Wheelbase 53.9 inches
Fuel capacity 3.7 gallons
Curb weight 368 pounds