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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |