Kawasaki Ninja 400 Review: The Connoisseur - $6,008

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Autofun Philippines – I have a confession of things I did. When Kawasaki motor Philippines introduced the Ninja 400, I scoffed at the idea of ​​learning the purpose of this bike when they already had the Ninja 300. I rode that and it was a fast bike, with great handling, and sound. That's good. Well, it's still good until I know how much it costs. In order to add 10 hp and increase the capacity of 100cc, Kawasaki requires a premium equivalent to the price of a high-end 200cc motorcycle. I think Kawasaki has lost the plot. And then I mounted it.

Finally, Kawasaki knows a thing or two about motorcycles and, more importantly, about the people who ride them. The second part is the most important because I believe Kawasaki started with the type of rider they wanted to put on the bike and then built a bike around that. Now, this is not the first time a manufacturer has done this, but the chances of doing so well are rare. So before we start this story, give Kawasaki a high mark, you did a great job with this story.

The Ninja 400 follows the design language that good bikes are all about. Compared to his younger brother, he has a more prominent personality, looks quieter and stockier, and at the same time he feels a little taller and more upright. I especially love this green for two reasons – first, because it reminds me of the menacing green mamba, and second, because it matches perfectly with my riding jacket and hood. I. Also, the bike is gorgeous in the flesh. As you can see, it really cannot be confused with anything else.

Now, while beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it's hard to design an ugly-looking sports car these days. What you should care about here is the difference that 100cc makes in the Ninja 400. Well, a significant difference that you don't expect. A 10hp boost might not seem like much, and maybe not even, but if delivered correctly, it can make all the difference. To give some perspective, the Ninja 300 has a very linear energy band that increases steadily with no real power increase throughout the rev range. The Ninja 400, on the other hand, has a lot of grunt in this respect.

Peak power is 1000rpm forward, while peak torque is 2000rpm lower. This results in quick acceleration, strong cornering and not to mention a lot of scary moments when you step on the gas out of the corner. On top of that, the power cord itself is getting stronger, with a nice kick past the 7000 rpm mark. The overall experience is more positive, more urgent, and generally much quicker. Add to that the exhaust system that sounds surprisingly good and resonant, even in its original form. What you have here is the basis for a really fun and fast motorcycle.

ZX-10R-inspired design continues to the taillights
To complement that engine, the rest of the car supports it pretty well. Starting with control, the larger front disc offers a much stronger bite as well as a nice sense of progress. The clutch is light and can be operated comfortably with just one finger, so traffic jams are not a problem. That said, I think needing adjustments on a bike like this, at this price point, really should be the norm.

And what should also be standard on all other bikes is the saddle that the Ninja 400 has. Simply calling them good would be simply wrong. They're wide and perfectly cushioned, with plenty of room to move and accommodate even the widest of butts. Even the pilot's triangle is perfect. It might seem a bit aggressive at first, but you'll quickly realize how well-designed it really is. It's not too aggressive and the clips aren't set too low. And with that said, I don't think there's any compromise in its ability to carve corners.

Ground clearance is a bit higher, so you can get better leans, and it's also slim and tough for parallel engines. In addition, the Ninja 400 has a wheelbase of 1370mm, which is an abbreviation for a 400cc motorcycle that does justice and further enhances its agility. And then we get tires that are worthy of this bike's capabilities. They take a while to warm up, but once they warm up, they provide a good grip. It all comes together to make the Ninja 400 a very fast cornering bike in the hands of the rider.

And it's those hands that make the difference for riders, 300 riders, and 400 riders. You see, bikes like the Ninja 300 and others are capable of delivering performance. similar performance, which is said to give the driver the experience of speed. To be. Meanwhile, with the Ninja 400, we won't be driving it to go fast, but to do stunts at that fast speed. It has the ability to scare you and it will comfortably track bikes that are twice as powerful. But getting there requires cultivating certain skills to tap into that potential.

Looking back, Kawasaki didn't necessarily produce the Ninja 400. They had models like the ZX-10R and the H2R. And just when you think of the liter-class that Kawasaki has in its portfolio, the Ninja 400 comes along, reaffirming that Kawasaki is not too expensive for its large displacement bikes. It is important to understand that the same company that has provided us with world-class motorcycles that define the pinnacle of performance and speed, has also created a 48hp motorcycle that can also bring many interesting things.

Kawasaki as a brand knows that while the compact bike customer may not be the most well-known, the segment is certainly reserved for its flagship motorcycles. . And the Ninja 400 is the perfect combination of speed, agility, and performance and looks to create an engaging and rewarding experience. A reward like no other. One who understands the heart of a driver and the heart of a motorcycle.