2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 boasts a lighter chassis and is more powerful than the smaller Ninja 300
Japanese bike manufacturer Kawasaki did an ad shoot for the Ninja 400 in Milwaukee Street of Chicago back in July 2017. During that, two units of the all-new 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 were spotted giving us a clear view of the high performance premium bike. This also indicated the bike would be launched in US market and as expected it went on sale with price of USD 4,999 (Rs. 3.21 lakh) in December 2017.
While Kawasaki was busy preparing for the launch of Z900RS at 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, they did not give the new Ninja 400 a miss. However, what has come as a big surprise is that it has now being launched in India for a price of Rs. 4,69,000 (ex-showroom) and bookings are taken for Rs. 50,000 across dealerships with deliveries expected in June.
Also read: 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Launched in India at Rs. 9.98 Lakh
Currently, Kawasaki sells the Ninja 400 in its home soil Japan as well. Apart from that, the bike is available in markets like Canada and New Zealand. The bike takes inspiration from the Ninja 650 and as the premium bike manufacturer had updated the latter model already in global markets, the smaller sibling too follows the same path.
The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 comes much sharper compared to the current model with sculpted look. However, the basic silhouette remains the same. Up front, it gets twin sharp headlamps and a long visor while the instrument cluster is more 650-ish with the premium digital display.
Also Read: Kawasaki Versys X 300 Adventure Tourer Launched In India At Rs. 4.60 Lakh
The muscular and chunky looking fuel tank gets slight creases in order to give the bike much sharper appearance. The seat also seems to come with improved quality offering greater comfort to the rider.
The narrow tail section sports sleek LED taillight and there is a side mounted canister exhaust. The bike wears Kawasaki’s signature green paint scheme that enhances the visual appeal further while others colours like black can be opted out as well.
Also read: Upcoming Bikes Under 900cc in India
On the powertrain front, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 comes drawing energy from a 399 cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, fuel-injected engine that is coupled with a 6-speed transmission. However as the old Ninja 300 could not meet the Euro4 emission standards, it had to be waved a goodbye resulting in the 400 cc vehicle replacing its 300 cc cousin in some markets.
The new 400 comprises of an all-new engine and chassis constituting to weight saving of eight kilograms. The petrol mill now delivers a maximum bark of 44.8 bhp and 38 Nm torque courtesy of more capacity and the new downdraft intake accompanied by a larger airbox for increased intake efficiency.
It also features recalibrated Assist and Slipper clutch for reduced lever pressure and better control of the motorcycle. Kawasaki says the new chassis will offer improved stability and maneuverability. The old 37 mm front fork is made larger as the non-adjustable 41mm unit has been developed to deliver better action. Other important equipment includes the latest ABS system from Nissin clamped with a 310 mm semi-floating disc.
The five-spoke star pattern wheels are similar to that of the Ninja 650 leading to loss of weight with improved lateral rigidity for sharper handling and stability around corners. The 30 mm narrower seat gives better riding posture for any type of riders with just 786 mm seat height. Both the headlamps have high and low beams and there is also an LED position lamp.
The fuel tank has capacity of 14 litres and is claimed to deliver over 210 miles (340 km) of range. With a wider rider feel, the Ninja 400 gets little chin spoilers at the bottom like in the H2 and ZX-10R siblings. The Ninja 400 has a new steel trellis frame with engine as a stressed member and it saves six kilos over its 300 cc sibling.
Other main features are lighter assist and slipper clutch and a large volume bodywork offering better wind protection. As the Ninja 300 is already updated to meet BS-IV emissions regulations, the 400’s arrival here with standard ABS acts as a new addition to the range.
A wide range of accessories is listed with pillion seat cover, helmet lock and U lock, wheel rim tape, frame sliders, tank pad, tank bag, radiator screen, power outlet, bigger screen, ERGO-FIT high seat (30 mm extension), etc. It competes against KTM RC 390, Yamaha YZF-R3, Benelli 302 R, TVS Apache RR 310 and the likes.
Kawasaki Ninja 400 Technical Specifications
| Engine | 399cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin 8v DOHC |
| Power | 44.8 bhp @ 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 28 ftlb (38 Nm) @ 8,000 rpm |
| Seat height | 785 mm |
| Kerb weight | 168 kg |
| Fuel tank | 14 litres |
2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 Images
