2019 Kawasaki Ninja 400 Vs. Z400 | Standard Vs. Sportbike Comparison
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- Опубликовано: 23 сен 2019
- Cycle World compares two affordable sport motorcycles from Kawasaki in this 2019 Ninja 400 ABS versus Z400 comparison review. With so much in common, will one be better than the other?
Kawasaki wants riders of any skill level to taste its sporting pedigree. And for new riders, or those who simply want something small, fun, and affordable, it offers this pair of sub-$5,300 sport motorcycles in the shape of the 2019 Ninja 400 and Z400 ABS. This green duo is designed for entry-level riders who want to have as much fun as possible while learning the ropes.
Both bikes are powered by Kawasaki's all-new liquid-cooled 399cc parallel-twin. Introduced for the 2018 model year, this compact engine delivers 43.6 hp at 9,940 rpm and 24.6 pound-feet at 8,270 revs. It puts power back to the chain final drive through a slick-shifting six-speed gearbox and manual cable-actuated clutch.
The duo offers a powerband that has the best of both worlds: soft off the bottom, making the engine well suited to a novice learning to find the balance between the clutch and throttle. Yet it has enough immediate torque to get you moving from a stop without having to wind out the engine like you did on the previous-generation 250/300 engine. Gentle clutch engagement further complements the experience making it easy to get rolling from a stop.
"The engine in these two bikes is a new rider's dream come true," says our youngest, smallest, and most price-conscious 21-year-old tester, Evan Allen. "I like how smooth the power comes on initially. It just makes these bikes easy to ride."
Hard on the throttle both bikes deliver an exhilarating experience, that is, for entry-level bikes. Kawasaki motorcycles are known for punchy engine demeanor and menacing tone, so it’s nice to see the 400 duo incorporates this DNA. A hint of engine vibration is present above 7,000 rpm but we wouldn’t deem it excessive.
“The engine does vibrate a little bit at higher rpm,” Allen says. “But it sounds so good. I like the whine of the engine and the sound the bike makes as you upshift through the gearbox. It’s a fun bike to ride, regardless if you’re new to riding or have a couple years of seat time.”
While the powertrain on the green bikes feel identical, the chassis and the way the rider interacts with the machine is more diverse. Specifically, the Z400 benefits from a more traditional one-piece handlebar versus the Ninja 400’s above the top clamp clip-on-style bars.
The Z400 isn't necessarily more sporty feeling, but it does have a more natural bend, that's as well suited to city riding as it is hunting apexes around curves. One gripe: The Z400's side shrouds can dig into the inside of tall rider's knees. On the other hand the Ninja's hand controls aren't as agreeable, feeling almost tricycle-like, especially when compared to other fairing-equipped sportbikes.
“This is one of the major differences between the bikes. The Ninja 400’s clip-ons make for a more forward-biased riding position. It left me a little sore on surface streets,” tells the kid. “But it returns the favor in the twisties. The Z400 on the other hand was comfortable everywhere.”
Although we favored the Z400’s handlebar, there’s no doubt the Ninja 400 is the superior machine when logging highway miles. The addition of the fairing and windscreen do an admirable job of shielding the rider from wind and road debris.
"On the freeway the Ninja certainly blocks more wind," Allen confirms. "But the Z400 is still more comfortable overall. For a naked bike, it is a pretty smooth ride. It didn't create excessive turbulent air that was disrupting."
A negative-lit (white numbers on black face) display keeps tabs on each machine’s vitals. Kawasaki opted to use separate faces on its Ninja and Z bikes. Both readouts relay the same information, including handy gear position indicators, fuel level, and mileage functions. But overall, we prefer the appearance of the Ninja’s more conventional-looking setup, with its large round face analog-style tachometer versus the Z’s all-digital readout with the tachometer integrated at the top of the face.
Fuel-mileage-wise, the Ninja 400 recorded a 45.9 mpg average while the Z400 registered slightly less at 45.4 mpg-a possible nod to the more slippery aero of the Ninja. This equates roughly to a 166-mile range based on the 3.7-gallon capacity of the fuel tank.
On the scale, the Z weighs 7 pounds less than the 371-pound Ninja, mostly due to fewer body panels. You’ll be hard pressed to feel the difference though, at any speed.
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For those worried about freeway riding in the Z400: I just bought a Z400. With the $500 you save from the Ninja 400 you can buy a windshield for $130-$150 that will get the wind off your chest and helmet. Plus you can get the comfort seat for $220 which is more plush and raises the seat height by 1 inch. It’s a fantastic bike and even better with those accessories!
I've been SUPER obsessed over these bikes. I'm a new rider dont even have a bike yet. These are two obvious choices for me! Thanks for the great video!
I chose the z 400 for the ergonomics. I also added a riser to the handlebar so it takes all the weight off of my wrists. I'm almost 50 and working in construction for years has given me elbow and wrist numbness pretty fast if I'm putting much weight on them. I love this bike! I liken it to riding a mountain bike with a great motor! My last two bikes were over 900 lbs each so it's like riding nothing. It really brings a person back to when they started riding and the fun little bikes we used to have. I don't see me ever selling this bike. It's the absolute best commuting bike size. I bought it last fall during Kawasaki days for 3799.00
I don’t know why I see soo much humans instead of ‘Bikes’ in a bike review.
I can’t decide and I’m about to buy one of these within a month to start my first season. Ninja looks a lot better but z400 more comfortable. Waaah
I sat on both this weekend on a store. We can immediately see the handling difference. The Z400 is more confortable and is cheaper. For me is an non brainer decision. The Ninja can handle a bit better the wind on a highway but not much of a difference like he was making sound to be living in SoCal. Honest, if you are not going to travel to Palm Springs and getting crazy desert wind gusts all the time or if you are going to race on tracks a Z400 probably will do the business better for you as a first bike
I am picking the Z400 as my first bike purely for the ergonomics, but if i could have a second bike i'd pick the ninja as the second one :)
I own a 2006 Z1000 and a 2014 Z1000 , and both these 400cc bikes look great to me . Would have loved this kind of choice when I was a learner :) I`m obviously going to lean toward`s the Z over the Ninja ,,,, nothing wrong with sports bikes , It`s just naked bikes are sooooo much more fun to ride on public roads , and they look soooo fuckin` good .
next up: Kawasaki Z400 ABS vs. KTM 390 DUKE ABS
Where is the versys 400!?
Both are great bikes for experts or beginners. Small and fun, quick for what they are.
Back in 1998 I started to realize I Love motorcycles and I would read every magazine I could find
This was one of the more informative vids on these 2 machines. These 2 guys know their shit!! Good duo too 😃 Love both bikes!!! Best in class for sure 😎
Trying to getting bikes and purchase one of my own. Excellent content and presentation/discussion of pros & cons.
I own a 2018 ZX14R and even I really want both of these.
Really nice, insightful review. Thanks guys
Don't have a small bike in my garage anymore but want one, got to sit on and test drive both, looking more tward the Z400 after this reveiw,thanks for the info, just what I needed...
I've got the exact ninja in this video and love it. I'm teaching my wife how to ride with it. But that z400 looks awesome as well. Might have to get my ninja a brother. Vroom!
I have to say that both bikes look great, I am also a new rider and I have to say I went with the Z400 ….I love it, but very sad that here in Ontario Canada my season is now over, I'm chompin at the bit for spring to come back. wishing every one a safe ride.
With the Z style and straighter handle bar , is the wrist in a more off a straight position