Motorcycle specifications KawasakiNinja 400 2020 Ninja Kid

whenthe likeable Ninja 250 R appeared in 2008, it hardly suffered from any competition in a category that is uncommon in Europe. Then the Ninja 300 R took over in 2013, and saw the arrival of other baby-sportives(Yamaha YZF-R3, KTM RC 390, Suzuki GSX 250 R, Honda CBR 300 R) initially intended for emerging countries.mergent countries, but which the new driving license rules (thanks to the A2* license) have largely brought back to the forefront, making them an ultra-competitive category. It was therefore without fear that we learned of the Ninja 300' s disappearance from the catalog in 2017. Indeed, it was certain that Kawa would quickly return to the fray. And so, after a year of silence, the mini-Ninja flexes its muscles again in 2018, with a new model: the Ninja 400.

And looking at the results, it's easy to forgive the Nippon engineers for skipping 2017. Power, braking, chassis, finish... everything has been improved in this new low-size Ninja. And if we add a slimming treatment and a KRT-style facelift, all the ingredients are in place to continue the seduction of these fun, bubbly mini-sportives.

Ninja 400 we say? Yes, because its parallel twin has gained 100 cm3 in displacement and now caps out at a cube that echoes a past generation: reminiscent of the 1990 ZXR 400 R? But stop. The comparison ends there: 15 years ago, it was an in-line 4-cylinder that churned out 65 horsepower. Today, the 399cm twin-cylinder boasts 45 ponies.... - 6 more than the Ninja 300. More power, but also more torque. The latter will also be available earlier, since Kawa has announced 38 Nm at 8,000 rpm, compared with 27 at 10,000, a significant gain of 11 Nm.

however, this increased performance has been designed to be more user-friendly. Engine response is claimed to be smoother and more predictable, without sacrificing the feeling of power. What better way to get started and have fun without putting yourself at risk.

kawasaki has designed this new engine with the same care as its larger-displacement mills. A great deal of work has gone into the air intake. The flow has been optimized and the airbox increased in volume (5.8 L vs. 4.7 previously) to facilitate revving. The left and right intake cones are of different heights to contribute to a smoother engine response and to attenuate torque dips.

in addition, the machine will be equipped with the 'Assist & Slipper' double-cam Slipper' dual-cam assisted clutch to smooth the clutch lever and prevent rear-wheel lock-up in the event of violent downshifting.

overall, the engine has been designed to be as compact as possible, so that its weight and overall dimensions are almost identical to those of the Ninja 300cm3.

other weight-saving solutions include a lighter frame and swingarm, and forged camshafts.forged camshafts, a compact clutch, reduced fluid delivery and a lightened exhaust). The Ninja 400 loses 8 kg and claims 168 kg, compared with 176 kg for the bike it replaces. Among the welcome little extras is a new patented system that places the fan behind the radiator, allowing hot air to be evacuated away from the rider, thus avoiding hot flushes in traffic jams. The other benefit is to reduce the need for insulating parts, thus saving precious grams.

if the engine is new, so is the tubular trellis frame inspired by that of the Ninja H2 (as for the Ninja 650), which ensures greater rigidity without making the machine heavier. Another similarity with the H2 is that the swingarm is directly connected to the engine, which plays an essential role in the bike's rigidity. This makes for a long swingarm, while retaining a reduced wheelbase of 1,370 mm for improved handling and stability. As for the peripherals, the 41 mm telescopic fork has been stiffened and the rake angle closed, which should improve precision compared to the Ninja 300. For rear suspension, the Ninja retains a preload-adjustable monoshock.
Wheels: 5-spoke star wheels similar to those on the Ninja 650. These will be shod with Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300s with a versatile profile. As a sign of the Ninja's growing stature, the rear gommard has been increased from 140 to 150 mm.
For braking, the front will be slowed by a 310 mm semi-floating petal disc (as on the ZZR 1400! - but it has 2) and bitten by a two-piston caliper. Rear braking is handled by a 220mm petal disc and a two-piston caliper. Standard ABS is managed by Nissin's console, heralded as the most compact and lightweight on the market.

The riding position remains sporty but not radical. The 785 mm seat height and 30 mm slimmer front end will enable smaller riders to put their feet down with ease. The design has also evolved. Inspired by the ZX 10-R, it also includes nods to the H2, which seems to have become Kawa's benchmark for sportiness. The Ninja 400's design has taken on a new look. In profile, the front end is less scowling, with a more upturned nose and a frank look. The connection with the H2 is underlined by the two small spoilers under each headlight. The same goes for the rear seat. As a sign of improved quality, the manufacturer has announced more painted parts, while the indicators remain integrated into the fairing sides. All front and rear lighting is full LED.
And the instrumentation has all the bells and whistles! This Ninja 400 inherits the Ninja 650's dashboard, with its needle-type rev counter framed on the left by a bar of warning lights, and on the right by a large multifunction LCD display. While the fuel tank now holds just 14 liters (down from 17), the machine's range is still estimated at 350 km, thanks in no small part to the weight savings.
As you can see, this little motorcycle has all the ingredients to enjoy the twists and turns of our small country roads without risking losing your license in the slightest straight line...

M.B - Manufacturer's photos

* A2 regulations require a motorcycle with a maximum power output of 47.6 hp (35 kW), a maximum power output of 95 hp (70 kW) and a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 0.2 kW per kg.