Buying a used Kawasaki Ninja 400

Kawasaki’s 2018 introduction of the Ninja 400 was a generational shift away from the 300 as the premium learner offering in the fleet. The new design revealed some serious development when it came to the feel of the motorcycle and proved to be an instant hit with most people who rode it.

The model is now being phased out in favour of the Ninja 500.

History

Kawasaki’s announcement of the Ninja 400 twin spelled the end of the road of the machine it was replacing, the 300. While the new machine shared the parallel twin engine architecture, that was about the beginning and end of the similarity.

The engineers took the opportunity to update the frame for a motorcycle that was lighter than its predecessor, running a steel trellis with the engine used as a stressed member.

Suspension up front was a reasonably conventional 39mm fork with a monoshock offering preload adjustment on the rear.

Braking was a single disc at both ends, with dual-piston Nissin calipers. ABS was standard (ABS became mandatory in November 2019).

As for the driveline, it had come in for a complete revision. Now displacing 399cc, the fuel-injected DOHC liquid-cooled twin claimed 35kW at 10,000rpm and 38Nm at 8000rpm.

The six-speed transmission claimed a more sophisticated clutch offering both a slipper function and an assisted lock-up that helped to provide an exceptionally light lever.

All up the package weighed a commendable 166kg, ready for the road.

The 400’s successor was launched in March 2024, namely a Ninja 500 running a 451cc twin engine among several upgrades. An SE version is expected mid-2024.

Updates and variants

If anything, the Ninja has been remarkable for the lack of significant updates and variants over its history.

There have been running mechanical upgrades, such as for the camchain tensioners and clutch componentry, however overall the design has remained much the same.

Cosmetic variants have been released over the years as a means of maintaining showroom interest. They have either been tagged as a special edition or a KRT edition (Kawasaki Race Team). In all cases, the differences have been restricted to paint schemes.

In the saddle

Kawasaki would have been delighted with the reception of the Ninja 400, where praise was heaped on the machine for a variety of reasons.

The first was for the performance. While running a reasonably high-revving engine, it proved to have good real-world abilities with very solid mid-range, a light clutch and well-chosen gearing. It was noted the machine could manage the old ton (100mph or 160km/h) and hold that speed in the right conditions.

The one criticism of the powerplant was that it could get a little buzzy when held at highway speeds for extended periods.

However, it was the balance, steering and general handling package that really won friends. While having a relatively comfortable ride, the suspension nevertheless managed good feedback and control. Reviewers noted the machine was responsive and simply good old-fashioned fun to ride.

Complaints were limited. There were some comments on one or two areas of the finish (such as the exhaust headers), while some questioned the choice of a single disc front brake. It was felt the braking was adequate rather than exceptional.

Fuel consumption was light when the bike was ridden normally but shot up when the thing was hammered at a track. In any case, the 14L fuel tank was judged to be adequate.

In the workshop

Service intervals for the Ninja twin are 12,000km for oil, oil filter and air filter, after the initial 1000km service.

Valve lash is by shim, which is a workshop job, and is required every 24,000km. It’s recommended that the fuel filter is replaced at the same time.

Overall the engine has a good reputation for reliability, though there have been some recalls. In Australia, there was an early recall for camchain tensioners. It involved bikes sold locally from July 22, 2019 to December 22, 2020. These machines should have been fixed by now – double-check with your dealer if there are any doubts.

In 2023, accessory tinted screens were recalled for not meeting local standards when it came to the darkness of the tint. There was also a recall in the USA over a suspect connection for the alternator rotor.

Owners of hard-ridden early models (2018-19) complained of excessive clutch wear, something that was addressed with an updated factory set of puller rod and bearing. A couple of aftermarket upgrade kits are also available.

In the market

There appear to be a few 2024 examples still out there at the moment and prices across a broad range. New Ninja 500s are being offered at around $9100 on the road, which is putting downward pressure on the prices being asked for 400s.

Around $8000 will get you a very low-use 400, though owners of KRT editions tend to look for a bit of a premium.

Prices start at around $4000, while $5000-600 will get you a big choice of offerings.

Checklist

For

Against

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, parallel twin
Capacity: 399cc
Bore x stroke: 70.0 x 51.8mm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, wet sump
Starting system: Electric
Ignition: Digital

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 48 PS (35.0kW) at 10,000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 37.0Nm at 8000rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: 6-speed return
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-disc

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: High-tensile steel trellis
Front suspension: 41mm telescopic fork, 120mm travel
Rear suspension: Bottom-link Uni Trak, gas-charged shock with adjustable spring preload, 130mm travel
Front brakes: Single semi-floating 310mm petal disc, balanced actuation dual piston
Rear brakes: 220mm petal disc, dual piston
Wheels: 17-inch front and rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Rake: 24.7 degrees
Trail: 92mm
Claimed wet weight: 168kg
Seat height: 785mm
Wheelbase: 1370mm
Fuel capacity: 14L