Kawasaki Z400

The Kawasaki Z400 is one of the smallest parallel-twin naked motorcycles that the Japanese manufacturer has to offer and was revealed at the EICMA Motorcycle Show in 2018. The Kawasaki Z400 is the stripped version of the Ninja 400 and omits a number of components including the full fairing, clip-on handlebars and the aggressive riding position. Instead, the Z400 offers minimal body panels making it lighter than its faired sibling while offering identical power figures. Globally, the new Z400 replaces the Z300 in Kawasaki's line-up. 

 

The 2019 Kawasaki Z400 shares its design language with the larger Z motorcycles including the Z650 and Z900, which is based on the animalistic Sugomi styling. The design language remains aggressive with the more subtle yet sharp lines, while the twin headlamps are slightly curved now and come with LED lights while the instrument cluster is fully digital as well. The bike gets the complete LED treatment that includes the indicators and the taillight as well.  The muscular fuel tank and the tail section are similar to the Ninja 400, and the bike also sports split seats. Compared to the Ninja 400, the Z400 is lighter by 1 kg. 

 

The Kawasaki Z400 is underpinned by the same steel Trellis frame like the one on the Ninja 400 and uses the newly developed engine as a stress member. The 399 cc parallel-twin motor is tuned for 44 bhp, which is a 6 bhp increase over the Z300, while peak torque remains the same at 38 Nm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and comes with an assist/slipper clutch. The Z400 tips the scales at 167 kg (kerb), which is a 1 kg lower than the Z300. The bike has a seat height of 785 mm.

 

Suspension duties are handled by the beefier 41 mm forks up front and a monoshock unit at the rear. Braking performance comes from a larger 310 mm front petal disc and a 220 mm disc at the rear with dual-channel ABS offered as standard. The Z400 rides on a larger 150/60R17 rear tyre.

 

India Kawasaki Motor is yet to confirm the Z400 for India even as the bike is on sale in European and North American markets. The motorcycle is expected to arrive in the country as a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) unit later this year and will be positioned at a premium. Prices are expected to be over Rs. 4 lakh for the Z400, considering the Ninja 400 is priced at Rs. 4.99 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom India). In terms of competition, the new Kawasaki Z400 will be locking horns with the KTM 390 Duke, BMW G 310 R, Benelli TNT 300, and the Honda CB 300R in the segment.