Kawasaki Ninja 400

In a Kawasaki Ninja 400 borrows styling cues from the larger Ninja siblings like ZX-10R and H2. The bike gets a sharp, snake-like front-end, twin-pod headlamps, and integrated chin spoilers. The two-wheeler gets all-around LED lighting. The bodywork sports a tight panel fitment, sharp lines, and premium details like mirrors and switchgear that instantly give the impression of a bigger and more expensive sports bike. The headlights produce crisp low/high beam. 

The 785mm seat height of the Kawasaki Ninja 400 makes it accessible to all riders. The rider triangle offers a sporty posture without any unnecessary strain. The riding position strikes a fine balance between sporty and comfortable. It’s relaxed and forward-leaning sans extreme crouch. 

The bike gets an analogue-digital hybrid instrument cluster, borrowed from the Ninja 650. There’s an analogue tachometer, flanked by a digital speedometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, trip meters, and warning lights. It’s simple and easy to read even under bright sunlight. But the overall unit feels dated compared to full-colour panels that most sports bikes have these days. The instrument cluster lacks features like Bluetooth and adjustable levers that are more common at this price point.

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is equipped with a well-cushioned seat. Riders of average height find it easy to reach the ground, courtesy its manageable height. But for the pillion rider, comfort is noticeably lacking. The pillion cushion is small and becomes uncomfortable during mi-range riders. 

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 has an ergonomic layout and offers a balanced riding posture. The handlebars are set slightly higher and the foot-pegs are modestly rear-set. The setup encourages a relaxed and yet sporty riding without being overly aggressive.

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is mounted on a 41mm non-adjustable telescopic front fork and a preload-adjustable (Uni-Trak) monoshock absorber at the back. While there’s no fully adjustable suspension of higher-capacity sports bikes, the Ninja 400 superbly balances comfort and performance. The front forks deliver good feedback and composure under braking. The rear setup maintains stability over bumps and potholes. On smooth highways, the suspension feels taut and inspires confidence. The rear suspension does get firm sometimes.

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is hauled by a liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, 400cc engine that produces 49PS/38Nm. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission. The bike comes with a 14-litre fuel tank. On city roads, the Ninja 400 feels agile and responsive. It offers prompt acceleration and easy manoeuvrability in traffic. The bike’s strong mid-range torque shines on highways. It’s a stable cruiser at higher speeds and impresses while overtaking. The engine’s vibration is controlled. The transmission is seamless and smooth, making the Kawasaki Ninja 400 a versatile two-wheeler for daily commuting. The bike balances power, reliability, and efficiency perfectly.

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 has a starting price of ₱340,900. The price is on the higher side compared to rivals. But the advanced features, premium ride quality and Kawasaki’s reputation justify the investment. That aside, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 offers an impressive balance between performance, style, and reliability, making the two-wheeler a standout in its segment. It sports a sharp design, and has strong engine performance.