The Kawasaki Z400 has made a significant impact in the motorcycling world as a class-leading, entry-level naked bike. Sharing its engine with the Ninja 400, the Z400 offers exceptional performance and an exhilarating riding experience for new and seasoned riders alike. In this review, we'll explore the engine's capabilities, its thrust curve, acceleration, and top speed, highlighting the Z400's prowess on the road and its competitive edge in the learner motorcycle market.
The Potent Engine and Dyno Performance
At the heart of the Kawasaki Z400 lies a robust 399 cc parallel-twin cylinder engine, identical to its sportier sibling, the Ninja 400. The engine delivers impressive power, generating 43 horsepower at 11,000 rpm, which is further complemented by its substantial torque of 25 ft/lb at 7,500 rpm. Although it slightly trails the Ninja 400 on the dyno, the Z400's performance is still remarkable and can be attributed to minor variants between models and testing conditions.
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| Kawasaki Z400 |
Thrilling Power Delivery
The Z400 boasts a power delivery that spreads across a broad range, with the real surge coming alive above 7,000 rpm. The low-end response is commendable, offering good torque from 4,000 rpm onwards. It's worth noting that the engine's performance is optimized in higher gears above 4,000 rpm, providing an exhilarating and responsive ride, leaving many competitors behind.
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| Kawasaki Z400 |
Kawasaki Z400 Impressive Acceleration
The Z400 doesn't disappoint in terms of acceleration, clocking a 0-60 mph time of 4.34 seconds and 0-100 km/h in just 4.57 seconds. These figures place it among the leaders in its class, boasting sub-five-second times. While the Ninja 400 edges ahead above 60 mph, the Z400 proves its mettle and surpasses larger-capacity motorcycles like the CBR500R and YZF-R3.
Quarter-Mile Dominance
In the quarter-mile metric, the Z400 continues to impress with a standing quarter-mile time of 13.34 seconds, reaching a terminal speed of 98 mph. Surpassing the 390 Duke and firmly beating the CBR500R, the Z400 showcases its prowess and establishes itself as a formidable contender in the sub-500 cc segment.
Kawasaki Z400 Top Speed
The Z400 achieves a respectable top speed of 112 mph, an impressive feat considering its 40-horsepower naked design. While the Ninja 400 takes the crown in this department, hitting around 120 mph, the Z400's performance remains impressive and more than sufficient for any learner rider. Tucking efficiently during top-speed runs is crucial, as it can significantly impact the results.
Matching the Competition
Riding alongside other learner motorcycles, the Z400 confidently holds its own and proves to be one of the fastest bikes in the group. Even against larger and faster motorcycles like the Z650, the Z400 is a nimble and capable performer. It comfortably handles highway traffic and provides enough acceleration for overtaking maneuvers, making it a perfect choice for learners and experienced riders seeking a thrilling yet practical ride.
Kawasaki Z400 Conclusion
The Kawasaki Z400 undoubtedly lives up to its reputation as a class-leading and high-performance naked bike. With its powerful 399 cc parallel-twin engine, impressive acceleration, and solid top speed, the Z400 strikes the perfect balance between sporty performance and everyday practicality. Whether you're a new rider looking for an agile learner motorcycle or an experienced rider seeking an exhilarating yet approachable ride, the Z400 has something to offer for everyone. Its performance prowess, combined with its attractive design, make the Z400 a remarkable addition to Kawasaki's lineup and a bike that will leave riders delighted and excited for countless miles on the road.
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