Thank you, Mark. Bought this when it came out, my first bike at age 69. After three seasons, here's what I most love about it: in fourth and fifth gear, it really comes alive; the instantaneous surge when you twist the throttle is truly exhilarating, not to mention unexpected in a smaller bike. And the cornering, of course, is precise, and if you get a fatter tire for the rear, it's much more stable. What I don't like: the seating position is in between upright and sports bike-bent over. Neither here nor there; seat pushes you forward; to relieve shoulder and back discomfort I find it best to lean forward, like a sports bike, but in a relaxed position. All things considered, I highly recommend it. You do, of course, have to deal with the voice in the back of your head going, "Hey, everybody has a bigger, more powerful bike. I want one, too." But, bigger isn't always better.
I’m 58 and just purchased my 1st bike, a Honda CB300. I was told walk, before I run. Now after a few weeks, I’d like something with more umpf… I love the Z400, but not sure it’s worth the move, from 300-400 even though I’m not too power driven. It’s either that or a CB500.
@@phil9100 650cc twin for you buddy. Jump from a 300 to a 400 will not be worth especially if you already tired of the 300. I think people make too much of an issue about "beginner bikes" and upgrading through the low end path ways. I think it is just marketing to sell more bikes, personally. A 650cc twin is not unmanageable and it all comes down to the decisions you make in your head anyway.
I bought one of these and I have ridden all cylinder bikes up to 1250cc and this is a superb bike. There isn't anything I don't like about it. It is just a fun bike to ride and on A&B roads, it just loves them. The Ninja 400 would be very much the same in riding style as the bars aren't clip ons and is very much a up right riding style, so Z400 or Ninja would be much the same to ride, it is wether you like fairings or naked. In the 400-500 class, I think this is probably the best bike.
I know this is a 2 year old video but I want to thank you. I’m buying a 2020 Z400 and it’s got 2,200 miles on it. Got a killer deal and it’s my first bike. This review solidified my choice and earned you a sub. Thank you again man!
Hi Susan. I bought mine on the back of Mark's review as well. I have had mine for about 5 Months now, done over 1000 miles and absolutely love it. It is such a easy bike to ride, smooth and stable at slow speeds and fun when reved. The only tiny things I don't like are that the mirrors are not easy to adjust, and the place you put the key in is fiddly as the space is small. I bought mine new but the bonus of buying one with 2200 miles on the clock is the run in and first service should all readybe done, so you will save even more and can enjoy the full experiance straight away. Hope you love your new bike as much as I like mine.
If anyone is worrying about the size. I'm 6" 3 and it fits nicely. Just a little point in the fairings at the knees but you just slide back it hugs your legs nicely
Great review! Thanks for sharing. Just bought one yesterday getting delivered tomorrow. Drove three hours one way to buy it. These bikes hold their value very well if taken care of. They're getting snapped up even this time of year. I got it as it is lighter, good gas mileage, handling, colors, cool - looking bike coming from a Yamaha Maxim and a Honda Rebel! Looking forward to a good piece of machinery to have fun with!
Lucky enough to have one of these, great little bikes, especially for people getting back into biking again. The only thing I changed was the exhaust for a slightly deeper sound.
Just so you know my X300 has 4700 miles. I noticed at around 3000 miles it smoothed out and the acceleration comes on much stronger! I run synthetic Mobil 1 15W40 racing oil and follow all the change intervals. She will hit 80 quickly in 5th (at redline) and will do over 90 MPH in 6th
This bike is SO CLOSE to perfection. If it had a flat seat (like a Bonneville) with a bigger tank (4.5 to 5 US gallons) and maybe a little more wind protection (even an after-market windshield) it could be a perfect light touring machine for small-framed solo riders. Just add a waterproof dufflebag to the back seat and go! If the Versys 400x EVER comes out, it would have to have tubeless tires (at least for me).
i absolutely agree with the seat comment, why every bike has to have a pillion perch these days i don't know, diminishes the usability of the bike a lot
Hi Mark, love the video on the Z400! I traded my 7-year old Versys in for one a month ago. I was finding the Versys too heavy, and hadn't ridden it for ages. Have to say I'm really enjoying the Z400 and it has got me out on 2 wheels again. I agree with some of the other contributors that the "seating arrangements" can be nut-killing, all I can say is "Keep a grip on the tank, guys". -- especially on the UK's bumpy roads. I'm very happy with my new Red Zed, as it is so light and flickable; should have got one when they first came out.
@@drewmorg. Yes, I had been considering an upgraded seat. Unfortunately, on top of existing health issues, I suffered a minor stroke back in April, and decided to retire from motorcycling. My current trusty steed is an eBike; a Super73RX. It cost me twice what I got for my Z400, but at least it's helping me regain some fitness, and I can go places the motorcycle couldn't. Stay safe! Ken.
Bought one of these to replace my BMWG310R. The little Beemer is a brilliant bike and very pleasant to ride but I fancied a little more go without the significant increase in weight you would get from a bigger bike. How do they compare? Well the BMW is best described as "relaxing". Does pretty much everything you might want perfectly adequately with the possible exception of a tendency to stall when pulling away. (not just me, other owners will confirm). Will ride along at 70mph quite happily, can be pushed to 80mph but starting to get buzzy and horrible. Best suited to a relaxing day out exploring the country lanes. Almost perfect for that. The Kawasaki on the other hand is far more "aggressive", starting with the riding position which isn't as comfortable as the Beemer for distance. It also just begs to be thrown into corners and after an hour or so on the Kawasaki you're likely to have worn yourself out as it fully engages with all your senses. Not that the bike can't be ridden less aggressively, indeed the engine is much easier to manage as it requires far less gear changing then the BMW. But somehow, on the Kawasaki, you just have to ride it to it's (very capable) limits. Not that it's a "real" sports bike, but as a comparison to the BMW. One other thing. At the traffic light grand prix, you will be amazed at just how well the little Z does against much bigger bikes, for the first couple of hundred yards at least.. A change of silencer is an absolute must as the parallel twin sounds great when unleashed a bit from the standard silencer. I also added a screen. Personally I'm going to try and "tone down" my Z with bar risers and possibly a seat to see if I can get it a little more comfortable but without (hopefully) loosing the engaging ride. Just my two hapeth... Oh. And mine came from Bournemouth Kawasaki too.
Why can't Americans produce reviews as good as yours? We seem to have a bunch of clowns here. Including some which are alleged professionals. Thanks for the professional review. It's first class.
After years on bigger bikes. GSXR 1000. RR7 Firebalde. 2 675 ST R. 2 765 ST and R. 2 ZX 636. MT09. 2 650 Ninjas. I bought one. I'm 71 and I love it. Not much top end but great to 90. 60 in 5 seconds quarter mile 13.6 94 mph. Very eco. Can give bigger bikes a shock on an overtake. Cornerning great, on it's side no probs. Only weakness front forks. Can't wait for my new UK spec ZX400 RR 80 bhp.!
I've got a speed triple and watching you on this bike makes me think for the road this is more practical, and all you need, but the speed does sound a lot better.
I rode one of these today and it’s a great little bike. It pulls well for 400cc, mainly down to its light weight I suspect, and the chassis is wonderfully planted. Downsides? There’s no escaping it’s a bit cramped and my right boot seriously bashed on the exhaust which meant I couldn’t get on the balls of my toes on the pegs. So much fun though and interesting, far more fun than the Z650RS I had out today too which was a surprise.
Thanks very much. Your video confirmed this was the bike for me and I have just bought a new one before they get discontinued. Bought the performance model, not faster just has some extras. hopefully pick it up next week 👍
@@markpulling12Three year up date on the bike. I still have it, still love it. Done over 7000 miles on it, not a single issue. It’s toured wales and France and will go to Spain on it next year. I replaced the tyres for Michelin Road 6s and replaced the rear shock with an ohlins built for my size, (5ft 3 and 7 1/2 stone) the original one did not work very well for me. I can’t see me ever selling it. So thanks again for recommending this bike.
I bought a z400 to go with my gsx s750 . The bike is a hoot, well made and quick getting around the country lanes or city. It's a laugh and a good all arounder. I reckon it could be your only bike if you don't crave big speed 😉
I came back to re watch this review because of the clear audio, video and the straight forward content. One of the best reviews on this bike. Questions: can you PLEASE explain the purpose of a clutch slipper and why that would be good or bad versus a regular clutch?
Hi a slipper clutch stops the back wheel locking or skipping if you down change without reving the engine to match the lower gear,in reality you don't really need it ,we did without them for years but it's a nice thing that manufacturers are now adding on bikes All the best mark
mark pulling thanks brother. So is it fair to say that a slipper clutch is simply “just another thing to break”, that may cause more grief than a bike that doesn’t have one?
@@grumpysquid kind of ....I've never heard of one giving any problems ,so don't worry too much ....most bikes have them now ...it's just the way bikes are now...all the best mark
There's a good explanation of slipper clutch on a bike at FortNine. He does a lot of engineering explanation videos there - for helmets, oil, etc. in addition to the slipper clutch explanation. I think the slipper was explained - with graphics! - in bike review for the Versys or this bike (something that has one).
I don't see why its relagated to the "beginner bike" catagory by all the reviewers and commenters on nearly every youtube video. Its everything a motorcycle is supposed to be. It doesn't have training wheels. It isn't governed to 45mph. When i think of a "beginner bike" i litterally envision a minibike or a little 125 Honda CG type bike. This is a proper motorcycle. It'll go fast enough to kill you many times over, and it shouldn't be disrespected by an actual beginner under the idea that its a "beginner bike" Put on a performance exaust and EFI hacker and the damn thing will go 100mph like nobodys buisness. Whats more, not only will it go that fast, it'll get to that speed fast. The acceleration on the Kawasaki parallel twin is spirited to say the least.
Totally Agree, i'm actually thinking of Replacing my Gixer 600 (K5) for one, been there done that with regards being the Wrong side of 150mph and so on, now i just Poodle along, this will be more than enough.
Now if they would just have an adventure version with this motor.... That would be my perfect bike. Just beef up the Versys X 300 a little bit to match the Z400.
@@ajalamcgregor9354 got mine for 6 months now not my first bike since most Filipinos starts between 100 to 155cc I absolutely love it I'm torn between r3 and ninja 400 but eventually choose the z4, turns out i much prefer these over the aggressive ergo of the sportsbikes Z4 is very comfortable while still having 400cc that can still keep up with the sportybikes in corners
Absolutely. I bought mine about five months ago. Lv10 exhaust. I weigh 135 lb. I ride wheelies and leave fish tails when I feel like it. That's a really nice package. And my gearing is smooth as silk. It's just an awesome machine.
Im considering this as a first bike. Im really interedsted in the MT 07 but i feel like this one might be better since i dont have much experience. Its $2k cheaper too.
Yes, go with the z400. It is a super bike for a beginner, and a great bike for an experienced rider. Anyway, you might would consider the MTO three. The mto7 is not exactly a beginner bike. LOL
Hey Mark , another thumbs up review ! Keep them coming. Your review on the Versys 650 put one in my garage ! It is like you said , riding on your sofa ! I enjoy my bike very much so and will keep reviewing your reviews to put the next one in my garage . Be safe !
Been thinking of getting my first bike and I've had this one recommended to me by afew people. I've found one in black/red that I'm thinking of picking up 😁👍
@@numberjuan5837 still fun I cant wait to get it out again. (Stored for winter rn) it's a small bike but with a couple things you can make 50hp. They handle like a mofo too nothing turns faster than my z lol
Fantastic review thanks, I'm seriously considering getting one now. There's a lovely used model at my local garage. I'm also interested in the Yamaha Mt03.
@Jerzy Kmiecik na razie żadnego. Byłem zdecydowany na z400 ale yamaha odświeżyła mt03 więc muszę się jeszcze przejechać tą nową wersją. Yamaha jest ładniejsza według mnie i lepiej brzmi
If you like wrenching on your bikes (or you love tweaking them), then the Z is for you. Removing the fairings for almost all maintenance will become a tiresome.
Hey mark, what would you say is better for a beginner, I was thinking to get the honda cb300r but I've heard a lot of good things about the Kawasaki z400. Is there a lot of difference?? Espically with the weight??
Hi stebin I've not reviewed the Honda 300 but the z400 is great it's perfect for a beginner ,small,light ,easy to ride and a lovely engine ,go green is my advice :) !! All the best mark
Hi yes you have pretty much nailed it 2hours /150 miles would be fine but then you would need a break to stretch your legs a bit ...it would be comfortable for a couple of hours... All the best mark
If you are a Kawasaki person and a fan of the the naked bikes the Z400 is a great bike. But Mark has nice reviews on the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and the Yamaha R3. I think the Ninja 400 and R3 are better to start on and excellent for cornering. I love my R3 and this is coming from a person that has an MT10 and a Z900 in the garage. My plans in the coming months is to trade my Z900 in and get a ZX6R and buy a Ninja 400. What ever you decide the small cc bikes are great fun and you cant go wrong with any of them really. Best wishes with the bike you decide on.
I also learned on the Z650 and I own the Z400 because of the A2 license and if you like the z650 you will like the z400. It is nice and light and still good enough power to easily pass traffic on the highway!
I own a Z400 ( even if I have full A ) prefered to start on something less powerful in order to have more 'liberty' in making beginner mistakes. Good for commuting ( this is what I am doing with it 90% of time ) very light, nimble and easy to ride, just jump on it and go! I highly recommend this bike for beginner!
Hi there, loved the video! Maybe you could help(really hope so), I'm riding a scooter for about 13 years. Feeling really comfortable on the road(especially in Thailand, crazy drivers), and finally about to buy my first bike now! Was planning to buy the z400, went for a test drive, and it was so fun! Stupidly I tested the z650 too, and was even more fun(powerful of course). Now have to say, both were about 10min ride, can't really understand from it (although surprisingly felt comfortable with both). After this long intro (sorry), do you think the z400 will be enough, and better learning curve? Or I'll get bored fast? Kinda like speed(at least in the city, still a scooter). And planning to go for out-of-town rides (6ft ,180lb).
Hi yes in your situation I think I the 400 will be fine ,it will still do over 100mph :). Stick with it for a few years then maybe get something bigger and faster if you feel the need :). All the best mark
Thankyou Mark for a good quality video!!I have to ask.What bike would you buy btw the Z400 or the Honda CB500F???Or would you get a KTM 390 Duke??? I live in southern California.And I want to buy the best bike for the streets,freeway,country roads.That is good quality and will last until I can buy a larger motorcycle.
Hi Jan , thanks...well between the three ,which are all brilliant ,I haven't ridden the ktm yet but I've heard they are brilliant ,I'd go for the cb500f ,I've recently reviewed that and was very impressed...lots of fun and amazing economy ,the ktm is not so economical .....but I think cool factor the ktm wins ....let me know what you decide All the best mark
Hello Mark, excellent well rounded review sir. I`m a full licence holder toying with a return to bike ownership after a considerable absence. I`m similar stature to you as it happens. You`ve reviewed the Z400 and MT03 both modest capacity naked bikes of similar spec, dimensions and price. You clearly enjoyed both. Do you have a preference and if so can you say why. In what way, if any, is one significantly better than the other. Thank you.
Hi Derek tbh they are much of a muchness go for the best deal you can find ,both similar performance and size weight etc ,if I had to choose probably be the z400 just because I like green Kawasakis lol The Honda cb500 f / r / x models are also well worth a look with their bigger engines all the best mark
I might get one because of price point. If I have enough money next spring I’ll get the Z650 instead. If I’m flush with cash I’ll get a Street Twin or even a T100.
@@markpulling12 I heard that versys 300 is a bit more revy than z400.. and i am not sure if should take a bike that has more revs or not (unlike in z400 that has less revs and more powerful than versys)
Hi i havent riden the honda but im sure its great ,the kawasaki was superb ,great handling and nice engine ,a perfect beginner bike in my mind ,good luck with your new riding :)
mark pulling hey man just wanted to let you know because of your video (which I’ve watched over 5x cuz I find it relaxing 🤣) I ended up getting the Z400. Passed my exam last weekend, been riding it for a week and I love it!
Hey mark just bought my first bike yesterday! Been watching alot of you tube videos today. Been seeing alot of z400s not finding much on mine er400 but looks the same is there much of a difference?
Very nice video, Thanks for doing it. You answered all the questions about this bike in your review, very impressive. What do you think and how you will compare KTM Duke 290 to this bike Z400? This spring I will buy or 390 or z400. I gave up Yamaha MT 03 because it is too much to "sit on the top bike" that I don't like so much. Please let me know what do you think about Duke 390? Thanks
I have never owned a bike..ridden once and accidently did a wheelie uphill and somehow landed it 😂 I want a beginners bike but I'm not familiar with a clutch.ive drove a manual car but pulling out was a little bumpy .never drove enough to get used to it ..with being on two wheels id want to feel very comfy with the clutch so i know im not in danger.my question is this slipper clutch with assist is it really that good that it makes sure you dont stall it?
Hi Ben all the slipper clutch does is stop the back wheel from locking up a bit with extreme down changes if you haven't revved a bit to match the lower gear and the assist bit is just an easier light clutch pull Hope that helps cheers mark It won't make the bike less likely to stall when pulling away
Hi Mark. Comprehensive review once again. I am trading down from a much bigger heavier faster bike and am looking at the 350 to 500 class. I have more or less decided it’s a choice between this, cb500f or the ktm390. The ktm seems better specified but it strikes me that the Kawasaki is potentially a more “mature” bike and more suited to touring or have I misunderstood it ? but I do like the look of it. I didn’t see a cut away of you sitting on it.
Hi Jonathan no I only started doing the cut always a couple of years ago ...the KTM is an utter blast and quite aggressive...the honda is the best all-rounder and the Kawasaki sits in the middle...the kawa does have a sloping seat so try before you buy .... personally the honda is my favourite Cheers mark
Hello Mark , top of the morning to you , Do you feel more wind hitting your chest as compared to the Ninja 400 , or would you say one can tolerate it at highway speeds (75 mph ) ?
Hi Don I found no problem with wind blast on this bike at 70 mph ,I didn't find the Ninja 400 any better with the wind even though it's got a screen ,both bikes are great btw All the best mark
@@markpulling12 thanks for the response and one last question would you say the Z400 is a bit faster and comfortable than the Ninja 400? (trying to make a decision before buying one today)
@@DonCharisma93 hi Don it's the same engine so performance is the same ,top speed maybe a tiny bit more in the Ninja 400 because of the slippery fairing but I wouldn't let that rule your choice they both do about 115 mph ,comfort wise they are similar ,the z400 is slightly more upright ,but the Ninja 400 isn't an extreme sports position it has quite high bars ,,let me know how you get on ,where are you located ?
@@markpulling12 Hi Mark i am all the way in California USA, the roads are busy so thats why i was opting for the Z400 since its better for mobility after watching you , i feel comfortable now that you answered my questions , i will definitely go for the Z400 , thank you mate i appreciate it !!!
@@kalnwi2023 well you just learnt something new today then. Done 2400 miles on it now and 174mpg is on the trip computer. I'm light and I ride efficiently plus the 2022 cb125 is the most efficient 125 there is I'm told
Sat on one today at Kawasaki Chiang Rai. Awful hard seat that slopes you into the tank. I think the styling is awful, too. If it had a flat seat, wider bars and a round headlamp, not forgetting a 400 single cylinder engine, I'd buy it. The KTM Duke 390 is the one to have. Just wish there was a KTM dealer in the north.
@@markpulling12 Thanks for that, Mark. I went to try out the 2020 model at a local dealer. They feel bigger than the 2019 model for some reason. But will be getting myself one in black
Hi squid ... They are both great bikes ,the versys is good if you're tall, personally I'd go for the z400, bigger engine more torque and prefer the looks of a naked bike good luck with your biking career All the best mark
@@grumpysquid hi I think new the z400 is cheaper,and it's engine has more pull , torque...so I'd go for the z400 for those two reasons...plus I love Kawasakis lol
@@markpulling12 ah right ye.. nice little bike isn't it. Would you say its much different to a z400? Atm I'm currently researching different bikes as I plan to buy a new bike next spring or summer
@@kevslife hi Kev I think you mean ninja 400....no it's the same engine but a more upright position vs the ninja which is more sporty with a fairing ...also check out the cb500f and cbr500 they are brilliant
Hi Michael I preferred the z400 just for it's looks in green as I'm a bit of a ninja fan ,and the engine had a bit more punch low down as it's bigger ,but you can't go wrong with either they are both great ,get a demo on both if you can and see what the best deal is all the best mark
That is the two choices that I narrowed it down to after two years of research and RU-vid watching . I went with the z400 simply because it was about the same money and it's a little bit bigger bike and with a little more horsepower. It made sense to do and I do not regret my decision.
Hi Christopher....light touring is like a tail pack on the rear seat ,loaded up with your gear and up to about 150 miles a day for several days Regards mark
@@christopherwatts1833 thanks Chris ... should get one out in the next few weeks...weather hasn't been too good lately for video reviews all the best mark
