1000 MILE REVIEW | 2023 KAWASAKI NINJA 400 

Congrats! I felt the same way. I knew I would enjoy it but I never knew how much fulfillment riding a motorcycle would give me. One of the best decisions I have ever made! Ride safe homie! 🫡

haven’t even droven one and buying me a 2023 400 😂😂😂😂 fuck it

i loved the movie torque so 😂

when i got my first one (2006 ninja 250) I remember that going out to the 7-11 or to work always put a smile on my face. the most mundane little trip was transformed to feeling like I was getting on a roller coaster. so much fun.

Much love! 😎 haven’t been able to ride much lately but plan to get some more vids out soon!

You have a similar mindset to me! Best of luck on the MSF. I did not take the course, just went to my DMV with the Ninja 400 and did the test. Excited for you to get a bike, ride safe my man! 🤙🏻

Make all the mistakes on a smaller bike first before getting into the larger ones. Smart man.

@@uncoiledfish2561 I’ve made plenty of mistakes on this bike where I know if I was on a larger bike, I would have crashed or dropped it. Thankful I haven’t let my ego get the best of me and taking it one step at a time, on my own time.

@@RidingWithGav how did u buy a bike without a license? just curious because i want to practice with a bike and then take the course or test

@@drizzle8235here in New Zealand we have a basic handling test/course. Where all you do is a few loops and stops and reverse. Bike is provided. Usually a gn125. Instructor teaches you until you can do what’s required to pass. Once you pass you go to our equivalent of a dmv and sit a theory test and provide your handling test cert. then you get a learners license. I would assume where you are the “test” is really a learning course too? Otherwise it’s extremely unfair on new riders.

Wow I am in shock, that is really cool that my video found you! You guys were awesome and it was a pleasure meeting you both! The Leo Vince is great, it’s loud, but sounds good! Happy riding to you and your family! 😎

Couldn’t agree more! Great bike and yes, plenty of compliments 😎

You bring up a valid point and something I think a lot of 400 riders should think about. I don’t do much of freeway riding and really don’t plan on it so the 400 made sense in the city. But for someone that will be commuting on the freeway frequently should probably consider a bigger bike. Really appreciate your insight and time to comment, ride safe! 😎

Get an r7 or rs660

@@Filthyt Didn't ask for recommendations, thank you. Let me ride my own ride.

@@Auroche LOL

Much love Justin! The KRT color scheme is gorgeous, great choice! Thanks for the sub and stick around for lots to come! Ride safe my man!

Definitely agree! I think this would make for a really fun track bike with a few additional mods!

Appreciate you checking the channel out! Excited for you, ride safe my man! 🫡

hows it been?

Wow, thank you for the nice comment! Really appreciate it! I am excited for you. Riding a motorcycle is something I knew I would enjoy but not to the extent I truly do. You’ll fall in love quick but stay level headed, don’t do anything outside of your skill, and always watch out for the crazies on the road. Peace and love ✌🏻

The KRT is beautiful! Congrats on 100 miles!

Much love! Appreciate you subscribing and taking time out of your day to check the video out. Take care! 😎

Much love brother! Ride safe ✌🏻

Hell yeah dude! Let me know what color you decide on.

I really appreciate your feedback man. Having a strong foundation of knowledge and experience is what I believe will help keep me alive on two wheels. Take care and ride safe as well brother 🤙🏻

@@RidingWithGav you too sir. And it will. Saved me a few times. Especially keeping it in first and watching your mirrors at stops. Almost got killed and didn’t even have 1000 miles at the time. Happens fast

So many people are enjoying the 400s and I see why! You will too. Excited for you. You make a great point though. The power gap between the 400 and 600 is tight. If I did go with a 600, I would go with a ZX6R. Or I’ll jump up to the R7. Either way, excited to keep learning on this bike. Take care and ride safe homie! 🫡

@@RidingWithGav thanks mate zx6rr and r7 are both awesome hope whatever you go with you enjoy to the fullest, stay safe!

@@chiefsosa14 much love friend! 🫡

ride a rs660 apilia

I know two other people in Lincoln with this same bike! I have a black Shoei helmet so if you ever see me again, honk and say what’s up!

This comment is perfect. Thanks for your insight man! It’s a very fun bike. Ideally once I have more experience under my belt, I’d like to try it on a track. That’s far down the road though. Thanks again and ride safe ✌🏻

@@RidingWithGavYou be safe too man!

Hell yeah! 😎 best of luck and ride safe!!

Kermit, my man! How you been? Hopefully riding safe bro 😎 The R7 is a strong contender for my next bike. It’s between an R7 or 636. I have good friends that love the R7 in the city!

@@RidingWithGav 636 is great higher up in the rev range, but for useable power I like the R7

And for me, I don’t need that higher rev range. I mainly do all my riding within city limits and rarely get on the interstate/highway so the R7 makes sense!

@@RidingWithGav yep that’s exactly what I did

Do you think you would have been fine starting with the r7 and skipping the ninja?

Hell yeah! Happy this video could help in making your decision! I don’t care to be the fastest and don’t care to show off in anyway. I simply enjoy the feeling of being on two wheels. You can still have so much fun while being responsible. Best of luck and ride safe! 🫡

I can already see myself getting complacent with the power but for me, it will do for now! I’m sorry you got pulled over… hopefully the cop let you off easy! Ride safe brother! 🫡

Thanks for the love! You will love the 400, it’s a great bike! I record with a Go Pro Hero 10! Spent a lot of time tweaking the settings where I like them. I need to do a video about my settings! Much love

@@RidingWithGav Thank you so much for replying Gav! I'd love to see a video with the settings you use! Would love to record my rides for my own entertainment! :D You've earned yourself a new sub!

Appreciate it ❤️ Absolutely! Let me know when you start recording rides and posting them, I’d enjoy watching those!

I definitely relate to this. That first year is scary but you got it man. Take it slow and keep building your confidence up! The 500 is a great first bike! Hey is that an Si or Type R in your picture? I had a 10th Gen Si last year and miss that car everyday 🥺

@@RidingWithGav My bad on the late reply my guy. It is a 2012 Honda Civic Si, had it since 2016. Picked up as the 3rd owner @ 46,000 miles. Fast froward today the car is still by my side and I have 265,000 miles on it. No problems. The 10ths are very nice, super good on gas savings. haha

Hey thanks! 😎 I appreciate you taking the time to comment and watch the videos! Take care

You will love it. I think this bike has enough power to keep someone happy but not so much you can’t learn. Best of luck Joel!

I just bought mine !!! Didn’t get the abs one but same color

I attended a meet not too long ago and a female there on a 400 had the exact same problem. Her husband and her lowered the tail end and it made a big difference for her! I hope it helps you as well! Ride safe! 😎

Do you have ig? @@RidingWithGav

I don’t… Not for the channel or motorcycles, just personal. Fun stream last night, we will definitely need to get a few games of Warzone in! Cool to meet another creator.

Smart dad! My dad is strongly against motorcycles so he is happy I am on something not super powerful! He has come around now that he sees what a responsible rider can look like!

We can definitely make this happen! Congrats on passing your course and getting a bike here soon! Would love to ride with you once you are ready man! Much love and ride safe when the time comes.❤️

Hell yeah! Ride safe as well my man! 🫡 this bike will treat you great!

You won’t regret it! It’s been a great bike!

Best of luck with your class. You will do great man! Practice as much as you can, don’t overstep your boundaries, and always watch your surroundings. You’ll do great. Come back and let me know when you pass! 🤙🏻

Did you buy it and is it “too slow” already?

Thank you! 🙌🏻 appreciate the support. Ride safe as well.

Hell yeah dude! You’ll love the bike. I typically wear a jacket and have been trying to be better and not make the excuse that because it’s hot, I’ll be fine without it. It’s a bad habit I am trying to break. I have a great Icon puffer jacket with padding for my back and shoulders, just need to be better and wear it!

It’s grown on me a ton! Wasn’t a big fan in the beginning but love it now. Thanks!

Hell yeah dude! I am stuck between the ZX4RR and a ZX6R, both are great bikes. The 4 seems to be making some waves right now which is cool to see.

@@RidingWithGav having a 600cc here in my country is too much. Slow bike fast than a fast bike slow mindset. Zx4 will be my end game bike unless an r4 or a gsxr400 comes to life with 3/4 cylinder goodness.

The 400 is becoming a very competitive displacement. I hope we see more at 400. A GSXR 400 would be cool.

Thank Jeff!!

If money isn’t a problem for someone and you already have a liter bike for example, I can see the enjoyment of also owning a 400. It’s a great bike

I subscribed to your channel! Excited to see your bike content once you get the bike! Take care.

Appreciate you taking the time to make a thoughtful comment homie. I am about 5’11. 165lbs. I think the bike is great but may be a little small for you, personally. I already have been looking at more of a 600 due to its limitations on the highway. Don’t get me wrong, it does fine. But, I do feel like you are limited in the amount of power you can achieve when needing to overtake someone for example. If I am on the interstate going about 80, the amount of power I have left to overtake someone is limited. I say all this not to talk badly about the bike. In city riding, it truly is a dream and a lot of that is due to its light weight. If the bike is going to be primarily used on highways that are 65 mph or so, I personally believe a bigger bike is better.

Do it man! You won’t regret it! Ride safe

I can’t speak for Europe as I’ve never been but I’ve had others from Europe comment saying they enjoy the 400! It’s a great bike, you can’t go wrong. Perfect to learn on.

I spent an unhealthy amount of time considering between the silver and black. I don’t regret the black. I think the silver looks great but preferred the black and happy with my decision! No matter what you pick it all sounds the same and it sounds great so 🤷🏻‍♂️ you’ll enjoy it! 🫡

You won’t regret it! I have a video on my channel where I discuss the mods I’ve done, I believe it’s in my Walkaround video! Leo-Vince LV-10 Slip on Exhaust, Aftermarket windshield, tank covers and a tail tidy.

See you get it man! 😂

Much love dude. Always enjoy watching your videos, especially when you go 128 on your 400, you dirty criminal 😉😂

The Pearl White looks awesome!

Another here!

Thank you! 😎 plenty more vids on the way! Appreciate you!

Appreciate it! Much love! 🫡

Awesome! Well if you are looking at the sport bike option, like mine, they have two models. ABS and Non ABS. I would recommend ABS as I don’t have it on my bike and could’ve used it in a few situations. To my understanding, it helps your brakes from locking up. Definitely need some kind of exhaust. A slip on would do just fine. I would also recommend a fender eliminator kit as it will tie up the back of the bike nicely. Hope that helps!

Also, on my channel I have a walkaround video. In that video I cover the different mods I have on my bike!

@@RidingWithGav alr thx. Ill keep that in note. Maybe some day I can make a video of it

Awesome! Let me know when you do. I will make sure to check it out and drop a like!

@@RidingWithGav Do you have any suggestion on what exhaust I could maybe use? Looking for smth that sounds mean. like. *Mean*

If you ever see me around, say what’s up!

Insurance for the year with full coverage was about $800 if I remember correctly. I went through Geico for my motorcycle. The passenger seat on the Ninja is very narrow and rock solid. I have yet to ask my girlfriend to 2 up with me as I know it won’t be comfortable, even if we are just going around the town… I think this is personal preference though!

It’s a scary thing. Do your research, take an MSF course, and practice. Have confidence in yourself, you will do great! Are you okay with me including your comment in my next video? I want to talk about fear and confidence as a beginner rider in my next video.

@@RidingWithGav yeah sure man!

@@kermitketamine7198 Appreciate it! Ride safe, when you start riding!

To be honest man… not really. Downtown is fun to ride through though!

Yes! I actually just met a fellow Ninja 400 rider. She did end up lowering her rear a bit just so she could be completely flat footed. If you have a dealer close to you, it doesn’t hurt to just sit on the bike! Take care

Of course, im 5.4 and i can ride the ninja 400. My toes are tipped though but if i wear boots i can barely flatfoot the bike

Great question and something I should mention in a video. I did not purchase the ABS version. The original color I was looking at had ABS, this Pearl White did not. I have experienced my back wheel locking up while I was coming to an abrupt stop twice. Definitely scary. Stayed calm and got the tire back quickly. As a beginner, I do wish I would’ve purchased ABS.

They’re stayed on the road? I guess that’s good right?

The H2 is a beast! One of my all time favorite bikes!

@@RidingWithGav yeah man they're awesome. My favorite is the 2016 636. It's just something about that design I love

I ended up financing which was a mistake… I believe my term is 36 months, not 100% sure though.

@@RidingWithGavwhy was it a mistakes? I got a n it was 3k for 6 months n my record is clean, 30yrs old idk y

@@Lucasvilla56283 interest. I decided to finance this while rates were quite high. Even with carrying a great credit score, the dealership waxed me. I had the cash to just buy it outright but thought financing would be better…

The R3 is a great bike too! If you can, go to a dealer and sit on both. See which one feels right for you. The power difference isn’t all that noticeable, I imagine. But then again, you don’t by a 300 or 400 because of power, haha.

Awesome man! This is a little sneak peak to what my next video will be about but I’m going to set up a Discord server for our community. I will talk about this more in depth in the video but I think this will be so beneficial for everyone. Excited to see you around my man! 😎

Im just north of Omaha. I have an R3

@@nathanhornbacher8109 I see a lot of people commenting from Lincoln and Omaha… I think we schedule a group ride 👀 I’ll talk about it next video, got some ideas!

@@RidingWithGav I agree I think that is an amazing idea

I am sorry to hear you are unsure with your 400. That is a fair feeling. I know I have gotten very complacent with the power of my 400 and sometimes want more. I went for a long ride with an R6 and R7, my 400 kept up but I could tell I was at the top end of my bike. I think it truly is a perspective thing to all of us riders. Although I know the speed of my bike and know it is limited, I am happy to own this bike now in my journey. I hope you find the right bike for you! Ride safe!

Great question. Honestly, I am unsure. I think it really depends on the bike and by that I mean how many miles, how well has it been maintained, is there any damage, has it been dropped. I wish I had a better answer for you but really if you are going the used route, you just want to make sure it’s a solid bike before riding off.

Really not that bad if I’m being honest. I have a clean driving record but for being a 20 some year old male, it wasn’t awful!

Absolutely. I always wear jeans when I ride and tough leather shoes that cover my ankles. I have a riding jacket I normally wear all the time but find myself making an excuse more often than not to leave it at home. Bad habit I am trying to break.

I don’t know but the CFMoto bike is pretty damn cool!

Absolutely! Say what’s up!

With the ZX4RR out, I’m sure they won’t change anything for some time… 🥺

Back in 2022 this was one of the colors for the 400. My dealer had an all black that I was checking out then he mentioned this one in the back that hadn’t hit the showroom yet. It originally had a bunch of corny decals so I removed those.

@@RidingWithGav what gloves and footwear do you recommend ?

I have a pair of Alpine riding gloves. Really you want something that protects your palms and knuckles. I haven’t invested in footwear yet. I should but right now I wear high top shoes made out of a leather like material and strong toe box. I believe they are Vans but work great.

Appreciate it bro bro. Ride safe 🫡

As much as I would love to keep this bike and have a 2nd, I just don’t have the space…

I was totally sold on the all black and green Ninja logo. It wasn’t until the guy at the dealer mentioned they had this and haven’t put it out on the show floor yet. Really enjoying the white. Makes me feel like I am noticed more by other cars, especially at night.

@RidingWithGav I had a blue ninja, ended up totaling it before this season, can't find these since. Used to see them at the dealer when I was buying gear but the moment I'm trying to get one they're gone

@@clintb3927 I am sorry to hear you totaled the previous bike, hope you are okay. You will find one. They can’t hide from you forever!

Jealous man, I wish I had that luxury in Nebraska

The real ones are hitting subscribe 😎 I appreciate the views nonetheless! Just happy people are enjoying the video!

The 400 has treated me very well! Even if it’s just down the road!

It’s really just this particular area, haha! The rest of the city has maybe 4 or 5.

Mann what exhaust? BTW new sub.

Leo Vince LV-10! Appreciate the sun homie! That car was going way too fast through the intersection!

I guessed it was the V-10!@@RidingWithGav

Your bike probably vibrates as a truck passed by on the highway.... Right?

Great question. I don’t believe so but can’t remember as I don’t ride on the highway much. It certainly gets beat around with the wind!

Hey man, not trying to self incriminate here 🤫

I always dreamed of a blacked out bike but after seeing the white, I could resist!

Yooo! What’s your favor?

@@RidingWithGav next time you’re in fremont man , i would love to come out and look at your bike since im interested in getting one but still skeptical since i haven’t seen one up close haha

I got you! Don’t know when I’m coming out to Fremont but I am down to let you check it out! Let me know when you are coming to Lincoln, down to meet up here as well!

@@RidingWithGav i got you bro thank you man , means a lot to me

Can’t disagree with you my man! Never rode the bike, if my dealer had one I’m sure I would’ve considered it before buying the 400.

Yoooooo like a dog laying down with its head up right? Pretty cool you caught that!

@@RidingWithGav spot on 👌

😂😂😂 don’t forget, likes bike

Appreciate it! 😂

You aren’t wrong. They don’t sound the best, especially stock. However, once I installed the slip on, it sounded less like an electric lawnmower and more like a gas powered lawnmower lol.

😆 🤣 i still am interested in them do you think the 500 will sound the same .

Haven't road much in years what would you recommend 400, new 500 or the 650

Honestly a 500 or 600 even. I love my 400 and think it’s really great especially for beginner riders. However, after a year of ownership I am wanting more power for sure!

Ok thanks for your input much appreciated

Sure do 🫡

@@RidingWithGavyay

It’s meant to be 😎

If you are in Lincoln, we gotta meet up and ride sometime!

@@RidingWithGavFor Sure, Just Let Me Know.

Sorry man I don’t actually have an instagram for this page…. Might just have to make one! Appreciate you looking though!