@@Rhetorical346 There is a difference between going fast and being fast. You don't "need" bigger CC than this, especially once you know how to drag knee. Guys go for more powerful bikes before they even have a lick of technique.
I used to spout this but honestly it's become one of those "grow up" sort of things. People ride what they want to and what they enjoy, and not everyone gets the excitement they want from a 400cc bike.
My first bike was a Ninja 400 and i loved riding it. But I found myself street racing and doing wheelies. And at 53 years old and being a single dad I ended up realizing that wasn’t the best idea. So I traded in for a more sedate (but I think equally cool looking) Triumph Bonneville. Id recommend the Ninja to anyone wanting something affordable, fun and frankly fast enough for daily rides and track days.
@@MoniJohnson Lmfao of course you can. It'll even lift the front in first without the clutch if you open the throttle at the right RPM. It's not a slow bike, it'll do 200kmh. A wheelie isn't that surprising.
A Ninja 250 was my “re-entry to riding” bike. Not having ridden since the 80’s, the Baby Ninja was eye opening! It would easily run at over 80mph (with quite a bit left), it was comfortable enough for some lightweight touring, it was incredibly nimble, and at at 12,000 rpm it had a wonderful “wail” that made one want to hit redline in every entrance ramp. The only down side was the appearance. It looked nice enough, but the police just saw a green Ninja. I got pulled over for doing 140 mph, and it took quite a bit of discussion to convince him that he had the wrong person, that my 250 twin probably put out less power than his riding lawn mower, and could only hit 140 if I drove it off a cliff. That and everyone wanted to drag race me at every stoplight. My wife hated the back seat, so I ended up buying a different bike, but I still have fond memories of that little green machine!
What I like about the 400 is that no matter what the future of motorcycles hold, there’s always going to be a bike like this. A sporty smallish motored bike that most people just need and not much more. It’s ole’ reliable in a sense
That bike you describe has existed since 1999. It’s called the sv650, and it comes in an actual comfortable upright seating position The ninja 400 is for riders who either think they’re hot shit and are going to pass every 600 and 1000 they see in the corners, or for people who want to save gas
@@CrazyPanda688 I'd say different strokes for different folks. If you want naked upright sport bikes in the future maybe sv650 is the way to go but if you want to work up to a gsxr 1000 and this is your first bike maybe it's a good choice?
As someone that started on a Ninja 250, that positive neutral finder was a godsend. I loved never having to worry about accidentally clicking to 2nd every time I was sitting at a light
I had no knowledge about bikes (outside of the bat bike, akira, and blade)…I started on an 09 250r and I thought it was the coolest bike ever… I had to part ways with it, but not after I learned and taught my kids to learn on it…it will always have a special place in my heart
The comment about the 650 comparison is spot on! I test rode them back-to-back and the 400 was far more fun. There's little noticeable difference in power and the 400's handling is noticeably lighter. I liked it so much I bought one!
The Ninja 400 is by far our best selling motorcycle. It is amazing at everything it does. It goes fast(ish), handles well, and has a very attractive price point. Thank you for shedding light on this amazing machine for new riders!
I’m in my 50’s and haven’t had a bike in about 10 years. My inner child wants a small fun bike like the ninja 400 but my more mature reasoning tells me to get a ninja 650 for the commute. My lower back wouldn’t appreciate a gsxr 750.
I volunteered as a corner worker for a few days after a track school and was paired with a young lady on a tricked out Ninja 400 (for comparison, I was on my very track worthy R1250 GSA). The lady is a serious amateur racer and it was a continuous blast watching her eat liter bikes in corners and S-bend sections. It was like a (tiny) whale scooping up schools of fish. I would never underestimate the fun factor of that bike, not to mention that it is presumably easier to afford track focused upgrades on that diminutive titan.
That just sounds like an intermediate rider who decided to ride in the beginner class to pass everyone and make themselves feel better about riding such a slow bike Put equal riders on a 400 and a 600/1000 and it wouldn’t even be close
@@RicardoLopez-nj8vr I know! Once in 1000 years worth of rain. As much as the area needs it, it's no good when you've got mudslides and people dying. :(
Nice to hear the shout-out for seasoned riders to consider this bike too. The Ninja 400 pinged my radar when I started considering a bike for commuting but after riding a section of WA-BDR, I went with a KTM 390 Adv to try to cover both use cases. I've only just finished the break in but I've been really enjoying the bike!
Very interesting. I’m trying to save money by “downgrading” from my Ninja 1000SX (great bike and quite comparable to your Tiger 1050) to something much smaller. Still enjoying that 400 ? Anything you really miss from your Tiger ?
@@leftcoaster67 - The Ninja 400 is my favorite bike so far. Had a naked Honda 1000 for 5 years; Triumph Street Cup for little over a year; Still have a used Honda Interceptor 2014 (3 years) but I'm selling it and keeping the 400. I love it. Feel like I'm using the whole bike as apposed to 3 gears on the 1000 (in town). The speed and power from the 1000 naked and all it's torque is awesome, no doubt. Fun factor on the 400 is constant fun in any setting. I also don't ride with liter bikes fwiw. Bought the used Ninja 400 2018 last year for 4 grand with about 4400 miles on the odometer. Power to weight ratio is gold.
true, but isn't the only bike that hes avoided the off road section the rc30? if he did it again, it'd be like putting (for this video) putting the rc30 and ninja 400 on the same level
@@KellerFkinRyan Not really. The off road section was not flooded when he rode the rc30. Sloppy conditions like this increase the chance of a silly accident (puts foot down into a hole and breaks leg-type). There are times when a reasonable adult says "No, it's not worth it."
@@jfess1911 I get that, but it is just water and Zack is probably more skilled than id ever be, he obviously was fine other than that part by the wall. I think he'd let himself flop into the water before the bike, mainly to keep relations with Kawasaki good and that he has to clean the bike after.
@@KellerFkinRyan You'd be surprised how quickly your life can change from a simple screwup. I injured my spine severely just performing simple activities and have not been able to stand or even sit upright without massive pain for over 15 years. It ended my work career. I worry that some of the silly things Zack has been doing will leave him disabled like me. I was lifting something much lighter than the motorcycles in the "500 miles across Wyoming" video.
@@jfess1911 I mean im sorry that happened to you but just because something happened to you doesnt mean that you should try to push fear onto random people online.
My brother got one of these new last year so I took it for a spin - brilliant bike. Probably the best new beginner bike money can buy. But even if you're an experienced rider, you can have so much fun on one of these. Commute: check, tour: check, fun on a twisty road: check.
I got mine a few weeks ago as my first bike. Absolutely loving it. The light weight of the bike lets me feel more in control and lean it easier. If you’re worried about being too big, I’m 6’ 220 and I fit perfectly on it. The only complaint I have is the stock exhaust and I, as do many owners of the bike, immediately replaced the exhaust with a slip on. My heels no longer hit the heat shield.
When used bike prices were out of control last year, we picked up a leftover 2021 Z400 for our teenage daughter to start on. The dang thing is so much fun that my wife and I both ride it a lot as well. We added the tall Kawasaki comfort seat, and its fun for all-day backroad rides now.
@@ryan19754 I'm paying about $1300 Canadian per year. 50yo, Ontario M2 licence, riding since summer 2021. It went up $200 when I moved house, apparently entirely due to local drivers.
I can't believe i just listened to you the whole time while driving my dump truck. Thank you for the information. You kept me entertained the whole time. Love your spirit and joy. God bless and stay safe. From Houston TX
Before I dive into watching this one, thank you for re riding my current commuter bike of three years. Your last daily ride on the baby Ninja is what got me to make up my mind on it over the R3. I have done nearly everything there is to do on a motorcycle on it and love it! (Including off road twice, cant wait for that bit). Going to love to hear your current thoughts on how this little ptwin fits in todays "bigger is better" market and I need a "rreeeealllll bike"
The 400 is the best bike ever. As someone who's owned dozens of 600s and 1000s, v twins, inlines etc, this is really like the S2000 of motorcycles. Not overpowered but plenty powerful, and it's unbeatable fun in the corners.
You just made me NEED one, Zack! I currently ride a little N-Max 160 and watching this video reminded my of one day I rode a Ninja 400 - and when I had a Ninja 300. It's incredibly zippy, it's a beautiful bike, and THAT DASHBOARD! It's an example every single motorcycle manufacturer should follow: all the information you need around a big analog rev counter on a no-frills LCD instead of a stupid videogame like TFT tablet. Thanks for another excellent video!
I've got the 2019 model, it's my first bike and I've been riding it now since December 2020 and have covered ~12k miles. Absolutely love it. I never knew about the positive neutral finder feature but I have always found it tricky to enter neutral from second! It's a fantastic all round bike for commuting, blasting in the twisties, and track days - I did a day at Silverstone GP circuit last summer and it was a blast. I've seen lots of people that say it would be too slow for highways/motorways or to be fun, but they are simply wrong and clearly have never ridden one (the whole 'small bike ego complex' often times I think). It isn't at all difficult to hit three digits on the dash on any road (so I've been told..). I plan to move on to the ZX6R soon as I now have my full unrestricted licence and want to experience that kind of power and the feel & sound of an inline four, but I almost want to keep this instead. Great bike and a great review as ever!
@@ryan19754 No way for me to know, depends what country you're in, where you live, your age etc etc. I'm in the UK and I was 21 for the first year and it cost £1200, second year was around £600. Find a used one on sale and use the registration to get some insurance quotes.
Hey, a moto journalist who actually described how Positive Neutral Finder work accurately. 👏It's hard to believe how many struggle. For veteran Team Green riders it's second nature and works as advertised.
@@sycobeansillywytgirl if you put the same rider on a 400 and then on a 600/1000 the lap times wouldn’t even be close at all People need to stop capping with this “400’s are faster than 600’s and 1000’s” bs. Because it isn’t true You’re the faster rider, it has nothing to do with the bike
Bought my first bike which is a Ninja 400 start of this year. I've put 2,000 miles on it and absolutely love it. Highly recommend for new and veteran riders alike.
I bought this Ninja's brother, the Z400 as a re-entry motorcycle and thought I would trade up before long. 3 years later, I still have my Z400! I really appreciate its light weight especially when moving it around the garage or coming across unstable footing at a stop. It provides a lot of confidence that I won't drop the bike. The CB500F is 50 lbs heavier but that may be useful if you spend a lot of time on highways. As it is, I am glad I got the Z400 over its competitors. It is important to note that I am only 5'6" tall, so the Z400 fits me very well, and its arch competitor the 390 Duke was uncomfortably tall.
As long as it's comfortable and fast enough for you there's no reason to change. Too many people buy new bikes for no reason besides boredom and realise nothing is getting better
@@chrispekel5709 The funny thing is that I can get my cornering fix even in small neighborhoods at relatively low speed because it is so easy to swing the Z400 from side to side. Even going around a cul de sac can be fun.
Did a 10hr ride from SF to Portland on a ninja 300 when I was just starting out, the only time it had any issue was going up Mt Shasta with my weekend luggage but other than that, these little bikes are just fine for most things. I bought an fz10 and had a decat and light tune for it and I still hop on the 300 and have a grand time scooting around from time to time.
You described the emotions and feeling this bike has perfectly. Like a puppy who just wants to play. It's a giggle machine. I also own an xsr900 and think the ninja will be my introduction to track days
I am 6' 1" and 275 pounds and commute 20 each way daily on one through DFW freeways. Very happy with it. Only thing I don't like is the rider seat is low in the front and pushes you towards the tank.
Over 13k miles on Ninja 400's. Have rode cross country a couple times (Houston TX to VA Beach). Daily commuter, drive every day snow rain or shine. 8 degrees to 90 degrees. From Houston traffic to high speed highway cruises the bike has handled everything I've asked of it (even ran over a 30lb dumbell at 60mph and only wheels were damaged). Cheaper than comparable options and I can't emphasize enough how smooth it rides on the highway. If you are comparing bikes to decide which one to get for daily use look no further. Get the Ninja 400 and never look back.
This bike is perfect for commute, includes DNA from Versys for off road (:D as Zack did) and DNA from Z, for wheelies and go fast. And also if you decided about exhaust sound, if you changes the bike sounds amazing. Excelente review Zack, uno de los mejores
I have the z400 and people say the 180 degree crank doesnt make a good sound, but I think it sounds good. Also, the whistling sound when giving it gas is very cool. I wont change to a different pipe because I dont want to lose that whistling. Buy one, they are amazingly enjoyable rides.
We have bizarre notions of size in the west. In the Philippines almost all bikes are 160 cc or less. I had a Ninja 300 in Canada and it went an indicated 184 kph, so probably 170. In the twisties I passed everyone, you learn to carry corner speed. It made me a better rider. It is not a 2 up touring bike, that was my R1200RT, but for tight twisty roads I put on the stickiest rubber available and had an absolute blast. Plus it was cheap to buy and run.
I agree 100 percent on its an almost upright riding position which I found shocking. Just sit on one and you'll be pleasantly surprised. The price point for a daily rider is spot on.
The perfect daily rider motorcycle. I would place it above the SV650 just for the fairing/weather protection. A daily rider for me includes bad weather rides, and nakeds are just not as great as a faired bike. Fast for the street, light, comfortable, economical, great looks, reliable and with a high build quality. I had a Ninja 300 for 2 years and 15k miles, loved every minute of it. If it had a little more torque I would keep it forever - the 400 probably provides the extra grunt you need. So glad to hear Zack comparing this to the 650 - I would also recommend to go with the 400 instead. The quality of all the parts is great - blacked out engine, frame and swingarm, the feel of the plastics and quality of fasteners and parts like levers is way better than for example the MT07 I had. I'm 6 feet tall and I never found it uncomfortable even on all-day rides. With a set of Pirelli Rosso III tires I was confident accelerating hard even in very heavy rain. Super sticky on warmer days (25C/75F). Weather and wind protection is great. I rode it all year even on dirty roads and the bottom fairing keeps the engine and exhaust clean. I had a 2014 model and the downpipes barely had any wear on them, compared to a naked bike like my MT07 which had blacked out exhaust that began corroding after only one year/6k miles. Slipper clutch works really well when downshifting very hard. I really have to disagree with comments that this bike is 'built to a budget'. The value you get for the price is phenomenal especially if you buy a fresh used example that wasn't owned by a beginner rider. Compared to 600-700cc middleweights, the cost of maintenance is low and handling is much better cause of the lighter weight, less rotating mass and slimmer tires.
I used to ride off road/street when i was a teenager. I'm 67 now and really loved this Kawasaki 400 ninja ride demo. I could see myself on it! Good job on the video.
One of the most popular bike here in the Philippines! (as it is the more tested and reliable brand not to mention one of the cheapest ways to have access into expressways)
Zach your the best RU-vid personality by far and love your bike reviews thank you for all you do for us and can’t wait for the new season of highside lowside !!!
I have never ridden a motorcycle and been watching a lot of your daily rider videos, very well done reviews. Might need to get my motorcycle license and pick up a ninja.....
I started riding last April and made this my first bike. Found a 21' on marketplace and haven't looked back. Great entry bike, not going to regret this bike
I didn't think you were going to traverse the shallow lake but you did it! I had a bit of anxiety at first haha great job! I'm in SoCal too, see you in the canyons!
My first bike was a 2002 ex250. I rode that bike for six years before upgrading. Fantastic bike and I really enjoyed owning it. Was never ever compromising unless you wanted to go over 100mph. Even lived down a dirt road!
I get where you are coming from about being able to like multiple motorcycles, Alex. I love my FZ-09 and want to add a dual sport, a bobber, and a mini moto when I have the room one day. I however, do not want a Harley. My uncle has ridden one for a long time and when I got my first bike he took a look at it and the first thing he said was "why didn't you get a real bike?" It hurt me so much I said I will never be a part of a club that gatekeeps this badly. Ever since then my experience with Harley riders has never been good. They don't give you a the wave back and they talk shit about your bike and act like theirs is made by gods. I want to like them but I just can't with the people that tend to like them being so rude and shitty.
Great review on a great bike! Props to zack on that off-road section. That took a ton of skill. Definitely something I would avoid on that type of bike like the plague. I'd love to see a daily rider about one of the big scooters like a kymco AK 550 or Suzuki burgman 400. I think they'd fit daily riding excellently.
I love how you talk about and rate bikes for “on the track” as if the vast majority of us do track days all the time if ever. Hell I don’t even have a track anywhere near me and have never done a track day in my life. I’d bet that factor only applies to a very small percentage of riders, a super sub-niche. That said, I bought a Ninja 400 new in 2021 and still have it. I’m also 6’2” and about 210lbs. I have a lot of fun on this bike despite it being seriously under sprung for my weight. I’m planning on upgrading to full Ohlins system just to keep the wheels on the road. Michigan roads are full of pressure risers which are like hitting speed bumps every 30ft but at 55-65mph. This makes for a very rough ride and the stock suspension just doesn’t handle those conditions well. All in all, nice review and pretty much reflect my experience having owned it for two years.
Love my 400. Only thing I changed was the exhaust (so it wouldn't sound like a lil moped). Prevents the exhaust pipe or heat shield from hitting my foot too.
As a very old former rider, I started with a Suzuki GT380 triple. Even with a two-hundred-pound rider, the bike was quite quick. I enjoyed riding the bike, but as all riders, I decided I wanted something bigger, so, I traded up to the GT750 Water Buffalo. The larger bike had something that the smaller bike lacked. The dreaded "hinge in the middle" that surfaced under hard cornering. Later, I bought a GS850 with a shaft drive. The GS did not have the "hinge" and I rode that bike until eye problems pushed me off motorcycles. Of the three bikes, the GT380 was actually the most fun to ride.
I test rode a Ninja 400 and a Tuono 660. The 400 almost got my money but the 660 won it out as it had so much more character and fun. Yes it costs x2 more but it's x2 more fun. I can't say that about any other bike I've ridden.
I have this same 2023 Ninja 400, but not the KRT edition, mine is "Dark Gray/Twilight Blue", with ABS. Just got it in February 2023, and I'm happy to see you were enjoying it!
As a note about the baby Ninja-mini eclair analogy: As a 40yo dad, every time I eat a mini eclair I think "Man, I want another!", but every time I eat a full-size eclair now I think, "You know, that was a lot of custard... I don't actually want to finish this. I don't feel so good."
