Bought my Z400 two years ago. I've owned 32 bikes from my first one, Tohatsu Runpet Sport to a Harley Road King with more singles, twins plus three and four cylinder ones in between. I must say that the Z400 is a great bike but with a couple of mods it's even better. A Norton seat saves your butt and handlebar risers save your back. Fuel mileage is great, handling is beyond most humans and the brakes are more than adequate. BTW, I'm almost 77yrs old and started riding at 16.
How the heck do you only have 5,000 subs man??? Great video if you keep making content like this you’ll be big in RU-vid. I’m hoping to pick a z400 up here soon as my first bike 👍
Chance, your comment makes me feel warm and fuzzy. ❤Thank you for the kind words. The content will continue. Best of luck with your Z400 - you're going to love it! Ride safe. 😎
I purchased this bike for my wife as her first bike because of its compact size but still able to be street worthy. What I've learned is that not only will this be her first, it will be her last because it can go anywhere including the interstate and it fits her perfectly. For such a small form factor this bike is amazing
So I'm looking to get my endorsement and was dead set on a Honda Rebel 1100 as a first bike. I'm not dumb, I'd start on rain mode to tame the motor down. Never really thought I'd like a sport bike, bad knees and bad back, but I sat on the z400 and it's shifted my entire viewpoint. It was comfortable to sit on, I'm 5'8" and can flat foot it, and it looks sick. I'm now having a mini complex on what to start with/get. I know I want a Rebel, that's a done deal, but sport bikes seem to have really come far from when I was younger. I know cruiser vs naked bike is apples to oranges but would like your opinion. Nice review video, stay safe and have fun.
Hey TJ! Thanks for a great question. Ultimately, the Rebel 1100 and the Z400 are worlds apart in terms of role & capability, but you already knew that. I'd almost recommend sticking with your initial choice of a Rebel 1100 since it has all the gadgets and gizmos like cruise control, traction control, ride modes, etc. The Z400 would make an excellent second motorcycle to have in the stable when you want to do more sport style riding, and it maintains a comfortable seating position that is bearable for longer rides around town/backroads. There are a lot of Z400 to be had in the pre-owned market and you can save quite a bit over buying a new one. Alternatively, you could buy the Z400 new and the Rebel 1100 used. Or you could even look at buying both of them used! That part is up to you. I have 2 motorcycles in my garage and they both serve a different purpose, so I really enjoy having them. If you only have room for 1 though, maybe just start with a Z400 and see how you enjoy it. If you become power hungry and desire something with more creature-comforts, sell the Z400 and move up to the Rebel 1100. If you don't want to go through the trouble, once more, stick with your fist choice of the Rebel. Best of luck TJ! Ride safe.
@Omni_Moto Thanks for the input. It really opened my eyes that modern street bikes are WAY more comfortable of the ones from the 90s and early 2000s. They've come a long way, and it's cool to see beginner oriented street bikes on the market. This thing is sitting in the corner of my mind scheming with my inner chaos gremlin lol. Thanks again and be safe.
I’m the guy who stopped in today wearing the Yankees jersey out shopping woth the wife!! You’re doing great with your videos!! Nice channel you built!! Keep going!!
I had a 600 super sport and I went back down to a 400. The 600 was fun but the end of second gear was above any speed limit. I felt like it was too much unless you tracked it or really brake the law.
Congratulations on hitting 2k! I just found your channel and I enjoy your editing style. I won't be attempting the gift card raffle since I'm in the Philippines.
New to bikes. Just bought my first one yesterday a 2019. Not sure the difference but says its an er400 but feels good to sit on. Only been up and down the street a few times to get used the clutch and breaks. Cant wait to get comfotable enough to hit the road
Hoping to get one next month as a first bike....im a noob at motorvycles...first time to use one as a daily commuter...congratulations on on the 2k subs....nice review too...
Hey, great question! The best answer I can give you is "it depends". Most of the time at 55MPH if you are on a road with a lot of variation in elevation and turns, I like to keep the revs up higher, so 4th gear would be my go to so I could use the mid range power. Clicking into 5th would make more sense for a road that has less variation and promotes maintaining that speed consistently with minimal need to accelerate out of corners. In short, it really does depend. I recommend checking out FortNine's video on the subject. Here's a link ---> ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zhUI7MWE_Fc.htmlsi=bsXUnLWOZzmQfJ3U
@@Omni_Moto Thank you for the reply. This is the first manual transmission vehicle I've owned, and I want to make sure I'm treating it well by being in the best gear for each situation. I'll watch the F9 video; I love that channel and have a small crush on Ryan.
The Z400 provides slightly better ergonomics, but if you want more wind protection and a more track focused bike, the Ninja 400 will give you the advantage. Z400 gets my vote because it seems it is designed with roadway use in mind first.
Thanks for review and especially for taking height of driver ergonomics up for discussion. I suppose the fuel tank is covered by plastics. Is it easy to remove plastic covers? Ask as a bmw g310gs owner. I hate that bike because the plastic bonanza, wich makes it hard to mount accessory cables and exchange head lamp etc. So many screws and one time use clips
The tank is slightly covered by some plastic bits and pieces on either side, but Kawasaki’s fit/finish is pretty easy to work with/remove/replace to add cables and what not. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!
In all honesty do you need more than this? Everyone is like oh no you need a 600cc bike lol. This is more than enough. No one ever feels like shit buying a f150 instead of a raptor. The whole notion of spending thousands more on a bike and insurance to get an extra 50km/h top speed(that they will never use), and 1 second faster 0-100km/h which is laughable unless your racing in which a 600 is a joke anyways. It’s so stupid lol. Talked to a guy with a gsxr 1000 and he told me his bike has never seen 5th gear. He said it was a huge waste of money and would rather ride a slower bike fast, than a faster bike slow.
I have a liter bike and can attest to the impractical nature of them lol. My MT10 very seldom is used for around town, and it’s almost got too much power for a lot of the back roads to really be able to open it up and let it run. I mainly use it for group rides when the Grom can’t keep up or if I want to do some 2-wheel commuting. Around town though, half of the gearbox is pretty much useless 😂
Do you think this is good for commuting to work on a highway for about an hour? Going the speed limit is it revving too high and can maintain highway speeds for a while?
It can maintain speed and it will absolutely get it done, but it’s going to be a bit of a task on windy days. Also, an hour long commute is no problem for the engine, but you will get fatigued on this smaller machine. Just a few things to think about.
@@Omni_Moto Thanks! my current bike is a 2019 kawasaki klx250 and has trouble maintaining and keeping highway speeds, it revs so damn high it sounds like the engine is gunna blow haha, so i was looking for somehting a tad more powerful to do at least 65-70 comfortably
@@Mike242 This bike can do 70MPH all day, with a little room to spare if you needed to accelerate and make a pass. You’re on the right track! Good luck and ride safe.
Been really set on the Duke 390 based on videos really talking it up. BUT! Everytime I found videos comparing these two bikes, riders seemed to only be throwing negatives at the Duke, not really the Z. So started doing more research on the Z and leaning away from the Duke. Still super torn though. It honestly may come down to the local shops in may town selling the Z and the closest Duke being over an hour away by highway. And as a new rider I’m definitely not comfortable riding the highway on a new bike with my new endorsement, so I’d be trailering it. But we shall see! Loved the vid and energy, subscribed!
I've had a duke for just over a year. Huge electrical gremlins, sitting in dealers workshop 5 weeks now under warranty. Selling at first opportunity and getting a z400
I’ve had a z400 about a year tbh beat the hell out of it and 0 issues thus far. As cool as the supermoto mode on the duke is the z imo is smoother at speed comfier faster more reliable wheelies just fine. If you’ll be on the highway a bit I’d try the ninja 400, I thought I wouldn’t like hanging out at 90-110 but here I am getting bullied by the wind
I’m having the exact same argument with myself and going with the z. Easy to find parts, dealers everywhere. Engine doesn’t have heat issues. Got to test ride one and it was extremely smooth
Thanks for your kind words. This giveaway has actually ended, but if you check out my other videos and leave comments on them, I'll enter you in the one coming up for February 18th!
What’s the most recommended small (300cc to 500cc) bike for a 64-year old guy that hasn’t owned a bike since his late 20’s? I’m in great physical shape, 5’11” tall, 175lbs, 32” pants inseam. My bike in my late teen’s was a Honda 500-4cylinder. Then in my 20’s, a Honda 750-4cylinder. I’d rather try a smaller naked, and then if I want to upsize, then go to a Yamaha MT-07. For now though, should I get a KTM Duke 390, Yamaha MT-03, Honda cb300r, or a Kawasaki Z400?
The Z400 or Duke 390 might be priced out compared to the other options when you consider the role it’s going to fill for you. Since you’re a former rider who has experience, paying extra for the Z400 and Duke’s class-leading performance figures doesn’t make much sense since you’ll be looking to upgrade soon after. Best to pick up a used MT-03 for around $3K-$5K (depending on location/market) and get your feet back under you with it. Odds are you’ll be able to sell it for close to what you pay for it and put those funds back towards that MT-07 you desire in the long run. Plus, the MT family feels very familiar for each rung you move up through. Hope this helps! Thanks for the great question.
The Honda CB500F is extremely fun to ride and not overly powerful. After about 2 seasons I did feel like I outgrew the horsepower. For your height I think you'd like the Honda more than some other choices.
Hey Mike, thanks for your kind words! The gift card give away in this video has actually passed, but I'm doing another one! Watch one of my most recent 2 videos and you'll see how you can enter. Ride safe. 👍
This is a great bike for someone to start out on. Kawasaki even has the "new rider friendly" badge on the Z400 landing page. www.kawasaki.com/en-us/motorcycle/z/supernaked/z400-abs/2023-z400-abs?cm_re=MPP-_-Z400:MODELS-_-VIEWSPECSDETAILS
If you’re doing urban riding with a lot of dense traffic, either one is fine, but the Z would be my choice. More cost effective, more lightweight, and the Z is within a similar HP range. Z400 gets my vote all day for those reasons. Great question! Thanks for watching. 😎
@@Omni_Moto just picked up a 2023 z400 and asked the dealer about it, they said it can be done if needed but it’ll need to be changed out 1-2 times a year depending on how much the bike is used and it’s not recommended.
Yes. Here's a great options from a reputable company. www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/puig-naked-new-generation-windscreen-kawasaki-z400-2019-2022?gclid=Cj0KCQjwpPKiBhDvARIsACn-gzCfoH75s6nPgt1NVcWaT8uhp87jAGzkOQZX129hKCVpL61cu2vfdHUaAlVuEALw_wcB&sku_id=1774218
Only slightly different in the orientation of your hands when seated. Ninja 400 has clip ons with a slightly more pulled back handle bar, and the Z400 has more standard handlebar that feels a tad more upright. Both have the same frame, motor, transmission, exhaust, hand controls, wheels, rear tail, seat, gas tank, and rider foot peg orientation. Beyond the handlebars, the biggest differences are cosmetic. Fairings, headlight, mirrors, blinkers, and instrument cluster just to name a few areas of contrast between the two.
I think you'll be fine, I'm 5'8'' and it feels very good sized for me and I can also flat foot it. For reference I regularly ride a Kowasaki Versys 650 and it's much taller and top heavy and I ride that fine. The Z400 felt effortlessly small so it would be good to learn on for sure.
These engines are very reliable. They run a little hot-blooded, but with an ECU flash, you can remedy most of that and even get some performance gains. I'd go with this over the Duke, but that's just my opinion. Do what makes you happy!
Hey, @user-xs9lk6pr4o . You won the gift card giveaway! Congratulations. Thanks for subscribing and watching the channel. Send an email to omnimoto1@gmail.com and we can start the process of getting the eGift Card to you!
You have been entered! Thanks for your comment. The Ninja 400 is still pretty upright, but has slightly more rear set pegs, and upward swinging clip-on bars instead of MX style like the Z400 has. Seat height and overall position don’t deviate too far between the two. Both bikes can do many of the things you want them to do exceptionally well in the lightweight sport bike class, but each one is made with a type of rider in mind. Ask yourself what type of rider you are, then decide. At 6’2 you may feel cramped on the Ninja. The Z400 favors comfort. Hope this helps. Ride safe. 😁
Sometimes it pays to be late - You can check out my most recent video for a new giveaway and how to enter. I've upped the ante to $50 this time around. Thanks for watching. 😎
JOHN! Congratulations. You won the Valentine's Day RevZilla Gift Card Giveaway! Please send an email to omnimoto1@gmail.com and I will send you a reply email letting you know it's me. After that, I will register your email address with a $25 Gift Card from RevZilla's website, and that's it. Thanks for watching the video and playing the giveaway - ride safe!
Also, just wanna say the Z400 is such a dang good looking naked bike. I'm really tempted for this one over ninja 400 but such a hard choice between the two
Hey Peterson! The Z400 is a sharp bike. The Ninja 400 is going to provide better wind protection, slightly more aggressive riding position, and an overall better track bike. If you're going to be using your motorcycle purchase as a commuter for moving around a city, I think you'd be better off with a Z400 instead of a Ninja. If you're doing more long-haul commutes and plan to hone your motorcycle skills at the track, the Ninja 400 would be the better choice IMO. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching. You've been entered into the drawing!
