I own and daily ride a ninja 400. Its my first bike and I've been riding for 10 months now rain or shine. I'm at 10,500 miles. Just replaced both tires and chain. Great bike to learn on! And plenty of power! I still don't feel like I've maxed out this bike. I can accelerate faster than most cars on the road and I've gotten a top speed of 129mph. Maintenance is very easy which I love! I'm able to learn how to work on my own motorcycle without a ton of special tools.
They are indeed a great place to start and learn many things on, from balance, to racing, to maintenance, to mechanic work, just about everything can be done with a motorcycle due to their simplicity. I wish more would start on two wheels.
I thought it was funny when you said ""you can take it on track, drag a knee and then go grocery shopping with it the next day"". Lol, very well said. I pick my Ninja 400 ABS up in a week from now. I went with all black. Great review thanks.
I mean you can do that on any street legal machine... Not gonna lie i dont see the appeal of the ninja 400 for the american market. I get it for europe where people are restricted to 35kw machines.
If you are looking for a starter bike, commuter bike, or a cheap track bike, then the Ninja 400 is definitely worth checking out. I bought one for my son and it is the first bike he's ever been on. It doesn't weigh much more than a moped. The clutch is so light, you can pull it with one finger. The shifts are smooth and extremely easy to learn on. It is very nimble, takes corners eagerly, and inspires confidence. The throttle is smooth and linear, not "twitchy" like many larger bikes. The seating position is almost upright, which is great for new riders and commuters (but you can tuck if you want to). The only downsides are the brakes and exhaust. The brakes are merely "ok", and the stock exhaust sounds like a sewing machine on valium. Other than those two minor quibbles, the bike is an excellent value for the money, and a lot of fun to ride. Go for a test ride, you will probably take it home :)
I'm picking mine up at the dealer in two weeks. Kawasaki did a great job on this bike. Perfect beginner bike that's good on the highway. Something one might keep for a couple of summers before moving up a class.
just picked up mine today, 2018 Ninja 400 ABS, all black for ~$6000 give or take including registration, sales tax, etc. etc. here in the capitol city of California. I must say I am impressed!
And you get that lucky law known as lane splitting too... Be a fun bike to cut through the city and that's not a bad price for Cali! Ride safe out there!
That was a fantastic review. I'll be trading my ninja 300 for one fairly soon. I do mostly city riding and I like a small bike that I can wring out every once in a while without getting into trouble. I'm in Maryland with snow on the ground so this is the perfect time to snag a great deal before the season starts. Thanks, safe riding!
I got a Corbin seat for my ninja 400 rode for 3 hours didn't even notice it until the next day. I was sore as hell then I realized well ya I did have one of my longest rides ever the day before lol. Had my 400 for 2 years and I still love it 🤙🤙
Hey Budd SH1N081... 🙈 I see ure message was sent 5 months ago so I take it u already got ure bike... I'm from south africa 🌍 the ninja 400 only lunched here beginning of this month I'm getting one so I would just realy like to ask how is ure experience riding the ninja 400 reson why I'm asking you is cuz just like you this will be my first bike aswell so you will be the best man to ask....?
Got a bit over 5k miles on mine (2019). First bike and superb first impression on riding sport style. Enough power to have fun, comfortable enough to ride it for an hour and a half, great on gas mileage (62.1MPG), light, flickable, and easy to maneuver. Overall impressive bike for the quality, size, style, and cost. Have not had a single problem at all. Can’t say it enough, it’s impressive and I LOVE mine!
I think this is the exact bike I bought. The exact one you’re riding. I got a demo bike from HOK about a month ago and it had 98 miles on it and was told it was a demo bike. 🤙🏻
Holy crap I’m from Oklahoma and I’m just now finding this channel!! I’m ashamed but as a fellow okie you have a new subscriber now! Keep up the content.
Yeah that is not nice. I love them both too! I will say this the SV650 is a more upright and comfortable machine for longer range and that engine is absolutely one of the best in the business in its fun factor and where it puts the power down. But if you are looking for a future in racing and sport bikes the Ninja 400s ability to punch high above its CC rating and with the nimble and lightweight chassis to boot with it that one will teach you what you need to know to grow in that field. It will depend on the future of what you want to do but both rides you cannot do wrong.
As said in the video 12:50 The bike has a very relaxed seating position, but it still feels great when you tuck in and lean into those corners! I would recommend the ninja 400 to any first riders or anyone looking for a reliable daily commuter bike.
I ride my ninja 400 everyday unless there is a hurricane like now lol... I upgraded from a 250. This bike has plenty of power, and is just a blast to ride. I added a hindle slip on and it Sounds amazing!
I enjoyed the review, used to live in OKC for a few years and left last year so it was cool to see familiar places. Did you notice how many miles per gallon the bike said it was getting?
From what I have read they all have rear wheel ABS but if you want front wheel also that would be the ABS designated models. Seems weird ... I'd prefer no ABS at all, personally.
It is good for some for sure. I have rode for a long time enough that there was barely anything with ABS at that time vs. now. So I am not as accustomed to thinking about it. But it is a safe thing to have it and I have since had bikes that have had the tech.
I hate hearing all this beginner bike BS. This bike in the right hands can smoke most liter bikes on many tracks. Its a great bike the LEARN on in general for ANY level rider. Meaning road AND track. I own an Aprilia RSV4 RF and just bought one of these to use as a track bike to learn better technique on.
Hey is it normal for the bike to be really hot often? Like 1 or 2 bars before max heat (heat bar to be filled) I have a new 2019 ninja 400 the day was hot but in the night it was cold but still hot*
To some it may work out, but to me this is best used for kind of medium range riding as it is a bit cramped of a position for someone my size. Which is slightly over 6 foot with 32 inch inseam.
Overholser is my favorite leisure ride. I live nearby so when I need to clear my head for a bit, I'll do a lap around it. It's the best non-city area of the city!
Do you know how the ninja 400 compares to the 2012 and up ninja 650 I have the 2017 but I’m extremely interested in the 400 because of the weight I’ve rode the 300 their pretty freaking light!
Hmm. Well the Ninja is faster but a bit more cramped in seating and puts out a smidge more heat in stop and go.... But literally they're both equal in ways as the Rebel is not as comfy of a seat and suspension is a bit soft
Does it Corner Like a Sparrow ? I have read some comments about the 150 rear Tyre , saying they are going to go with the 140 like the Ninja 300. The 140 handles better according to some track guys
On the streets it is an amazing handling motorcycle and some publications have flogged the stock unit with no change and state the 150 is fine for that duty as well. To me riding it the chassis and suspension is much better and it is a much more planted bike than the 300 and I owned one of those and put some miles on it in fun and regular commuting conditions and felt the 400 was way more planted and stable. Maybe it is their preference
Kevin please tell riders to slow dow specially " ninja" riders 10-16-2004 i was speeding & got hit by an illegal turning mobility bus, TBI-PUNCTUED LUNG & TRAKODOMY im getting another ninja & this time a 650 "BUT" its a must & i will be safer & stay "within" the legal speed limit..Let petes know i suffered big time & I still use an old man cain.& If u got skills so be it,but da groung is not soft. Stau Up Peace and Blessings
Your high beams are on. I know that some day it's for safety but its just as annoying in the day as night so people end up squinting when you are in their face. That's not safer.
It is taught in the MSF, vehicles use their high beams as DRLs (except modern LED lights, but they're just as bright). So it's fine. This is not my bike and it was probably an incident in this case.
Rabid Hedgehog well they’re wrong and it’s annoying to oncoming traffic like there’s no tomorrow and makes people turn away which is decidedly NOT what you are trying to get them to do. They don’t pay attention as it it so let’s annoy the cagers extra
the only thing i dont like about it is the sound it makes... way to quiet, i got a metalic blue (similar colour to yours but alittle different) yesterday and its an amazing bike im going to buy a new exhaust to make it abit louder (not for the fact of oh look at me im a sick dude listen to me rev a loud bike, but for the practicality of the ability of other drivers being able to hear me somewhat because as of now there is 0 chance of someone hearing me unless im really pushing the bike
DzGaming I completely understand. I like a medium sound exhausts on my 400 because I like to hear my bike over the wind noise and I like that other drivers can feel and hear the bass. I generally pull the clutch in when passing people in the street so I don’t become one of those look at me people.
Rabid Hedgehog ok thanks for that. Also how do I become a better rider with non ABS boo? Im a brand New rider. Plan on taking the MSF course soon. But those bikes are probably ABS? Anyway. Any tips on how to be great at non-abs?
Most of the bikes at the MSF course actually do not have an ABS system as they are smaller motorcycles like the TU250X or some dual sports like the KLX and XT250 or TW200. ABS is not a make or break kind of deal. It is good to have as it helps in the moment of panic and you're stabbing the brakes too hard. This prevents wheel lock. If you do not have ABS if you lock the rear ride that slide out as if you release the locked rear wheel it could cause a high side crash. If you lock the front release that as fast as you can and then reapply pressure to brake quickly again. Locking the front you lose steering ability and will fall. The best advise is use both brakes evenly and every time. This is something the preach at MSF. Your back brake is actually only 30% of your stopping power and your front is the rest. So use both with even pressure every time and make sure you do not lock by stabbing them too hard.
"Fully tuck in"??? Can you explain to me how you do that?? I put my ass on the passenger seat and I still can only get 3/4 tuck. The grips are sooo far in to you.
Rabid Hedgehog im 6' 3" and 190ibs . would this be a comfortable/big enough bike to ride ? ive heard ppl over 6 foot, it becomes a bit difficult to fit on . really dont want to start on a bigger bike. feel like this is the perfect first bike
Bob Dole Depending on your inseam might dictate a bit of a crunch. For me it would be a bit cramped after maybe a full hour where I would need a break. My recommendation is go to a dealer and sit on it for 15 minutes or more and see how it feels in position of riding, so leave it on the stand and just sit. Your legs and hips will begin to give you an idea within that time if not sooner.
Janasis Gloria. Totally agree, 6'2",187- lean athletic. Sat on a co-worker's ninja 400 and i fit perfectly long legs but fit just rite. Bars don't hit my knees, back don't hurt. I just have "The Ninja Bug" 😊😊!! Kawasaki is my choice for my first!!!
I went to the store they had a 2018 model it was a 400 Kawasaki ninja. Same exact color. I'm 6'3 and weight 155lb. It felt nice when I sat on it yesterday. They were asking 4999 for it. I'm considering getting my very first bike next year never rode a bike before. I only have one issue the sound of the 400. It sounds like a moped to me. I want mines to sound like an actual motorcycle. The weight of the bike felt nice but the 600 when I sat on it in the store felt a bit heavier. As if I should start on the 400 to learn how to control the bike. But my temptation is saying 600 because it sounds more like a bike and my mind is saying just learn how to handle the 600 fuck it.🤣
Well the 400 with exhaust add on would be cheaper than 600 or 650 with sound wanted still :) I would want you to be able to ride something you feel comfortable on as a first time rider and really if treated with respect a 600 or 650 can still be a good place to start unless you're a bit younger and insurance becomes a thing, if that is the case the 400 makes a strong showing.
I’m 6’3” 215lbs and I have a Ninja 300. It’s my first motorcycle and I’ve had it for nearly a year. I added a Two Brothers Racing exhaust and it sounds just fine. No small displacement bike is gonna have that sound of the larger bikes. I’m an advocate for starting small from experience. I passed the MSF course with a breeze but still decided to start small. No regrets. I could upgrade, but I’m happy for now. Plan on keeping my 300 when I get something bigger.
..the 400 and 650 Ninjas, are parallel twins that's why they sound like that. (4 cyl) essentially sliced in 1/2. If you plan on racing on the track sometimes and cruising on the street, get a 636 (NINJA 600)... you get over 130 hp, over 150mph top end, high insurance .... and the screaming sound from the engine and pipe. I bought a 2018 Ninja 650 this summer and love it.
I have a zx6r 636 and fella it is king. Everyone here comments about their 300 or 400 or 650 but that is because they don't have something bigger. Its the same as looking in the mirror and saying i'm so happy with my 1 inch penis. Fuck that.
I would say that both the 400 and the GS500F are more refined and less on the buzz than the 300 for sure and will be equal in the amount that gets to the rider, which is little.
Rabid Hedgehog I have an 09 gs500f and I feel some vibration, enough to make the mirrors blurry, above 6 or 7000 rpm. It's not terrible, but noticeable. I think the power is similar to the Ninja 300, cbr500, and the r3
I like comfort a little over rocket ship in this case I'd get the 400 Ninja so I can use it on the street. If there were more track days in the future than road trips I'd run with the ZX6R.
@@RabidHedgehog I will have to ride both and figure it out, I do want to race, and norton motorsports is making Ninja 400's into race bikes, thanks hedgehog :o)
No worries. You'll probably want something bigger than a Ninja 400 in a year. 300 class bikes hold their value well. I think you'll be fine when you want to trade up. Focus on riding skills for now and then move up a class. My thoughts. Good luck. Be safe.
I am sure they try to bring the back but some bean counter states blah blah blah development blah blah blah emissions. And stops the 4 cylinders from sneaking back in.
@@RabidHedgehog the 250 4cyls is back now... totally overpriced tho. i think cars and bike company mioss the point that normal people cant afford anything nowadays
