Why you should NOT buy anything bigger than a 400cc 

Bought a 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS KRT Edition for my 74th birthday, after a 30 year hiatus from motorcycle riding. That was a MUCH better decision than my former wives!

An old Harley rider told me back when i used to ride a rebel- 'Dosen't matter what you ride, the ladies don't know the difference' So true too. 90% of people don't know a Ninja 400 from a S1000r, heck most don't even know what "cc" means, or if you say your bike has 100 horsepower they'll say "is that alot?". No use trying to impress people that don't know what impressive even is. If it can get the front wheel up, its enough for anyone to have fun on. 40ish horsepower in a lightweight bike is my idea of a perfect motorcycle anyway. I've had bigger bikes but for what i do, i like the 500cc and under classes because they're just so easy to get around on if you commute. Bigger bikes are a pain sometimes, and the higher the price, the higher the stakes if something happens.

Coming from a car background, the Miata reference makes so much sense. Its alot more fun to drive a slow car fast than it is to drive a fast car slow. Also if you aren't as experienced as a driver/ rider, You are only going to be going faster when you crash. Stay Safe, Stay Smart.

RC 390 rider here. Every single word stated here is true. Smaller bikes are a blast in the city and the twisties, you’re almost never overwhelmed and that makes you feel confident and try to push a bit harder every time while still being safe.

People there making fun of 400cc while in Europe we start with 125cc lol

I ride my 400 pretty hard and after 2200 miles I’m averaging 56.5mpg. If I go soft on her I can coast around all day at 70-80mpg. Yeah it’s not the fastest thing in the world. But it’s an absolute blast and when you’re putting yourself through college it’s nice to have a bike where everything is inexpensive. Cheap tires, great mpg, $9 a fill up, easy oil changes, easy maintenance... etc. I love it.

Something my buddy told me when I was looking for a first bike was that the 250/300/400 cc bikes might be slow bikes but they are still fast vehicles. They will out accelerate and handle most commuter cars that people like me are coming off of. Another piece of advice I got is that "outgrowing" bikes is a good thing. Don't "grow into" an R6 as a first bike because like you said, you'll never learn properly. Get a 250 and learn to wring it out. Once you've done that, move up.

I started on a Ninja 250 for a couple years before switching to a 600. I honestly miss the smaller bike and will definitely buy one again. These smaller bikes are just so fun, controllable, and a lot faster than you think.

im age 55 and coming back to bikes.. im on a ninja 400 so not just a good beginner bike.. its just a good bike all round

I have a CBR 125 for ripping around my small town here in Canada. Speed limits are low and the roads are curvy. It’s actually really fun for what it is.

Started on a Honda Grom, got a Ninja 400 2 days ago! I learned SO MUCH riding my Grom, down shift rev-matching being in the correct gear and all around street awaress!

Started on a 2019 ninja 400 abs as my first bike ever. I'm at 3,000 miles and Its the perfect balance of engaging, forgiving, and downright fun for a new rider. Yeah I can't hop on the freeway and rip past people in 2nd gear, but I also won't get arrested so I take that as a win ;) Also gas prices and full insurance coverage for a 27 year old are quite delightful in terms of how little I pay!!

These bikes are just about unbreakable. Bought one for my wife to learn on and she loved it, commuted to work for 2 years before upgrading. Very reliable and don't think it can't handle the revs, they can sit on 100mph all day long.

"Oh it's 400. It's so small" Filipino riders : *surprise pikachu meme*

Being 6’2 also gives me a lot of confidence from so many RU-vid videos out there on how to go about getting a first street bike. Rode dirt bikes growing up and for the 15min drive to and from work and another 12min to an from the gym, I’m convinced this is the right purchase I will be making in the next couple months. 🙏🏽 thank you for the good content.

It's awesome that there are suddenly so many *good* small displacement bikes to choose from.

I bought a Ninja 400 a couple months ago as my first bike and I absolutely love it! Awesome vid I’ve been waiting on this one for a long time... thanks for giving the little 400 some love! Earned a sub from me.

I bought its sister bike, the Z400, last year when it was introduced. My first bike at age 69. SKR reflects my experience: I wanted a bike that I could fling around like I did bicycles like I was a kid. It's actually happening! Would also point out that, besides the secret knowledge that you have one of the best-handling and responsive bikes, you also know you didn't spend a ton of money. (I paid in cash.) Not often talked about, but many bikers, especially younger ones, are stuck paying off a hefty loan. They've bought a bike with which not only the power, but the cost, are too much too manage.

There's a saying in dirt bike racing "corner for dough, jump for show" I'm sure it applies here somehow.

Just got my 2021 ninja 400 abs almost a week ago, got almost 300 miles on er. I ride with my bro in law and he got the 2022 Hayabusa, it's so nice not having to worry about a big ass bike like he does. Best first bike I could of gotten I think

I absolutely hate hearing anyone talk about bikes under 600cc and calling them "beginner" bikes.

when you disrespect a bike, it will take you down and grind off some hide or worse.

I bought a 400 ccm Yamaha and rode it for 25 years. Then 25 years later, in the U.S. I bought a Honda Sabre and was astonished how easy it is to ride a big one - once experienced on an old small one. You maybe don't need to ride the small bike for so long, but 2 or 3 years is no bad idea to get in.

I'm getting my 2021 ninja 400 in 2 weeks! Can't wait! It will be my first beginner bike.

I've owned 34 different bikes and 2 were ninja 250 and 1 was a ninja 300 and the little ninjas are a blast to ride and very economical..... And if you ride you've probably already heard this several times (because it's true), it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than it is to ride a fast bike slow.......

This guy is 100% RIGHT!!! I love my 400!!! Fast enough for me to have fun, but not too much power to wipe out easily. Was told I'd get tired of it and want to move up......still waiting for that to happen LOL

Love mine. I get compliments everywhere I go on it. The 2018 yellow 💛. It's so clean. Changed rear sprocket for easier wheelies. It's just fun to ride,and easy to throw around!

You're absolutely correct...We have nice road course north of Tulsa Ok called Hallet . On certain days it's run what you brung and you'd be shocked at what usually wins . A class with Corvetts , Camaros , Mustangs and even a 60's Shelby Cobra , it's the 1980's Nissan 280zx turbos that win . They handle great and you can wind the crap out of those inline 6 turbos.

My first street bike was a new 1998 Yamaha YZF 600 ... I made a decision to buy a Kawasaki Z400 2 weeks ago at age 50 and it feels like it has more usable power than the 600 I once rode ...the Z400 makes me feel 25 again....l just traded in my z400 and now I'm riding a Very Comfortable Suzuki Burgman 400....Ride on Brother

Thanks for dropping words of wisdom for new riders as well, like checking mirrors for what is behind you when braking. I am a new rider, happily learning on my 250. Sure I am in 4th gear pushing 45...but I'm learning intelligently as a brand noobie.

My freaking 350cc RE Meteor gets more attention than my FXDRS. My best pickup line with the RE is, "It gets 100MPG" (Realistically like 93MPG cause American Road speeds are higher than where it was benchmarked in India, but pffftt, close enough). Most people don't care for CC, Horsepower, sound, _maybe_ they might care for looks, but a common thing a lot of normal people do care about is efficiency and during this time, 100MPG drops people's jaws without fail, more than any other number on the bike!!!

Bought a 1989 Honda Transalp. Solved both issues: it's a 600 V-Twin so it sounds big, but because it's a dual-sports bike, it only makes 45-55HP (depending on fuel and its mood that day). It's a bit on the heavy side, but it actually feels quite light when on the road.

I've had a few bikes and just bought the 2018 ninja 400. It's a dream to Ride!! Perfect amount of power. Very easy to throw around. It feels incredibly safe when cornering, much different to my ninja 300. It's seriously the nicest bike I've owned and I know I can keep up with anything!!

I have been transforming my 400 into a dedicated track bike over the last year. On a tight, technical track it will keep up with 1000's no problem.

I was dead set on getting a ZX-6R for my first bike. After taking the Beginners riders course my mind changed real quick..

I can relate to this quite a bit. I started on an R1, switched to a GSXR 1000 and now have a hayabusa. I can say for certain it took me a lot longer to become a good rider because it took a lot longer to build confidence on a bigger bike. However I do not regret my choices at all. Like everyone says, you should buy the bike that you want and enjoy, not the bike someone wants you to get.

I completely agree. Some newer riders think anything but a liter bike is a waste of money. Technique beats power every time. Get good technique down first and eventually speed will come, and you'll be better at handling the power of a liter bike. I've seen so many riders on smaller bikes blow away less experienced, poorly skilled, riders on huge bikes.

I agree most people can't Ride a 400cc bike to its limit but yet they want to get a 750 or 1000

Just picked my first bike up 2 days ago. Went with the Ninja 400 and I'm loving it. Thanks for the content.

My first streetbike was and is a 2000 gsxr750 low miles. Good bike. Obviously not for a beginner. I grew up around streetbikes and raced super cross for a while so I understand bikes and how to respect them. Really you can get whatever you want for your first bike but make sure you can handle it. I test rode a few of my buddies bikes (gsxr600,gsxr750,cbr600) after I rode the 750 I fell in love. Ride safe fellow riders 💯🖤

I just bought this bike last week I love it man! It’s my first bike and I was worried it was gonna feel slow because it’s not a 600cc but man this feels like a good balance for a first bike. Not fast to where you’re focused on keeping it on the road and not slow to the point where you’re gonna get bored of it in a few months.

110% agree with everything you discuss in this video. I started on a modified Gsxr600 five years ago and wrecked it after a year of having it due to my lack of common sense and inability to read corner speed. However I acquired my pop's cbr250r repsol and daily rode it for another year and really fine tuned my riding and corner handling. To all the new riders out there looking to get their first bike, go small and learn the fundamentals. Getting anything bigger will be like skipping the first few chapters in a book. Ride safe, ride smart

The most fun I've ever had on a bike has been on my little Honda CT125. It won't win a single race. It won't climb gnarly trails(my old dual range CT90 will but I digress), but there's something about it. I barely ride my 650cc bike anymore. Puttputting around on country roads is so much more relaxing than racing between places.

I have a 2018 CB1000R which is ~143 hp. I also have a Tenere 700, 72 hp. I love both bikes but I have way more fun on the Tenere because it’s just so flickable and so easy to corner. I can really ride it hard without worrying too much about it getting away from me or the conditions of the road -it eats pot holes. It really is true, if you’re spending your time managing the power you’re not learning to ride but rather survive. Tenere is a very tall bike though so definitely not something you would want to have as a first bike, although it handles drops well. Another thing I always tell people, why pay for insurance on a “Ferrari” when your skill set is “Hyundai”?

“These small bikes are too slowwww”... it 0-60s just as fast as your 5.0 coyote you keep stroking 😂

I'm just here to say that i started on a ninja ZX6R a little intimidating at first. Definitely heavy at first if you're not use to the weight. never went over 30MPH first two weeks. No regrets what so ever. It didn't take long before i got use to the weight, speed, braking, throttle everything. It's second nature for me now to hop on and take it through any road. respect the bike and you will be okay.

I planned on getting a Honda 2021 CBR500 ABS, but it sold and i got a 2020 Ninja 400. Its amazing, highly recommend for new riders.

Put Yah The Most High Elohiym first! I liked that you included scripture in the video. Grace and Peace to you 👊🏾

I ended up buying a husqvarna svartpilen 401 as my first bike. I absolutely love it. It's so much fun. I've had 105 mph out of it. Beats all traffic at the lights. Overtakes great.

I had my ninja 300 for 3 years. I loved that thing. In the turns I would literally eat up my friends who were riding liter bikes. They were all too scared to really get it in the corners. I recently traded my Ninja in for a 2017 Sportster Roadster edition Harley and I love it. I really cant agree enough about a starter bike being smaller. You get to build so much confidence and riding ability. That bike was so forgiving to me with the technology like the Slipper clutch assist and ABS. I learned a lot of lessons and had plenty of "Ohh Shit Moments" on that bike. The throttle response in the low RPMs was very forgiving. I really feel the part about being able to use every ounce of the bikes power on the smaller bikes. You can just give it everything and nothing felt better than when you are synced up and everything is coming together. Great video man!

Very meaningful. I cant believe i overlooked this magnificent ninja 400. Its just perfect.

I started out 6 years ago on a shadow 1100. My buddy who was "experienced" told me its not too much bike for me. I was able to ride it but I ended up crashing it in a sharp turn. I just got the Ninja 400 last week and it is so much easier to control and a lot more fun than I remember the other bike being.

I'm so glad I started with a 250cc, it's light and nimble. It's great on City streets, but way too sluggish on a freeway. I can bring it up to freeway speed, but it takes time. Still I love my little 250cc it's a fun city street bike.

I started on a Ninja 250, it was a great way to start.

the more years I get into riding, I am returning into smaller bikes like this

Bought a 400 3 months ago. It’s been a blast and I ride with the 6s and the 1s and I’m constantly just pulling up on them, In full control, in full confidence. The 400 ninja is an anomaly. It’s the dojo bike

My first road legal motorcycle was a 97 ninja 500 when I was 16. The thing was amazing it got 70 miles to the gallon and had almost a 5 gallon tank. It handled amazing and was super fun to ride, thought it was pretty comfortable too

I actually got approved for one of these (400 ABS) today as my first bike. I chose the smaller and cheaper bike because I know mistakes will be made. I'll spend the big money once I get more confident in my driving ability.

Veteran rider and racer here. Very rarely can a person out grow a 250/300/400 within a year. Just because your comfy going fast doesn't mean you've exceeded the bikes abilities. The cornering ability of a small bike is insane. Drop the ego and get the skills.

Agreed! I got my first bike in '09, and it was an '07 R1. I loved that bike, and even though I opened it up time to time, it was obviously way more than I needed. I honestly believe that, if I started smaller with less power, I would've been less apprehensive and gotten more comfortable a lot faster. I would have became a much better rider much sooner. I will say though, back then we didn't have 400s, and I still believe a 250 IS SOMETHING that you could outgrow in less than a year. When the 300 came out as a starter, though, that was a decent starter. I bought one for my wife and my younger brother, and I rode my wife's (kawasaki 300) more than she did. It's a good bike, man lol. I haven't thrown a leg over a 400 yet, but I'm frankly considering getting one to give my Diavel a break every now and then. At that price it just seems like an awesome bike I can have a lot of fun on.

I enjoyed this very enthusiastic review! A lightweight, 40 - 50 hp motorcycle has more than enough 'real world' performance for road riding and it 'forces' you actively Ride the bike rather than being 'taken along for a ride' on a 180 hp rocket. Actually, they're both awesome in their own way!!

Thanks for the review, I have just been posing this question myself. You've helped me settle on the 400. Cheers 👍🏻

I ride an 88 CBR250R (MC19) and my husband has many bikes, including an old Z1000 and still loves jumping on mine any chance he gets and will always come home with a smile on his face. Absolutely, without a doubt, the best fun and sounds like a Formula one car too.

I've been riding for 34 years, had bikes from a 175 cc to 1000. I find that for real world, every day riding, the smaller displacement bikes are not only more practical and cheaper to insure but also a lot of fun.

250cc to 400cc bikes are good beginner sizes. No doubt about it

Nice bike...not to mention it also gets about 60 mpg!

Back in the early eighties, my roommate had a CB400F with clip-ons. I had a job and he didn't, so, since I could pay for gas and had the need, I'm the one who rode it daily. One of the most fun bikes I ever rode, and probably did the most for my riding technique.

I know this is an older video. But I find smaller bikes are honestly more fun. You can actually shift know cities, and you can still use it on the highway and have enough power for passing and such. and if you sneeze you won't die from a throttle blip. Haha. Looking to hopefully pick up a Z400, Ninja 400, or and RC 390 after I get my bike learners this year or next.

I wish they made more inline-4 400ccs or lower. Parallel twins sound terrible compared to inline-4s. I used to own a Honda CB400 and I love the way it sounded. Upgraded to a Hornet 599, but I still miss that CB400.

I purchased my 2019 z400 about 5 months ago. I researched which bike I was going to buy as I built my credit or should I say rebuilt my credit, and RU-vid researched and changed my mind several times over the course of a year and a half to two years. I narrowed it down to two motorcycles that would suit my needs. I have been riding since I was eight years old. I got tired of hearing everything about beginner bike beginner bike, beginner bike, great beginner bike. Well, let me tell you this I have had all the motorcycles from dirt bikes to enduros to street bikes to sleds to... You name it. I wanted something that was fun to ride and cool to commute on. I would buy this motorcycle again tomorrow. No questions. It's a great little bike. Put a Leo Vince slip on exhaust on it. Lose 7 lb, add a horsepower, and make it sound just a little bit nicer. Have a great day!

You really gotta mention the whole spec of the bike. I personally got a 650cc as my first bike but it only has 47 bhp (rated). It's not particularly fast, but the high displacement means it can handle sustained freeway speeds for 30 minutes or more (from where I live, 30 minutes is the most you'll drive in a freeway except if you're going to a different state) and not run into engine problems. My only issue with it as a beginner is that it's relatively heavy so if you plant your foot down the wrong way on a stop, you're very likely to drop the bike. Basically, take the type of motorcycle into consideration. A 400cc sport type bike is most likely faster than a 400cc cruiser type.

0-60 quicker than an original H2 back in the day (at 4.2 s)! Not slow.

In Seattle, there are a bunch of Grom riders. You can tell they're having a blast, enjoying the commute, flicking it through traffic. Light, nimble, fun. The guy with his Liter Bike? It's in the garage

The Miata analogy was perfect

Dude that was a super solid 0-60. Well done bro!

I had an FZ07 and after 21,000 km I sold it for a 250 super Moto. Now I have a Z400 and absolutely love it, when it comes to smiles/$ I get more out of the 400 than any other bike I've had so far...

This was my first bike. I just started riding around a year and a half ago, and I loved this bike. LOVE LOVE LOVE this motorcycle. Even now, after I traded it in and upgraded to a gsxr1000, I still have nothing but great things to say. Exceptional handling, smooth throttle, slpr clutch is something you can certainly appreciate as a first rider. Learned how to corner properly, learned how to watch others, gauge speed, stop, everything on this bike. My only knock is the norm - after about 8 months with it, I needed more. Granted I travel on the interstate often, and the roads around where I live just benefit the 1000 more, helping me avoid other advanced situations. Either way, if you're interested in learning how to truly ride, this honestly is about the best beginner bike I could refer.

I got several bikes 125-998cc... and my favorite bike is my Honda Grom! Enjoy the bike life 🤙

I currently have a Ducati 1098 Superbike and a Ducati 900ssie Supersport. A good friend of mine has a Ninja 400 sportbike that I have ridden a few times. I can honestly say that the Ninja 400 is one of the best bikes I have ever ridden. It you want a great all round motorcycle that is a blast to ride go ahead and buy one. The beauty of the Ninja 400 is you can ride it as a commuter bike during the week and on the weekend go to the track and have a blast. Awesome video. Thanks for posting.

I'm 55 yrs old, riding a little Yamaha TW200 dual sport back and forth to work every day.... and loving it. 20 miles round trip, burns very little gas, and I can jump off road if I get bored.

I got the Ninja 400 and it’s a Really good Bike it has enough power to keep up with traffic in freeways, here in Cali you can’t ride to fast specially in LA, so I’m good for now...

I’ve found 250s perfect for DD and the 500 ish range more than enough for everything else except two up loaded down touring.

I started on a bobbed out 96 virago 535 that had some type of evil curse on it.. threw that in the garage and bought a new Z400. Put 20,000 miles on it in the first 14 months and had a blast. I wasn't the fastest but got really good with the technical stuff. BUT.. one day I was walking with my great dane, donerman and pushing my 3 year old on her radio flyer and over my shoulder I hear this beautiful sounding motorcycle coming right towards us and into the driveway ten feet in front of us. He downshifted and it gurlged and all.. it sounded so unique. It was a yamaha fz 09. Had a much bigger rear wheel and was bulkier. I fell in love. So I went out a week later and bought a 2019 mt 09, same bike but with abs and tc. Night and day difference. What I'm saying is yea, learning to ride on a z400 was perfect for me. Kept me out of trouble and was reliable as my daily driver. But YOU WILL BE SUCKED IN and want more power or whatever and you'll eventually have 10 bikes

Ive always been convinced that handling should come first, power later. Far fewer ICU vists that way. That was always my philosophy when racing, better handling, more constancy, better podiums.

I got a Honda CBR 650f and it has been a perfect first bike for me, but then again I have some experience on dirt and I have a great sense for balance and mechanics of biking

My first sport bike was a 2003 Suzuki SV 650s. That I tricked out. Full fairing. Frame sliders two brothers Carbon fiber exhaust and much more. I miss that bike! I wish I never sold it. I learned how to ride it and was able keep up with just about anything on the twisties!

Kawasaki still makes the 250 as the entry level bike in my country, and before that they even made a Ninja 150, which is now discontinued. Above the 250 is the ZX25R, which kind of acts as the 400 version with 50hp and a 4cyl despite only being 250cc, and then above that is instantly the ZX-6R

Peace brother... You just got a new subscriber

I agree when you say you're missing out. I started on a 2012 CRB250R then moved to a 2015 R3 and now I'm riding a Kawasaki Z650. I feel that now on the Z650 I feel really comfortable and I'm having so much fun. I had a lot of fun on the smaller bikes, but now I have the handling of a smaller bike but still have lots of torque for some straight road fun!!

I love your ethos and mentality and respect towards all sorts of bikes.

I was amazed at that 0-60 run ... good advice, bro!

Somehow the descendent of the original (1989?) GPz500 liquid-cooled twin. That was a simply awesome bike for just the same reasons. Light. Nimble. Lovely brakes. Not too much tyre. Excellent feel at the bars and pegs. Light enough to throw around. And (UK) plenty of power to keep up with any other bike on the public highway. The Ninja 250 you mention was sold here back then as the GPz305, also air-cooled and also a simply stonking bike for its size. Good video. You have hit the nail on the head.

First time rider, my first bike is a Ninja 400 and I haven’t regretted it thus far. Great Bike! I don’t think I’m gonna go bigger. ✌🏽

For the record I really really enjoy riding my 1982 Honda Silverwing interstate. Only 497 CC

For me 600 is the sweet spot. I'm currently on a 1200 which is great for eating up the kms but not as good around town and in suburbs. Problem I had with well older 400s (don't really know the market for them now) was they shared the bulk of the parts with their 600 equivalents. You were essentially getting a 400 engine in a 600. So you had the extra bulk and weight for no reason. I did love my Vfr400 it was great and easy to flick around, but you did notice the lack of power compared to a 600.

I started on the Ninja 300. That little bike was a blast. I am small - 154cm, 49kg. That bike fitted me to perfection.

Blessed are the peacemakers. Keep sharing the Word brother!

I like my Triumph Sprint 955i. I don't care who passes me. Let them get the ticket lol SRK always gets a 👍 from me!

I started with a 2.5 horse power mini bike at 13 (that couldn't even go up steep hills and a top speed of 30 mph). Then I got a DT125 Enduro at 15. Then I got a DT250 the next year at 16. I also had a CR125 that I raced around a track. Then when I was 18, I started buying superbikes like GS750ES, etc but I had already had 5 years of riding on and off road for 5 years. I think riding a dirt bike is a great way to learn. You can do things on a dirt bike you just can't do on the street. It also doesn't hurt as bad when you crash in the dirt.

After decades of hair on fire riding this is not a step down it’s a step in the right direction for me. I started on a 600 ninja and have no regrets because I used my head till I gained the skills. Honestly this is almost as fast as my 1985 600r ninja. Improvements over the years have brought these up to speed. Swapping out the tires and the exhaust going shopping for this in 2021