Kawasaki Ninja 400: style and ergonomicsIn true Ninja fashion, the 400 is one aggressive-looking motorbike. Kawasaki Ninja 400: engine and performanceThe Ninja 400 continues to be powered by the exact same 399cc parallel twin motor from the earlier version, however the transition to BS6 has actually led to a distinction in output. Regardless of that, the Ninja 400 continues to be the most powerful bike in its class, albeit by just 1.5 hp over the 390 KTMs.As such, the BS6 Ninja 400 is faster than the KTM RC 390 in all aspects. The transmission itself is a slick-shifting 6-speed system however misses out on a quickshifter, which some rivals offer.Kawasaki Ninja 400: ride and handlingAnother location where the Ninja 400 impresses is its corner-carving ability. Kawasaki Ninja 400: ought to you purchase it?In conclusion, theres a lot to like about the Ninja 400.

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 now gets a BS6-compliant engine and a brand-new livery. We inform you what its like.After a hiatus of over two years, Kawasaki has actually chosen to bring back the more effective and contemporary Ninja 400 to India. The modifications are incremental (mainly a BS6-compliant engine), and we take it out for a spin to see whats what. Kawasaki Ninja 400: design and ergonomicsIn real Ninja style, the 400 is one aggressive-looking motorbike. Regardless of no modifications made to the styling, the angular fairing with those twin-LED headlamps and the slim tail section with that appealing LED tail-lamp makes it look rather enormous. A huge modification for this design year is the adoption of a new livery, influenced by Kawasakis WSBK-spec ZX-10R. The bright green base colour together with the black and red touches and the KRT logos make it a head-turner for sure.Sharp LED lights have a terrific throw.The riding position on the Ninja 400 is comfortable and it isnt as devoted as you would think given the method it looks. The 785mm seat height makes it friendly and there isnt a long reach to the handlebars either. The foot pegs too are set at a reasonably comfortable angle; they are a bit high for my liking (Im 5 11″), however they arent really rear-set, which is a good thing. The total build quality and the switchgear feel sufficient too. Kawasaki Ninja 400: engine and performanceThe Ninja 400 continues to be powered by the same 399cc parallel twin motor from the earlier version, however the transition to BS6 has resulted in a distinction in output. Power is down 4hp, to 45hp, while torque is down 1Nm, to 37Nm. In spite of that, the Ninja 400 continues to be the most powerful motorbike in its class, albeit by just 1.5 hp over the 390 KTMs.As such, the BS6 Ninja 400 is faster than the KTM RC 390 in all elements. In our performance tests, the Ninja managed to do 0-100kph in 5.25 s, while the RC took 5.85 s. The Kawasaki is likewise quicker in regards to in-gear velocity. However, its worth noting that we checked the Ninja in dry conditions while the KTM was tested in the wet.Refined engine packs a punch.The engine itself is a really tractable unit that has a great and meaty midrange. Its improved too, with just some moderate vibrations filtering through at greater rpms. Mentioning which, this engine actually enters its own near the top of the revband. It builds speed rapidly and sounds simply so sweet, its addicting! The smooth engine is complemented by a slip-and-assist clutch that feels smooth in its operation. Lever action is light, and its a breeze to operate even in traffic. The gearbox itself is a slick-shifting 6-speed unit but loses out on a quickshifter, which some competitors offer.Kawasaki Ninja 400: trip and handlingAnother location where the Ninja 400 impresses is its corner-carving ability. Theres nothing new in terms of hardware– it continues with the very same trellis frame, suspension set-up and Dunlop tires as before, however thats no bad thing. The 400 feels light and agile on its feet and it doesnt take much effort to tip into corners. And when youre in there, it feels really steady, which motivates self-confidence. The grip from the Dunlops is just about appropriate, however they use little feedback and this chassis is worthy of much better tyres.As for the suspension, it continues to run a non-adjustable telescopic fork and a preload-adjustable monoshock. And while theres nothing to grumble about, it would have been good to see a modern upside-down fork on the 400, especially as its main rivals feature that. The trip quality in basic is great as it feels rather certified with many of our roadway conditions. Only the sharper bumps and bigger holes filter through and even then it isnt uncomfortable.In terms of braking, the Ninja 400 pertains to a dead stop from 60kph in an impressive 17.13 m. It lacks some bite at first, however it has more than ample stopping power on offer.Now, equipment is an area where the new Ninja 400 falls short. You do get LED headlights, a slip-and-assist clutch, dual-channel ABS and a semi-digital instrument cluster with an analogue tacho, which looks rather cool. But given its positioning in the market, it needs to have been equipped a lot better. Theres no traction control, adjustable levers, TFT display or Bluetooth connection, which is anticipated at this price in 2022. Kawasaki Ninja 400: need to you purchase it?In conclusion, theres a lot to like about the Ninja 400. Its got the appearances, a refined and sweet-sounding motor, and a sharp chassis. However theres no navigating the enormous elephant in the room– its cost. Priced at Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Ninja 400 costs Rs 1.83 lakh more than the better-equipped KTM RC 390 and a huge Rs 2.34 lakh more than the value-for-money TVS Apache RR 310. In reality, due to the fact that it is a CBU import, the Ninja draws in greater tax in particular states. For example, it costs Rs 6.80 lakh on roadway in Mumbai, and for that much you can get 2 Apache RR 310s. And no, this Kawasaki is not two times the bike the TVS is.So unless Kawasaki manages to cut prices drastically or generate some level of localisation, the Ninja 400, as before, stays an extremely sweet motorbike, however one that makes extremely little sense..