The entry-level motorcycle market has certainly heated up in the last decade, with a flurry of new models entering the category from numerous manufacturers. Kawasaki was one of the stalwarts of this class prior to the rush, offering the affordable and easy-to-ride Ninja 250R since 1986. Sensing the impending competition, Kawasaki enlarged the engine to 296cc in 2013, and then to 399cc in 2018. The Ninja 400 platform has proven to be a superb performer in all aspects, which logically resulted in less-sporty/more-everyday design of the Z400 ABS in 2019.
Utilizing the excellent power and chassis of Cycle World’s Ten Best–winning Ninja 400 (Kawasaki doesn’t publish any horsepower claims, but a stock Ninja 400 strapped to the CW dyno produced 44.1 hp at 9,830 rpm and 25.1 lb.-ft. of torque at 8,250 rpm to the rear wheel), the Z400 offers a more comfortable upright riding position with its taller handlebar, along with much less bodywork to damage if you tip over. The nonadjustable 41mm Showa fork and preload-adjustable KYB shock have softer spring rates than the Ninja 400′s suspension units, making for a cushier ride over imperfect urban pavement at less sporty speeds. The nimble chassis and neutral handling make the Z400 easy to control and tip into turns, and its light weight and low mass make maneuvering at low speeds easy.
A Nissin two-piston slider caliper grabbing a 310mm petal-style disc up front along with a single-piston caliper and 220mm disc out back do a more than ample job of slowing the Z400, with ABS standard to provide a safety net. And the LCD dash has a stacked display setup with larger fonts that are easily readable at a glance in bright daylight. LED lighting provides good illumination of the road ahead at night.
If you’re looking for a great first bike to learn the ropes on with performance that you won’t become bored with in a few months, the Kawasaki Z400 ABS should be at or near the top of your list.
The 2023 Kawasaki Z400 ABS is available in Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Matte Graphensteel Gray or Metallic Matte Graphensteel Gray/Metallic Spark Black for $5,399.
