Kawasaki Ninja 400: A Good Beginner / Starter Bike or Not?

Is Kawasaki Ninja 400 Good for Beginners?

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a popular sports motorcycle that has gained a reputation as an excellent choice for beginner riders. With its approachable power, responsive handling, and sleek styling, the Ninja 400 is designed to provide a fun and accessible riding experience for riders who are just starting out.

Introduced in 2018, the Ninja 400 is the successor to the Ninja 300 model and represents a significant upgrade in terms of performance, technology, and design. It is powered by a 399cc parallel-twin engine that produces around 44 horsepower, which is more than enough for new riders to get a feel for the road without feeling overwhelmed.

One of the key advantages of the Ninja 400 for beginners is its manageable power output. Unlike some other high-performance sports bikes that can be challenging for new riders to handle, the Ninja 400’s engine is smooth and easy to control, with a linear power delivery that helps riders build confidence and skill over time.

In addition to its approachable power, the Ninja 400 also boasts excellent handling and maneuverability. It features a lightweight frame, responsive suspension, and agile steering that make it easy to navigate through city traffic or carve up winding roads. The bike also comes with anti-lock brakes as standard, which provides an extra level of safety and control.

Overall, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a great choice for beginner riders who want a motorcycle that is both fun and easy to ride. It offers the perfect combination of performance, handling, and style that make it an attractive option for new riders who are looking for a reliable and accessible motorcycle that will help them develop their skills and grow as riders.

Features for Beginners

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a motorcycle that is designed with features that specifically cater to the needs of beginner riders. These features make it a great choice for those who are just starting out and looking for a motorcycle that is both easy to handle and fun to ride. Here are some of the key features of the Ninja 400 that make it an excellent choice for beginner riders:

1. Manageable Power Output:

The Ninja 400’s 399cc parallel-twin engine produces around 44 horsepower, which is perfect for new riders who are looking for a motorcycle with enough power to get them around town but not so much that it will be difficult to handle. The engine’s smooth power delivery and manageable torque make it easy for beginners to control and build their confidence.

2. Lightweight and Agile Handling:

The Ninja 400’s lightweight frame and agile handling make it easy to maneuver through traffic and around corners. The bike’s responsive suspension and quick steering make it easy to handle, even at low speeds. The bike’s compact size also makes it easier to handle for riders with smaller statures.

3. Comfortable Riding Position:

The Ninja 400’s comfortable riding position makes it easy for beginners to stay in control of the bike for extended periods. The bike’s footpegs and handlebars are positioned to provide a natural, upright riding position that helps reduce rider fatigue and improves overall comfort.

4. Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS):

The Ninja 400 comes equipped with an ABS system as standard, which helps prevent the wheels from locking up during sudden braking. This feature provides an extra level of safety and control for beginner riders who may not be as experienced with emergency braking maneuvers.

Here are some charts that compare the Ninja 400’s specifications to other popular motorcycles in its class:

As you can see from the charts, the Ninja 400 has a similar engine displacement and horsepower as its competitors, but it is lighter in weight and less expensive. These factors make the Ninja 400 an attractive option for beginner riders who want a motorcycle that is both affordable and easy to handle.

Beginner-Friendly Performance

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a motorcycle that offers beginner riders a great combination of performance and ease of use. Its lightweight and agile handling, along with a manageable power output, make it a great choice for riders who are just starting out. Here are some of the features that make the Ninja 400 a beginner-friendly motorcycle:

1. Smooth and Manageable Power Delivery:

The Ninja 400’s 399cc parallel-twin engine is designed to provide a smooth and predictable power delivery. This makes it easier for beginners to control the bike and build their confidence. The engine’s manageable torque also makes it easier for riders to accelerate smoothly from a stop.

2. Lightweight Frame and Agile Handling:

The Ninja 400’s lightweight frame and agile handling make it easy to maneuver through traffic and around corners. This is especially important for beginner riders who may not be as confident in their abilities yet. The bike’s responsive suspension and quick steering also make it easier to handle, even at low speeds.

3. Comfortable Riding Position:

The Ninja 400’s comfortable riding position is another feature that makes it beginner-friendly. The bike’s footpegs and handlebars are positioned to provide a natural, upright riding position that reduces rider fatigue and improves overall comfort. This makes it easier for beginners to stay in control of the bike for longer periods of time.

4. Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS):

The Ninja 400 comes equipped with an ABS system as standard, which helps prevent the wheels from locking up during sudden braking. This is an important safety feature for beginner riders who may not be as experienced with emergency braking maneuvers.

Here are some charts that compare the Ninja 400’s performance specifications to other popular motorcycles in its class:

As you can see from the charts, the Ninja 400 has comparable performance specifications to its competitors, with a similar top speed and acceleration time. However, the Ninja 400’s manageable torque and smooth power delivery make it easier for beginner riders to control, while its lightweight frame and agile handling make it easier to maneuver. These factors make the Ninja 400 an excellent choice for beginner riders who want a motorcycle that is both easy to handle and fun to ride.

Price and Value

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is not only a beginner-friendly motorcycle, but it is also an excellent value for the price. With a starting price of $5,299, the Ninja 400 is one of the most affordable motorcycles in its class, making it accessible to riders on a budget. Here are some of the factors that make the Ninja 400 a great value for beginner riders:

1. Affordable Price:

As mentioned, the Ninja 400’s starting price of $5,299 makes it one of the most affordable motorcycles in its class. This is important for beginner riders who may not want to spend a lot of money on their first motorcycle. The lower price also means that the Ninja 400 is easier to maintain and repair, which can save riders money in the long run.

2. Low Insurance Costs:

The Ninja 400’s low starting price also means that insurance costs are typically lower compared to other high-performance motorcycles. This is because insurance companies consider the cost of the motorcycle when determining rates, and a lower-priced bike usually means lower insurance premiums.

3. Good Fuel Efficiency:

The Ninja 400’s fuel-efficient engine also helps keep costs down for beginner riders. The bike is rated to get up to 49 miles per gallon, which means fewer trips to the gas station and more money saved on fuel expenses.

Here are some charts that compare the Ninja 400’s price and value to other popular motorcycles in its class:

As you can see from the charts, the Ninja 400’s low price, low insurance costs, and good fuel efficiency make it an excellent value for beginner riders. It also has a relatively high resale value compared to its competitors, which means that riders can recoup more of their investment if they decide to sell the bike later on. Overall, the Ninja 400’s combination of performance, ease of use, and value make it a top choice for beginner riders who want an affordable and accessible motorcycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and its suitability for beginner riders:

As you can see, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a popular and well-regarded motorcycle among beginner riders. Its manageable power output, lightweight frame, agile handling, and anti-lock braking system make it an excellent choice for those who are just starting out. Additionally, its affordable price and good value for the money make it an accessible and budget-friendly option for riders who are just starting their motorcycle journey.

Expert Opinions

Expert opinions on the Kawasaki Ninja 400 as a beginner motorcycle are generally positive. Many motorcycle journalists and reviewers have praised the bike’s beginner-friendly features, including its manageable power output, lightweight frame, and agile handling. They have also noted the bike’s comfortable riding position, which can help new riders stay relaxed and focused while on the road.

For example, in a review for Cycle World, Mark Hoyer wrote, “The Ninja 400 is exactly the bike many new riders should be looking at… Kawasaki has engineered the Ninja 400 to be forgiving and easy to ride, while still delivering enough performance to be fun as a long-term partner for experienced riders, too.”

Similarly, in a review for Motorcyclist, Zack Courts wrote, “The Ninja 400 isn’t just a good beginner bike—it’s a good bike, period. It’s capable, versatile, and fun… There’s no pretense here; the Ninja 400 is simply a solid motorcycle, with a fantastic power-to-weight ratio and great handling, that happens to be beginner-friendly.”

Overall, the consensus among experts is that the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a great motorcycle for beginners, offering a good balance of power, handling, and value for the price.

Conclusion

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a motorcycle that is well-suited for beginner riders. Its manageable power output, lightweight frame, and agile handling make it easy to control, while its comfortable riding position and anti-lock braking system provide added safety and comfort. In addition, the Ninja 400 is also an excellent value for the price, with a lower starting price, lower insurance costs, and good fuel efficiency compared to other motorcycles in its class.

Here are some charts that summarize the Ninja 400’s key features compared to its competitors:

As you can see from the charts, the Ninja 400 compares favorably to its competitors in terms of price, resale value, and fuel efficiency. It also has similar performance specifications while being lighter in weight, which makes it easier to handle for beginner riders. Overall, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is an excellent motorcycle for beginners who want a machine that is both easy to ride and fun to own.