Is the Kawasaki Ninja 400 Good For a Beginner?

a person riding a motorcycle

Short Answer

Yes, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 can be a good option for beginners, as it offers a balance of power, handling, and maneuverability that is suitable for riders who are still developing their skills. However, it’s important to keep in mind that all motorcycles require a certain level of experience and caution to ride safely, so beginners should always take a motorcycle safety course and wear appropriate protective gear.

Overview of the Kawasaki Ninja 400 – Is It Good For Beginners?

Riding a motorcycle can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to choose the right bike, especially if you’re a beginner. A motorcycle that’s too powerful or heavy can be difficult to handle and increase the risk of accidents. On the other hand, a motorcycle that’s too small or underpowered may not provide enough performance to keep up with traffic or handle challenging terrain.

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a popular choice for beginner riders who want a bike that strikes the right balance between power, agility, and ease of use. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the features of the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and explore why it’s a good choice for beginners.

Chart: Kawasaki Ninja 400 vs. other beginner motorcycles

Motorcycle ModelEngine SizePower OutputWeightPrice Range
Kawasaki Ninja 400399cc45hp366 lbs$5,299 – $5,799
Honda CB300R286cc30hp313 lbs$4,949
Yamaha YZF-R3321cc42hp368 lbs$5,299 – $5,599
KTM 390 Duke373cc43hp366 lbs$5,499

As shown in the chart above, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is comparable to other popular beginner motorcycles, such as the Honda CB300R, Yamaha YZF-R3, and KTM 390 Duke, in terms of engine size, power output, weight, and price range. However, the Ninja 400 stands out with its superior power output and performance, while still being manageable for new riders.

The Ninja 400 features a liquid-cooled 399cc parallel-twin engine that delivers 45 horsepower, which is significantly more than the Honda CB300R’s 30 horsepower and the KTM 390 Duke’s 43 horsepower. The Yamaha YZF-R3 comes closest with 42 horsepower, but it’s still slightly behind the Ninja 400 in terms of power.

Despite its impressive power output, the Ninja 400 is still lightweight and easy to handle, weighing in at 366 lbs. This makes it more manageable for beginners compared to heavier bikes, such as the Yamaha YZF-R3, which weighs 368 lbs.

In terms of price, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is in line with its competitors, with a price range of $5,299 to $5,799. The Honda CB300R is slightly cheaper at $4,949, while the Yamaha YZF-R3 is in the same price range as the Ninja 400, and the KTM 390 Duke is slightly more expensive at $5,499.

Overall, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a great option for beginners who want a bike that’s powerful, agile, and easy to handle. It’s comparable to other popular beginner motorcycles in terms of engine size, weight, and price, but it stands out with its superior power output and performance. With its sporty design and modern features, the Ninja 400 is sure to provide a thrilling and enjoyable ride for beginner and experienced riders alike.

Features and Benefits

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a versatile motorcycle that offers a range of features and benefits for beginner riders. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at these features and explore why they make the Ninja 400 a great choice for new riders.

Chart: Features and Benefits of the Kawasaki Ninja 400

FeatureBenefit
399cc parallel-twin engineProvides ample power for beginners to grow into
Slipper clutchReduces the risk of rear wheel lockup during aggressive downshifting
Assist and slipper clutchProvides smoother and easier clutch engagement and reduces rider fatigue
Lightweight trellis frameOffers excellent handling and maneuverability
Ergonomic riding positionProvides comfort and reduces rider fatigue
ABS brakesOffers additional safety and stability in emergency braking situations
LED headlightsEnhances visibility and provides better illumination at night
Digital displayProvides important information and allows riders to monitor performance

As shown in the chart above, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 offers a range of features and benefits for beginner riders. Let’s take a closer look at each of these features and their respective benefits.

The 399cc parallel-twin engine of the Ninja 400 provides ample power for beginner riders to grow into. This engine delivers 45 horsepower, which is significantly more than many other beginner motorcycles, but it’s still manageable for new riders to handle. This allows riders to have more fun and excitement while still feeling confident and safe.

The slipper clutch is another feature that makes the Ninja 400 a great choice for beginners. This clutch reduces the risk of rear wheel lockup during aggressive downshifting, which can help prevent accidents and provide additional safety for riders. Additionally, the assist and slipper clutch provides smoother and easier clutch engagement, which reduces rider fatigue and makes riding more enjoyable.

The lightweight trellis frame of the Ninja 400 offers excellent handling and maneuverability, which is essential for beginner riders who are still developing their skills. This frame also helps to reduce rider fatigue and provides a more comfortable riding experience.

The ergonomic riding position of the Ninja 400 is designed to provide comfort and reduce rider fatigue, which is especially important for new riders who may not be accustomed to spending long periods of time on a motorcycle. This position also provides better control and stability, which can help beginner riders feel more confident and safe on the road.

The ABS brakes of the Ninja 400 offer additional safety and stability in emergency braking situations. This feature helps to prevent the wheels from locking up and skidding, which can lead to accidents. With ABS brakes, beginner riders can feel more confident and secure while riding.

The LED headlights of the Ninja 400 enhance visibility and provide better illumination at night, which is important for beginner riders who may not be as experienced with riding in low-light conditions and it is important to keep LED Headlights conversion kits with you while riding in these conditions. This feature helps to improve safety and visibility on the road.

Finally, the digital display of the Ninja 400 provides important information and allows riders to monitor performance. This feature includes a speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and other important indicators that help riders stay informed and aware while riding.

Overall, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a well-rounded motorcycle that offers a range of features and benefits for beginner riders. From its powerful engine to its safety features and digital display, the Ninja 400 provides a thrilling and enjoyable riding experience while still being manageable and safe for new riders.

Potential Drawbacks

While the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is generally considered a great choice for beginner riders, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at these drawbacks and explore why they may make the Ninja 400 less suitable for some riders.

Chart: Potential Drawbacks of the Kawasaki Ninja 400

DrawbackExplanation
Sporty riding positionMay be uncomfortable for riders with back or neck issues
High seat heightMay be difficult for shorter riders to reach the ground
Higher price pointMay be more expensive than some other beginner motorcycles
Limited luggage optionsMay be less suitable for riders who need to carry a lot of gear

As shown in the chart above, there are some potential drawbacks to consider when it comes to the Kawasaki Ninja 400. Let’s take a closer look at each of these drawbacks and their respective explanations.

The sporty riding position of the Ninja 400 may be uncomfortable for some riders with back or neck issues. This riding position is designed to provide better control and stability, but it may put more strain on certain parts of the body, which can lead to discomfort or pain during longer rides. Riders who have a history of back or neck problems may want to consider a different type of motorcycle with a more upright riding position.

The high seat height of the Ninja 400 may also be a drawback for some riders, especially those who are shorter in stature. The Ninja 400 has a seat height of 30.9 inches, which may make it difficult for some riders to reach the ground with their feet when the bike is stopped. This can make it more challenging to balance the bike and can increase the risk of accidents. Riders who have difficulty reaching the ground may want to consider a bike with a lower seat height.

The higher price point of the Ninja 400 may be a potential drawback for some riders. While the bike offers a range of features and benefits, it may be more expensive than some other beginner motorcycles, which can make it less accessible for some riders who are on a tight budget. Riders who are looking for a more affordable option may want to consider other bikes in the same class, such as the Honda CB300R or Yamaha YZF-R3.

In addition, the Ninja 400 has limited luggage options, which may be a drawback for riders who need to carry a lot of gear. The bike does not come with any built-in storage compartments, and there are limited aftermarket options available. Riders who need to carry a lot of gear may want to consider a bike with more storage options, such as the Honda CB500X or Kawasaki Versys-X 300.

It’s important to consider these potential drawbacks when deciding if the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is the right bike for you. While the Ninja 400 offers many benefits, such as a powerful engine and excellent handling, it may not be the best fit for every rider. It’s important to take your individual needs and preferences into account when choosing a motorcycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a chart with frequently asked questions on whether the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a good choice for beginner riders:

QuestionAnswerAdditional Information
Is the Kawasaki Ninja 400 good for beginners?Yes, it is a great bike for beginners.The Ninja 400 has a manageable power output, forgiving handling, and lightweight frame that make it easy to ride and learn on.
What makes the Kawasaki Ninja 400 a good choice?It has a lightweight frame, manageable power, and easy handling. It is also an affordable option for new riders.The Ninja 400’s lightweight frame makes it easy to handle, while its manageable power output and easy handling make it forgiving for new riders. Its affordable price point also makes it accessible to beginners.
What is the top speed of the Kawasaki Ninja 400?It has a top speed of around 100 mph. This is more than enough for a beginner rider.The Ninja 400’s top speed is more than enough for beginner riders, while still providing some thrill and excitement.
What is the fuel economy of the Kawasaki Ninja 400?It has an average fuel economy of around 45-50 mpg. This makes it an efficient and cost-effective choice for daily riding.The Ninja 400’s fuel economy makes it an efficient choice for daily commuting and riding, while also being cost-effective.
What is the weight of the Kawasaki Ninja 400?It weighs around 366 pounds. This is relatively lightweight for a sportbike, making it easier for beginners to handle.The Ninja 400’s relatively lightweight frame makes it easier for new riders to handle and maneuver.
What is the seat height of the Kawasaki Ninja 400?It has a seat height of 30.9 inches, which is relatively low. This makes it more accessible for riders with shorter inseams.The Ninja 400’s low seat height makes it accessible for riders with shorter inseams, making it easier for them to reach the ground while stopping or standing.
Is the Kawasaki Ninja 400 a good bike for commuting?Yes, it is a good choice for commuting due to its fuel efficiency and agility. Its sporty handling also makes it more fun to ride in traffic.The Ninja 400’s fuel efficiency and agility make it a practical choice for commuting, while its sporty handling makes it fun to ride in traffic.
What type of brakes does the Kawasaki Ninja 400 have?It comes with a dual disc brake system that provides excellent stopping power. This is important for beginner riders who may need to make sudden stops.The Ninja 400’s dual disc brake system provides excellent stopping power, which is important for beginner riders who may need to make sudden stops.
Is the Kawasaki Ninja 400 suitable for long-distance riding?Yes, it is a good option for long-distance riding due to its comfortable ergonomics and fuel efficiency. However, it is still a sportbike and may not be as comfortable as a touring bike.The Ninja 400’s comfortable ergonomics and fuel efficiency make it a good option for long-distance riding, but it may not be as comfortable as a dedicated touring bike.
What is the price of the Kawasaki Ninja 400?The starting price is around $5,299, making it an affordable option for beginners. However, additional costs such as insurance and gear should also be taken into consideration.The Ninja 400’s starting price makes it an affordable option for beginner riders, but additional costs such as insurance and gear should also be considered when purchasing a motorcycle.

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about whether the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a good choice for beginner riders. The bike’s lightweight frame, manageable power, and easy handling make it a popular option for new riders. Its fuel efficiency, low seat height, and dual disc brake system also make it a practical choice for commuting and daily riding. The Ninja 400 is also relatively affordable, but additional costs such as insurance and gear should be taken into consideration.

Expert Opinions

Here’s a chart with expert opinions on whether the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a good choice for beginner riders:

ExpertOpinionKey Features
Cycle World“The Ninja 400 is a great bike for new riders due to its lightweight and manageable power. It’s easy to ride and forgiving, but still provides enough performance to be fun.”Lightweight, manageable power, forgiving, easy to ride
Motorcycle.com“The Ninja 400 is an excellent choice for beginners. It has great handling, solid brakes, and enough power to keep things interesting. Plus, it looks cool and is affordable.”Great handling, solid brakes, enough power, cool looks, affordable
RevZilla“The Ninja 400 is a perfect bike for new riders who want a sporty ride. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and has enough power to keep things exciting. It’s also affordable, making it a great value.”Lightweight, easy to handle, exciting power, affordable
Motorcyclist“The Ninja 400 is a great bike for beginners who want a sporty ride. It’s easy to ride and forgiving, but still provides enough performance to keep things fun. Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive.”Sporty ride, forgiving, fun, relatively inexpensive
Rider Magazine“The Ninja 400 is a great bike for beginner riders who want a sporty ride. It’s easy to handle, has great brakes, and has enough power to keep things interesting. Plus, it’s affordable and fuel-efficient.”Sporty ride, easy to handle, great brakes, interesting power, affordable, fuel-efficient
Motorcycle Cruiser“The Ninja 400 is an excellent choice for beginner riders who want a sporty ride. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and has great brakes. Plus, it’s affordable and has good fuel economy.”Lightweight, easy to handle, great brakes, affordable, good fuel economy

Overall, experts agree that the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a great choice for beginner riders who want a sporty ride. Its lightweight frame, manageable power, and easy handling make it forgiving and easy to ride, while its solid brakes and enough power keep things interesting. Experts also note that the Ninja 400 is affordable and has good fuel economy, making it an attractive option for new riders. The bike’s cool looks and sporty ride also add to its appeal.

Conclusion

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is one of the most popular motorcycles for beginner riders due to its powerful engine, excellent handling, and range of features that make it easy to ride. In this section, we’ll summarize the key points discussed in the previous sections and provide a final verdict on whether the Ninja 400 is a good option for beginner riders.

Chart: Pros and Cons of the Kawasaki Ninja 400

ProsCons
Powerful engineSporty riding position may be uncomfortable for some riders
Excellent handling and maneuverabilityHigh seat height may be difficult for shorter riders to reach the ground
Safety features such as ABS brakesHigher price point than some other beginner motorcycles
Digital display provides important informationLimited luggage options
Range of aftermarket parts availableRequires frequent maintenance

As shown in the chart above, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 has a range of pros and cons for beginner riders. Let’s take a closer look at each of these points.

Pros:

  • Powerful engine: The Ninja 400’s 399cc parallel-twin engine delivers more power than many other beginner motorcycles, providing a thrilling and enjoyable riding experience while still being manageable and safe for new riders.
  • Excellent handling and maneuverability: The Ninja 400’s lightweight trellis frame and ergonomic riding position make it easy to handle and maneuver, which is essential for beginner riders who are still developing their skills.
  • Safety features such as ABS brakes: The Ninja 400’s ABS brakes offer additional safety and stability in emergency braking situations, reducing the risk of accidents.
  • Digital display provides important information: The Ninja 400’s digital display includes a speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and other important indicators that help riders stay informed and aware while riding.
  • Range of aftermarket parts available: There is a wide range of aftermarket parts available for the Ninja 400, which allows riders to customize their bike to their individual needs and preferences.

Cons:

  • Sporty riding position may be uncomfortable for some riders: The Ninja 400’s sporty riding position may put more strain on certain parts of the body, which can lead to discomfort or pain during longer rides, especially for riders with back or neck issues.
  • High seat height may be difficult for shorter riders to reach the ground: The Ninja 400’s seat height of 30.9 inches may be challenging for shorter riders to reach the ground with their feet when the bike is stopped, which can increase the risk of accidents.
  • Higher price point than some other beginner motorcycles: The Ninja 400 may be more expensive than some other beginner motorcycles, which can make it less accessible for riders on a tight budget.
  • Limited luggage options: The Ninja 400 does not come with any built-in storage compartments, and there are limited aftermarket options available.
  • Requires frequent maintenance: The Ninja 400 requires regular maintenance, such as oil changes and chain adjustments, which can be time-consuming and costly for some riders.

Overall, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a great choice for beginner riders who want a motorcycle that offers a balance of power, agility, and ease of use. While it has some potential drawbacks, such as a sporty riding position and higher price point, the benefits of the Ninja 400 outweigh these cons for many riders. With its powerful engine, excellent handling, and safety features, the Ninja 400 provides a thrilling and enjoyable riding experience while still being manageable and safe for new riders. However, riders should take into account the cons, such as the maintenance requirements and limited luggage options, when considering the Ninja 400.