Ride and Review of the Kawasaki Z400
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Engine
Engine Type 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC,
Displacement 399cc
Cooling System Liquid-cooled
Bore 70.0 mm
Stroke 51.8 mm
Compression Ratio 11.5:1
Engine Power 28.0 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm
Fuel System DFI® with 32mm throttle bodies
Ignition TCBI with digital advance
Drivetrain
Transmission 6-speed, return shift
Final Drive Sealed chain
Chassis
Frame Type Trellis, high-tensile steel
Suspension
Front Suspension Telescopic fork
Rear Suspension Uni-Trak® swingarm
Brakes
Front braking system Single disc
Rear braking system Single disc
Wheels & Tires
Front Tire 110/70-17M/C 54H
Front Wheel Travel 4.7 in
Rear Tire 150/60-17M/C 66H
Rear Wheel Travel 5.1 in
Dimensions
Rake/trail 24.5°/3.6 in
Overall Length 78.3 in
Overall Width 31.5 in
Overall Height 41.5 in
Ground Clearance 5.7 in
Seat Height 30.9 in
Wheelbase 53.9 in
Capacities
Fuel Capacity 3.7 gal
Weights
Curb Weight 363.8 lb
Color
Colors Metallic Matte Graphite Gray/Metallic Spark Black, Candy Steel Furnace Orange/Metallic Flat Spark Black
TL:DR - great starter bike, highly recommend Great starter/smaller cc bike. I'm 6'2 @ 275lbs and I can easily get up to and maintain highway speeds. Seat position is a little more upright than other, sportier bikes (R3 was uncomfortable it was so low and tight) so it's very comfortable. I recommend immediately getting bar end mirrors, the stock ones are not very good and getting a fender eliminator kit (cheap amazon ones work great) A slip on would be a great choice, the leovince lv-10 has the best sound imo
I agree that LeoVince makes the best sounding exhaust...on any low cc motorcycle.
I had a 450 cc Suzuki in the early 80s to the early 90s. It was cabureted. Great little bike..400 cc bikes have plenty of power to get around….Great video..
I've had this Bike (red&black) for about 9 months now and I Love how easy and comfortable it is to Ride
Easy and comfortable is the best way to describe this machine.
Any issues with the clutch or transmission? I’ve heard rumors about problem
Amazing and nice colors!!! How's the seat for longer trips??
@@grumpysquid yes there's definitely a problem with the clutch supposedly resolved in the 2020 model
@@nunocardoso995 same question!
Best zee/zed 400 review
I’m 190 6’0 and glad u mentioned that lookin at this bike currently
It hauls me around great and if I could have a sub 500 cc ride capable of highway speed runs right now this would be it. It's a strong machine and comfy.
Oklahoma has some great rodes to rode near the lakes ...i just got me a z 400 ,its plenty for a mew rider,a lot of fun ...
I've had this bike for a year. Definitely the easiest bike I've ever been on! So smooth
Thanks for your excellent and thorough review! I put a deposit down on one of these last week, and watching your review gave me a lot of confidence that this was going to be a great first bike for me. I finalized the purchase this morning, and take possession next week. If your review is any indication, I am going to really enjoy the Z400!
I hope you really do enjoy it. It is a great little machine and perfect for a new rider to learn. Ride it safe!
I have 18,000 KM on mine and I can tell you .... You will love the little bike . I don't even ride my Honda VFR1200F anymore :-)
@@kermit8619 Yep I am really liking it! The weather hasn't been great here since I picked it up so I only have 300 km on it so far, but I am enjoying it nonetheless. I am definitely looking forward to summer :)
@@jt693 Glad you like it ! You ride safe buddy .
@@kermit8619 Thanks! You too :)
I have this bike and bloody love it. I got the black and green one as a posed to the green and black one 😀 I have had my license for over 20 years and it is just perfect. I preferred it to the z650. it is so smooth and easy to ride and balanced and stable at slow speed. I can use all of it’s power and not lose my license it so much fun.
For some reason I kind of like the orange and black color.
Kerry M not a fan, but I do like the copper color on some bikes.
You just new buyers curiosity and confirmed a down payment I put down yesterday's worries. Endorsement classes this weekend. Excited new rider!
So how much did you end up paying for that bike with all those dealer fees and taxes?
@@thomaskurek3524 about $7300
That’s crazy, thanks for the info
I just bought a 2021 red/black w/ABS... pick it up at the dealership tmrw and can’t wait
I bought my 2021 a week ago. Only has 160 miles on it. Let me know if the vibration above 4k rpm on yours goes away after awhile? Thanks.
@@Jim-MT you might want to have that checked out, I’m now at 900 miles and have had no issues with vibrations at any rpm. Where do you feel the vibration coming from?
@@bobbyjoesugar ~ Over 4k rpm it starts to vibrate in the handlebars/mirrors some. Not high frequency, not bad but it does. The 600 Ninja I had was like an electric motor at all RPM.
thank you for good review
My pleasure!
Love hedgehogs haha best animal there is! Nice channel dude, it's a sub for sure! I'm between this and the Versys x300 as a first bike. Will do 80/20 commuting and 20% roadtrips maybe. Done the Versys? Will I upgrade the seat for longer trips on both or is this Z really nice for like 260miles trips? I think I'll chill on klx250 as a first one, but would be good to practice on in the gravel hehe! What would you say? All the best!
rubber topped foot pegs will greatly reduce buzz of the engine, and reduce fatigue. I like soft suspension, I dislike anti-dive. That energy has to go somewhere when you’re breaking and it goes into the fork springs. otherwise, I had a BMW K 1200 LT that had anti-dive, that made the bike feel very top-heavy and unstable when braking especially in slow parking lot maneuvers in the front end would not absorb the breaking energy of you stopping. I actually dropped that BMW two times because the suspension would not absorb the breaking/stopping energy. That’s the first time in over 30 years ever dropped a bike I never dropped either of my Yamaha aventures/850 pound bikes in 16 years of riding them. But that BMW anti-die front end made me drop that BMW twice. I don’t like ABS brakes either. I was on a gravel downhill road on my way to a campground on my BMW with ABS. I touched the brakes and the brake lever came all the way back to the bars and the foot pedal went down also no brake pressure. I actually picked up speed, and I ran off the road at the bottom because it was a turn, luckily I ran into an 8 foot high cyclone fence that absorbed The impact like a big wire net. that ABS computer kept sensing that the wheel was trying to stop and would not apply brake pressure. I do not like ABS. You can get caught in the snow which I have had happened to me commuting to work here in the Northeast in one day I got caught at work and had to ride home and 8 inches of snow back in the 80s. If I was on a bike with ABS, I would have no breaks in that situation. traction control, stability control, and ABS is for idiots pretty much.. I am considering this bike as my second around town bike, because I have a Honda GL 1800 Goldwing right now/non-ABS model.. good review, common sense mentality approach to the machine. I like it. One little thing, I can put a tag bag on it, place to carry my rain suit, water, air compressor and tire plug kit, spray and cloths to clean bugs off the visor, gloves for cold, gloves for hot, liner for my jacket when needed/not needed, rain suit, toilet paper which I carry baby wipes instead, you can get 100 of them at a dollar store and you could practically take a bath with them because they’re pre-moistened,. flashlight, cargo net, boy Scout knife/Ford/spoon/can opener/lighter for starting Cook fires in campgrounds or rest areas. Sunscreen, walking shoes so I can take my riding boots off when I reach a destination that requires a lot of walking.bungees, maps, owners manual, you know all the normal things you carry in a tiny bag that you really can’t leave home without unless you’re not going more than 5 miles from home
I really like the lineup from Kawasaki. The clutch on these and the Versys 300 don't even feel like they are attached to anything. I wish they would put this engine in the Versys.
We badly need a Versys 400.
@@paramjotsingh26 Versys 400 could honestly kill the DRZ
Funny how everyone wants a versus 400, but kawasaki remains deaf.
@@Dreadmantisthe2nd versys is a street bike period. Drz is a legit dual sport
Or a Kawasaki 400 Supermoto would just be wishful thinking😂
Subbed. Sat on a z400 today. Felt a lot of what you described just from manipulating the bike at rest. I’m a beginner so take that as you will. But anyway, your outlook on bikes. Love it. Always hesitated to saddle up thanks to my family being terrified and being surround by people who don’t gear up and are more concerned with brand than what bikes are about. Decided f that and started looking into things. Glad to see dudes like you just trying to get the rest of us riding, for the sake of riding.
Leo vince makes a great slip on exhaust that sounds great but isn't too loud. I have the coffman shorty which sounds great as well.
i realize I'm pretty randomly asking but do anybody know a good place to watch newly released tv shows online?
@Marcel Cyrus Flixportal
@Aidan Bryce Thanks, I signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there =) Appreciate it!!
@Marcel Cyrus you are welcome xD
Greetings from the UK, your roads are similar to ours "shite" great bike for zipping through city traffic.
That's shocking. We are always told that our roads are trash and no better than most 3rd world nations.
At least in the UK you're able to legally lane split / filter, you know, one of the primary advantages to driving a motorcycle. That and motorists are more aware of allowing motorcyclists to lane split at slow or stopped speeds compared to the states.
Greetings from Okc
Greetings from Near OKC :)
just got one first time rider, best bike
How would you know that ?
Would you say the Z400 has more than enough power for highway cruising?
Thanks for the review. Any way you think you might be able to do a review of the honda cb300r? It’s in the same class as the z400. I would love to see your opinion on it
If an opportunity arises (here I would have to wait for a used one somewhere other than a Honda dealer sadly) I will. I had one bike show up and I went right down there and turned out it was consignment, so I was unable to ride it...
Nice!
Thanks!
Some of the reviewers said the z and Ninja 400 were buzzy over about 65 mph. Did you find that to be true?
Getting that for my birthday upgrading from a Duke 200. doing 200cc at time
Might have to stay with you for life cause these are great everyday machines.
How bad is the left mirror and the right put Peg due to the exhaust?
Great review. Appreciate the insight. You shared everything I wanted to know about the bike. How would you compare it to the Honda CB500F?
I'd say lighter, sportier and more performance oriented but not as refined as the Honda (not saying the Z isn't a quality machine)
Anche io possiedo una Kawasaki Z400, e sono molto soddisfatto. 😊
tacos
Pretty good review there RH! Just bought a 2019 green and black one out of an Indy shop last week. Thought I'd add couple things on it. Some said in other reviews that tall riders might not fit well on the bike. Being 6'2" I thought it was okay to sit on and not suffer too much. The seat is kinda weird in that it's hard to keep your pants on right and not hike up while driving. The mirrors definitely are hard to see traffic from behind esp. while wearing a jacket so I went to Amazon and found some extenders that were about $12. They're just two small aluminum black devices that are very simple things; just unscrew the mirrors and screw the devices in the attachment on the handlebars and they work much better as they extend out and up so the rider can use the mirrors properly. Couple more nice things in the display are temp and fuel gauges and eco reader. The bike also automatically shuts down if dropped and has a recorder onboard to record last readings of the bike in case of mishap. I had the choice of the Honda CB300F or this and chose this bike. The size of the engine is closer to reality than Honda and it has the green I like. So I recommend this bike to anyone looking for this kind! UPDATE: got a handlebar riser which helps take off pressure on my arms. Can raise it up about an inch before you have to get extension cables. Good purchase if you want to sit up even straighter.
do the mirror extenders change the look of the bike much? My biggest issue with mine are the mirrors, the visibility is not the best.
@@09764312468 Not really. A tad higher and outwards a little. I found that when you wear a jacket it obstructed my view but not too bad while just wearing a shirt.
If you were looking for a combination short tourer/commuter, which would you choose, the Rebel 500 or the Z400 & why? Thank You.
Z400 if you want something zippy and light, Rebel if you're looking for something more laid back
I've never had a motorcycle and am interested in either a naked or a dual sport. Of the CHEAPER dual sports which is better the MT-03 or Z400? I would love to find a used one in the ~$3000 range but I think its unlikely with them being as new as they are.
I have not had a chance to ride the MT-03 and am looking to have a dealer let me ride as soon as this gets over so I would not have all the details. I did get to sit on the MT-03 at IMS Denver is the closest I have got.
Another great review. I have no desire for a crotch rocket, but the bike is much closer to a standard. I believe you used that term in the review.
That is correct it is very much a standard machine and much more comfy as an everyday rider.
how is the Z400 when you open it up? i hear they tune these naked a bit more for lower RPMs for more practical riding compared to the sport versions of these bikes.
It gets well for the displacement and makes plenty of power mid to upper range.
i like the usability of the bike. not too powerful, not too heavy, good riding position. The only deal breaker for me is the rear seat seat/hump. It's too unfriendly to the pillion. It's not styled like a sportbike upfront but the back portion is too extreme like a sportsbike. If only they styled it appropriately with a proper double bench seat but once again, the bean counting accountants won the day.
Hey Rabid Hedgehog I’m the same height as you and I have the same inseam, but I weigh 300lbs , and to top it off I’m a newbie. Do you think the Z400 can handle my weight. Thanks man for the great reviews.👍🏻😎🇨🇦
You will probably have to respring the forks. All small bikes are built around rider weighing 150lbs or so. Not saying you can't ride it but you may experience the front bottom out and not a good feeling leaning through the turns at speed.
would you recommend this over the scrambler sixty2 in terms of riding? (disregarding the price of course)
YES
How does this bike compare with the gs500f you reviewed a few years ago?
The GS500f is a more comfy and plush ride and a little bit larger for me. But the Z400 is more exciting and feels more powerful and has better handling.
I'm looking at the z400 and rebel 500. What one do you recomend?
The z400
The riding style is the thing that would determine the best bike for you. If you like getting out there and tearing into the canyons and ticking the pegs to the ground than the Z400 is the one for you. If you like the more lazy way around and just cruising about then the Rebel would be a good choice. Both are great riders and deserve a look.
Nice review sir.. some people say this bike pull like a bigger bike, not like a 400.. is that true?
It does indeed punch above its weight class when compared to 400s and such of old I will say that. But with modern engine tech there will be clear differences when going from 400 to 650 and such. But it is indeed a great little engine.
Kawasaki claims the z 400 suspension is 10% softer than ninja 400 for urban riding.
How would you compare this to the sv650? I know this is a couple thousand dollars cheaper.
I wouldn't be sad with either one to be honest. Yes you lose some top end speeds and such with the Z400 but it's an excellent platform in its own right.
Loud pipes save lives I put me a Leo Vince muffler tip on it mine and it's awesome like a big boy bike and better so people on the road don't hit you when you are riding they can hear you coming that's for dam sure ride safe people.😎👍🤙🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️😎👍🤙
how long (how many mies) is the 'break in' period on this bike?
600 miles
This, it sv650?
How about a sprocket change for highway trips
That is easy and able to be done. However, it does not need one at this time it seems to run nicely in stock setup for normal Highway applications. The only thing you might gain is fuel economy.
@@RabidHedgehog Did you se those gas prices !?
How would you rate the seat on this bike. Ok for 2-3 hr rides?
I would say so.
No, the seat is no good for that. It kinda tilts you forward. For a long ride I would def get seat upgrade/mod.
I agree with Chema. I commute to work, my butt gets sore after just 25 minutes. Still love riding this tho :) gotta just find some kinda seat upgrade
straaaaaaiight roards everywhere is USA.... I'm not suprised you guys need bigger CC bikes. You are fine with smaller bikes is EU where we have more twisty roads.
Man I don't mind smaller bikes even in the straights. I love these because the limit is so much easier to hit vs. big displacement monsters. Oh yes I would love to carve up a canyon or mountain road. Colorado has what is called the Million Dollar Highway and I want to hit that.
Good review. Boring roads where you live, bro.
Sadly that is the truth. We are hours away from anything that remotely can be considered a road.
How is the acceleration on this one is this better than duke 390
I'd actually say the Z400 has a decent edge on the 390. The 0-60 numbers also prove that as well as the Z400 is a sub 5 second 0-60 and the 390 is a little over 5. I also feel that the Z is a little more refined as well.
What’s the Honda at the intro to the video??
CB1100EX 2017 model
Which is more fun...this or Rebel 500?
This 100% Rebel is more for cruising
The Rebel 500 is far heavier
I'm 6ft 230 lbs is this bike going to have trouble getting up A hill with me on it???
No sir it has plenty of power to make it happen.
@@RabidHedgehog Thank you for the feedback. I'm Likely buying A Z400 as A first bike soon.
Hedgehog gotta lay off the hedgeburgers!
No vibrations in the mirrors?
Not really. Visibility is clear until high up the rev range getting close to red line.
is the Kiyosaki good for dirt road?
With street tires not really but maybe some hard parked dirt/gravel types.
i am 62 yo and just bought one exactly like this today did about 50 miles and i agree with this guy , everything he said is spot on. i have had big bikes and back in the day a 350 was normal and a 450 was much bigger, but this runs rings around the 1974 honda 460 i had but still it reminds me of that bike, my last bike was a harley 1200 sportster custom 2015 bought it ne and last march i took it in for inspection and the tail light was out, 650 bucks, no you can not change a bulb 650 bucks, i sold it and have been bikeless till today and my sweet little z400, i had a 2015 civic si and the z400 reminds me of that car.
Prefer the ergonomics of Yamahas mt03 and that exhaust placement is horrid right up behind the peg. Always loved Kawi’s but not this one after a test ride.
Needing to try one that I can film. Yamaha does not allow action cams during demo truck events any longer. Dealers here do not allow a test ride off the parking lot.
What does plucky mean?
Essentially despite being small it punches above it's weight.
And by punches above it weight it means more power than you might think?
How much do you pay for insurance? And full coverage or just liability?
I actually do not own this machine so I am not sure.
Weird proportioned human? You haven’t met me 😅
Z400 or CB500f?
Hi my friend this question will be answered today as I'm heading to a local Kawi dealer near me here somewhere in England UK, I own a Cb500f 2019 and I'm eager to compare the 2. I'll be back for feedback later lol ✌️👍
Where’s the answer
Still waiting for your summery on these bikes
4:30 "No big Dildo...."
i cant decide between the ninja and this zee
$$$. For me, ninja 400 6200euro is to close to 650s price. Sv650 6700e 6990euro both MT07 Z650... I am going for Z400 for 5350euro. Cheers
@@UkletiHolandjanin-pd1bf thanks i just bought the z400.... much fun facing the wing hehe
Hi, what is the top speed?
It'll sneak up, with great effort, to around 112 MPH indicted.
The Ninja 400 is cheaper than the z400 in the US if you don't get abs.
It's not though .
What's the top speed on this bike?
112 MPH
Sounds like a scooter
I say zee when I mention my z1000. To be incorrect about it is so petty a thing to mention for correcting him. You don’t think he knows how it’s to be said ?? If that’s all you worry about is correcting people then you must be Jesus Christ and able to throw stones in a glass house.
In Euro nations it is zed, and I know that. But I am from Oklahoma and it is okay to say Zee... lol in fact I don't care if one says Zee or Zed.
in Philippines we say it Zei.... so big problem people have
Who else thinks we should have motorcycle only lanes 🤚🏻
Countries like Taiwan have motorcycle / scooter lanes, but to convince the public and garner political support to make it happen here, we'd need to bring the motorcyclist numbers up nationally. Far too many lazy / falsely entitled motorists here in the states who perpetuate the 'cager' stereotype and lifestyle, which retains the status quo.
The honda cbr 300r just seems better. Cheaper, doesn't need to shift gears so quickly. that's annoying lol.
Need to borrow one...
I thought CBR300 is high revving(?). Also the CBR300 not good for freeway. Economical and fun and sporty, but not high/top end speed. That is my first choice with the MT03 close second
@@grumpysquid I mean, I ride on the freeway all the time with ease, even got a few speeding tickets lol. I am only 150 pounds, so might be different for other people. But for me this thing freaking rips. Love it!! You can rev pretty high with it, if you want to. I even beat a dodge charger for a few seconds XD thing literally cost me 2600 bucks brand new. can't believe it's this cheap for such quality. Been riding it every day for about 2 years now.
If you really want to brake in the engine any bike and are dedicated. 1 proper warm up and Ride it like you stole it. 2. First 50 miles pull in to get a drink and let bike cool off completly, real good to seat the pistons. 3. 100 miles dump the oil. 4. 200 miles dump the oil. 5. 400 miles dump the oil. AT ALL TIMES RUN IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT. and the so called 600 mile first service m, now your favorite synthetic oil and K@N filter. Your bike is perfectly broke in because if not you will be in many rpms and it's revving hard just does not feel right. This is eliminated. Remember the engine is put on a dyno and red lined before it's put on the bike. A lot of work but you will have a great broken in motorcycle oil every 2000 miles filter every second change. 😈
It's a Z400 (zed) not a z400(zee) lol
Sorry I was born on the wrong side of the pond for that.
We say "zee" in the USA. Kinda like toe-may-toe vs ta-ma-toe.