Yes, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is an excellent motorcycle for beginners. It strikes an ideal balance between being approachable for new riders while offering enough performance to remain engaging as skills develop.
Why the Ninja 400 Works Well for Beginners
Manageable Power
The Ninja 400’s 399cc parallel-twin engine delivers approximately 45-49 horsepower can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (approximately 62 mph) in roughly 5.6 seconds. This power is enough to be exciting without being overwhelming. Unlike larger supersports, the power delivery is predictable and forgiving, making it easier to develop throttle control skills.
Comfortable Ergonomics
Despite its sporty appearance, the Ninja 400 Kawasaki features a more upright riding position compared to larger sport bikes. This reduces wrist and back strain during longer rides and provides better visibility in traffic.
Lightweight Handling
Weighing around 366 pounds wet (with all fluids), the Kawasaki 400 Ninja is significantly lighter than most motorcycles. This makes it easier to maneuver at low speeds, more confidence-inspiring in corners, and less intimidating when parking or pushing the bike.
Modern Safety Features
The bike comes equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on most models, which is a valuable safety feature for new riders still developing emergency braking skills.
Reasonable Cost
With a lower purchase price and good fuel economy (typically 50-60 mpg), this one is more economical than larger motorcycles and becomes an important consideration for beginners who are also investing in gear and training.
About Kawasaki Motorcycles
The Ninja 400 is manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ Motorcycle & Engine division, which has a storied history in motorcycle production dating back to the 1960s. Kawasaki released its first Ninja model (the GPZ900R) in 1984, establishing the Ninja brand that has since become synonymous with sport motorcycles.
Kawasaki’s motorcycle division is known for its innovation in performance motorcycling, with the company frequently transferring technology from its racing endeavors to consumer models. The Ninja lineup specifically has evolved to include models ranging from the beginner-friendly 400cc to the track-focused supercharged H2 models.
The current Ninja 400 was introduced in 2018 as a replacement for the Ninja 300, representing Kawasaki’s commitment to continually improving their entry-level sport bike offerings. This focus on the beginner segment demonstrates Kawasaki’s understanding of the importance of providing accessible entry points to motorcycling while maintaining the performance heritage that defines the brand.
Check out What Is The Kawasaki Ninja 400 Top Speed in part 2.
