Apparently the Kawasaki Ninja 300 couldn't pass Euro 4 regs so Kawasaki designed a completely new bike in my absolute favorite displacement, 399cc of small mill thrill. This new Ninja is more powerful (44hp) and lighter than the 300 it is replacing.

It is also quite a bit better looking than the 300.






More info and specs here Link to MCN article

While reading about this new Kawasaki 400 I came across something saying Honda is rumored to be brining back the CB400F and plans on making it a more high performance oriented small displacement machine. Honda's entry level/ small mill bikes have been absolutely bland for the past few years. Hopefully the rumor is true and they can break that cycle.

I see it's a parallel twin. Meeting euro 4 emission seems to be very difficult to do with single cylinder motors.

Yeah, thumpers and wild entry level inline fours that rev to the moon might be motorcycle history. I have nothing against parallel twins but a 399cc inline four is about the most fun you can have legally on the street without risking jail time or the loss of your license.

quote:

Originally posted by ridewv:
I see it's a parallel twin. Meeting euro 4 emission seems to be very difficult to do with single cylinder motors.

BMW did it with the G310 single, but reversing the head 180º so the intake is in the front & exhaust in the back.

This little 400 looks nice too, but maybe a bit to lay down sporty for a daily.

Stick

I grew up with Kawi's.
Starting with the KZ1000, then the GPZ's

This is a nice little ride....

Rainman, have you seen Kawasaki's new retro 900? It is GORGEOUS!!! My first moto was a Kawasaki so they will always remain a brand that is near and dear to my heart. I've had my eye on a local Kawasaki Zephyr 750 and a Ducati Monster S4R. Completely different bikes but VERY tempting in their own special way.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
Rainman, have you seen Kawasaki's new retro 900? It is GORGEOUS!!! My first moto was a Kawasaki so they will always remain a brand that is near and dear to my heart. I've had my eye on a local Kawasaki Zephyr 750 and a Ducati Monster S4R. Completely different bikes but VERY tempting in their own special way.

Dude

You and I should never meet face to face.
It would be too epic and probably create a Supernova....

I was riding a Kawasaki 400 the night I rode into a stopped car doing 60.

My brave little bike gave its life saving mine.

Sig2340, was it a KZ400? I love the KZ series.

I found a early 90's Kawasaki Zephyr 750 (very similar to the KZ series) with less than 6k miles. I cannot begin to tell you how hard it has been to resist picking it up. This thing so damn clean and good looking. I could scoop it up for less than that new Ninja 400.

I keep telling myself I don't need it and it would be hard to find parts but damn....it's a neat bike and the price ain't bad.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
Sig2340, was it a KZ400? I love the KZ series.

I found a early 90's Kawasaki Zephyr 750 (very similar to the KZ series) with less than 6k miles. I cannot begin to tell you how hard it has been to resist picking it up. This thing so damn clean and good looking. I could scoop it up for less than that new Ninja 400.

I keep telling myself I don't need it and it would be hard to find parts but damn....it's a neat bike and the price ain't bad.
...

Yes, a 1978 KZ400 in emerald green, with a passenger backrest and a windshield.

At about 4x the mpg of my Volvo 245 SW, I rode it everywhere.

The accident broke, literally, everything to the tail light.

She looked like this:

That KZ400 is a little like the one and only motorcycle I have had - a '76 Honda CB 360. It was no thriller, but a a fun and handy little bike.