2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400

[Campbell92]

I have been reading up and studying about the new 400 from Kawasaki. It is for sure a different machine from the old 250 not to mention is seems like the 300 just came out. Wanting to hear some others opinions. Do you think it will kill the 300/250 class? Will this be the new bike for learners? Will it be the new commuter bike to rule the road? 400 is a good sized bike, outside of a 650 it seems like the perfect speed for around these parts (maybe not interstate...will find out when we can test one out). Whats your thoughts?

[Nice Goat]

I have been reading up and studying about the new 400 from Kawasaki. It is for sure a different machine from the old 250 not to mention is seems like the 300 just came out. Wanting to hear some others opinions. Do you think it will kill the 300/250 class? Will this be the new bike for learners? Will it be the new commuter bike to rule the road? 400 is a good sized bike, outside of a 650 it seems like the perfect speed for around these parts (maybe not interstate...will find out when we can test one out). Whats your thoughts?

Average age of motorcyclists is climbing... With age comes additional weight, usually.  The 250 and 300 has never interested me, for that reason.  But the 400.... maybe.

A Versys 400 would also be intriguing...

[klaviator]

Displacement creep has been part of motorcycles as long as I have been around.  After all isn't bigger better?  After Yamaha cones out with a 424cc R4 will the Ninja become a 500 as it was years ago?  Where will it stop?  My guess is that the 300 class may go away but a new 250cc single cylinder inexpensive Ninja may come out as a less expensive alternative to the 400.

As for the 400, it seems like it will be a nice bike but I'll wait to read reviews.  I am glad to see a lot of models coming out in the smaller displacement classes. 

[DonJuan]

If that 400 has a 19000 Rpm redline, (zxr) I'm all over it.


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[kylepeterson]

suspension suspension suspension

put a 200/300/900 whatever cc engine in it, but make the suspension a priority. you can always wail on it and row the box to get some speed going, but making up for the sloppy suspenders is expensive in aftermarket parts.

[norton73]

Suspension doesn't sell to the masses. Engine performance does.
I'd bet less than 10 % of riders ever mess with suspension except to jack up the rear preload to carry a fat chick.

[springer]

Suspension doesn't sell to the masses. Engine performance does.
I'd bet less than 10 % of riders ever mess with suspension except to jack up the rear preload to carry a fat chick.

True dat.  ;) I go to the guru's of the mystic for that. http://www.racetech.com/  another company that I have had good luck at: http://traxxion.com/  and for the Africa Twin I am hoping to go all out with Howard at Ohlins : https://www.ohlinsusa.com/

[norton73]

Cogent Dynamics

http://www.motocd.com

Just serviced the Ohlins shock on my gs, price was reasonable and did some upgrades too.

[Bama_Rider]

Cogent Dynamics

http://www.motocd.com

Just serviced the Ohlins shock on my gs, price was reasonable and did some upgrades too.

Rick's a good guy.  He used to hang out on a Suzuki forum I belonged to when he was just getting his business started. 

[Chitza]

I bought my Vstrom from Rick and the suspension was INCREDIBLE. He called me before I drive up to get it to ask my height and weight. He had it set it up for me. I know he comes to STT track days at Barber sometimes. I'm not sure if he works on anything other than the track bikes for the day, but you could always ask.

[springer]