2023 Kawasaki Z 400

Make Model	Kawasaki Z 400
Year	2023
Engine	Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Capacity	399 cc / 24.3 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	70 x 51.8 mm
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio	11.5:1
Lubrication	Forced lubrication, wet sump
Induction	DFI with 32mm x 2 throttle bodies
Emission	EURO5
Ignition	TCBI with digital advance
Starting	Electric
Max Power	33.4 kW / 45 hp @10000 rpm
Max Torque	37 Nm / 27.3 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm
Clutch	Wet multi-disc, manual
Transmission	6 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Primary Reduction Ratio	2.219 (71/32)
Final Reduction Ratio	2.929 (41/14)
Gear Ratio	1st 2.929 (41/14) 2nd 2.056 (37/18) 3rd 1.619 (34/21) 4th 1.333 (32/24) 5th 1.154 (30/26) 6th 1.037 (28/27)
Frame	Trellis, high-tensile steel
Front Suspension	41mm Telescopic fork
Front Wheel Travel	120 mm / 4.7 in
Rear Suspension	Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock with adjustable preload
Rear Wheel Travel	130 mm / 5.1 in
Front Brakes	Single 310mm semi-floating petal disc. Caliper: Single balanced actuation dual piston
Rear Brakes	Single 220 mm petal disc. Caliper: Dual-piston
ABS	Standard
Front Tyre	110/70R17 M/C 54 H
Rear Tyre	150/60R17 M/C 66 H
Rake	24.5°
Trail	92 mm / 3.7 in
Dimensions	Length 1990 mm / 78.3 in Width 800 mm / 31.5 in Height 1055 mm / 41.5 in
Wheelbase	1370 mm / 53.9 in
Seat Height	785 mm / 30.9 in
Ground Clearance	145 mm / 5.7 in
Wet Weight	167 kg / 363.8 lbs
Fuel Capacity	14 Litres / 3.7 US gal

Two of Kawasaki’s stand-out A2 licence compliant machines of recent years make a welcome return for the 2023 model year line up.

As the naked style category continues to expand in size and popularity, the Z400 will ably fulfil the need for a Z model for A2 licence holders fashioned in the same style as its Sugomi styled Z siblings. 2022 has witnessed celebrations highlighting 50 years of the famous Z range providing a springboard for the re-introduction of the Euro5 compliant Z400 complete with its 399 cm3 parallel twin water-cooled engine delivering 33.4 kW (45PS) and 37 N.m (3.8kg-m) of torque at 8,000 rpm.

Complete with an assist and slipper clutch and a trellis frame mirroring the chassis of the range-leading Z H2, the Z400 provides a big bike personality in a manageable package for those making their way up the capacity ladder or those who feel the 400cc class is their ideal destination.

A seat height of 785 mm contributes towards admirable manoeuvrability while Kawasaki’s unique ERGO-fit optional seat enhances riding comfort for taller riders, making the Z400 the most logical choice in class.

Track focused fans also have good reason to rejoice in 2023 as the range partner for the Z model will be the highly popular Ninja 400. The base machine for race and Championship winning machinery in the highly competitive WorldSSP300 Championship, the handling and performance credentials of the Ninja need no further amplification. The chosen mount of current champion, Adrian Huertas, the new 2023 Ninja 400 shares its A2 licence compliance with the Z400 along with a tubular trellis chassis and powerful 286mm front disc brake coupled with an equally effective 193mm rear rotor.

Ninja style never goes out of fashion and the Ninja 400 revels in its family resemblance to the mighty Ninja ZX-10R, a machine that has achieved unparalleled levels of WorldSBK Championship success. And like its Ninja big brother, the 400-class machine also features an assist and slipper clutch facilitating smooth gear down changes and a 20% lighter lever pull at the handlebar.

Anticipation for the re-introduction of not one but two A2 licence compliant 400cc class machines in Euro5 specification will build towards their addition to a comprehensive range for the 2023 model year creating a tough yet enjoyable choice for prospective owners. Naked style or Ninja style, Kawasaki has the 2023 mid-capacity class bases covered.

More rigid ø41 mm telescopic fork delivers better suspension action. The front wheel feels really planted, direction changes are made easily (even when the bike is fairly upright – handy when navigating traffic jams), and overall the suspension offers the plushness of a larger displacement bike.

The Z400 combines the sharp, aggressive style of the Z650 with the large-volume design of the Z300 to create an aggressive, agile, masculine impression. Its muscular, athletic bodywork reflects the increased performance while forming a flowing design that appears to float above the engine. Like other models in the Z Series, sugomi design elements (crouching stance, low-positioned head and upswept tail) give it a silhouette instantly recognisable as a Kawasaki Supernaked.

The Z400 is equipped with the same stacked instrument cluster as the Z650. Offering an easy-to-read layout, the analogue-style tachometer features a gear position indicator at its centre and sits atop a multi-function LCD screen.

The lightweight design of the new engine and frame, plus extensive efforts to minimise weight result in a curb mass of only 167 kg for the Z400 (3 kg lighter than the Z300) – making them the lightest twin-cylinder models in their class.

Designing the engine from scratch allowed the engine layout to be optimised for size, weight and efficiency. The new engine is comparable in size to that of the 2013-2018 Z250. Numerous weight reduction efforts keep weight to a minimum – despite a larger displacement. The clean design trimmed of any unnecessary items, and the revamped layout enable a slim engine and a cooling system with minimised external piping.

The Z400 features a trellis frame similar in design to that of the Ninja H2. Kawasaki’s advanced dynamic rigidity analysis was used to ensure optimum rigidity with light weight. The engine is rigid-mounted and used as a stressed member. The new frame design contributes significantly to the bike’s low curb mass.

With both the engine and frame being new, engine placement could also be optimised. The new chassis features a short-wheelbase/long-swingarm design, complemented by a steep caster angle that delivers light, natural handling. The bike’s light weight also contributes to the easy handling and facilitates manoeuvring when off the bike.

While seat height is 785 mm (when radial tyres are fitted), the slim design of both the seat (30 mm narrower) and the rear of the engine gives riders an unobstructed line for their feet to reach the ground.

Measuring ø310 mm (the same size as those of the Z1000), the Z400/250’s semi-floating front disc offers sure stopping power. A rigid new front brake master cylinder helps eliminate ineffective (idle) stroke, contributing to controllability, while carefully selected brake hose dimensions and material contribute to brake touch. All models are equipped with ABS and feature the latest ABS unit from Nissin, the most compact and lightweight available.

Relaxed rider triangle accommodates a wide range of rider sizes and riding situations, contributing to its rider-friendly character. The relatively upright riding position and wider handlebar put the rider in the ideal position for active control, facilitating dynamic, sporty riding.

More compact clutch (ø139 mm >> ø125 mm) with less rigid operating plates offers a lighter lever pull. Complementing the extremely light feel at the lever, the new clutch has a wider engagement range, facilitating control.

Displacing 399 cm3, the new engine delivers significantly increased performance compared to its predecessor: 33.4 kW (+4.4 kW vs the 2018 Z300). The higher performance can largely be credited to the new downdraft intake, which is accompanied by a larger airbox offering increased intake efficiency. The increased performance is complemented by a rider-friendly character; the smooth response and abundant low-end torque facilitate throttle control for new and experienced riders alike.

In addition to contributing to the Z400’s sharp looks, the newly designed LED headlamp is highly visible and offers significantly increased brightness and a wider illuminated path.

Candy Lime Green / Metallic Spark Black
Pearl Robotic White / Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray