The latest addition to Kawasaki’s Z Series, the Z400 was designed to be a real Supernaked machine. Developed in parallel with the 2018 Ninja 400, like its Ninja counterpart the new Z400 offers significantly improved performance care of all-new high-performance engine and chassis. Keeping sugomi performance in mind, both engine and chassis tuning were optimised for a Supernaked package. Compared to the Z300 the new Z400 offers lighter handling and stronger low-end feeling – a rider friendly combination ideal for fun, nimble street riding.Matching its exciting performance, the Z400 is clad in aggressive new styling. Inspired by the sugomi styling of the flagship Z models, all-new bodywork blends the designs of the Z650 and Z300 to deliver an aggressive, agile, masculine impression.
The new 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.
Displacing 399 cm³, the new engine delivers significantly increased performance compared to its predecessor: 33.4 kW for the Z400 (+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.
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.
Innovative Kawasaki technology like the new radiator fan cover (patent pending) located behind the radiator directs hot air out to the sides away from the rider, reducing rider discomfort when stuck in heavy traffic. Redirecting the air also helps keep the tank, frame and other parts that contact the rider cooler, further increasing rider comfort.
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.
Large 310 mm semi-floating petal front disc is gripped by a balanced actuation dual-piston caliper. The disc is the same size as those used on the Z1000. At the rear a 220 mm petal disc is slowed by a dual-piston caliper with larger (25.4 mm >> 27 mm) pistons.
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. In addition to the digital speedometer and gear position indicator, display functions include: odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, remaining range, current and average fuel consumption, coolant temperature, clock and the Economical Riding Indicator.
Matching its exciting performance, the Z400 is clad in aggressive new styling. Inspired by the sugomi styling of the flagship Z models, all-new bodywork blends the designs of the Z650 and Z300 to deliver an aggressive, agile, masculine impression.
Simplified exhaust system traces a straighter line, contributing to lower weight. Pipe wall thickness of 0.8 mm further contributes to weight savings. For the Z400 models in Australia, they feature 28.6 mm diameter headers with a 22.2 mm diameter connecting pipe for optimised performance.
Seat cushioning is almost twice as thick (50 mm >> 90 mm) and uses low-rebound urethane, delivering superb ride comfort. 785 mm seat height with radial tyres are fitted is the same as that of the Z300, but thanks to the slim design – the seat is 30 mm narrower – it is even easier for the rider’s feet to reach the ground.
More compact Assist A & Slipper Clutch (ø139 mm >> ø125 mm) with less rigid operating plates offers a 20% lighter lever pull. Complementing the extremely light feel at the lever, the new clutch has a wider engagement range, facilitating control. The Assist & Slipper Clutch was developed based on feedback from racing activities. The clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam), offering two functions not available on a standard clutch.
Wide set of the handlebar enables dynamic control by the rider and contributes to the Z400’s easy manoeuvrability. Slightly wider than the handlebar of the Z300, it offers even better control for low-speed manoeuvres
More rigid ø41 mm telescopic fork (previously ø37 mm) 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. Revised linkage ratios and rear suspension settings contribute to the high-quality ride feel. 5-way preload adjustability lets riders adjust the stiffness and ride height to suit body weight or when riding two-up. The shock is easily adjustable with the on-board tool kit.
Fuel tank is slim between the rider’s legs, promoting good contact with the bike. The 14 litre fuel capacity contributes to weight reduction, while still enabling sufficient cruising range to accommodate daily riding or touring.
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.
LED taillight design contributes to the rear’s sharp impression. Sculpted detail of the sharper, upswept tail cowl contributes to the bike’s high-class image.
Front seat can be easily removed by pulling a cable located under the rear seat, greatly facilitating access to the battery. Under-seat storage space has two levels for a more efficient use of space.The space is sufficiently large to accommodate a U-lock. Convenient hooks built into the heel guards of passenger footpegs, and on the underside of the tail cowl facilitate tying down luggage with bungee cords or nets. Longer side stand keeps the bike at a more upright angle, making it easier to shift the bike off the stand when seated.
Candy Lime Green with Metallic Spark Black
Candy Cardinal Red with Metallic Flat Spark Black
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Model | Z400 (ER400DLF) |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin |
| Displacement | 399 cm³ |
| Bore X Stroke | 70 x 51.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Valve System | DOHC, 8 valves |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection 32 mm x 2 Keihin |
| Ignition | Digital Advance |
| Starting | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return |
| Frame | |
|---|---|
| Type | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Wheel Travel Front | 120 mm |
| Wheel Travel Back | 130 mm |
| Tyre | |
|---|---|
| Front | 110/70-17 54H |
| Rear | 150/70-17 66S |
| Suspension | |
|---|---|
| Front | 41mm telescopic fork |
| Rear | Bottom-Link UNI-TRAK with 5-way adjustable preload. |
| Brakes | |
|---|---|
| Front | Single semi-floating 310 mm petal disc, Single Balanced Actuation Dual Piston Caliper with ABS |
| Rear | Single 220 mm petal disc with twin piston caliper with ABS |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| L x W x H | 1,990 x 800 x 1,055 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,370 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 140 mm |
| Seat Height | 785 mm |
| Curb Mass | 167 kg |
| Fuel Capacity | 14 litres |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Max Power | 33.4 kW {45 PS} |
| Maximum Torque | 38 N.m @ 8,000 rpm |
| Colour/s | Metallic Matte Graphite Gray and Candy Steel Furnace Orange |
| Warranty | 24 Months Unlimited Kilometres |