KAWASAKI Z400 (2019 - 2021) Review - MCN

Highlights

• Agile around town
• Tested fuel economy of 55mpg
• Based on Ninja 400 sportsbike

At a glance

Prices

Overall rating

There is a lot to like about the lightweight Kawasaki Z400. The parallel twin motor is impressively strong and the chassis agile in town and perfectly suited to those who may be lacking in confidence thanks to a low seat height and narrow waist  – however it isn’t all plain sailing.

• Related: Best A2 licence bikes of 2020
• Related: Kawasaki Ninja 400 review
• Related: How to pass your motorcycle test

The Zed has a raw and unrefined feeling when compared to the classier Honda CB500F and its motor is a bit vibey when worked hard.

In the bends the Kawasaki’s lightness can count against it, delivering a slightly skittish feel as the speed increases as its somewhat basic suspension fails to keep it all totally in check. If you are used to a 125 it feels much the same only more powerful where its heavier rivals feel more 'grown up' in their ride quality and assured as a result.

For 2024 the Z400 was be replaced by Kawasaki Z500.

Ride quality & brakes

A physically small and narrow bike, the Z400 is better suited to shorter riders although it is far from uncomfortable for those a bit taller. In town its light weight really helps it feel pleasingly manageable and agile but on the open road the same lightness equates to a slightly skittish ride that the budget suspension fails to properly cope with.

You only get adjustment of the shock’s preload to play with as the forks are non-adjustable so there isn’t much you can do about it. That said, replacing the OE Thai-manufactured Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 tyres, which are hideously hard and lacking in grip, for quality European-made rubber improves the bike’s handling and gives far greater confidence in the wet. The two-piston sliding caliper delivers lots of bite and the ABS system is excellent.

Engine

To conform to the A2-legal 46.6bhp threshold the Zed makes a claimed 44.4bhp with 28ftlb of torque from its 399cc parallel twin motor. A surprisingly peppy engine that has a lovely light clutch action (it’s an assist and slipper clutch), the Zed’s motor has a strong spread of power that when combined with its relatively light 167kg weight means it is a nippy bike considering its small size.

During MCN’s test we recorded economy figures of 55mpg, which means a range of about 170 miles from the 14-litre tank. Annoyingly, the tiny naked does tend to vibrate quite badly through its footpegs, leading to numb toes on long motorway or dual carriageway stints where you are holding constant high revs.

Reliability & build quality

The Z400 is based around Kawasaki’s Ninja 400 which in turn can trace its heritage back to the 2008 Ninja 250R (and even before this).

There are few major mechanical issues to be wary of and most of the problems occur from owners and either a lack of basic maintenance or crash damage. It may be built in Thailand and not Japan but the quality control seems high and overall the Z400’s finish seems good.

Value vs rivals

The A2-legal naked bike sector is quite competitive with the £5599 Honda CB500F, £5198 Yamaha MT-03 and £4299 KTM 390 Duke all offering lightweight naked challengers to the £5099 Kawasaki Z400 (2020 pricing).

In this context the Duke is undoubtably the bargain but it does only have one cylinder compared to the parallel twins from Japan.

Against its Japanese rivals, the Z400 is the cheapest but it also lacks the inverted forks of the Yamaha or the overall feeling of quality you get on the Honda, mainly due to its more brash styling and lighter weight. It’s good value, just not outstanding.

Equipment

The Zed comes with ABS as standard and its LCD dash contains a gear indicator, fuel gauge, digital rev counter and large mph display.

You get two trips, a clock, average mpg, live mpg and range as well as an 'economical riding indicator', but the whole thing is let down by a nasty carbon fibre (which looks suspiciously fake) surround.

Petal discs are a nice Kawasaki touch but the front caliper is only a two-piston sliding unit that is conventionally-mounted and the forks (which are non-adjustable) are also conventional in their orientation.

KAWASAKI Z400 for sale with MCN

• Z400 (19) £3,491
• Z400 (2020/20) £3,695 Suffolk
• Z400 (2019/69) £3,799 Staffordshire
• Z400 (2023/23) £3,995 Merseyside
• Z400 (2023/23) £3,999 Lancashire
• Z400 (2024/24) £4,199
• Z400 (2023/23) £4,999 Derbyshire

Model history & versions

Model history

• 2015: The Kawasaki Z300 is launched, using the Ninja 300 as a basis
• 2019: A year after the Ninja 400 replaced the Ninja 300, the Z400 replaces the Z300

Other versions

The Kawasaki Z400 Performance adds a road-legal Akrapovič exhaust end can and a pillion seat cover for a £500 premium.

Why not consider these other expert Kawasaki Zed model reviews, too?

• Kawasaki Z1000 review (2014-on)
• Kawasaki Z1000 review (2010-2013)
• Kawasaki Z1000 review (2007-2009)
• Kawasaki Z1000 review (2004-2006)
• Kawasaki Z1000SX review (2017-on)
• Kawasaki Z1000SX review (2014-on)
• Kawasaki Z1000SX review (2010-2013)
• Kawasaki Z125 review (2019-on)
• Kawasaki Z250SL review (2015-on)
• Kawasaki Z300 review (2015-on)
• Kawasaki Z650 review (2017-on)
• Kawasaki Z750 review (2007-2012)
• Kawasaki Z750 review (2003-2006)
• Kawasaki Z750R review (2011-2012)
• Kawasaki Z800 review (2013-on)
• Kawasaki Z900 review (2017-on)
• Kawasaki Z900RS review (2017-on)
• Kawasaki Z900RS Café review (2018-on)

Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI Z400 (2019 - 2021)

8 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI Z400 (2019 - 2021) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your KAWASAKI Z400 (2019 - 2021)

Year: 2019

I miss this bad ass bike everyday! Would definitely recomend to everyone who asked. Just do us both a favor and dont park on the street!

The addition of adjustable forks would be key

Plenty of power to carry 160+ person thru rush hour traffic

No problems at all intil some backed over it on the street. End result = totalled! Estimate to repair > a new bike...

Ditch the dunlops grab the Pirelli Diablos Lower the backend .25-.5" Add crash bars via the motor mounts Tail tidy with turn signals Finally bar end mirrors

Buying experience: Privately in 2021 for $3700 US

Version: Performance Edition

Year: 2020

Fantastic fun and light bike. Lovely engine and good quality finish. I have had the bike two years and the longer I have the more I like it.

Buying experience: Bought new from a Kawasaki dealer. £5500

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £200

love this little bike. goes better than has any reason to and handles like a spors bike.

both very good

incredible for a 400 45 bhp twin. 70 to a 100 in top is amazing. 115 plus mph 60 mpg. After having 1000 cc sports bikes I am genuinely amazed.!

excellant all round

very economical and good on tyres

basic but enough for me

Buying experience: dealer brand new in 2022 6000k no discount

Version: ABS

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £120

Fantastic lightweight motorcycle that begs to be pushed to it's limits all while being affordable and great looking.

The front and rear suspension is class..no weird feedbacks on the rear or front when riding down sketchy roads. You can basically take this bike anywhere provided there's asphalt.Rear shock is also adjustable. Very comfortable for about 2.5 hours before needing a break, I wouldn't recommend a pillion though. Tyres are OK for a few rides,after that your rear will start to slide. Brakes are spot on after a good warm up but the ABS can be a little bit intrusive. The gearbox is perfect,no funky glitches whatsoever..provided you keep the chain lubricated and tightened.

Sub 48hp motor,perfect for A2 license holders with the potential to reach more than 55hp at the hands of the right tuner. Do I find myself asking for more power? No not really..but then again I like the potential that exists with this little engine. Very smooth at operation,no hiccups,no overheating,no leaks,not a single issue. Kawasaki have created an outstanding,economic, reliable and powerful engine that will put most bikes of the same class to shame. You will be able to tame it easily but you will always keep finding more ways to push it. Cruising is nice but you wont be able to hold yourself for too long since it likes to be revved.Most of the power comes between 8.5 to 10k rpm after that it falls dramatically but that's not an issue since the limiter is @ 12k rpm*Top speed is 193kmh(speedo)/186(gps)

A year later and 8k kilometers in,no corrosion or mechanical part failure was found. This bike is built well and has no issues running in the scorching heat of Greece. Be warned though..the plastics are very flimsy and not sturdy at all, I've had clips break. Some screws needed to be re-tightened as well. Other than that everything else feels secure.

6.300€ out the door and you get: Aggressive styling, a punchy motor and reasonable fuel economy. 2 Services so far have only been 120€ at Kawasaki which is quite reasonable. Parts are a bit high priced.

Well let's see..for the price you get..a gear indicator,a digital dash,a slipper clutch and a nice set of the essential tools.. that's about it. Kawasaki offer some nice extras like a comfort seat or a belly pan..but then you ask yourself..is it really necessary? Not really. The one thing I recommend is switching the mirrors because they are absolutely awful,why? Because you just get a very nice view of your shoulders. There's a lot of aftermarket extras to choose from which is a Plus.

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £140

Only 2100 on the clock ,in excellent condition thinking of selling to get a bigger bike . Its lightweight handles excellent and is ideal for commuting but still holds its own on motorways.

Buying experience: From a dealer at the advertised price of £5100

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £200

Light, Stable, Fun

Brakes haul up really well. Contrary to the reviewer on MCN, I would say it handles really well and is stable for a bike that is soooo light. It responds to handlebar, or footrest input very, very well. If you try to steer/flick, by your waist/hips though, like I used to on many a 125cc many moons ago, well then it does feel "skittish."

Stir it up and it is quick enough for any day to day (legal and sensible) use. Like many bikes, it is not the smoothest response from a closed throttle, kinda like an original Yammy MT-03. Not as good fuelling wise, as the Honda CB300R (which was perfect). Gearbox is class. The odd glitch when revved hard between 2nd and 3rd, otherwise, awesome.

No issues so far. Standard tyres are a bit 90's...but the chain and brakes are pretty good. Mirrors are awful though. Paint is ok, not Honda deep. Plastic are good, not nasty. Like almost every new bike, probably needs a fender extender and after market hugger to keep the crud at bay.

Cheap as chips. less than several 125cc bikes on the market and all for a bike that (fettled) runs in the SuperSport 300 WSBK class, albeit, minus the fairing.

Slipper is nice. ABS kicks in a bit too soon for my liking TBH.

Buying experience: Awesome. Paid less than RRP

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £100

I love it - super light and flickable minibeast. This bike makes me smile every time I ride it, even after over a year of ownership. This the fat old CB500F could never do for me... or any of my other recently owned bikes - Versys 650, Z300, CBR250R. I even prefer it over my much more powerful (but heavy) old Honda CBR600F 4 pot!

Both brakes and suspension are excellent for a bike of this power and at this price point. For me there is no need to change either, they work perfectly well and give a good ride and handling, and reassuring stopping power.

I LOVE the engine. The bike just begs to be revved and rewards you with ear to ear fun - I bought the bike for the engine and am absolutely not disappointed in any way. The comparison with the "classier CB500F" by the reviewer is a joke - that ponderous beast would bore me to death with its characterless engine and fat old body (and I have ridden both the F and R versions for full day trips, before I bought the Z400). I guess the reviewer sees the CB500F as more planted and secure - but then so is a ship's anchor!

12000kms later and not a single issue, or any corrosion either - ridden a lot in the wet too (unfortunately!)

I live in Thailand so quoting costs makes little sense, but very cheap for me, just the reular servicing at Kawasaki with full synthetic oil used. The service schedule is every 6000kms, but I do every 4,000kms since it is as hot as hell here and I do like to hear her revving, so ride her fairly hard. Costs me 30 GBP for what should be a 6000km service. I did splash out on a Leo Vince slip-on that sounds gorgeous - but that's a chosen extra!

What do you expect at this price point? It has a slipper cluth (fantastic addition), gear indicator, abs - and that's about it; and all I need on this bike. The original tyres were great for a few months but very soon hardened and took my confidence away a little. Replacing with Pirelli Diablo Rosso 3s has changed that completely - a shame they weren't the standard fitting. The old ones went straight on my CB300F commuter and are great for that (see - modern Honda's do have a use; commuting!)

Buying experience: Dealer was excellent and the after sales service every bit as good (here in hailand).

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £250

This MCN review seems like a slating compared to the bike I own. I have owned and test ridden a lot of bikes over the years and I would personally put this bike in the same category as the MT07 when it first came out 2014, as just being a real hoot (although, the lite version, with its A2 credentials). Admittedly, there will be many factors as to why my experience differs so much from the writers, first of which, it must be said, is that whilst we are a similar age I would guess, I am only 65kgs and 178cm tall.

I am a light weight, which is why I wanted a little weight bike as I age (48yrs old.....how the f~~k etc am I either a) still alive, or b) am I 48? I feel like a teenager :-D) and this thing is like a mtb, with nigh on 50bhp. I like the way it handles, I do not find it skittish at all, I have had to alter the way I ride to appreciate it though (I tend to grip the heel plates quite tightly, then everything clicks into place. It took me a week or two to realise, but this lightweight bike also has a very low centre of gravity, especially for a liquid cooled bike). Brakes are sharp and the ABS kicks in too early for me. I have had to re-calibrate my brain having never needed the nanny state previously, even having grown up on gravel strewn roads on the backwaters of Wales...brake-skid-release-apply the brake again-repeat until stationary...it is not that hard!

take it by the horns and this little engine will reward. It deserves its place on any track day for someone looking to learn and is wasted to a certain extent at road legal speeds. I never owned an rd350, just a bit before my time, but I was riding 125/250/500cc 2stroke mx bikes in the 80's and whilst it will never be that wild, it loves to be thrashed and is a true pocket rocket when riled, with a broad power band

Only done around 2.5k so far, mainly through lockdown (I have a spastic leg atm, so for me this was exercise!) I am an older rider, so maintenance is part of ownership to an old spunker like me and I see no issues thus far. Sure it doesn't have the think paint of an old Honda (XBR etc), but it is no throw away object either.

I'll be spannering myself and on this bike, it has a major advantage over the competition. The KTM (which is this bikes only serious competitor in the the A2 sector, for fun factor) duke 390, will and I mean will(!) be harder to work on and keep corrosion free. This is not a knock on build quality, it is a knock on design. You cannot keep something clean if you cannot reach it to clean...nuff said

Needs grippier tyres, they are not terrible, but they are far from great either. Slipper clutch is nice

Buying experience: I paid £4099 for a (new, but somehow pre-registered 2020 bike) and if you don't think that is value, you must be part Yorkie and part Scot... do me a favour, a modern (sorta/kinda) rd350 for 125cc money.....You're having a laug......no, that ain't right.... I'M having a laugh!!!!

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