Kawasaki’s 400cc Parallel-Twins Make A Comeback

Published June 2, 2022
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Now Euro 5/BS6 compliant, and comes with new colours

(UPDATE: Kawasaki has launched the Ninja 400 in India, head here to read the launch story.)

Kawasaki has updated its 400cc parallel-twin mill and launched the 2022 Ninja 400 and 2022 Z400 in the European markets.

In terms of appearance, both retain the aggressive styling of their predecessors, with a clean and mean body design. However, you do get to see the bikes in fresh new colours. For instance, the Ninja 400 gets a bit more of the signature Kawasaki Green on the bodywork. While the Z400 is available in a green and black, and white and grey colour scheme, the Ninja 400 comes in green and ebony, and carbon and matte grey options.

Both the bikes are powered by the same 399cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that is now compliant with the Euro 5 emissions norms. The mill produces the same 45PS at 10,000rpm as its predecessor, however, the torque is 1Nm lower, coming in at 37Nm, though at the same 8000rpm mark as its predecessor. Both come paired with a six-speed transmission. Kawasaki also claims that the slip and assist clutch on the Ninja 400 gets a 20 percent lighter lever action, which should ensure more effortless gear shifts.

The 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Z400 are underpinned by a tubular trellis chassis, borrowed from their predecessors. Even the 41mm telescopic fork up front and monoshock (or Uni-Trak, as Kawasaki calls it) rear suspension with preload adjustability, the same as the 2020 model. Braking hardware includes a single 310mm petal disc up front and a 220 mm petal disc at the rear.

The 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 400 is priced at 6,250 Pounds (around Rs 6.04 lakh) and the 2023 Z400 costs 6,000 Pounds (around Rs 5.8 lakh). While the Ninja 400 used to be sold in India before, it is unlikely that the new 400s will make their way to our shores. If you are looking to buy a mid-displacement motorcycle in India, then you can check out the Bajaj Dominar 400, 2022 KTM RC 390, KTM 390 Duke, BMW G 310 R and TVS Apache RR 310.