BREAKING: 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 400 Launched In India

There’s a new Ninja in town, as Kawasaki has launched the updated, BS6-compliant Ninja 400 in India. While its predecessor did not taste the same success as its smaller Ninja siblings, Kawasaki hopes that the latest iteration of its 400cc supersport fares much better in its second innings.

What’s The Price? Who Are Its Rivals?

The 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 400 is priced at Rs 4,99,000, ex-showroom Delhi, which is the same price as the previous gen bike. Its closest rival is the recently updated KTM RC 390, which is Rs 1,85,078 cheaper. Also another rival is the TVS Apache RR 310 which is priced Rs 2,34,000 lower than the Japanese supersport.

What’s New?

Mechanically, the Ninja 400 is identical to the older model, carrying on with the 399cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine with 45.3PS and 37Nm on tap. While the power figure remains the same, the BS6-compliant motor produces 1Nm less than its BS4 avatar. This bike now also gets an updated slip-and-assist clutch that Kawasaki claims has 20% lighter lever action than before. This should make it effortless to ride on roads with stop-go traffic.

The 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 400 gets a new swanky shade, namely Metallic Carbon Grey along with Kawasaki’s trademark Lime Green.

What’s Unchanged?

The Ninja 400 retains the same underpinnings as before in the form of a 41mm Kayaba-sourced telescopic fork along with a preload-adjustable monoshock. It is anchored by 286mm semi-floating petal front disc and 193mm petal rear disc. Complimenting the bike’s sporty credentials are 17 inchers at both ends wrapped with a 110/70 tyre at the front and 150/60 tyre at the rear. The bike continues to weigh 168kg, despite now being BS6 compliant

What Should Have Changed?

This new Kawasaki supersport is priced at a big premium over its counterpart, and hence Kawasaki should have updated the underpinnings to position this new Ninja more in line with its rival. While the KTM RC 390 gets a 43mm WP USD, the TVS Apache RR 310 gets adjustable front suspension in its BTO avatar. 

Also, while the new paint schemes are a welcome change, Kawasaki could’ve at least updated the styling of the Ninja 400, as the twin-LED headlamp fascia is starting to get old. Also, as has become the norm, the bike misses out on some nice modern touches in the form of a TFT console and connected features. 

ZigSays

For a motorcycle that gets a new heart, without any other changes, the 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 400 is definitely priced at a premium. If you’re looking for performance, the KTM RC 390 is a good alternative. If you’re looking for a feature-loaded supersport to dominate on track, look no further than the TVS Apache RR 310. 

Then which audience is Kawasaki targeting with the Ninja 400? Well, we will get this answer once we ride the bike soon, so stay tuned and watch this space for more.