Ninja 400 for 2018?

**Southern scratcher** · 26th October 2017, 07:14

Originally Posted by Scubbo

some more info and photos here >> http://www.cyclenews.com/2017/10/art...00-first-look/

I'm pretty keen on buying one of these. More power than my old CBR300 so I can pass people without my fingers crossed and my heart in my mouth!

Not so sure about that 'H2 styling' on the fairing though. Big question is when will it get to NZ (probably nearer winter!) and how many $$$

**Scubbo** · 26th October 2017, 08:49

it's good they cut the weight down still porky but the price point should be inline with the duke 390 which they are trying to beat so be interesting to see when its in store -- so the ninja 300 no longer exists after this year by the looks

**Southern scratcher** · 26th October 2017, 09:47

Originally Posted by Scubbo

it's good they cut the weight down still porky but the price point should be inline with the duke 390 which they are trying to beat so be interesting to see when its in store -- so the ninja 300 no longer exists after this year by the looks

Nah it didnt meet Euro 4 compliance regs so had to go. The Ninja 400 is all new motor. I think that old 300 motor dated (partially anyways) way back to the GPX250 of the eighties that some of us old boys remember.

**Southern scratcher** · 12th November 2017, 19:41

Kawasaki NZ say first shipment should be here late January all going well. Available in KRT colors and all black.
pricing to be announced.
Top of my new bike for '18 list at this stage.

**Scubbo** · 13th November 2017, 09:41

on the list too! hope its cheaper than a SV650 though or that'll be the summer toy ^_O

**Southern scratcher** · 13th November 2017, 11:25

Originally Posted by Scubbo

on the list too! hope its cheaper than a SV650 though or that'll be the summer toy ^_O

Yeah SV's are a good bike, nice V twin vibe. I race a gen 2 model. I would be keen on the SV as a road bike too if it had a fairing. Pretty cold a lot of the time of year down here in the south, good to have something to shelter behind a bit.
If you are after a LAMs bike then they are really good value at 10K. I would be going for the full power option tho which is 11K. I'm hoping the Ninja 400 will come in at $8,500, maybe 9K.
The lighter weight of the Ninja appeals too - 168kg wet verses 195/197kg with ABS

**release_the_bees** · 15th November 2017, 10:28

168 kg is the same weight as the R3. If it handles as well as the R3, but has a bit more power throughout the rev range then it's bound to be a great bike to ride.

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**Southern scratcher** · 15th November 2017, 18:14

Originally Posted by release_the_bees

168 kg is the same weight as the R3. If it handles as well as the R3, but has a bit more power throughout the rev range then it's bound to be a great bike to ride.

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It's a little heavier than my old CBR300 but has 14 more HP so it's a no brainier really. An aftermarket pipe and a lithium battery knocks about 6kg off a bike so that will be my plan.
I'm also hoping its a sweet handler. Apparently the front forks are a bit stiffer and sportier than the old ninja 300 items. The rear shock on the Ninja 650 released last year was rated as a bit average in some reviews so hopefully not the case with the 400.
They are listed on the Kawaski NZ website now but price is TBA. I prefer the metallic spark black:

http://www.kawasaki.co.nz/catalog/st...00GJF/overview

**Scubbo** · 16th November 2017, 08:46

coool --- I reckon this http://www.kawasaki.co.nz/catalog/st...specifications would be a nice replacement for the RF just need 15k

**Southern scratcher** · 16th November 2017, 18:33

Originally Posted by Scubbo

coool --- I reckon this http://www.kawasaki.co.nz/catalog/st...specifications would be a nice replacement for the RF just need 15k

The guy at Kawaskai NZ reckons the 400 will come in at under 9K if that's any more palatable for you!

**Scubbo** · 17th November 2017, 08:11

have to say their 2018 lineup looking really great, sub 9k is sharp especially if its ABS standard being euro4

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm it does look great and would be so much fun with that weight and harder to instantly loose your license

**Southern scratcher** · 17th November 2017, 11:29

Originally Posted by Scubbo

have to say their 2018 lineup looking really great, sub 9k is sharp especially if its ABS standard being euro4

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm it does look great and would be so much fun with that weight and harder to instantly loose your license

Two very good points! I went down from a Ducati 750 to a CBR300 for that very reason. I think the Ninja will be a better compromise between the two tho, need to be able to overtake quickly and safely. Much more fun to ride a slower bike flat out then tool around on a big bike worrying about your licence.