Kawasaki Japan have unleashed their latest streeter – the Ninja 400 – and it’s everything we in India would love to have. Isn’t it?The all-new Ninja 400 combines the best bits of the smaller 300 and larger 650R, with the balance of power flat in the middle, so to speak. The Ninja 400 packs a liquid-cooled, DOHC 8-valve, 399cc parallel-twin with fuel injection. The output of 44 PS at 9,500 RPM and 37 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM is more than adequate for everyday use and will surely make for good, sustained acceleration and overtaking ability on the highway. A 6-speed gearbox handles transmission duties to the rear wheel. The bike is available with or without ABS in Japan, and weighs in at 209 kg.
We saw the bike displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show and immediately identified it as hot property for India. If Kawasaki can manage to slot this bike between the Rs 3.8 lakh Ninja 300 and the Rs 5.5 lakh Ninja 650R, that’s a gap that most people with tight budgets looking for a medium-sized twin with 50-odd PS, as well as extremely comfortable ride and touring ability – as opposed to the racy stance of the Ninja 300 – will appreciate very much.
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is also available in a choice of three colours – Candy Lime Green, Metallic Moondust Silver and Candy Burnt Orange, all combined with Metallic Spark Black.
So, here’s a shoutout to Kawasaki! If you want a Ninja 400, let them know!
Story: Jim Gorde
Images: Kawasaki Motor Japan
