Kawasaki Ninja 400 discontinued, removed from the official Indian website
Kawasaki Ninja 400 discontinued in the Indian market. This decision comes as the brand introduces its new Ninja 500, which is set to replace the outgoing Ninja 400 in both domestic and international markets.
Initially introduced as a successor to the popular Ninja 300, the Ninja 400 faced challenges in finding its footing in the Indian market due to its pricing strategy. Unlike the Ninja 300, which benefited from localised production resulting in competitive pricing, the Ninja 400 was imported as a completely built unit (CBU), leading to a price point that was less attractive to enthusiasts.
Despite its higher price, the Ninja 400 garnered appreciation for its sleek design, responsive chassis and refined parallel-twin engine, offering ample power across the mid and top ranges.
The motorcycle was powered by a 399cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled DOHC 8-valve engine that produces 44.8 HP at 10,000 RPM and 37 Nm at 8000 RPM, mated to a 6-speed transmission with slipper clutch.
The introduction of the Ninja 500 marks a strategic shift for Kawasaki, offering a larger displacement engine and updated design elements. However, some enthusiasts express a desire for the SE variant of the Ninja 500, featuring a more appealing Kawasaki green colour scheme and a modern TFT display, which is not currently available in the Indian market.
Critics suggest that Kawasaki could have explored localisation options for the Ninja 500 to enhance affordability, similar to the approach taken with the Ninja 300. By doing so, the brand could have potentially widened its consumer base and ensured a more competitive position in the segment.
As Kawasaki phases out the Ninja 400, enthusiasts await further developments in the brand’s supersport lineup and anticipate how the Ninja 500 will fare in the evolving Indian motorcycle market.
