Kawasaki recently unveiled the 2014 Ninja 400 with minor updates and now the company has launched a special edition of the bike at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The Kawasaki Ninja 400 Special Edition derives its demeaning looks from its elder sibling, the Kawasaki Ninja 650R which was launched earlier this year. This was the case with the previous generation too wherein the Ninja 400 looked more like a scaled down version of the Ninja 650R. However, there is no change in the engine specifications as compared to the previous generation.
Small changes include redesigned seats to provide thicker cushioning so as to provide more rider comfort, addition of dual-headlamps, LED tail lamps and a higher windscreen which is adjustable to name a few. The rider’s reach to the ground is improved by 50 mm owing to the redesigned seats which gives it relatively more flat profile than before. Built-in indicators are more compact this time. The Ninja 400 features analog-style tachometer and LCD display which uses white LED backlights. Other features include fuel gauge, digital speedometer, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, range, average/instant fuel consumption and economical riding indicator.
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is powered by a 399cc, parallel twin-cylinder engine which uses DOHC, liquid-cooling and is associated with a 6-speed transmission. Peak power of this DOHC engine is 44 HP at 9500 RPM with maximum torque of 37 Nm at 7500 RPM. The Ninja 400 is offered in three variants namely Standard, ABS Edition and Non-ABS Edition. The choice of colours include candy lime green/metallic spark black (special edition), metallic moon dust grey/metallic spark black and candy burnt orange/metallic spark black.
A couple of minor updates to the Kawasaki Ninja 400 makes it almost forgettable though the bike is based on the Kawasaki Ninja 650. If this bike is launched in India, it will cost almost as much as the Ninja 650R. Same assembling cost will reflect in the pricing too. The only advantage of the Ninja 400 would be the giant looks of the Ninja 650R at a slightly lesser price. Considering Kawasaki is struggling to sell the Ninja 300 in numbers, it is highly unlikely that this bike will ever see the daylight in the Indian market. This Ninja 400 launched in the Japanese market falls in the price bracket of Rs. 4 – 4.5 lakhs.
