Kawasaki Z400, Ninja 400

[SandRdr]

Bought a '21 Z400 last week

Pretty much the best standard bike I've ever owned at least in the first few hundred miles.

The engine is a pearl, cruise at 75mph is effortless, plenty of go with 350ish lbs of bike, 200ish lbs of rider. 200 mile range seems reasonable.

Two issues so far:

1) forward slant of the seat needs correction. I'm attempting to build the seat with materials on hand.

2) Suspension is sprung for the US mrkt. Lack of rebound dampening on rear shock is concerning on rough paved rds. Stock shock has only preload adjustment. GSXR shock is a direct swap.

 

[TravelinLite]

Congrats. Nice looking scoot.

 

[klaviator]

Very nice A friend bought one of these and I had a chance to ride it. At 6-2 and 34" inseam the seat to peg distance was way too tight but a tall seat pad would probably fix that. Other than cramped ergos for a taller rider this is a great bike. Many people consider 400cc to small for serious riding but I think it strikes a great compromise between enough power and light wieght.

 

[SandRdr]

Very nice A friend bought one of these and I had a chance to ride it. At 6-2 and 34" inseam the seat to peg distance was way too tight but a tall seat pad would probably fix that. Other than cramped ergos for a taller rider this is a great bike. Many people consider 400cc to small for serious riding but I think it strikes a great compromise between enough power and light wieght.

Tall seat and pegs lowered. I'm 6' and feel comfortable so far. Can't wait to get it to the mtns, curves will be consumed

 

[klaviator]

Tall seat and pegs lowered. I'm 6' and feel comfortable so far. Can't wait to get it to the mtns, curves will be consumed

When and where will that be?

 

[SandRdr]

When and where will that be?

This summer and starting at my place in Cullowhee.

 

[klaviator]

This summer and starting at my place in Cullowhee.

I love the riding there. I'll be in the area the first week in August riding out of Maggie Valley.

 

[klaviator]

Nice bike. I think the under half a liter motorcycles are the sweet spot when it comes to having fun and having a practical bike.

I have a Versys 650. I think a 400cc version would be awesome.

 

[Amos Malone]

The Ninja is pretty cool too. And the price is good. Waiting for the Versys version.

 

[Greybeard]

Bought a '21 Z400 last week

Pretty much the best standard bike I've ever owned at least in the first few hundred miles.

The engine is a pearl, cruise at 75mph is effortless, plenty of go with 350ish lbs of bike, 200ish lbs of rider. 200 mile range seems reasonable.

Two issues so far:

1) forward slant of the seat needs correction. I'm attempting to build the seat with materials on hand.

2) Suspension is sprung for the US mrkt. Lack of rebound dampening on rear shock is concerning on rough paved rds. Stock shock has only preload adjustment. GSXR shock is a direct swap.

So...got a few more miles on it...still like it? Any different impressions?

 

[SandRdr]

So...got a few more miles on it...still like it? Any different impressions?

Finally got through the break-in miles. Summer riding in FL is not the best!

I can tell the motor is developing more power, better performance, improved fuel mileage. 200 miles per tank is not a problem with speeds below 75mph.

This motor is exactly what the V300 needs and yes there is a V300 in the shop.

I've added a small windscreen. Still need to fix the forward slant on the seat.

Got to ride at night, not by choice, the headlights are fantastic, easily the best stock lights on any bike I've owned, including the Strom which has great oem headlights.

 

[SandRdr]

The nags so far

Seat is sloped forward, uncomfortable for longer stints.

Rear shock is under damped for the given spring. So much under damped that any type of pot hole will get you off the seat! The oem gsxr shock is a direct swap.