2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R
Aggressive yet chic Ninja styling
- Aggressive Ninja image blended with the fashion sense and chic sophistication of a modern street bike
- Full-fairing bodywork adds a measure of wind protection
- High attention to the smallest details results in the same high quality and finish as our Ninja 650R
- MotoGP inspired multi-function display includes fuel gauge, digital speedometer and bar-style digital tachometer.
- Built-in front turn signals
- Under-engine muffler
- LED tail lamp
- Rear inner fender
- Sculpted swingarm
Sporty street performance
Engine
- 399 cc Parallel Twin with strong low-mid range torque
- Bore and stroke specifically chosen to deliver the most exciting 400cc performance
- Rider-friendly off-idle characteristics
Chassis
- High-tensile steel trellis frame with balanced rigidity offers nimble handling for easy control and fun sport riding enjoyment
Ergonomics
- Slim, natural riding position
- Easy to reach ground with both feet thanks to a slim chassis design
Suspension
- Offset laydown single-shock rear suspension
- Suspension settings match frame and swingarm characteristics to offer light, rider-friendly handling
*Model shown with optional accessory grab rail
Kawasaki Ninja 400R model Highlights
At-A-Glance
Slim LED tail lamp
Thin LED tail lamp design contributes to the sharp styling and compact appearance.
Optional aluminium passenger grips
Ergonomic passenger grips are easy to grab, contributing to passenger confidence.
Low seat height
Seat design and slim overall package make it easy to reach the ground with both feet.
Tall fuel tank
Tall fuel tank design contributes to the bike’s compact appearance.
Minimal vibration
Rubber mounts used for the upper-rear engine mounts and handlebar, and rubber-coated footpegs minimise vibration transmitted to the rider.
MotoGP-inspired instrumentation
MotoGP inspired multi-function display includes fuel gauge, digital speedometer and bar-style digital tachometer.
Supersport-style full-fairing bodywork
Like on other Ninjas, the minimalist-design fairing makes good use of coloured and black pieces, contributing to the bike’s compact appearance.
Key Features
AGGRESSIVE YET CHIC
Reflecting its sporty personality, the Ninja 400R blends an aggressive Ninja image with the fashion sense and chic sophistication of a modern street bike. Dressed in elegant full-fairing bodywork and with a high attention to the smallest details, it offers the same build quality and finish found on its larger sibling, the Ninja 650R.
Bodywork
* Dual headlamp design features twin position lamps – just like on our Ninja supersport models. The designed shape of the multi-reflector headlamp’s bulb hoods is an example of to the attention given to detail on this model.
* Windscreen set at a sharp angle contributes to the supersport image. A lip at the top of the screen helps to deflect air away from the rider. A duct in the centre of the cowling creates an “air curtain” which reduces wind buffeting at higher speeds and improves rider comfort.
* Tall fuel tank – especially noticeable when viewed from the side – adds to the bike’s crouching appearance. Sharp-edged line motif adds to the bike’s avant-garde design. Flush-surface fuel cap contributes to the sleek lines.
* Side view of the front cowling and fairings (especially the top corners at the front) have distinctive Ninja design elements.
* Supersport-style mirror design is similar to that on the Ninja ZX-6R.
* Fairing design judiciously combines coloured and black panels to create a compact appearance – an approach similar to that used on the Ninja ZX-10R.
* Front turn signals are integral with the fairings, contributing to the bike’s supersport styling.
* Viewed from the rear or from the side, the tail cowl and seat’s sharp design is evident. Thin LED tail lamp and rear turn signals reinforce this image.
* Two-tone design of the front fender contributes to the light, compact appearance.
* An inner fender helps keep the underside of the tail cowl clean and contributes to the Ninja 400R’s sporty look.
* License plate bulb housing and slim rear mud flap add to the sharp image of the tail.
Frame/Rear Suspension
* The frame is a key component of the Ninja 400R’s identity. Like on its larger sibling, the bike’s bodywork accentuates the frame, rather than hiding it.
* The design of the frame, rear suspension and swingarm create an integrated line running from the steering head to the rear hub.
* A trellis frame of high-tensile steel gives the bike a lightweight appearance. 3D analysis was used to achieve the target rigidity and stress values.
* Offset laydown rear single-shock suspension flows smoothly from the frame to the swingarm.
* The braced steel swingarm follows the lines of the frame and rear shock, its triangulated design contributing to the machine’s innovative styling.
* The pipe-like design of the swingarm and stabiliser (thanks to a D-shaped cross-section) contribute to the Ninja 400R’s high-quality appearance.
* Elegant design of the one-piece rider/passenger footpeg stays complements the swingarm and stabiliser.
* Clean finish at the frame joints contributes to the overall quality of the bike.
Instrumentation
* Flowing lines are also evident in the design of the MotoGP-inspired multi-function instrumentation. Features include a fuel gauge, digital speedometer, clock, odometer, dual trip meters and a bar-style digital tachometer. The layout allows the clock and trip meter to be viewed simultaneously. Red backlighting for the LCD screen adds to the sporty image.
* Panelling around the instrument panel gives the inside of the front cowl a clean, finished appearance.
Engine
* The attractively bent exhaust pipes and under-engine muffler arrangement contribute to the Ninja 400R’s attractive styling.
* Under-engine muffler contributes to the bike’s “concentrated” and highly focused appearance.
Brakes/Wheels/Tires
* Triple petal disc brakes contribute to the bike’s sporty image.
* Attractive 6-spoke supersport-style wheels give the bike a light look while reducing unsprung weight.
SPORTY STREET PERFORMANCE
Like its larger Ninja 650R sibling, the Ninja 400R balances compact size and good power. Its combination of a fun, rider-friendly engine character and light, nimble handling results in a package that is highly accessible to new riders while offering enough exciting, sporty performance to keep more experienced riders entertained.
Engine Performance
* Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 399 cc Parallel Twin with fuel injection delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges. The engine was tuned for fun, rider-friendly power characteristics that will inspire confidence in new riders.
* The engine’s excellent mid-range power characteristics make the bike especially fun to ride at medium speeds on city streets. Roll-on response is exceptional, offering impressive passing performance.
* 34 mm throttle bodies feature sub-throttles for high power output with smooth, sensitive throttle response.
* Bore and stroke measure 68.4 mm and 54.3 mm – their measurements selected to offer the most exciting performance for a 400cc engine.
* The quick-revving engine offers smooth, linear power delivery. Difficult to stall and with rider-friendly off-idle characteristics, the engine has a highly accessible character.
Compact Engine Design
* The key to the Ninja 400R’s compact size is its amazingly compact Parallel Twin engine, which permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. The engine is loaded with innovative technology that enabled the realisation of its compact design and surprising performance.
- Triangular layout of the crankshaft and transmission shafts makes the engine very short front-to-back.
- Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a “cassette”-style package that both allows a compact layout and facilitates transmission maintenance chores.
- Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height.
- Plated, linerless aluminium cylinder is lightweight.
- Under-engine muffler improves mass centralisation and lowers the bike’s centre of gravity.
* Together with the compact engine, the frame’s elegant design realises a package that is slim, low, lightweight and compact.
- The compact engine allows use of a slim, minimalist frame, resulting in a design that is narrow at the knees and feet.
- The compact engine also allows an extremely short wheelbase, giving light and nimble handling.
- Because a long swingarm can be used, rear suspension action and handling are both improved.
- 3D analysis was used to achieve the ideal stiffness balance for the frame, contributing to the superb handling characteristics.
- The frame is constructed of high-tensile steel, giving it a lightness rivalling that of aluminium frames.
- The layout of the offset single-shock rear suspension allows the battery to be located beside the shock instead of above it. This elegant arrangement allows a lower seat height as well as a slim design.
* The same characteristics that make it fun to ride (responsive handling and rider-friendly ergonomics), also make the Ninja 400R ideal for new riders.
* A short wheelbase and tight turning radius contribute to the Ninja 400R’s high manoeuvrability.
Light Handling
* Frame and swingarm rigidity balance chosen to offer light, rider-friendly handling.
* Front and rear suspension settings match frame and swingarm characteristics , and contribute to the light, rider-friendly handling.
Minimal Vibration
* Rubber mounts instead of rigid mounts used for the upper-rear engine mounts reduce vibration transmitted to the rider through the seat.
* Handlebar is rubber-mounted to reduce vibration transmitted through the handle grips.
* Rider and pillion footpegs are rubber coated to further reduce vibration.
* Low vibration levels ensure that riders do not get fatigued after long rides.
Rider-friendly Ergonomics
* The riding position was specially designed to inspire rider confidence. An ideal relationship between the handlebars, seat and footpegs results in a comfortable and natural position suitable for a wide range of riders.
* The narrow frame and engine make for an overall narrow package, allowing the rider to keep his or her knees and feet close together.
* Thanks to the low seat height and slim overall design, it’s easy to keep both feet firmly on the ground when stopped, an important consideration for many riders.
Brakes
* Dual 300 mm front petal disc brakes and 220 mm rear petal disc look great and deliver plenty of braking power.
* Twin-piston front brake calipers features 27 mm pistons. Front brake master cylinder has a 14 mm piston.
Additional Features
Engine
* Auto-fast idle system simplifies starting and ensures the catalyser reaches optimum temperature quickly.
* Simplified cooling system routes coolant through the engine cases to the cylinder and head to reduce external plumbing.
* 180° crankshaft drives a balancer shaft for silky smooth engine operation. The water pump is driven off the right end of the balancer shaft.
* Lightweight plug-mounted ignition coils deliver a hot spark while saving space.
* Lightweight fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank.
Chassis
* Four tie-down hooks allow baggage or a spare helmet to be secured to the seat.
* Under-seat storage space has room for an optional U-lock or similar device. (Sold separately)
Colours
* Lime Green / Flat Super Black
* Metallic Spark Black / Flat Super Black
