Entry-level motorcycling has always been the stepping stone for aspiring riders. Manufacturers have gotten into an intense dogfight to provide the best possible package at an affordable price point. Japanese motorcycles have always been at the forefront of technology, providing us with simple, flexible, and utterly reliable performance machines. The 2021 Kawasaki Z400 slides right into this category with ease. It is based on the fully-faired 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 but naked and much more daily-drivable. Kawasaki had replaced its long-standing Ninja 300 and Z300 with the 400 Series as its affordable performance motorcycles since 2018.
The 2021 Z400 is also the smallest full-sized motorcycle in Kawasaki's portfolio for the US if we don't take the slow yet quirky Z125 Pro. For 2021, there aren't any significant changes for the Kawasaki Z400 apart from new color schemes to refresh things up. It remains mechanically the same - peppy, tractile, and a lot of fun to drive as well. Looks are well-catered for too, as the sharper styling and muscular lines go well with its streetfighter vibe. Using a heavily tweaked frame based on the outgoing Kawasaki Z300, its riding dynamics are as sweet as ever. The 2021 Kawasaki Z400 takes the long-standing battle to the likes of "Dark Side" Yamaha MT 03, the bonkers KTM Duke 390, and the duo of Huskies (Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401).
The 2021 Kawasaki Z400 continues to be a very prominent entry-level naked motorcycle in a well-rounded package. Priced from an MSRP of $4,999, it is one cool looking streetfighter to look out for.
Peppy Engine And Tractable Performance
The baby Z is priced from $4,999 and continues to be powered by a 399 cc. (24.34 cu. in.) parallel-twin liquid-cooled motor. Unlike what many assume for the engine to be a derivative of the now-discontinued Kawasaki Z300, this is an all-new unit that has been build-up from scratch. This peppy motor is capable of 44 hp @ 10,000 rpm and 28 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm.
It clearly is the high-revving species and is coupled to a slick-shifting 6-Speed manual that is also equipped with an Assist and Slipper clutch. The gears continue to be closely packed which allows for a swifter acceleration which helps the 2021 Z400 do 0-80 ph in 6.83 seconds and has a top speed of 100+ mph. These figures are quite commendable as this is an entry-level 2-cylinder offering. Despite having the power and torque concentrated at the top end, the 2021 Z400 still manages to be calm and composed in slow-moving traffic as well. This makes it an easy urban rider and a compelling entry-level offering.
Nimble Dynamics And Comfortable Ergonomics
Lightness nimbleness has always been a forte for motorcycles from Kawasaki. It is equipped with the same trellis frame construction as its counterpart, the 2021 Ninja 400 but gets a differently tuned suspension layout for a more softer and composed approach. The front 41mm forks are fixed and provide for a balanced setting and the rear Uni-Trak suspension is pre-load adjustable and can be tweaked as per your taste. It comes with Dunlop GPR-300 tires from the factory that helps to keep the bike steady at high speeds and in corners.
The riding dynamics have been well sorted for and the Z400 tackles both bumpy roads and smooth surfaces with ease. New riders will find it easy to instill confidence while riding this streetfighter and thus the Kawasaki vibe of easy rideability is carried over in the entry-level Z as well. You sit upright and the rider's triangle is well conserved in the Z. You are tilted slightly forward but the handlebar is wide and so doesn't demand much aggression while riding it around. This makes it a comfortable long-range companion as well. Talking of which, the Z400's engine is efficient enough to churn out 60 MPG. Couple that to a generous 3.7-gallon fuel tank, and you get a healthy riding range to last a week with average city riding.
The Streetfighter Look Is Played Well. A Sharp Looking Motorcycle
Sharing design cues with its elder Z sibling, the 2021 Kawasaki Z400 continues to be a sharp and handsome looking motorcycle. There aren't any changes on the aesthetic front and it continues to come with LED lighting all around. Aggressive design cues have been carried over from 2020 and it now comes in 2 vibrant dual-tone shades - Pearl Nightshade Teal / Metallic Flat Spark Black and Candy Cardinal Red / Metallic Flat Spark Black.
Slanted -spoke alloy wheels go well with the overall sharp and muscular form factor. Minimal bodywork plays well and helps to highlight the contrasting subframe member that is colored in either the Candy Cardinal Red or Pearl Nightshade Teal. The tail tidy is clearly laid out and goes well with the front-biased street-fighter look.
Stacked With Accessible Technology Features And Is A Reliable Machine
The 2021 Kawasaki Z400 comes standard with ABS and has the added benefit of an Assist and Slipper Clutch. It gets an Economila riding indicator to help you keep enthusiasm at bay when not needed. Z400 gets a negative LCD instrument cluster that gives it better readability even in the harshest of sunlight.
The front brakes are large 310 mm semi-floating petal units that provide for linear yet bitier actuation. Rear gets dual-piston calipers and a 220 mm petal disc. It also gets a Kawasaki Exclusive feature called Positive Neutral Finder that allows you to easily shift to neutral from the first gear when standstill without any needed precision. Reliability has always been at the forefront for Kawasaki motorcycles and that is what makes it a winner in the two-wheeled world. The 2021 Kawasaki Z400 gets a limited 12 months warranty and is also eligible for Kawasaki Protection Plan (KWP) that basically is an extended warranty program.
So, 2021 Z400 remains unchanged and as flexible and well-rounded as ever. Quite a peppy motorcycle that is a fine entry-level choice as well.
Sources: Kawasaki.com, Cycleworld.com, totalmotorcycle.com, Motorcycle.com