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The Kawasaki Z400 is the naked version of the Ninja 400. (Kawasaki/)

Ups

Comfortable, upright ergonomicsSame great engine as in the Ninja 400Nimble handlingHello, cheap thrills! Great low price

Downs

Side shrouds can cramp taller riders

Verdict

Kawasaki’s Z400, small streetfighter with aggressive styling, provides cheap thrills with its near $5K price. The bike is well prepared for urban environments but also fun to ride on backroads or on the racetrack. The 400 stands out with nimble handling and a fantastic engine that riders won’t easily outgrow.

Overview

Introduced in 2019, the Kawasaki Z400 is a relatively new face to the small-displacement naked bike category. Unveiled a year after the significantly revised Ninja 400, the Z400 combines stripped-down streetfighter styling with the same capable, fun-loving 399cc parallel-twin engine found in its sibling. All the important characteristics of a small-displacement machine remain; the 400 is light and agile and its engine is great for developing riders. And for those who simply aren’t Ninja people, its upright ergonomics make it comfortable for longer commutes. It’s no wonder the Z400 followed on the coattails of its counterpart when it claimed the 2019 and 2020 Cycle World Best Lightweight Sportbike award.

At $5,199, the Z400 is priced competitively for the beginner market.
At $5,199, the Z400 is priced competitively for the beginner market. (Kawasaki/)

Updates for 2022

Kawasaki offers the 2022 models in two color options: Candy Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black and Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray.

Pricing and Variants

The 2022 Z400 is competitively priced for the beginner motorcycle market at $5,199. The only version of this motorcycle is equipped with standard ABS.

Competition

The Z400 is not alone in its quest for attracting newer riders. The Austrians have a selection of small-displacement naked bikes with the KTM 390 Duke, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, and Husqvarna Svartpilen 401. Competition from Japan includes the Honda CB300R and Yamaha MT-03. At the beginner/intermediate level, there’s also the Suzuki SV650.

A chipper 399cc parallel-twin engine powers the Z-four-hundo.
A chipper 399cc parallel-twin engine powers the Z-four-hundo. (Kawasaki/)

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

When a motorcycle is easy enough for a new rider to tame but still exciting enough to make a veteran rider smile under their helmet, there’s usually a well-balanced engine to blame. Such is the case with the Z400; its parallel twin won’t scare off beginners, but it can be ridden hard when asked. Its assist-and-slipper clutch has an easy pull and aids in smooth deceleration into corners.

On the CW dyno, the engine delivers 44.1 hp at 9,830 rpm and 25.1 lb.-ft. of torque at 8,250 rpm to the rear wheel. The resulting power curve is linear and the torque curve is broad and flat. Power delivery is extra smooth, receiving top marks from our editors.

Handling

The nonadjustable 41mm Showa fork and preload adjustable KYB shock have softer spring rates than the Ninja 400′s suspension units. We found that the Z400 performs well over bumpy surfaces with a cushy, well-damped ride. Overall, its nimble chassis and neutral handling make the Z400 easy to control and tip into turns, and its light weight and low mass make maneuvering at low speeds easy.

Brakes

Nissin calipers grab hold of 310mm and 220mm discs (front/rear). They do not provide a strong initial bite, but that’s OK for beginners. Nonswitchable ABS comes standard.

Aggressive in style, but not so aggressive in ergonomics. On the Z, riders will have a more upright riding posture than if they opted for the Ninja 400.
Aggressive in style, but not so aggressive in ergonomics. On the Z, riders will have a more upright riding posture than if they opted for the Ninja 400. (Kawasaki/)

Fuel

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By: Cycle World Staff
Title: 2022 Kawasaki Z400 ABS
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/story/buyers-guide/kawasaki-z400-abs-2022/
Published Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2022 17:45:04 +0000

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.mansbrand.com/top-5-fuel-efficient-motorcycles-2022/

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Motor

2023 Honda SCL500 Review With Riding Videos

Published

8 hours ago

on

September 30, 2023

By

4IJC46VHEFD4LNHXQCHOJAKVJA 2

We take a spin on American Honda’s new-for-2023 SCL500 scrambler.

The SCL500 wears fork gaiter boots that give a scrambler aesthetic.

The 471cc parallel twin is smooth and easy to command. It pumps out nearly 40 horsepower at the rear tire.

Despite its engine size (and price) the SCL500 is a real, full-size motorcycle that will fit a range of riders both big and small.

The styling certainly isn’t our favorite but we value the upswept muffler and ribbed seat.

In typical Honda fashion, the exhaust note is muted and does a great job of not attracting unwanted attention.

The SCL500 is an easy-riding bike that offers above-average handling capability on curvy tarmac.

The cockpit of the SCL500 is cozy and accommodating for large and small riders alike.

Twin shocks with over 5 inches of suspension travel and a long wheelbase afford a cozy ride over bumpy road surfaces.

Instrumentation is simple and effective. It can be difficult to read in direct sunlight however.

Riders seeking a quality, full-size scrambler-type motorcycle (for light off-roading) will value the 2023 SCL500.

In typical Honda fashion, the saddle is comfy and there is room for a passenger.

It isn’t necessarily a “looker” but if value, quality, and ease of use are on your list of “wants” the SCL500 delivers.

New for the 2023 model year is American Honda’s 2023 SCL500. This is a new scrambler-style streetbike. This new motorcycle is based on the underpinnings of its ultrapopular Rebel 500 cruiser and is priced at $6,799 so it represents good value in the class versus bikes similar to Royal Enfield’s Scram 411.

The SCL500 is powered by Honda’s tried-and-true 471cc parallel-twin engine. It features an eight-valve cylinder head, dual overhead cam, water-cooling, and fuel injection. This nets around 43 ponies and 30 lb.-ft. torque at the business and at the Dunlop Trailmax 17-inch tire.

Read More

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By: Adam Waheed
Title: 2023 Honda SCL500 Review With Riding Videos
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/reviews/honda-scl500-review-with-riding-videos/
Published Date: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 23:56:56 +0000

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Motor

EXIF Picks: Classic Iron from Bonhams’ 2023 Autumn Stafford Sale

Published

10 hours ago

on

September 30, 2023

By

1959 norton manx 5 745x497 1

Picks from Bonhams 2023 Autumn Stafford Sale

We say it time and time again, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a more impressive assortment of rare motorcycles and parts than at Bonhams’ Stafford sale—made even more exciting by the fact that they’re for sale. Beyond the irreplaceable competition cycles from Europe’s most storied marques, you’ll find an assortment of rare project bikes, vintage race gear and incredibly rare parts. Where else would you shop for a Scott fuel tank, a frame section from a Vincent Black Shadow or forks from a four-cylinder Henderson?

Bonhams’ 2023 Autumn Stafford Sale takes place October 14-15 at the Staffordshire County Showground in the U.K., with 480 lots going to the highest bidder. Picking favorites is tough among such company, but here are just a few of the classic bikes that caught our attention.

1979 Ducati Mike Hailwood Replica
1979 Ducati 864 cc Mike Hailwood Replica Mike Hailwood is without a doubt one of the most talented and grittiest riders in the history of motorcycle road racing. Dubbed ‘Mike the Bike’ for his ability to podium on a machine of just about any capacity, Hailwood’s record is highlighted by 76 Grand Prix victories, 14 Isle of Man TT wins and four consecutive world championships—not to mention a third place ride in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a GT40.

Hailwood Ducati from Bonhams 2023 Autumn Stafford SaleRead More

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By: Dean Larson
Title: EXIF Picks: Classic Iron from Bonhams’ 2023 Autumn Stafford Sale
Sourced From: www.bikeexif.com/bonhams-2023-autumn-stafford-sale
Published Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2023 17:00:55 +0000

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Motor

2023 Honda SCL500 Gallery

Published

12 hours ago

on

September 30, 2023

By

4IJC46VHEFD4LNHXQCHOJAKVJA

We take a spin on American Honda’s new-for-2023 SCL500 scrambler.
We take a spin on American Honda’s new-for-2023 SCL500 scrambler. (Drew Ruiz/)
The SCL500 wears fork gaiter boots that give a scrambler aesthetic.
The SCL500 wears fork gaiter boots that give a scrambler aesthetic. (Drew Ruiz/)
The 471cc parallel twin is smooth and easy to command. It pumps out nearly 40 horsepower at the rear tire.
The 471cc parallel twin is smooth and easy to command. It pumps out nearly 40 horsepower at the rear tire. (Drew Ruiz/)
Despite its engine size (and price) the SCL500 is a real, full-size motorcycle that will fit a range of riders both big and small.
Despite its engine size (and price) the SCL500 is a real, full-size motorcycle that will fit a range of riders both big and small. (Drew Ruiz/)
The styling certainly isn’t our favorite but we value the upswept muffler and ribbed seat.
The styling certainly isn’t our favorite but we value the upswept muffler and ribbed seat. (Drew Ruiz/)
In typical Honda fashion, the exhaust note is muted and does a great job of not attracting unwanted attention.
In typical Honda fashion, the exhaust note is muted and does a great job of not attracting unwanted attention. (Drew Ruiz/)
The SCL500 is an easy-riding bike that offers above-average handling capability on curvy tarmac.
The SCL500 is an easy-riding bike that offers above-average handling capability on curvy tarmac. (Drew Ruiz/)
The cockpit of the SCL500 is cozy and accommodating for large and small riders alike.
The cockpit of the SCL500 is cozy and accommodating for large and small riders alike. (Drew Ruiz/)
Twin shocks with over 5 inches of suspension travel and a long wheelbase afford a cozy ride over bumpy road surfaces.
Twin shocks with over 5 inches of suspension travel and a long wheelbase afford a cozy ride over bumpy road surfaces. (Drew Ruiz/)
Instrumentation is simple and effective. It can be difficult to read in direct sunlight however.
Instrumentation is simple and effective. It can be difficult to read in direct sunlight however. (Drew Ruiz/)
Riders seeking a quality, full-size scrambler-type motorcycle (for light off-roading) will value the 2023 SCL500.
Riders seeking a quality, full-size scrambler-type motorcycle (for light off-roading) will value the 2023 SCL500. (Drew Ruiz/)
In typical Honda <p><a href=Read More

—————-

Title: 2023 Honda SCL500 Gallery
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/2023-honda-scl500-gallery
Published Date: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 23:47:11 +0000

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