Following on from the Ninja 400, Kawasaki introduce a Z400 nakedbike version in 2019, strengthening their LAMS line-up and leveraging the success of the 400 platform to good effect.
Following on from the highly successful Ninja 400 introduced for 2018, Kawasaki Australia have now announced a new Z nakedbike built on the same platform, in the form of the Z400 (LAMS), a model which many have been expecting since the Ninja 400 appeared.
Kawasaki Australia recently announced the Z400’s availability in Australian dealers, with the nakedbike version of the best selling Ninja 400 (LAMS) available now for $6,299 + ORC in two colour options: Candy Lime Green or Candy Cardinel Red.
The Z400 (LAMS) is naturally powered by a responsive, rider-friendly 399cc parallel twin engine complete with an assist and slipper clutch and building on the reputation of the outgoing Z300 (LAMS), will be both lighter and more powerful than its predecessor.
Wrapped in a Kawasaki trellis chassis the Z400 aims to offer light, predictable handling plus low weight, the ideal combination for a machine focused on the LAMS and learner licence category.
With an easy reach to the ground, the Z400 also features “large volume” bodywork styling, helping create the feeling of a bigger bike without the normal disadvantages of a larger, heavier machine.
Other features include a digital speedometer plus gear position indicator, with fuel consumption and an economical riding indicator, an LED headlamp and of course Z family styling.
The Z400’s 399cc parallel twin delivers 33.4kW of power, up 4.4kW from the outgoing Z300, while featuring a more compact clutch down from 1399mm to 125mm, with less rigid operating plates, ensuring a light lever pull.
Numerous weight reduction strategies keep weight to a minimum – despite the larger
displacement powerplant, with a clean design trimmed of any unnecessary items, and the slim engine featuring a cooling system with minimised external hoses.
Kawasaki’s advanced dynamic rigidity analysis was used to ensure optimum rigidity with
light weight for the trellis frame, with the engine rigidly-mounted and used as a stressed member.
With both the engine and frame engine placement was also be optimised. The
new chassis features a short-wheelbase/long-swingarm design, complemented by a steep
caster angle that aims to deliver light, natural handling. The lightweight design results in a curb mass of only 167 kg for the Z400 (3 kg lighter than the Z300).
41mm telescopic fork deliver firm yet compliant suspension action, while a 310mm semi-floating front
rotor offers sure stopping power, with the latest ABS unit from Nissin.
The relatively upright riding position and wider handlebar put the rider in the ideal position
for control, while retaining a dynamic, sporty riding position, and a seat height of 785 mm, with a slim design of both the seat (30 mm narrower) and the rear of the engine gives riders an easy reach to the ground – ideal for new and less experienced riders.
In addition to contributing to the Z400’s looks, the newly designed LED headlamp is
highly visible and offers significantly increased brightness and a wider illuminated path.
Offering an easy-to-read layout, the analogue-style tachometer features a gear position
indicator at its centre and sits atop a multi-function LCD screen.
Kawasaki genuine accessories are available and include a meter cover, ERGO-FIT high seat (+30 mm), tank bag, tank pad, knee pads, pillion seat cover, 2-piece under-cowl, radiator screen,
frame sliders, wheel rim tape, U-lock, and helmet lock.
The 2019 Kawasaki Z400 will be available in two colour options: Candy Lime Green / Metallic Spark Black, and Candy Cardinal Red / Metallic Flat Spark Black.
2019 Kawasaki Z400 (LAMS) Specifications
Price: $6,299 (RRP) + ORC
Colours: Candy Lime Green, Candy Cardinal Red.
Claimed Power: 33.4kW[45PS]@10,000rpm
Claimed Torque: 38Nm@8000rpm
Wet Weight: 167kg
Fuel capacity: 14L
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin, 70.0 x 51.8 mm bore x stroke, 399cc, 11.5:1 compression ratio, EFI 32mm x 2
Gearbox: 6-speed, return
Clutch: Wet, Assist & Slipper multi-disc
Chassis: Trellis, high-tensile steel frame
Rake: 24.5°
Trail: 92mm
Suspension: 41mm telescopic fork, Bottom-Link Uni Trak, gas-charged shock with
adjustable preload
Brakes: Single semi-floating 310mm front petal rotor, dual-piston caliper, Single 220mm rear petal rotor, Dual-piston caliper
Wheels & Tyres: (Wheel type/design, measurements, Tyre type, measurements)
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 1370mm
Seat height: 785mm
Ground clearance: 145mm
Overall width: 800mm
Overall Length: 1990mm
Overall height: 1055mm
Instruments: Analogue tachometer, digital multifunction dash
November 24, 2018
Blimey, I hate this Transformers styling!
Yet underneath it all there’s a well-engineered motorcycle.
Whatever happened to that marketing dream in which riders could go on line and specify what their bike would look like?
January 28, 2019
Disappointed by the color schemes. Give us an all-black option like the Ninja 400.