2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS First Look

| November 6, 2018

2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS First Look—It’s no secret how impressed we’ve been with Kawasaki’s Ninja 400 entry-level sportbike. It provides razor-sharp, corner-carving handling and a spunky motor with the power to delight and entertain even the most experienced sport riders. The 2019 Z400 ABS embodies that same performance package, but now in stripped-down, naked trim.

2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS First Look

Featuring the same 399cc parallel-Twin engine as the Ninja, the Z400 has been tuned for more bottom end characteristic of a street fighter through careful airbox and intake design. The sporty motor also doubles as a stressed member of the trellis-style frame to not only provide optimal chassis rigidity but also to keep weight down as low as possible. A compact assist & slipper clutch with light lever pull complements the six-speed transmission in mitigating engine back torque to prevent rear wheel hop or chatter under aggressive downshifts.

Bump absorption is handled by a 41mm non-adjustable telescopic front fork and a five-way preload-adjustable rear shock. A steep 24.5-degree rake and short 53.9-inch wheelbase help with the lil’ Z’s precise steering and handling abilities while a longer swingarm compensates and ensures stability. Largest in its class, the Z400 features a 310mm semi-floating petal-style front rotor clamped down on by a two-piston Nissin front caliper, and is matched with a Nissin dual-piston/220mm rotor combo out back. Finally, as its name would suggest, the 2019 Z400 comes with ABS standard.

The all-new Z400 with its distinctly sharp Sugomi design provides a crouching stance, with a low-positioned head, and upswept tail to give this smallest Z a silhouette instantly relatable to its bigger Z650 and Z900 brothers. Competitively priced at $4,799 and available in either green or red, the 2019 Z400 ABS gives entry-level motorcyclists a performance platform they’ll be able to learn on and grow with as their skills develop for a long time.