2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS | First Look Review

2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS
The all-new 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS naked sportbike is based on the Ninja 400.

Kawasaki’s Z family of naked sportbikes has something for everyone, from the Z125 Pro play bike to the modern Z900 and retro Z900RS/Cafe big bikes. In the middle are the Z650 middleweight and the new-for-2019 Z400 ABS, a naked version of Team Green’s entry-level, fully faired Ninja 400 sportbike.

Read our 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS first ride review

2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS
The 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS features an upright yet sporty riding position, a low 30.9-inch seat height and a light 368-pound curb weight.

Powering the Z400 ABS is a liquid-cooled, 399cc parallel twin with an oversquare 70 x 51.8mm bore/stroke, an 11.5:1 compression ratio, a DOHC head with 4 valves per cylinder and fuel injection with two 32mm throttle bodies. Kawasaki claims 28 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm. Its 6-speed transmission has Kawasaki’s exclusive Positive Neutral Finder and an assist-and-slipper clutch, and final drive is via chain.

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Like the Ninja H2, the Z400 ABS has a tubular-steel trellis frame. A short, 53.9-inch wheelbase and a long, square-tube cast aluminum swingarm are said to give the bike nimble handling. Suspension is handled by a 41mm, non-adjustable fork and a Bottom Link Uni-Trak rear shock with adjustable preload.

2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS
Like its Z650 and Z900 siblings, the 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS features aggressive Sugomi styling. Its headlight and taillight are LED.

Braking is handled by one 2-piston caliper on each wheel, with the front squeezing a 310mm petal disc and the rear squeezing a 220mm petal disc. As the model name implies, ABS is standard. Cast, 5-spoke, star-pattern 17-inch wheels are shod with Dunlop radials.

Like its Z650 and Z900 big brothers, the Z400 ABS has aggressive styling using Kawasaki’s Sugomi design language, with a “crouching stance, low-positioned head and upswept tail.” The headlight and taillight are LED, and the instrument panel is a multi-function LCD screen.

2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS
The 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS has a fully digital instrument panel set beneath analog numbers for the tachometer.

Kawasaki says the Z400 ABS has an upright yet sporty riding position, with a wide handlebar, a narrow seat with a modest 30.9-inch seat height and a light 368-pound curb weight (claimed).

The 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS is available in two colors: Candy Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black and Candy Cardinal Red/Metallic Flat Spark Black. MSRP is $4,799.

Check out Rider’s Guide to New/Updated Street Motorcycles for 2019

1 COMMENT

  1. Looks like it will be a great motorcycle. I have had or ridden every size motorcycle there is and have never had more fun on anything than a small quick handling street bike. This looks to be the best in years. RD400, CB400 and the likes on back roads are what motorcycling is about. FUN.
    Every time I have a bike like this in my stable I leave the heaver bikes behind and ride all day with a smile. Fun doesn’t have to cost a lot. This looks like a deal.

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