2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS First Look

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ast year around this time we were all buzzing about Kawasaki’s announcement of the then new Ninja 400. Now we’ve got another machine to imagine ripping at full tilt through the countryside. It’s got the same engine as the Ninja 400 but comes in a different package, with the Japanese brand announcing the Z400 ABS for 2019.

This new bike presumably rounds-out Kawasaki's Z series, which has undergone quite the transformation in recent years with mounts like the Z125 Pro, Z650 and Z1000 all either debuting or getting notable upgrades.

As noted above, the 2019 Z400 will be powered by the 399cc Parallel Twin which Kawasaki debuted last year. It’s a marked upgrade over the previous Ninja 300, with noticeable improvements in performance throughout the rev range. Even with those advances the approachable, manageable character that have made this segment of machine so appealing to so many riders remained.

A quick reminder of the engine's details. It's liquid cooled with 70mm x 51.8mm bore and stroke, and is joined to a 6-speed transmission that makes use of a lightweight slip and assist clutch. Kawasaki updated the intake system with a large volume airbox and as direct line to the cylinder as possible. The intake ports are positioned at different heights to help smooth out power delivery.

The Z400 features a trellis frame with the engine mounted as a stressed member. Kawasaki made the frame as compact as possible, and lengthened the square tube swingarm in order to keep a stable 53.9-inch wheelbase intact. The slim frame also contributes to a slim seat design. Kawasaki achieved notable weight savings throughout, in fact, producing a machine that tips the scales ready to ride at 368.1 pounds.

Braking is handled by a 310mm semi-floating petal disc at front with a dual piston caliper, while out back is a 220mm petal disc and dual piston caliper. The Z400 ABS comes with the newest Nissin control unit.

As for the looks, if you’re familiar with the Z650 and Z1000, the Z400 will undoubtedly give you a sense of déjà vu. That’s because Kawasaki drew from the Sugomi design elements that informed the design of its larger siblings. A low, crouching stance and head position along with an upswept back end highlights of this approach.

The dual exhaust header pipes have a noticeable cure, and the angular lines of the tank and bodywork make this an unmistakable member of the Z family.

Riders that want an upright riding position will appreciate the ergonomics of the Z400. The footpegs are in a slightly more sporty position than dead center, but a wide handlebar and relaxed rider triangle will be comfortable for many.

It comes with a similar instrument cluster as the Z650, a stacked design with an analog tachometer and negative display LCD screen.

Kawasaki plans to offer numerous accessories for the Z400 line, so riders will be able to swap out seats or add sliders straight from the factory.

The Z400 ABS will come in either Candy Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black or Candy Cardinal Red/Metallic Flat Spark Black. It will carry a MSRP of $4,799.