You have the best camera angles for when you’re riding. I wish every rider who films would take notes from you.
@MotoJournoKris
5 жыл бұрын
Oh really, thanks! I'm still trying to improve my setup but I'm glad you like it. That's a GoPro Hero 5 Session mounted to the side of my helmet, and a GoPro chest mount.
@exe16
5 жыл бұрын
I wish they had gone with the dash from the Ninja 400 instead of the Z650. I mean, it's great looking and all, certainly one of the best looking LCD screens, but nothing beats a tach with a true pointer, both in looks and visibility.
@MotoJournoKris
5 жыл бұрын
Yea I struggled to tell what the tach was showing, as even though it's right up the top, I didn't find it highly visible. I think it would be better at night, but the old school clock is hard to beat.
@Cal-El
5 жыл бұрын
I appreciate how often you upload! Cheers.
@MotoJournoKris
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@jmdudley3859
5 жыл бұрын
I think it is just a beautiful bike 👍
@artful_dodger59
4 жыл бұрын
That is a good review. I got mine before the plague hit, so not many miles yet, But so far, I agree with you on everything you said. I've only had big bikes, and they are getting too tiring to ride in the urban area I live in. I've never had a road bike this small, but I am totally loving riding this bike. It goes were you look, no drama, turns in like a motocross bike! I don't think someone can go too far wrong with one of these, especially at they price.
@MotoJournoKris
4 жыл бұрын
Yep, especially when you consider the price, they are pretty exceptional little machines. Hopefully when things get a little more back to normal you'll have plenty more opportunities to ride.
@marknasia5293
5 жыл бұрын
Great review thanks for taking the time to point out differences between the Z400, and Ninja 400
@MotoJournoKris
5 жыл бұрын
Glad to be of help!
@drewmorg.
2 жыл бұрын
Kris, Cb500F vs Z400? You and I are identical size and leg dimension. It NEEDS to be able to cruise at 80mph on the highway between twisty fun. What do you think?
@MotoJournoKris
2 жыл бұрын
I think the only 300-400 class machines I felt struggled a bit cruising on the highway in that region of speed was the Honda 300s, but that was years ago, the 500s would do it easily. You may just be revving them a fair bit, but that shouldn't be an issue! I do think the CB500 gives the bigger bike feel however!
@broderp
4 жыл бұрын
in regards to the seat, it is just as you describe it. For short runs it's perfect. Put over 25 miles in one ride - like I did and your butt starts to feel it. The Ergo seat would be an improvement, but aside from the higher seat height, you have to consider the fact you will be changing the angle of your back and arms, putting more strain on them. For me with a bad back and hand numbness (thank goodness for Grip Puppies!) the cushion would be a bitter sweet trade off. Just food for thought.... BTW, I love my Z400. I outfitted mine with the same accessories as the one in the video - with the exception of the rear seat delete. I just don;t like the looks of it.
@MotoJournoKris
4 жыл бұрын
Oh nice! I've got the pillion seat cover on the Ninja 400, and not being able to just throw the pillion seat back on is a real pain. Plus with a rack on the back, you barely notice it. I still haven't got a more comfortable seat, but every time I go for a long ride on it, I wish I had! You're right of course though, it'll change the overall ergonomic of the bike.
@MotoJournoKris
2 жыл бұрын
@North of the Rio Grande Yep definitely an option if you want the taller seat and to keep the 'bars at a similar height.
@peterg7391
5 жыл бұрын
Is that a pre release bike you were testing???? The Australian bikes don't have a fairing part at the bottom of the engine like your one does, looking at the picture on Kawasaki Australia site..
@MotoJournoKris
5 жыл бұрын
I actually didn't realise until later that was an accessory, which was my bad! The bike came for testing with a number of accessories (cowl, screen, rad guard, crash posts, spools, tank protectors, and that belly pan/cowl), but I somehow missed that particular one. I only came to the realisation when I looked at the official pics, when pricing up all the accessories, and realised the same thing, doh!
@peterg7391
5 жыл бұрын
@@MotoJournoKris Thanks for that info, Should I buy that bike for the wife, I will get that extra fairing piece as I do like it better that way.
@MotoJournoKris
5 жыл бұрын
@@peterg7391 It's amazing the difference it makes to the look of the bike!
@kenspix
3 жыл бұрын
Great video well-planned review I enjoyed the great road trip shots.
@MotoJournoKris
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@normanhughedicko4076
5 жыл бұрын
You can opt for the led indicator just like the SE model
@tazui1982
5 жыл бұрын
Great video bro. Wish you wud have added engine and exhaust sound to see what twin engine sounds like.
@MotoJournoKris
5 жыл бұрын
Totally forgot to get a standalone piece with the exhaust, but I'm working on getting an exhaust for my Ninja 400 and I'll do a comparison. Unfortunately most of my onboard had terrible wind noise, so I had to cut the audio.
@rippingj6017
2 жыл бұрын
Is the upright handle bars that much different then the ninja 400,is the handling the same, I plan on getting one of the to next year,,I had dirt bikes when I was younger, so I'm sure the handle bars on the z400,are close to that,but I like the lookes of the nija,
@MotoJournoKris
2 жыл бұрын
From a mounting perspective they are almost at the same point, just the Z400 bars are flatter, where the Ninja 400 are a bit more down swept for that 'clip-on' feel without actually being proper clip-ons. There's some small ergonomic differences but nothing crazy.
@rippingj6017
2 жыл бұрын
@@MotoJournoKris thanks for the reply, would you say there is much of a power difference, even no there the same motor,would love to se side by side in a quarter mile with these 2 bikes,I'm kinda leaning towards the ninja. Stay safe.
@MotoJournoKris
2 жыл бұрын
@@rippingj6017 Crouched in behind the fairing on the Ninja is going to net you a bit more top speed if you're really pushing things, just thanks to aerodynamics.
@normanhughedicko4076
5 жыл бұрын
Next update extra 2-3 hp,USD forks and wider 120/60-17 & 160/60-17 tyres
@ripmax333
5 жыл бұрын
How much HP does it have ? On the Kawasaki website they only mention the torque figures
@MotoJournoKris
5 жыл бұрын
Same as the Ninja 400, both are restricted to 35kW here in Australia, so around 47hp. In the US people have dyno'd them a little higher as there's no restriction.
@zaxazva
4 жыл бұрын
U forgot to mention about how your right foot squishes against the bulky exhaust/heat shield when you’re resting your foot on the peg..
@MotoJournoKris
4 жыл бұрын
I didn't personally find it an issue in a size 11 boot, but it might come down to boot size, rider size or just foot placement.
@zaxazva
4 жыл бұрын
Moto Journo Kris yeah..I sat on it at my local showroom a couple days ago to test my “fit” compared with the ninja 400. Both bikes my right boot was partly riding on the exhaust..I wear size 13 =(..I’m also 6’2 220lbs lol. But I really want a 400cc range motorcycle
@MotoJournoKris
4 жыл бұрын
@@zaxazva I'd recommend planning to get an aftermarket slip-on exhaust with either of these machines to be honest, to give them a proper exhaust note, but that's frustrating.
@larryborn1082
4 жыл бұрын
Had mine for a couple of weeks now......here it is with a Leo Vince LV 10. I LOVE IT!! @
@MotoJournoKris
4 жыл бұрын
Nice stuff, how do you find the Leo Vince for volume?
@larryborn1082
4 жыл бұрын
@@MotoJournoKris It is definitely loud, but it is throaty and low which I love. I don't know if you listened to the audio on my videos but they show the difference to some degree. I am still breaking in the bike so I haven't been able to crack the throttle yet.
@MotoJournoKris
4 жыл бұрын
@@larryborn1082 Very nice, that's got a mean rumble to it!
@larryborn1082
4 жыл бұрын
@@MotoJournoKris , yeah....it sure doesn't sound like a 400cc p-twin anymore :)
@normanhughedicko4076
5 жыл бұрын
Kris,Do ecu reflash,Power commander and full exhaust system
@alexjbas
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the vid! Might have been talked about already but have you reviewed the MT03 at all... if not, have you ridden one? What are your thoughts? Thanks
@MotoJournoKris
4 жыл бұрын
I haven't tested the 2020 model yet, but I tested the previous generation a few years ago and found it a great bike. It shares the same engine characteristics as the R3, so not as torquey as the Z400/Ninja 400, but incredibly smooth and very linear, with a slick gearbox and great top end. For basic suspension I found it well sorted for me at 70kg, with a good braking package if not quite as powerful as on the Kawasakis. I'm interested to see how the 2020 model stacks up though, as it looks like there'll be some improvements there to mirror the changes we saw on the R3.
@alexjbas
4 жыл бұрын
Moto Journo Kris. I’m a new albeit older rider, both z400 and mt03 seem enough for my needs. Thanks for that Kris!
@MotoJournoKris
4 жыл бұрын
@@alexjbas Glad to be of help!
@jsprite123
4 жыл бұрын
A friend let me borrow his 2019 Z400. The bike has 250 miles, and only gets 45mpg...is that normal?
@MotoJournoKris
4 жыл бұрын
That seems a little high, however if it's a brand new bike that may be a contributing factor. I think around 4-4.5L per hundred km would be the norm on the Ninja 400, which is more like 55mpg, but there's a bit more wind protection. It also depends how hard you're riding to an extent. Does it have an aftermarket exhaust or fuel module? Those can see fuel efficiency drop.
@jsprite123
4 жыл бұрын
@@MotoJournoKris Normal riding, OEM exhaust, no other mods. Thanks for the info, I told my friend it seems high consumption to me also.
@MotoJournoKris
4 жыл бұрын
@@jsprite123 I'd give it more time and mileage to run in, and see if it improves or levels out at a more normal point.
@tambooraa2110
5 жыл бұрын
Awesome bike!
@Xwii610
2 жыл бұрын
Where did you get your belly pan?
@MotoJournoKris
2 жыл бұрын
This bike has the genuine Kawasaki accessories fitted, so that's the Kawasaki colour matched 'lower cowling' as they call it.
@michaelnantz5373
5 жыл бұрын
Why are you blocking out the speedometer?
@Gaverny
3 жыл бұрын
Care to take a guess?
@vali69
5 жыл бұрын
Does saying naked bike get you demonetaized or something?
@MotoJournoKris
5 жыл бұрын
Quite possibly, I know a warning pops up when I use it in the tags as two words instead of one!
@vali69
5 жыл бұрын
@@MotoJournoKris yeah its kinda funny things like this happen
@theresonly1truth138
5 жыл бұрын
You deserve 300k subscribers
@MotoJournoKris
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Getting there slowly!
@theresonly1truth138
5 жыл бұрын
@@MotoJournoKris I liked your solution for the jerky throttle engine breaking through using the slipper clutch and Ride somehow aggressively
@MotoJournoKris
5 жыл бұрын
@@theresonly1truth138 Thanks, I initially tried riding around it, and being less aggressive or running a higher gear or two, but in the end I found being a little more aggressive seemed the best solution. It's one of those quirks that'll probably only be noticed if you're commuting or cruising casually in specific conditions, as if you're having some fun it's rarely noticeable because you're generally already in that sporty mindset.
@bryantorres660
5 жыл бұрын
Bruuh I'm your 1000th subscriber
@MotoJournoKris
5 жыл бұрын
Awesome, that's much appreciated! I hope you enjoyed the video too!
@perry8498
4 жыл бұрын
How do you find it on the wrists
@MotoJournoKris
4 жыл бұрын
With the upright seating position and bar placement, there was little to no weight on the wrists.
@perry8498
4 жыл бұрын
Moto Journo Kris - that would be a standard position
@MotoJournoKris
4 жыл бұрын
@@perry8498 Yep it's typical of a nakedbike, the bars are taller and flatter than on the Ninja 400, and you're not stretching for them, if you're a similar height to me (180cm) at least.
@mujjuman
3 жыл бұрын
what does street fighter mean
@MotoJournoKris
3 жыл бұрын
Normally street fighters are sportsbikes that have been stripped back in a nakedbike conversion, but we see a bit of overlap with the factory options sometimes being called the same thing.
@mujjuman
3 жыл бұрын
@@MotoJournoKris thank you for explaining
@ilhamsabirin4673
4 жыл бұрын
Nice review sir.. How about the throttle response in all rev range? Is it accurate?
@MotoJournoKris
4 жыл бұрын
I found the throttle response very good generally, my only gripe was the transition onto engine braking at times on a closed or closing throttle, which can be a bit harsh, probably as the fueling cuts off and when the slipper clutch doesn't come into play.
@ilhamsabirin4673
4 жыл бұрын
@@MotoJournoKris in your opinion, if one ride this bike daily will the rider feel bored after a while?
@MotoJournoKris
4 жыл бұрын
@@ilhamsabirin4673 I think it depends on the rider. Personally I'd say there's enough performance to have plenty of fun in the long term, but there are people who need 100 hp+ to get that feeling, and others need 200.
@normanhughedicko4076
5 жыл бұрын
Any hazard light?
@ridehead8771
4 жыл бұрын
What was top speed like?
@MotoJournoKris
4 жыл бұрын
Around the 180km/h mark, although that's indicated on the dash, so there's some speedo error in there no doubt.
@ridehead8771
4 жыл бұрын
@@MotoJournoKris not bad, I am thinking of trading in my Cb500f for this due as I'm beginning to feel the weight of the Honda which is about 20 kilos more. Power wise not much difference so will give it a try ASAP. Thanks! 👍
@MotoJournoKris
4 жыл бұрын
@@ridehead8771 Very decent for the capacity, and they do feel exceptionally light.
@jasonlawrence8302
3 жыл бұрын
Why is every one so concerned with new riders?? It gets really old, you would think all of these small rockets are only made for learners LMAO!
@MotoJournoKris
3 жыл бұрын
Because so many new riders buy these and because so many new riders are looking for the content?
@marktiller1383
Жыл бұрын
The only problem is they sound like poo. But they slaughter most cars, cheap insurance, cheap tyres, do freeway speeds with ease, and use bugger all petrol. An ideal cc bike. And that's from a brand new Kawasaki triple owner, who's owned many extremely powerful Kawasaki bike's. A 400 is all the bike you need.
@MotoJournoKris
Жыл бұрын
Yea they are awesome little bikes. We've got an Arrow slip-on on our Ninja 400 and it sounds better, but nowhere near as good as a four, triple, or even a 270-degree parallel-twin with a similar exhaust.
@nattiwutchawsaun8337
5 жыл бұрын
Why did you censored speed?
@Hinjima92
5 жыл бұрын
What do you think? His face is on camera, and if he shows that he is speeding the police can get him. better be safe than sorry.
@nattiwutchawsaun8337
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for answer man.
@Hinjima92
5 жыл бұрын
@@nattiwutchawsaun8337 No Problem :) Many youtubers do this so they don't get caught speeding :)
@usernamemykel
5 жыл бұрын
Dumb question. Falls under category: "Duh!"
@nattiwutchawsaun8337
5 жыл бұрын
Sorry ,I ask him just because I want to know speed and performance of this motorcycle between test.
@Thesaviorsway
5 жыл бұрын
Need zx25r motor that revs 20k rpm
@marktiller1383
3 жыл бұрын
How about a zx 400, there is talk .
@keithb.commonangler
3 жыл бұрын
Kawasaki what is up with these fugly ugly compliant hideous exhaust, everybody spends money to replace them with aftermarket, who is lining whose pockets.......
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