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2020 Kawasaki Z400 [Model Overview]

2020 Kawasaki Z400

2020 Kawasaki Z400 ABS

The 2020 Kawasaki Z400 ABS is the youngest of the Z series bikes by a few months, having been introduced at the end of 2018 as a 2019 model. Powered by a 399cc DOHC parellel twin, the Z400 produces 49 crank HP and 28 lbs-ft of crank torque. Smaller than most naked bikes, the Z400 is a light, tossable, corner carving motorcycle that is directly in line with Kawasaki’s  “streetfighter” goal for their naked bikes.

The Z400 is a very light with a full wet weight of only 364 lbs, and has a much lower seat height than the other Z series at only 31 inches. Kawasaki designed the Z400 this way to bring the rider closer to the center of gravity and allow for precise, instant handling.

The 2020 Kawasaki Z400 ABS starts at $4,999 US/$5,999 CA

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new Kawasaki Z400 ABS in one place.

2020 Kawasaki Z400


Model Overview

General Info

  • Price: $4,999 US/$5,999 CA
  • Key Features:
    • Anti-Lock Braking System
    • New Assist & Slipper Clutch
    • LED Lighting

Key Specs

  • Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
  • Power: 49 Hp
  • Wet weight: 368 lb
  • Seat height: 30.9 in

2020 Kawasaki Z400


2020 Kawasaki Z400 ABS Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE

Engine 399cc Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Power 49 Hp
Bore x Stroke 70mm x 51.8 mm
Compression Ratio 11.5:1
Fuel System Fuel injection: Ø 32 mm x 2
Starter Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump

DRIVETRAIN

Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Transmission 6-speed
Final Drive Sealed chain

CHASSIS

Suspension Front 41mm telescopic fork
Suspension Rear Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock with adjustable preload
Brakes Front Single semi-floating 310 mm petal discs. Caliper: Single balanced actuation dual piston
Brakes Rear Single 220 mm petal disc. Caliper: Dual-piston
Tires Front 110/70R17 M/C 54H
Tires Rear 150/60R17 M/C 66H
Fuel Tank Capacity 14 L (3.6 US gal.)
Color Metallic Matte Graphite Gray / Metallic Spark Black, Candy Lime green / Metallic Spark Black

ELECTRICAL

Ignition
Spark Plugs
Headlight LED
Tail Light LED

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length 78.3 in (1,990 mm)
Overall Width 41.5 in (800 mm)
Overall Height 41 in (1,055 mm)
Wheelbase 54 in (1,370 mm)
Ground Clearance 5.7 in (145 mm)
Seat Height 30.9 in (785 mm)
Curb Weight 368 lbs (167 kg)

WARRANTY

Warranty 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
Extension

2020 Kawasaki Z400


2020 Kawasaki Z400 ABS Features

More Rigid Front Fork

More rigid ø41 mm telescopic fork delivers better suspension action. The front wheel feels really planted, direction changes are made easily (even when the bike is fairly upright – handy when navigating traffic jams), and overall the suspension offers the plushness of a larger displacement bike.

Easy Reach to the Ground

While seat height is 785 mm (when radial tyres are fitted), the slim design of both the seat (30 mm narrower) and the rear of the engine gives riders an unobstructed line for their feet to reach the ground.

Sugomi Styling

The new Z400 combines the sharp, aggressive style of the Z650 with the large-volume design of the Z300 to create an aggressive, agile, masculine impression. Its muscular, athletic bodywork reflects the increased performance while forming a flowing design that appears to float above the engine. Like other models in the Z Series, sugomi design elements (crouching stance, low-positioned head and upswept tail) give it a silhouette instantly recognisable as a Kawasaki Supernaked.

Large-Diameter Front Brake Disc

Measuring ø310 mm (the same size as those of the Z1000), the Z400/250’s semi-floating front disc offers sure stopping power. A rigid new front brake master cylinder helps eliminate ineffective (idle) stroke, contributing to controllability, while carefully selected brake hose dimensions and material contribute to brake touch. All models are equipped with ABS and feature the latest ABS unit from Nissin, the most compact and lightweight available.

Compact Multi-Function Instrumentation

The Z400 is equipped with the same stacked instrument cluster as the Z650. 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.

Ergonomics for Active Control

Relaxed rider triangle accommodates a wide range of rider sizes and riding situations, contributing to its rider-friendly character. The relatively upright riding position and wider handlebar put the rider in the ideal position for active control, facilitating dynamic, sporty riding.

Significantly Lower Weight

The lightweight design of the new engine and frame, plus extensive efforts to minimise weight result in a curb mass of only 167 kg for the Z400 (3 kg lighter than the Z300) – making them the lightest twin-cylinder models in their class.

New Assist & Slipper Clutch

More compact clutch (ø139 mm >> ø125 mm) with less rigid operating plates offers a lighter lever pull. Complementing the extremely light feel at the lever, the new clutch has a wider engagement range, facilitating control.

Compact, Lightweight & Efficient

Designing the engine from scratch allowed the engine layout to be optimised for size, weight and efficiency. The new engine is comparable in size to that of the 2013-2018 Z250. Numerous weight reduction efforts keep weight to a minimum – despite a larger displacement. The clean design trimmed of any unnecessary items, and the revamped layout enable a slim engine and a cooling system with minimised external piping.

Powerful, Rider-Friendly Parallel Twin

Displacing 399 cm3, the new engine delivers significantly increased performance compared to its predecessor: 33.4 kW (+4.4 kW vs the 2018 Z300). The higher performance can largely be credited to the new downdraft intake, which is accompanied by a larger airbox offering increased intake efficiency. The increased performance is complemented by a rider-friendly character; the smooth response and abundant low-end torque facilitate throttle control for new and experienced riders alike.

Lightweight Trellis Frame

The Z400 features a trellis frame similar in design to that of the Ninja H2. Kawasaki’s advanced dynamic rigidity analysis was used to ensure optimum rigidity with light weight. The engine is rigid-mounted and used as a stressed member. The new frame design contributes significantly to the bike’s low curb mass.

LED Headlamp

In addition to contributing to the Z400’s sharp looks, the newly designed LED headlamp is highly visible and offers significantly increased brightness and a wider illuminated path.

Light, Predictable Handling

With both the engine and frame being new, engine placement could also be optimised. The new chassis features a short-wheelbase/long-swingarm design, complemented by a steep caster angle that delivers light, natural handling. The bike’s light weight also contributes to the easy handling and facilitates manoeuvring when off the bike.


2020 Kawasaki Z400 ABS Photos


2020 Kawasaki Z400 ABS Videos


Kawasaki Official Websites

Social Media Links

 

  1. Have always liked the look of Kawasakis . I am searching for a great bike for training and parking lot drills and skills acquirement classes. Something light and nimble. My current mount is 507 lbs. wet. learn proficiency on a light bike and transfer those skills to the larger bike when truly ready. Still having probs ? Just go back to the trainer.
    I’ve been giving alot of attention to the Honda CB300R ABS. ONly weighs 315lbs. Has 30 hp . The Yamaha MT-03 also caught my eye. 37 hp and wet weight of 374 lbs. Seems like a bit of a trade off.Now I am reading my latest issue(final print copy) of Cycle World. The Kawasaki Z400 is in their top ten. Small wonder. 364 lbs. wet(give or take 4 lbs.), 44 hp, 3.7 gallons fuel and73 mph with careful throttle. My big sport tourer only gets 31-35 in town. I still love it and jst had it Dyno-Jetted and gained 12hp. But I need this smaller bike to become proficient and better on the bigger. When I see those guys doing the tight and slow turns in a parking lot so beautifully I am jealous. Question for you all: Will Kawai’s new assist and slipper clutch help in training as well ? Thanks

  2. Slipper clutch, as in my kawasaki zx6r, refers to slip at the rear wheel when downchanging many gears at once, as you do on a racetrack.
    Clutch assist is something else that gives easier clutch lever pull,. Many publications are now using these terms interchangeably, which is quite misleading.

    I assume the z has clutch assist?

  3. Anything that’s decreases clutch hand fatigue, especially when fm doing drills, is a good thing

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