Ninja 400 or 650? choosing the best starter motorcycle for beginners
What To Know
- However, the Ninja 400 has a slightly shorter wheelbase and a steeper steering angle than the Ninja 650.
- The Ninja 400 is a great choice for first-time riders who are looking for a lightweight, agile, and affordable bike.
- The Ninja 650 is a great choice for riders who are looking for a more powerful and comfortable bike.
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 and 650 are two of the most popular entry-level sportbikes on the market. Both bikes offer a great combination of performance, handling, and affordability, making them ideal choices for first-time riders. But which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Ninja 400 and 650 side-by-side to help you make an informed decision.
Power and Performance
The Ninja 400 is powered by a 399cc parallel-twin engine that produces 49 horsepower and 28 lb-ft of torque. The Ninja 650, on the other hand, is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 68 horsepower and 47 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the Ninja 650 has a clear advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the Ninja 400 is lighter than the Ninja 650, so the two bikes have very similar power-to-weight ratios. This means that the Ninja 400 feels just as quick as the Ninja 650 in real-world riding conditions.
Handling
The Ninja 400 and 650 both have excellent handling characteristics. Both bikes are agile and easy to maneuver, making them great choices for navigating city traffic and carving up twisty roads.
However, the Ninja 400 has a slightly shorter wheelbase and a steeper steering angle than the Ninja 650. This gives the Ninja 400 a slightly quicker steering response, making it easier to flick through corners.
Braking
The Ninja 400 and 650 both have excellent braking systems. Both bikes come standard with ABS, and the brakes are powerful and progressive.
However, the Ninja 650 has slightly larger brake rotors than the Ninja 400. This gives the Ninja 650 a slight advantage in terms of braking power.
Comfort
The Ninja 400 and 650 are both relatively comfortable bikes. Both bikes have upright riding positions, and the seats are well-padded.
However, the Ninja 650 has a slightly taller seat height than the Ninja 400. This may make the Ninja 650 a better choice for taller riders.
Fuel Economy
The Ninja 400 and 650 both have excellent fuel economy. Both bikes can get over 50 mpg in real-world riding conditions.
However, the Ninja 400 has a slightly smaller fuel tank than the Ninja 650. This means that the Ninja 400 will need to be refueled more often than the Ninja 650.
Price
The Ninja 400 is priced at $4,999, while the Ninja 650 is priced at $6,999. This price difference is significant, and it’s one of the most important factors to consider when choosing between the two bikes.
If you’re on a budget, the Ninja 400 is the better choice. However, if you’re willing to spend a little more money, the Ninja 650 is the better overall bike.
Which Bike is Right for You?
The Ninja 400 and 650 are both great bikes, but they’re not right for everyone. Here’s a quick breakdown of who each bike is best suited for:
- Ninja 400: The Ninja 400 is a great choice for first-time riders who are looking for a lightweight, agile, and affordable bike. It’s also a good choice for riders who are on a budget.
- Ninja 650: The Ninja 650 is a great choice for riders who are looking for a more powerful and comfortable bike. It’s also a good choice for riders who are taller or who plan on doing a lot of highway riding.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which bike is faster, the Ninja 400 or the Ninja 650?
A: The Ninja 650 is faster than the Ninja 400. It has a more powerful engine and a higher top speed.
Q: Which bike is more comfortable, the Ninja 400 or the Ninja 650?
A: The Ninja 650 is more comfortable than the Ninja 400. It has a taller seat height and a more upright riding position.
Q: Which bike is more fuel-efficient, the Ninja 400 or the Ninja 650?
A: The Ninja 400 and 650 have similar fuel economy. Both bikes can get over 50 mpg in real-world riding conditions.
Q: Which bike is cheaper, the Ninja 400 or the Ninja 650?
A: The Ninja 400 is cheaper than the Ninja 650. The Ninja 400 is priced at $4,999, while the Ninja 650 is priced at $6,999.
Q: Which bike is better for beginners, the Ninja 400 or the Ninja 650?
A: The Ninja 400 is a better choice for beginners. It’s lighter, more agile, and more affordable than the Ninja 650.