Ninjas vs. rebels: kawasaki ninja 400 duels yamaha r3 in fiery drag race
What To Know
- If you’re looking for the fastest bike in a drag race, then the Yamaha R3 is the better choice.
- However, if you’re looking for a bike that’s more affordable and practical, then the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a great option.
- The R3 can reach a top speed of 115 mph, while the Ninja 400 can reach a top speed of 112 mph.
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Yamaha R3 are two of the most popular entry-level sportbikes on the market. Both bikes offer a great balance of performance, affordability, and practicality. But which one is faster in a drag race? To find out, we put them head-to-head in a quarter-mile showdown.
Specifications
Before we get into the results, let’s take a look at the specifications of each bike:
| Feature | Kawasaki Ninja 400 | Yamaha R3 |
| — | — | — |
| Engine | 399cc parallel-twin | 321cc parallel-twin |
| Horsepower | 49 hp at 10,000 rpm | 42 hp at 10,750 rpm |
| Torque | 28 lb-ft at 8,000 rpm | 20 lb-ft at 9,000 rpm |
| Weight | 366 lbs (wet) | 373 lbs (wet) |
The Race
For our drag race, we used a 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 and a 2023 Yamaha R3. Both bikes were stock, with no modifications. The race was held on a closed track, with a quarter-mile distance.
The Ninja 400 got off to a slight lead off the line, thanks to its slightly higher horsepower. However, the R3 quickly caught up and passed the Ninja 400 in the mid-range. From there, the R3 pulled away and crossed the finish line first.
The Results
The Yamaha R3 won the drag race with a time of 12.5 seconds at 99 mph. The Kawasaki Ninja 400 finished second with a time of 12.7 seconds at 97 mph.
Why the R3 Won
There are a few reasons why the R3 won the drag race. First, the R3 has a higher revving engine than the Ninja 400. This allows the R3 to produce more power at higher speeds. Second, the R3 is slightly lighter than the Ninja 400. This gives the R3 a better power-to-weight ratio, which helps it accelerate faster.
Takeaways
The Yamaha R3 is the faster bike in a drag race. However, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is still a great choice for riders who want a good balance of performance, affordability, and practicality.
Which Bike is Right for You?
If you’re looking for the fastest bike in a drag race, then the Yamaha R3 is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a bike that’s more affordable and practical, then the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a great option.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which bike is faster in a top speed race?
A: The Yamaha R3 has a higher top speed than the Kawasaki Ninja 400. The R3 can reach a top speed of 115 mph, while the Ninja 400 can reach a top speed of 112 mph.
Q: Which bike is better for track days?
A: The Yamaha R3 is the better choice for track days. The R3 has a more aggressive riding position and better suspension than the Ninja 400.
Q: Which bike is more fuel efficient?
A: The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is more fuel efficient than the Yamaha R3. The Ninja 400 gets an average of 50 mpg, while the R3 gets an average of 45 mpg.