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New for 2011 from Kawasaki…
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I found this on CMG (Canadian Motorcycle Guide) Online…
Kawasaki has just released details of the new 2011 Ninja 400R, which will be available in Canada beginning in mid-August.
This new member of the Ninja family is closely based on the Ninja 650R, but it’s engine displaces 399 cc. Bore and stroke measurements are 68.4 x 54.3 mm (versus 83 x 60 mm for the 650R). The fuel-injected mill produces a useful 43 hp at 9,500 rpm, with torque peaking at 27.3 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm.
Chassis geometry is identical to the Ninja 650R and wet weight is 203 kg (448 lb), a kilo less than the 650R.
It will be available in black or lime green at a retail price of $7,499.
This bike is a welcome addition in a displacement category that has been sadly lacking participants.
This will probably be one of the best beginner bikes….period. Looks great and power and torque are enough to keep you happy for a while, and not really enough to scare you…I wonder if this will get Suzuki to bring the “little Gladius” over…they have a 400cc version in Europe.
Just thought I would pass this on…
I am NOT making this as a criticism, but strictly as an observation relating to the design aspect of tall rear shock positioning; I owned a Yamaha TY250 monoshock that had an almost identical rear suspension layout to these bikes and subsequently moved to rides that have the rear shock linkage mounted extremely low in the frame by comparison. In my experience that higher rear shock mount will impart a taller feel to a motorcycle and higher center of gravity. What does this mean to the average rider, possibly nothing; but I did find that when the bike was in a full wheelie position or climbing an extremely steep slope, they do exhibit a propensity to ‘lip out’ and require far more sensitive throttle and brake control to stop from flipping backwards. Again this is NOT a criticism because I doubt that any of you are buying these things to do cat-walks or climb 70+ degree slopes
…only relating an experience that is more safely discovered on the feather weight, low speed Trials bike.Great looking bike and an excellent move by Kawasaki to offer displacement variations on a common platform, it’s a proven practice frequently seen in Trials bike production.
This is likely why some previous posters, have commented on the R model having a ” taller ” feel. A higher center of gravity is not a good thing for beginners or expert riders and the only advantage in this design is, simplicity of maintenance and it’s economy to build. If that economy is not transfered on to the consumer it would be a rip off.
If it came to comparing model to model between a bike with this suspension and say a 400$ more expensive bike having no difference other than a modern linkage type design, I would pay the price for an upgraded suspension and deal with the increased maintenance cost, rather than own one with an elevated center of gravity. For a prime example of this high mounted monoshock suspension, take a look at the 1940’s Vincent Black Shadow.
…I’m guessing the sleeved down version is intended to leverage a cheaper insurance cost ?
The piston and valves must also be smaller so it will be interesting to see if the 400 pulls higher rev’s.
…only relating an experience that is more safely discovered on the feather weight, low speed Trials bike.
The piston and valves must also be smaller so it will be interesting to see if the 400 pulls higher rev’s.- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
