Kawasaki Ninja 400 Expected To Debut At 2017 EICMA

If recent reports are to be believed, the quarter-litre motorcycle segment is about to get hotter with the arrival of a higher displacement Kawasaki Ninja that is likely to make its debut at the 2017 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy next month. The long rumoured bike, which is likely to be called the Ninja 400, is expected to be powered by a 399cc parallel-twin motor and will eventually replace the Kawasaki Ninja 300. The motorcycle was recently spotted in Milwaukee, US while it was out for a shoot for the upcoming commercial.

The introduction of a higher displacement Ninja shouldn’t come as a surprise as the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer has not updated the Kawasaki Ninja 300 to Euro-IV emission norms yet and is already facing a losing battle against the likes of the KTM RC 390 and the Yamaha R3 in terms of engine performance, by producing 39PS of power as compared to RC 390's 43.5PS and Yamaha R3's 42PS of power.  

The new Kawasaki Ninja 400’s parallel-twin motor is likely to deliver around 42PS of power and 37Nm of peak torque. These numbers are enough for it to go toe-to-toe against the competition. The updated specs will also put the Ninja within Europe’s A2 license policy. The engine will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch that will be part of the standard fitment. 

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From the pictures, it can be seen that the Kawasaki Ninja 400 gets Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R inspired headlamps, LED tail lamps, LED turn indicators, split seats, a wider rear tyre and a bigger windshield. However, it is expected that 

Kawasaki may also implement ride-by-wire on the new bike for better throttle response. Other goodies expected on the new Kawasaki Ninja include  ABS, a digital instrument console, projector headlamps and LED DRLs.

The new Kawasaki Ninja 400 will be making its debut in India by early 2018. Like the Ninja 300, the upcoming motorcycle will also be assembled in Chakan near Pune. With the Ninja 400, the Japanese company will be tempted to cash in on the growing entry-level sportbike segment. The new Kawasaki Ninja 400 will compete against the KTM RC 390, DSK Benelli 302R and the soon to be relaunched Yamaha R3 in India.

[Image Credits - tmj4.com]