Kawasaki launched its much-hyped sports tourer, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 recently. Let’s see how it goes up against the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 on paper.
Mid-capacity sports tourers are one of the perfect motorcycles for the Indian market. The bikes power output is usable, and the maintenance costs are also affordable enough to make a hassle-free riding experience. The Kawasaki Ninja 400 features a design language inspired by the Ninja H2 and the ZX-10R. The bike gets LED headlights and tail lamp. The Yamaha YZF-R3, on the other hand, comes with twin halogen headlamps and a LED tail light. Both bikes have sporty yet comfortable ergonomics.
| Specifications | Kawasaki Ninja 400 | 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 |
| Engine | 399 cc parallel twin with liquid cooling and fuel injection | 321 cc in-line twin DOHC engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection |
| Peak Power | 49 PS at 10,000 rpm | 42 PS at 10,750 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 38 Nm at 8,000 rpm | 29.6 Nm at 9,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed | 6-speed |
| Front Suspension | 41 mm telescopic fork | Telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged monoshock with adjustable preload | Monocross type suspension |
| Front Brake | 310 mm petal disc with ABS | 298 mm disc with ABS |
| Rear Brake | 220 mm petal disc with ABS | 220 mm disc with ABS |
| Front Tyre Size | 110/70R17 M/C 54H Dunlop Sportmax | Metzeler Sportec M5 Interact 110/70R-17M/C 54H (Tubeless) |
| Rear Tyre Size | 150/60R17 M/C 66H Dunlop Sportmax | Metzeler Sportec M5 Interact 140/70R-17M/C 66H (Tubeless) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 litres | 14 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 173 kg | 173 kg |
| Seat Height | 785 mm | 780 mm |
| Price | INR 4,69,000, ex-showroom Delhi | INR 3,48,000, ex-showroom, Delhi |
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 outperforms the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 because of its bigger engine and better output. It also gets a bigger front disc than the R3, and petal design helps in dissipating heat quicker. Both the bikes have the same fuel tank capacity. Despite having a bigger engine, the Ninja and the R3 weigh the same.
Also Read: 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Benelli 302R – spec comparison
Both the bikes are CKD offerings. However, customers may find the stratospheric pricing of the Ninja extremely off-putting. The R3 is INR 1.21 lakhs cheaper while offering comparable levels of power. The Ninja 400 will be available in limited numbers while the R3 is a normal, full-fledged production model.
