Kawasaki Ninja 400 vs. 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3

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.

Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT Edition right side — The bike is available only in one colour for the Indian market- KRT Edition green.

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.

2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 Black front right quarter — Yamaha launched the bike at this year’s Auto Expo in February.

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.