BMW F 850 GS versus Kawasaki Ninja 400

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW F 850 GS

Reise-Enduro
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Ninja 400

Supersport

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2018 bis 2023
Built von 2018 bis 2023
RRP 13.000 €
RRP 6.745 €
waveform
waveform
Pros:
  • raised seating position
  • good handling on and off-road
  • Wide range of extras and accessories
  • successful appearance
Pros:
  • Precise chassis
  • Motor
  • light
Cons:
  • Windscreen could be slightly larger
  • Price skyrockets with extras
  • not quite as manoeuvrable
Cons:
  • Comfort

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.593 mm
Length :
2.305 mm Height : 1.356 mm
Seat :
860 mm until : 880 mm
Weight :
229 (max: 445 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.370 mm
Length :
1.990 mm Height : 1.120 mm
Seat :
785 mm
Weight :
168 kg

Engine

Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 853 ccm
Hub: 77 mm
Hole: 84 mm
Cooling: wassergekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 399 ccm
Hub: 52 mm
Hole: 70 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 204 km/h
Performance: 95 HP at 8.250 U/Min
Torque: 92 NM bei 6.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
341 km
Maximum speed: 195 km/h
Performance: 45 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 38 NM bei 8.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
358 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Steel bridge frame in shell construction (steel)
Front suspension:
Upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm (travel 204 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 219 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 90/90 21
Rear tyres: 150/70 R17
Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)
Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Gas pressure shock absorbers (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak
Tyres at the front: 110/70R17 M/C 54H
Rear tyres: 150/60R17 M/C 66H

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 265 mm)
Front brake
Single Petal Brake Disc ( 310 mm) Rear brake
Single Petal Brake Disc ( 220 mm)

It works - but not for everyone

So does that work, 45 hp and super sportsmen? Yes, it works. As far as you can not only define the pure driving performance in sport, but can enjoy the manoeuvrability. If everything else is somehow too high, too big and heavy, then the Kawasaki Ninja 400 fits.

And only then does it make sense, because one thing is clear: at around 6,400 euros, it is not a bargain. It is not cheap and does not want to be it. But a motorcycle that can surprise. And that works.

The test bike was provided to us by Heller and Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 6.429€
  • Used (2 years old): 5.100€
  • Years of construction: since 2018
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: green, black