Yamaha R3 versus Kawasaki Ninja 400
Yamaha R3
Kawasaki Ninja 400
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Competitors
- Willing to revving motor
- Precise chassis
- Comparatively suitable for everyday use
- Service
- Precise chassis
- Motor
- light
- Only mediocre brake
- Comfort
Dimensions & Weight
Length : 2.090 mm Height : 1.140 mm
Seat : 780 mm
Weight : 170 (max: 329 ) kg
Length : 1.990 mm Height : 1.120 mm
Seat : 785 mm
Weight : 168 kg
Engine
Displacement: 321 ccm
Hub: 44 mm
Hole: 68 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 399 ccm
Hub: 52 mm
Hole: 70 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
Performance: 42 HP at 10.750 U/Min
Torque: 29 NM bei 9.000 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
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
Tubular bridge frame (steel) Front suspension:
USD fork (travel 130 mm) Tyres at the front: 110/70-17M
Rear tyres: 140/70-17M
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
Single disc, double piston floating caliper (∅ 298 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, single-piston floating caliper (∅ 220 mm)
Single Petal Brake Disc (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single Petal Brake Disc (∅ 220 mm)
Comparatively suitable for everyday use
Finally, let's get to the crucial question: Is the Yamaha R3 a super sportscar despite only 42 hp? Yes, it is. Anyway, if you didn't just look at the PS power. Thanks to the precise chassis, sporty engine characteristics and seating position, she is a true representative of this species.
It is also more: thanks to the variability of the seating position, it is a capable companion in everyday life, and this should make up the majority of its field of application.
The test bike was provided to us by Motorrad Ruser in Haseldorf.
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.
