Kawasaki Z 400 versus Honda CB 500 F
Kawasaki Z 400
Naked
Honda CB 500 F
Naked
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2019 bis 2024
Built von 2013 bis 2024~
RRP 6.445 €
RRP 6.960 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- manoeuvrable, agile and accessible bike
- high-revving engine
- Precise handling despite simple chassis
- brakes well because it is light
- conveys a lot of driving pleasure
Pros:
- Comfort
- easy to use
- Pillion Square
- Range and consumption
Cons:
- outdated cockpit
- limited pillion seating comfort
Cons:
- No assistance systems
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.370 mm
Length : 1.990 mm Height : 1.055 mm
Seat : 785 mm
Weight : 167 kg
Length : 1.990 mm Height : 1.055 mm
Seat : 785 mm
Weight : 167 kg
Wheelbase: 1.410 mm
Length : 2.080 mm Height : 1.150 mm
Seat : 782 mm until : 790 mm
Weight : 189 (max: 371 ) kg
Length : 2.080 mm Height : 1.150 mm
Seat : 782 mm until : 790 mm
Weight : 189 (max: 371 ) kg
Engine
Motor design: Four-stroke in-line two-cylinder 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 399 ccm
Hub: 52 mm
Hole: 70 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: O-Ring Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 399 ccm
Hub: 52 mm
Hole: 70 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: O-Ring Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Reihentwin 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 471 ccm
Hub: 67 mm
Hole: 67 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: O-Ring Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 471 ccm
Hub: 67 mm
Hole: 67 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: O-Ring Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
Maximum speed: 190 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
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
Maximum speed: 175 km/h
Performance: 48 HP at 8.600 U/Min
Torque: 43 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 489 km
Performance: 48 HP at 8.600 U/Min
Torque: 43 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 489 km
Chassis
Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Uni-Trak gas pressure shock absorber with adjustable spring base (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 110/70R17
Rear tyres: 150/60R17
Tubular space frame (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Uni-Trak gas pressure shock absorber with adjustable spring base (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 110/70R17
Rear tyres: 150/60R17
Frame type:
Bridge frame (steel) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork, Ø 41 mm (travel 108 mm) Rear suspension:
Mono shock absorber, spring base 9-way adjustable (travel 119 mm)
Rear suspension:
Box swing with ProLink suspension Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 160/60 ZR 17
Bridge frame (steel) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork, Ø 41 mm (travel 108 mm) Rear suspension:
Mono shock absorber, spring base 9-way adjustable (travel 119 mm)
Rear suspension:
Box swing with ProLink suspension Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 160/60 ZR 17
Brakes
Front brake
Single disc, two-piston floating caliper (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc petal, single-piston floating caliper (∅ 220 mm)
Single disc, two-piston floating caliper (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc petal, single-piston floating caliper (∅ 220 mm)
Front brake
Single disc, Nissin, two-piston caliper (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Nissin, single-piston caliper (∅ 240 mm)
Single disc, Nissin, two-piston caliper (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Nissin, single-piston caliper (∅ 240 mm)
Conclusion: Fun in bags
The Kawasaki Z400 is a simple but very good A2 machine. Due to its agile engine and precise chassis, it conveys a lot of driving pleasure. In any case, it doesn't need to shy away from the comparison to the other A2 naked bikes. It makes a mature and solid impression. The operation is simple and due to the low weight and easy handling, the Z400 is particularly suitable for beginners. But even old hands should have a lot of fun with the Z400, at least that was the case with us.The test machine was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in Sankt Michaelisdonn . There she stands as a demonstrator and is happy about a lot of test drives. Just around the corner there are great country roads where you can really let it rip! Of course, Heller & Soltau (here in Google Maps) also has all the other Kawasakis in the shop and also sells motorcycles from Husqvarna. A visit is always worthwhile and the coffee is served fresh several times a day.
Suitable for everyday use without end
So what remains? Sure, the term driving school motorcycle comes to mind, it is rarely meant as a compliment. But the Honda CB 500 F is far from boring in some way, despite its suitability for everyday use. Their lack of the corners and edges that characterize many of the motorcycles described as "strong in character".
But she doesn't get annoyed, sprays the Honda quality from each of her components and never presents you with a puzzle. If that's enough, if you just want to ride a motorcycle without any problems, the CB is the right place for just over 6,000 euros.
The test bike was provided by Motofun in Kaltenkirchen.
