THE CONNOISSEUR

A kwacker that strikes the sweetest balance between power and agility

- Janak Sorap

I have a confession to make. When Kawasaki introduced the Ninja 400, I scoffed at the thought of understanding the purpose of this bike when they already have the Ninja 300. I have ridden the latter, and it is a bike that is fast, handles brilliantly, and sounds good, too. Well, that was still fine until I got to know how much it costs. For a gain of 10 bhp and the additional displacement of 100cc, Kawasaki was asking for a premium that was equivalent to the price of a premium 200cc motorcycle. I thought Kawasaki had lost the plot. And then I rode it.

As it turns out, Kawasaki knows a thing or two about motorcycles, and more importantly the ones who ride them. The second part is the most crucial, for I believe Kawasaki started with the kind of rider they want to put on the bike, and then build a motorcycle around him/ her. Now, this is not the first time a manufacturer has done it, but the chances of getting it so bang on are very few. So, before I get going with this story, a high five for Kawasaki, you guys did a splendid job with this one.

The Ninja 400 follows the design language that good bikes tend to. Compared to its smaller sibling, it has got a more striking personality that looks meaner and chunkier, and it feels a little taller and more upright. I particularly love this shade of green for two reasons — one, because it reminds me of the threatening green mamba, and second, since it matches my riding jacket and lid just perfectly. Other than that, the bike looks stunningly gorgeous in the flesh. As you can see, it really can’t be mistaken for anything else.