2021 Kawasaki Z400 ABS [Specs, Features, Photos]

The 2021 Kawasaki Z400 ABS: Naked For New Riders

Model Overview
Specifications
Features
Photos
Videos
Links

The 2021 Kawasaki Z400 ABS is Kawasaki’s naked for the new rider. Japanese-made, small, light, and razor-sharp, the 399cc Z400 more lets you feel the wind in your face.

Sharing 98% of its DNA with the Kawasaki Ninja 400, it just required a few small changes to deliver the Z400. Kawasaki thankfully recognized the public was already very happy with their parallel-twin 399cc machines and stayed the course. Ditching the fairing and bodywork does hurt the aerodynamics a bit, causing a fuel economy penalty of about .5 mpg on the highway.

The Z400 has been designed to appeal to the entry-level rider, and that is a role it fills well in the 2021 lineup. The overall Kawasaki design is meant to maintain comfort, and promote the visceral fun of the Naked bike category. With 45 HP on tap, the power is soft off idle which is perfect for those still learning to be smooth on the clutch at stoplights. Midrange grunt is linear and pulls well when asked.

As seat time builds, the quality of the Z400 package will continue to reward good riding. Kawasaki saved money with the non-adjustable suspension but still managed to provide a very solid package. Potholes and road seams don’t cause any disruptive motions, the ride is well-damped and confidence-inspiring.

Colors for 2021 include: Pearl Nightshade Teal / Metallic Spark Black, Candy Cardinal Red/Metallic Flat Spark Black

The 2021 Kawasaki Z400 ABS starts at $4,999 USD / $6,199 CAD.

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2021 Kawasaki Z400 ABS in one place.

Model Overview

General Info

Price: $4,999 USD / $6,399 CAD
Key Features:
- ABS Brakes
- Back-torque limiting Slipper clutch
- Assist And Slipper Clutch
- New Lightweight Trellis Frame

Main Specs

Engine: 399cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 8-valve parallel twin
Power: 33.56 kW (45 hp) @ 10,000 RPM
Torque: 28.0 lb-ft (38 NM) @ 8,000 RPM
Wet Weight: 165 kg (364 lb)
Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in)

Competitors

2021 Kawasaki Z400 ABS Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE
Engine	399cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 8-valve parallel twin
Power	45 hp
Bore x Stroke	70.0 x 51.8mm
Compression Ratio	9.8:1
Fuel System	DFI® with 32mm throttle bodies
Starter	Electric
Lubrication
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch
Transmission	6-speed, return shift
Final Drive	Sealed chain
CHASSIS
Suspension Front	Telescopic fork/4.7 in
Suspension Rear	Uni-Trak® swingarm/5.1 in
Brakes Front	Single 310mm disc, ABS
Brakes Rear	Single 220mm disc, ABS
Tires Front	110/70-17M/C 54H
Tires Rear	150/60-17M/C 66H
Fuel Tank Capacity	3.7 gal
Color	Pearl Nightshade Teal/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Candy Cardinal Red/Metallic Flat Spark Black
ELECTRICAL
Ignition	TCBI with digital advance
Spark Plugs
Headlight	LED
Tail Light	LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length	78.3 in
Overall Width	31.5 in
Overall Height	41.5 in
Wheelbase	53.9 in
Ground Clearance	5.7 in
Seat Height	30.9 in
Curb Weight	363.8 lb
WARRANTY
Warranty	12 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus	12 / 24 / 36 / 48 months

2021 Kawasaki Z400 ABS Features

Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.

Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.

When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.

Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.

While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.

Kawasaki ABS systems use front and rear wheel sensors to constantly monitor wheel speed. Should information from either of the sensors indicate that wheel lock has occurred, the ABS ECU directs the pump in the ABS unit to modulate brake fluid pressure (releasing and reapplying pressure so that traction can be regained) until normal operation resumes. ABS offers rider reassurance that contributes to greater riding enjoyment.