2024 BMW R 18 vs KAWASAKI Ninja 400
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Scores, summary & seat (optional) Estimates and auto text from specs — open if you want them.
Technical score (estimate)
Weighted mix of power, torque, power-to-weight, top speed and lighter weight within this comparison only. Not a real-world verdict — riding style and roads matter.
Usage fit (estimate)
Rough scores for city riding, touring, sporty riding and new riders — mix of specs and bike category. Same caveats as the technical score: traffic, skill and tyres matter.
City / commute
Touring / long rides
Sporty riding
New rider friendly
Seat height (cm)
Figures are as in the database; boots, suspension sag and road surface change how tall the bike feels.
- 2024 BMW R 18 69 cm Lowest seat here
- KAWASAKI Ninja 400 78.5 cm Tallest seat here
Spread in this comparison: about 9.5 cm.
Rough guide: comfortable flat-foot reach often needs inseam roughly in the same ballpark as seat height (varies a lot by ergonomics).
Auto summary from specs
Generated from the numbers in the comparison — not a review.
- Power spans 45 hp (KAWASAKI Ninja 400) up to 91 hp (2024 BMW R 18).
- Torque spans 37.2 Nm (KAWASAKI Ninja 400) up to 158 Nm (2024 BMW R 18).
- Weight spans 168 kg (KAWASAKI Ninja 400) to 345 kg (2024 BMW R 18).
- Displacement spans 400 cc (KAWASAKI Ninja 400) to 1100 cc (2024 BMW R 18).
All values look the same; turn off the filter.
| Specification | BMW R 18 | KAWASAKI Ninja 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | BMW | KAWASAKI |
| Model | BMW R 18 | KAWASAKI Ninja 400 |
| Engine size | Above 1000cc | 400cc |
| Power | 91hp | 45hp |
| Torque | 158nm. | 37.2nm. |
| Cylinders / valves | Twin cylinder, 8 valves | Twin cylinder, 8 valves |
| Weight | 345kg | 168kg |
| Front brake | Twin disc brake, diameter 300 mm, four-piston fixed calipers | 310 mm petal discs. Single balanced actuation dual-piston caliper. |
| Rear brake | Single disc brake, diameter 300 mm, four-piston fixed caliper | 220 mm single petal disc. Dual-piston caliper. |
| Seat height (cm) | 69cm | 78.5cm |
| Front tyre | 120/70 R 19 | 110/70R17 |
| Rear tyre | 180/65 B16 | 150/60R17 |
| Cooling | Air cooled | Liquid cooling |
| Front suspension | Telescopic fork | 41mm telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Steel swingarm with central shock strut | Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged, preload adjustable |
| Motorcycle type | Chopper – Cruiser | Supersport |
| Top speed | 180km/h | 205km/h |
| Fuel capacity / consumption | 16 L – 5.6 L/100km | 14 L – 4 L/100km |
| Service network | ||
| Service quality | ||
| Parts availability | ||
| Price | $14995 | $5899 |
| Brand price lists | View BMW price list | View KAWASAKI price list |
| Extra features | Engine Size : 1800CC ABS : BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partially integral) Features
|
-Slipper Clutch -Economic Riding Indicator |
Opinions
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2024 BMW R 18 vs 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400: Which One is Better for You?
2024 BMW R 18, with its 1100cc engine capacity, is a much more powerful and performance-oriented option than the 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400 model. Additionally, 2024 BMW R 18, with its 91hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.
1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance
2024 BMW R 18, with its 1100cc engine capacity, offers a performance-oriented experience. On the other hand, the smaller 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400 with its 400cc is a more practical and economical choice for city use.2024 BMW R 18, with its 1100cc engine capacity, is ideal for users seeking high performance and acceleration. Designed for performance-focused users and professionals.
2. Torque Power
2024 BMW R 18, with its 158Nm torque, delivers powerful performance. A high torque value ensures superior acceleration and advantage on steep inclines. 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400, with its 37.2Nm torque, offers a more balanced ride for city use. 2024 BMW R 18 is ideal for users requiring rapid acceleration. High torque power offers significant advantages in heavy load carrying, off-road driving, or situations requiring high speed.
3. Top Speed
2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400, as a Süpersport, can reach a maximum speed of 205 km/h. This speed feature can be considered an extra advantage for a motorcycle of this type. 2024 BMW R 18, as a Chopper – Cruiser, offers a lower maximum speed of 180 km/h, but this does not overshadow its other features.
4. Cooling System
2024 BMW R 18 features a Air-Cooled system, while 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400 offers a Liquid-Cooled system. 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400 is a more ideal choice for long journeys.
5. Design and Comfort
2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400, with its lighter build, offers greater practicality and easier maneuverability for city use. 2024 BMW R 18, on the other hand, provides a more stable ride at high speeds and on long journeys due to its heavier build. Additionally, 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400, with a seat height of 78.5cm, is more suitable for taller riders, offering greater comfort.2024 BMW R 18, with a seat height of 69cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.
Conclusion
2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400 emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2024 BMW R 18, with its 1100cc engine capacity, delivers much stronger performance than 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400. 2024 BMW R 18, with higher torque, excels in rapid acceleration and steep climbs. 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400, with a top speed of 205 km/h, stands out for speed enthusiasts. 2024 BMW R 18 features a air-cooled system, while 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400 features a liquid-cooled system. 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400 performs better in long journeys and hot weather conditions. In conclusion, 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400 stands out in terms of technical specifications and overall performance. However, depending on your riding preferences and usage needs, both models offer unique advantages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the top speed of BMW R 18 vs KAWASAKI Ninja 400?
KAWASAKI Ninja 400 is listed at 205 km/h vs 180 km/h for BMW R 18.
Which has more horsepower, BMW R 18 or KAWASAKI Ninja 400?
BMW R 18 has 91 hp compared with 45 hp on the KAWASAKI Ninja 400.
Which is better, BMW R 18 or KAWASAKI Ninja 400?
It depends on your riding style. Compare top speed, weight, fuel use and price in the table on this page, then vote for the bike you prefer.
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