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.

2024 BMW R 18
40 pts
Top on paper
KAWASAKI Ninja 400
60 pts

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

2024 BMW R 18
47.2 pts
Best fit here
KAWASAKI Ninja 400
58 pts

Touring / long rides

Best fit here
2024 BMW R 18
75.6 pts
KAWASAKI Ninja 400
34 pts

Sporty riding

2024 BMW R 18
43.2 pts
Best fit here
KAWASAKI Ninja 400
65.1 pts

New rider friendly

2024 BMW R 18
32.6 pts
Best fit here
KAWASAKI Ninja 400
63.8 pts

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).
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

  1. ASC (Automatic Stability Control)
  2. Full LED headlight
  3. Keyless Ride
  4. LED rear and brake light included in rear indicators
  5. Speedometer with multifunction display (on-board computer)
  6. 3 riding modes (Rock, Roll, Rain)

-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.

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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.