KAWASAKI Ninja 400 vs 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1

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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.

KAWASAKI Ninja 400
15 pts
Top on paper
2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1
85 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

Best fit here
KAWASAKI Ninja 400
70.2 pts
2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1
28.7 pts

Touring / long rides

KAWASAKI Ninja 400
14.3 pts
Best fit here
2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1
88.3 pts

Sporty riding

KAWASAKI Ninja 400
25 pts
Best fit here
2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1
99 pts

New rider friendly

Best fit here
KAWASAKI Ninja 400
81.3 pts
2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1
7.3 pts

Seat height (cm)

Figures are as in the database; boots, suspension sag and road surface change how tall the bike feels.

  • KAWASAKI Ninja 400 78.5 cm Lowest seat here
  • 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1 85.5 cm Tallest seat here

Spread in this comparison: about 7 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 197 hp (2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1).
  • Torque spans 37.2 Nm (KAWASAKI Ninja 400) up to 83.3 Nm (2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1).
  • Weight spans 168 kg (KAWASAKI Ninja 400) to 201 kg (2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1).
  • Displacement spans 400 cc (KAWASAKI Ninja 400) to 1000 cc (2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1).
Specification KAWASAKI Ninja 400 YAMAHA YZF-R1
Brand KAWASAKI YAMAHA
Model KAWASAKI Ninja 400 YAMAHA YZF-R1
Engine size 400cc 1000cc
Power 45hp 197hp
Torque 37.2nm. 83.3nm.
Cylinders / valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves 4 cylinders, 16 valves
Weight 168kg 201kg
Front brake 310 mm petal discs. Single balanced actuation dual-piston caliper. Dual 320mm hydraulic disc; Brake Control System and ABS
Rear brake 220 mm single petal disc. Dual-piston caliper. 220mm hydraulic disc; Brake Control System and ABS
Seat height (cm) 78.5cm 85.5cm
Front tyre 110/70R17 120/70ZR17 Bridgestone® BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11
Rear tyre 150/60R17 190/55ZR17 Bridgestone® BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11
Cooling Liquid cooling Liquid cooling
Front suspension 41mm telescopic fork 43mm KYB® inverted fork, fully adjustable; 4.7-in travel
Rear suspension Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged, preload adjustable KYB® single shock, fully adjustable; 4.7-in travel
Motorcycle type Supersport Supersport
Top speed 205km/h 320km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 14 L – 4 L/100km 17 L – 7.5 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $5899 $18399
Brand price lists View KAWASAKI price list View YAMAHA price list
Extra features

-Slipper Clutch

-Economic Riding Indicator

-Ride-by-Wire Throttle System, MotoGP®-Level Controllability

-Variable Intake System, Power Delivery Mode (PWR)

-Lean Angle-Sensitive Traction Control System (TCS)

-MotoGP®-Developed Slide Control System (SCS)

-Lift Control System (LIF), Launch Control System (LCS)

-Up & Down Quick Shift System (QSS)

Opinions

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2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400 vs 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1: Which One is Better for You?

2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1, with its 1000cc engine capacity, is a much more powerful and performance-oriented option than the 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400 model. Additionally, 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1, with its 197hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.

1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance

2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1, with its 1000cc 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 YAMAHA YZF-R1, with its 1000cc engine capacity, is ideal for users seeking high performance and acceleration. Designed for performance-focused users and professionals.

2. Torque Power

2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1, with its 83.3Nm 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 YAMAHA YZF-R1 is ideal for users requiring rapid acceleration. Moderate torque power is suitable for both city use and short-distance trips.

3. Top Speed

2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1, as a Süpersport, can reach a maximum speed of 320 km/h. This speed feature can be considered an extra advantage for a motorcycle of this type. 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400, as a Süpersport, offers a lower maximum speed of 205 km/h, but this does not overshadow its other features.

4. Cooling System

2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400 features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1 offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.

5. Design and Comfort

2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400 and 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1 are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Additionally, 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1, with a seat height of 85.5cm, is more suitable for taller riders, offering greater comfort.2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400, with a seat height of 78.5cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.

Conclusion

2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1 emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1, with its 1000cc engine capacity, delivers much stronger performance than 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 400. 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1, with higher torque, excels in rapid acceleration and steep climbs. 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1, with a top speed of 320 km/h, stands out for speed enthusiasts. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2024 YAMAHA YZF-R1 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 KAWASAKI Ninja 400 vs YAMAHA YZF-R1?

YAMAHA YZF-R1 is listed at 320 km/h vs 205 km/h for KAWASAKI Ninja 400.

Which has more horsepower, KAWASAKI Ninja 400 or YAMAHA YZF-R1?

YAMAHA YZF-R1 has 197 hp compared with 45 hp on the KAWASAKI Ninja 400.

Which is better, KAWASAKI Ninja 400 or YAMAHA YZF-R1?

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.