2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R for Canada

[YSR50]

Kawasaki announced a new 400cc entry-level sportbike, though it likely won’t be imported to the U.S.
Instead, like the Honda CBF1000 and CB1000R we recently reviewed, and the recently announced Yamaha FZ8 and Fazer 8, it will be available north of the border.

The 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R has been announced for Canada, slotting into Canadian Kawasaki Motors’ lineup between the Ninja 650R and the Ninja 250R. The all-new 400R is based on the larger 650R, sharing many of its attributes, and at 447.5 lbs. it weighs just two pounds less.


Like its big brother, the 400R is powered by a liquid-cooled fuel injected Parallel Twin engine, except with a 399cc displacement. With a 68.4mm bore and a 54.3mm stroke, Kawasaki says the engine offers 42hp at 9500rpm and 27 ft-lb. at 7500rpm (compared to the 650R’s claimed 71hp at 8500rpm and 49 ft-lb. at 7000rpm).

Also like the 650R, the 450R’s trellis frame, swingarm and offset laydown rear shock form a straight line from steering head to rear axle. The rear shock has adjustable preload, while up front is a 41mm telescopic fork.

Other features include a MotoGP-inspired multi-function display, built-in front turn signals and LED tail light.

The Kawasaki Ninja 400R has only been announced for Japan and Canada.

Canadian Kawasaki Motors has priced the 2011 Ninja 400R at CA$7,499 (US$7,240), less expensive than the 650R (CA$8,699/US$8400), and with an engine displacement under 400cc, insurance would be much less in some provinces as well. It will be available in Lime Green and Metallic Spark Black.

Kawasaki has also announced a naked version of the 400R for Japan called the ER-4n, though that won’t be available in Canada, either.

More: 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R on Motorcycle.com