I'll just leave this here:
http://www.kawasaki.ca/model/ninja-400r/specs:1256

"Forced lubrication" 

Michael

I heard on The Pace podcast that it is just a sleeved and destroked 650 motor in a 650 frame with even cheaper components.

If it was a truly smaller motor and weighed less, it would be fun.

Looking at the specs, the 250r looks like a whole lot more fun for a whole lot less $$

You mistake my meaning.  Watching everyone bash it while secretly wishing they had one looks like fun. 

You did, after all, listen to the podcast, read the spec sheet, and price it out.  As far as being cheaply built and overweight - sounds like a GS to me.  With fuel injection, better suspension, subjectively better looks, twin front brakes, a better frame, better lighting, better tires, and a bunch of other things everyone wishes they had.  Especially new riders that want more than a 250 and don't wanna turn any wrenches.
Show me one part on it that's "cheaper" than a comparative GS piece. 

If it's a sleeved 650 in a Ninja 650r frame, then great!  Learn to ride it as a 400, then pop the sleeves out.  Toss in a 650r crank and pistons. 
Can't really complain about that... unless you've seen any 541cc kits for the GS lately. 
And let's not forget the people cursing Suzuki for not offering fuel injection, and begging for a DIY kit. 
Is it expensive?  Yes.  So is a brand new GS, for what you're getting for the money. 

You guys like telling me to "harden the f*ck up".  So?  What's the problem?

Well that sure shut everyone up.

Anyway, I love the specs, but hate the looks. I think it's worth it though. And if I had some money, I'd add it to the garage.

Quote from: mister on August 14, 2010, 02:16:31 AM


Michael

i thought the gs's banana seat looked cheap. wow !

prolly a really fun bike though. i'll consider one when it depreciates to my standards in ohhhhhh, 10-12 years.

Quote from: Homer on August 14, 2010, 11:07:39 AM
You mistake my meaning.  Watching everyone bash it while secretly wishing they had one looks like fun. 

I guess I'm "everyone", as I am the only one who "bash"ed it.  But you mistake my intentions.  I don't wish I had one. 

You are quite the predictor of human behavior, aren't you.

What's wrong, Paul?  It's okay when YOU do it.

Quote from: Paulcet on August 06, 2010, 09:50:56 AM
You low-sided because you were planning to.

Better not complain... somebody'll tell you to "harden the f*ck up".  
This is only the internet.  Not reason to take it so seriously, right?  
(I came 5 feet from falling off the side of a 6000 foot mountain.  But hey, small beans, right!)

Same seat as the ER6N, looks like, OhGood.  About a 6~8 hour seat to me.  

If it is the same block with sleeves and a different crank - that's a pretty great starting point.  
You know Kawi will probably offer a gel version for big bucks.  
And, the aftermarket is looking pretty nice:


Corbin's pimped-out alligator version:
http://www.corbin.com/kawasaki/k650r9g.shtml

Yeah, they're gonna be out of price range for a while.  Until the used ones start showing up.  Maybe I'm trying to give folks a heads-up...  Don't shoot the messenger.  

Wouldn't mind that 400 in Australia. Its not listed on our site though. I almost bought an ER6N when I bought my GS500. Was looking at naked bikes tossing up whether I cared if I complied with LAMS bikes or not. Went to look at a naked 08 500 and sitting next to it was a 07 500F. Cheaper, less kays, less damage (Bought an insurance write off bike) decided as the bike was an everyday bike that a bike with fairings was more sensible.

I love these sort of mid range bikes. 400-700cc size. Good handling, enough go, enough poke to tour, still decent on fuel, repairs etc. Its exactly how I like my cars too.

Good God! for the price of one of those new, you could buy a Mercedes 500e and have something truly unique and stimulating.



hehehe, I said stimulating...

I dunno guess I'll stick with Flick that bike is $5000 more than what I paid for 'ole boy. And the looks well don't do it for me!

I probably walk the dealerships once a month looking at bikes and there is only one that has called to me the way Flick has and I had to walk away very quickly because it put that grin that only Flick has put on my face.

It was a 2007 Honda Interceptor with the red, white and blue paint scheme. Saw it at a Harley dealer of all places.

Mary

I know somebody selling one just like it.  Fast bike.  Pretty looking, too. 

I've been privately lusting after a 400cc, 4 cylinder bike made for the Japanese market for years.  60 HP and 325 lbs. with top-quality brakes and suspension components sounds pretty damn good to me. 

No big surprise there from Kawasaki. That's standard issue for mini versions for them. Same exact thing they did with the Z1000 when they made the Z750. Same exact frame and motor, just cut it down to 750cc, put cheaper parts on it, and made it weigh more. It's for that special segment of the population that wants a bike with as much power as a 600, and weighs more than your average 1000. It's a shame because I love 750s, and I love the Z1000, but I can't always understand what Kawasaki is up to.

As far as a 400, I've always loved their old zx4r and I'd be all over one if you could find them in this country, but you can't. Either way, this is what a 400cc bike should be.....

now THAT...THAT is a sexy 400. I'd be all over that too...

Quote from: ragecage23 on August 21, 2010, 10:14:37 PM
now THAT...THAT is a sexy 400. I'd be all over that too...

This was the 400 I began lusting after so long ago:  http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/yamaha/yamaha_fzr400%2088.htm  Why didn't I buy one?  Totally impractical, but like the high maintenance g/f with looks to kill, you still want her, even though she's totally wrong for you.

Quote from: tt_four on August 21, 2010, 08:29:55 PMAs far as a 400, I've always loved their old zx4r and I'd be all over one if you could find them in this country, but you can't. Either way, this is what a 400cc bike should be.....

I just don't get it...I love 400's so much...so sad they don't offer them here...









...I could go on forever...

Quote from: makenzie71 on August 22, 2010, 01:49:34 PM

Quote from: tt_four on August 21, 2010, 08:29:55 PM

I just don't get it...I love 400's so much...so sad they don't offer them here...

Small bike lovers like us are in the minority, that's why.  Welcome to the club.  Everyone else wants or is riding metric cruisers, Harleys, or 100 HP crotch rockets.

If Suzuki can justify the GS500 and Kawasaki can justify machines like the EX500 and 650, I should see some damn GSX's.