Naked Motorcycles
1980Kawasaki Z 400 J
19 fields on record
The 1980 Kawasaki Z 400 J is an accessible middleweight for novice and budget-conscious riders seeking genuine sportbike character. Its compact 399cc four-cylinder engine delivers smooth, reliable performance with a top speed near 95 mph, while the lightweight frame and responsive handling make it ideal for commuting and weekend riding. This classic remains celebrated for combining Japanese engineering quality with affordability.
- Capacity
- 399.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 210.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 8000 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- It was built as an accessible small-displacement naked bike for everyday commuting and learning classic four-cylinder character rather than outright performance.
- Built for
- The air-cooled inline-four DOHC engine gives a smooth, characterful buzz and classic retro appeal rather than raw speed.
- Not ideal for
- It is not the right choice for riders seeking serious highway touring range, passenger comfort, or off-road capability.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 399.0 ccm
- Power
- 27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 8000 RPM
- Engine type
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.1286 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 52.0 x 47.0 mm
- Compression
- 9.5:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 154.0 km/h (95.7 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Front tyre
- 3.25-19
- Rear tyre
- 3.75-18
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 399 cc | 399 cc | 399 cc | 399 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 16.5 L | 16.5 L | 16.5 L | 16.5 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Z 400 J?
The 1980 Kawasaki Z 400 J has a Capacity of 399.0 ccm (24.35 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Z 400 J have?
The 1980 Kawasaki Z 400 J has a Power of 27.0 HP (19.9 kW) @ 8000 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Z 400 J have?
The 1980 Kawasaki Z 400 J has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Kawasaki Z 400 J weigh?
The 1980 Kawasaki Z 400 J has a Wet weight of 210.0 kg (463.0 pounds).
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