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2012Kawasaki Ninja 400R

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The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 400R is an accessible sport bike designed for beginner and intermediate riders seeking an affordable entry point into sportbike performance. Powered by a 399cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder four-stroke engine with digital fuel injection, it delivers nimble handling and manageable power in a lightweight package. Known for its aggressive Ninja styling and reliable engineering, it remains a popular choice for new riders transitioning from smaller displacement motorcycles. A factory ABS option was also available.

Capacity
399.0 ccm
Engine
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
190.0 kg
Seat height
790 mm
Power
44.8 HP (33.0 kW)
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 400R

vs the 2011
Spec20112012
Front suspension 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.7 in. 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Rear suspension Single offset laydown shock with adjustable spring preload / 4.9 in. Single offset laydown shock with adjustable spring preload
Front brakes Double disc. Optional ABS Double disc. Optional ABS. Triple petal.
Rear brakes Single disc Single disc. Optional ABS
Other years 2011 2012 2013

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 44Agility 77Comfort 55Off-road 10Touring 40Road manners 75
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering70%
City riding75%
Daily riding70%
Touring40%
Two-up35%
Track55%
Best for
Designed as an entry-level sport bike for learning cornering, throttle control, and everyday commuting with sporty styling.
Built for
Friendly, forgiving, and eager to be revved, with just enough performance to feel exciting without being intimidating.
Not ideal for
Not suited for riders seeking serious highway touring comfort or genuine high-speed track performance.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 790mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 400R, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Range and running costs

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Based on the published US (EPA-style) fuel economy estimate and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
399.0 ccm
Power
44.8 HP (33.0 kW)
CO2 Emissions
96 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.
CKAXC.399AAA-012
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption
4.09 L/100km (57.5 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions
1.6 CO g/km
Engine type
Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2358 HP/kg (dry)
Cooling system
Liquid
Fuel system
Injection
Starting
Electric
Ignition
TCBI with electronic advance
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder
4
Lubrication system
Forced lubrication (semi-dry sump)
Torque
Not on record - add it
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1410 mm
Overall length
2101 mm
Overall width
759 mm
Overall height
1199 mm
Seat height
790 mm
Dry weight
190.0 kg
Wet weight
203.0 kg
Fuel capacity
15.50 litres
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Front suspension
41mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Rear suspension
Single offset laydown shock with adjustable spring preload
Front wheel travel
119 mm
Rear wheel travel
124 mm
Rake (fork angle)
25.0°
Trail
106 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Double disc. Optional ABS. Triple petal.
Front brakes diameter
300 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc. Optional ABS
Rear brakes diameter
220 mm
ABS
Optional
Front tyre
120/70-17
Rear tyre
160/60-17
Other
Color options
Green/black
Fuel Tank Material
Metal

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 201120122013
Capacity 399 cc 399 cc 399 cc
Dry weight 190 kg 190 kg 190 kg
Seat height 790 mm 790 mm 790 mm
Fuel capacity 15.5 L 15.5 L 15.5 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Ninja 400R?

The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 400R has a Capacity of 399.0 ccm (24.35 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki Ninja 400R have?

The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 400R has a Power of 44.8 HP (33.0 kW).

How many gears does the Kawasaki Ninja 400R have?

The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 400R has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

How much does the Kawasaki Ninja 400R weigh?

The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 400R has a Dry weight of 190.0 kg (418.9 pounds).

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