2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 to be unveiled at EICMA, will compete with KTM RC 390

Kawasaki Ninja 300 has not had an update since it was introduced in 2013, but now the Japanese manufacturer seems ready to bring in its replacement - the Ninja 400. The brand had been busy developing the gorgeous Z900RS and a supercharged H2-based sports tourer, but for someone whose wallet won't allow that kind of stretching, the Ninja 400 just maybe the machine. The story broke when Kawasaki announced its 2018 lineup for the US but left out the Ninja 300 and then a local television news channel in Milwaukee aired a story about Kawasaki filming a commercial in the city, revealing the Ninja 400 name. It has been spied several times already in the recent months and sources confirmed to Motorcyclenews that the 2018 Ninja 400 will make its way to Europe. This motorcycle is the closest Kawasaki has gotten to the ZXR400 pocket-rocket. The new Ninja is likely to offer more of modern day tech than its predecessors. The Ninja 400 will replace the Ninja 300 as the brand's entry-level motorcycle, however, there have also been rumours about a new Ninja 250 in the pipeline.

It will likely be powered by a 399cc parallel-twin that packs 45 bhp (the 300 produced 39 bhp), paired to a six-speed transmission. The spy images suggest that the Ninja 400's styling will be recognisable with the Ninja 650 with an obvious nameplate that reads 'Ninja 400'.

Image: MCN

The Ninja 400 looks more substantial than the Ninja 300 with a wide seat unit, and is expectantly going to come with the signature KRT paintjob.

There is so far no word if the Ninja 400 will come to India, but considering that the Ninja 300 could not make many numbers in sales in India with a price tag of Rs 3.60 lakh, it will be surprising if Kawasaki decides to launch it here. The Ninja 400 could directly compete with the KTM RC 390, which so far has not had direct competition against it in the country. But then, if the Japanese motorcycle did come to India, the price will be above Rs 3.60 lakh.

So far, Kawasaki has refused to comment upon the Ninja 400, but we expect it will be unveiled at the Milan show in November.