THE CONNOISSEUR

A kwacker that strikes the sweetest balance between power and agility

- Janak Sorap

I have a confession to make. When Kawasaki introduced the Ninja 400, I scoffed at the thought of understanding the purpose of this bike when they already have the Ninja 300. I have ridden the latter, and it is a bike that is fast, handles brilliantly, and sounds good, too. Well, that was still fine until I got to know how much it costs. For a gain of 10 bhp and the additional displacement of 100cc, Kawasaki was asking for a premium that was equivalent to the price of a premium 200cc motorcycle. I thought Kawasaki had lost the plot. And then I rode it.

As it turns out, Kawasaki knows a thing or two about motorcycles, and more importantly the ones who ride them. The second part is the most crucial, for I believe Kawasaki started with the kind of rider they want to put on the bike, and then build a motorcycle around him/ her. Now, this is not the first time a manufacturer has done it, but the chances of getting it so bang on are very few. So, before I get going with this story, a high five for Kawasaki, you guys did a splendid job with this one.