Beginner bikes are the unsung heroes of motorcycling. They’re how most people get started—low on intimidation but big on fun. But depending on where you are in the world, the definition of a “beginner bike” varies wildly. In the US, for example, it’s more of a suggestion than a rule.
A 17-year-old with a motorcycle endorsement can legally walk into a dealership, pick out a 200-horsepower Ducati Panigale, and yeet themselves into a very expensive learning curve.
Meanwhile, over in Japan—and many other parts of the world—things are a little more grounded in reality. Motorcycle licensing is tiered and strict, with engine size limits clearly defined. In Japan, anything under 400cc falls into a more lenient licensing bracket, making it the sweet spot for learners and commuters alike. That’s why bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Z400 exist in the first place.
With a 399cc twin-cylinder engine, they sneak in just under the limit, offering the perfect balance of power, accessibility, and style.
For 2025, the recipe remains the same. Kawasaki hasn’t made any mechanical changes to either model—both bikes were last properly updated in 2018—but they’ve refreshed the looks once again. The Ninja 400 loses its KRT Edition livery and now comes in two new color combos: Metallic Matte Graphene Steel Gray x Metallic Flat Spark Black and Metallic Spark Black x Metallic Magnetic Dark Gray. The Z400 gets a new single colorway—Metallic Spark Black x Metallic Moondust Gray—which keeps the previous graphics but with updated tones.
Pricing in Japan remains beginner-friendly: 792,000 Yen for the Ninja 400 (around $5,110 USD) and 748,000 Yen for the Z400 (around $4,825 USD).
Interestingly, while these 400s are sticking around in Japan and a few other markets, they’re no longer part of Kawasaki’s US lineup. They’ve been replaced by the Ninja 500 and Z500—slightly larger, slightly more refined successors that continue to carry the torch in the small-displacement segment.
That being said, in countries where licensing laws encourage sensible progression, the Ninja 400 and Z400 remain relevant, capable, and most importantly, fun.
Sources: Kawasaki, Autoby
