← Kawasaki Ninja 400 guide

Ninja 400 inspection checklist

EX400 · 2018-2023. Take this to the bike and tick as you go; ticks stay on this device only. Every item comes from the Ninja 400 guide.

It's the bike you think it is

• Look it up on your state register by its code, not its name EX400G
• NSW and Victoria both file it under the model code EX400G rather than the marketing name, and both scope the entry to 2018-on — the year this bike replaced the Ninja 300.
• All three state registers list it, so this is a lookup problem, not an approval one.
• It's on your state's LAMS list today (registers change) Look up a code · NSW · QLD · VIC

Every used bike

• Frame VIN and engine number match the registration papers
• PPSR check: no finance owing, not written off or stolen ppsr.gov.au ↗ (a few dollars, needs the VIN)
• Registration is current, and in the seller's name

Service history to ask for

• Service records every 12,000km / 12 monthsunverified
• Valve clearance check every 24,000km (US manual; AU/NZ owners report 42,000km, unverified): ask when it was last doneunverified

Known faults to check for

• Check for: Clutch slip and premature wear Shows up: 10k-20k km · Repair: $200-400
  What to look for

  Kawasaki fitted very soft clutch springs to achieve a light lever pull. Under aggressive riding or track use, the clutch can slip, leading to burnt friction plates relatively early in the bike's life.

This is a checklist, not a diagnosis. Anything that fails, or that you can't check, is worth a mechanic's pre-purchase inspection. Amber “unverified” tags mean we couldn't confirm that figure against a manufacturer source.