Back to catalog
Kawasaki

Z400

ER400D· 2019-current naked Top pick

Before you buy

Learner legal
LAMS Yes, every version sold here is LAMS approved.
On the registers as
ER400D or EX400G
Watch for
No high- or medium-severity faults are listed for this bike.
Running cost
$5k–$7.5k used est. Sep 2026
Full specs, every fault and the checks ↓
✓ At-the-bike checklist
Price (AUD)
$5k–$7.5kest. Sep 2026
Type
Naked
Origin
Japan
Built in
Thailand

Overview

The naked sibling of the Ninja 400, sharing the same 399cc parallel twin, trellis frame and trellis subframe — confirmed by the NSW register, which files it under the same code (EX400G) as the Ninja 400; Kawasaki's own code for the Z400 is ER400D. Sold in Australia in one form only, under the caps as standard, with no full-power alternative.

Engines & variants

399cc Parallel Twin (LAMS) LAMS approved

Under the caps as standard, the same way the Ninja 400 is — no ECU or mechanical restriction.

Finding it on the approved list

Compliance-plate model code: ER400D or EX400G

  • Victoria and Queensland list it by its Kawasaki code ER400D (QLD also has a plain "Z400" row).
  • NSW files it under the Ninja 400's code EX400G, with the description "Z400 and ER400D", 2019-on, 399cc.
NSW (15 September 2026 revision), QLD (7 September 2026) and Transport Victoria (read 2026-09-27) registers.
Engine
399cc liquid-cooled DOHC 8-valve parallel twin — the same engine as the Ninja 400
Config
Parallel twin
Capacity
399cc
Power
33.4kW (45hp) @ 11000rpmunverified
Torque
38Nm @ 8000rpm
Seat height
785mm
Weight
167kg
Final drive
Chain
Cooling
Liquid
ABS
Standard
Traction control
None
Fuel
14L
Transmission
6-speed
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven

Pros

  • Same well-proven 399cc engine and trellis frame as the Ninja 400, one of the most respected LAMS platforms in Australia
  • Higher-revving powerplant than most learner naked rivals, with a genuine top-end
  • Light 167kg wet weight makes it very manageable for a new rider
  • Strong resale into the deep LAMS naked market

Cons

  • No full-power version to move up to on the same nameplate — moving up means changing bikes entirely
  • Firm, budget suspension typical of the class
  • Naked riding position gives less wind protection than the faired Ninja 400 on the same engine

Known problems

low
Clutch wear under aggressive or track use
Owner-reported: light-effort clutch springs, shared with the Ninja 400 on the same engine, are reported to wear a little earlier than average under hard use — revs flaring without a matching increase in road speed under acceleration.
Fix: Aftermarket heavy-duty springs and fresh friction plates, as documented on the Ninja 400 entry for this platform.
From 20k-40k km · ~$200-400

unverified marks a figure we could not confirm against a manufacturer source. It is our best reading of what is published, not a checked fact — confirm it yourself before you spend money on the strength of it.