Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is more powerful than the Yamaha YZF-R3, while the Yamaha has the lower seat; they are very close in specifications. The Ninja produces 45 hp (33 kW). Both are sport motorcycles with matching tank capacity and closely similar wet weights, so the clearest measured distinction beyond power is the Kawasaki’s longer theoretical range for riders comparing the supplied specifications.
Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha YZF-R3Model year 2024 | Kawasaki Ninja 400Model year 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 321 cm³ | 399 cm³ |
| Power | 42 hp (31 kW) | 45 hp (33 kW) — Favorable value |
| Wet weight | 170.1 kg | 168 kg |
| Seat height | 780 mm | 785 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L | 14 L |
Percentages use the second model as the baseline. Highlighting applies only to comparable power, torque, mass and fuel capacity; it does not predict handling or acceleration.
Engine
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha YZF-R3Model year 2024 | Kawasaki Ninja 400Model year 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 321 cm³ | 399 cm³ |
| Power | 42 hp (31 kW) | 45 hp (33 kW) — Favorable value |
| Engine type | Parallel Twin, four-stroke | Parallel Twin, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 68.0 x 44.1 mm | 70.0 x 51.8 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.2:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha YZF-R3Model year 2024 | Kawasaki Ninja 400Model year 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 6-speed | Manual 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet multiplate | Assist and Slipper Clutch |
| Final drive | Chain | Chain |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha YZF-R3Model year 2024 | Kawasaki Ninja 400Model year 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 170.1 kg | 168 kg |
| Seat height | 780 mm | 785 mm |
| Length | 2,090 mm | 1,989 mm |
| Width | 729 mm | 711 mm |
| Height | 1,140 mm | 1,120 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,379 mm | 1,369 mm |
| Ground clearance | 160 mm | 140 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L | 14 L |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha YZF-R3Model year 2024 | Kawasaki Ninja 400Model year 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Diamond, steel frame and swingarm | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Front suspension | Inverted telescopic fork | 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Monocross single shock, adjustable preload | Horizontal back-link with adjustable spring preload |
| Front wheel travel | 130 mm | 119 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 124 mm | 130 mm |
| Rake | 25.0° | 24.7° |
| Trail | 94 mm | 91 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha YZF-R3Model year 2024 | Kawasaki Ninja 400Model year 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Single disc. ABS. Hydraulic. | Single disc. Single petal-type disc with 2-piston calipers. Optional ABS. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. ABS. Hydraulic.. | Single disc. Single petal-type disc with single-piston caliper. Optional ABS. |
| Front brake diameter | 298 mm | 310 mm |
| Rear brake diameter | 220 mm | 220 mm |
| Front tire | 110/70-17 | 110/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 140/70-17 | 150/70-17 |
| ABS | Yes | Optional |
Key differences
This comparison uses Yamaha YZF-R3 from 2024 and Kawasaki Ninja 400 from 2024.
Power
Yamaha YZF-R3
42 hp (31 kW)
Kawasaki Ninja 400
45 hp (33 kW)
Highlighted valueWet weight
Yamaha YZF-R3
170.1 kg
Kawasaki Ninja 400
168 kg
Engine capacity
Yamaha YZF-R3
321 cm³
Kawasaki Ninja 400
399 cm³
Highlighted valueSeat height
Yamaha YZF-R3
780 mm
Highlighted valueKawasaki Ninja 400
785 mm
Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400: which one to choose?
These models are very close in specifications.
- The Kawasaki Ninja 400 has a 21.7 % longer theoretical tank/consumption range.
- Yamaha YZF-R3 and Kawasaki Ninja 400 both fit A2; by these data, check approval in your market.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- The Kawasaki Ninja 400 has more power: 45 hp (33 kW), compared with 42 hp (31 kW) for the Yamaha YZF-R3.
- How do the comparable weights differ?
- Comparable weights are very close: Yamaha YZF-R3 170.1 kg; Kawasaki Ninja 400 168 kg.
- Which motorcycle has the lower seat?
- The Yamaha YZF-R3 has the lower seat at 780 mm, compared with 785 mm for the Kawasaki Ninja 400.