Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Kawasaki Z400
The Kawasaki Z400 is more powerful, while the Yamaha YZF-R3 is lighter; they are very close in specifications. The Yamaha’s 42 hp (31 kW) output places it near the Kawasaki on this comparison, and their wet-weight figures are also close. The clearest practical distinction is that only the Yamaha fits the numerical A2 limits, while the Kawasaki has the larger engine capacity. Those differences make licensing eligibility and engine size the most useful points to weigh.
Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Kawasaki Z400: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha YZF-R3Model year 2026 | Kawasaki Z400Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 321 cm³ | 399 cm³ |
| Power | 42 hp (31 kW) | 45 hp (34 kW) — Favorable value |
| Wet weight | 169.2 kg | 165 kg — Favorable value |
| 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 2026 | Kawasaki Z400Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 321 cm³ | 399 cm³ |
| Power | 42 hp (31 kW) | 45 hp (34 kW) — Favorable value |
| Torque | 29.6 Nm | 38 Nm — 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 2026 | Kawasaki Z400Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 6-speed | Manual 6-speed |
| Clutch | Multiplate wet with Assist and Slipper clutch | Assist and slipper Clutch |
| Final drive | Chain | Chain |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha YZF-R3Model year 2026 | Kawasaki Z400Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 169.2 kg | 165 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 780 mm | 785 mm |
| Length | 2,090 mm | 1,989 mm |
| Width | 734 mm | 800 mm |
| Height | 1,140 mm | 1,054 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,379 mm | 1,369 mm |
| Ground clearance | 160 mm | 145 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L | 14 L |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha YZF-R3Model year 2026 | Kawasaki Z400Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Diamond, steel frame and swingarm | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Front suspension | Inverted telescopic fork | Telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Monocross single shock, adjustable preload | Uni-Trak® swingarm |
| Front wheel travel | 130 mm | 119 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 124 mm | 130 mm |
| Rake | 25.0° | 24.5° |
| Trail | 94 mm | 91 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha YZF-R3Model year 2026 | Kawasaki Z400Model year 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Single disc. ABS. Hydraulic. | Single disc. ABS |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. ABS. Hydraulic.. | Single disc. ABS |
| Front brake diameter | 298 mm | 310 mm |
| Front tire | 110/70-17 | 110/70-17M |
| Rear tire | 140/70-17 | 150/60-17M |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
Key differences
This comparison uses Yamaha YZF-R3 from 2026 and Kawasaki Z400 from 2026.
Power
Yamaha YZF-R3
42 hp (31 kW)
Kawasaki Z400
45 hp (34 kW)
Highlighted valueWet weight
Yamaha YZF-R3
169.2 kg
Kawasaki Z400
165 kg
Highlighted valueEngine capacity
Yamaha YZF-R3
321 cm³
Kawasaki Z400
399 cm³
Highlighted valueTorque
Yamaha YZF-R3
29.6 Nm
Kawasaki Z400
38 Nm
Highlighted valueSeat height
Yamaha YZF-R3
780 mm
Highlighted valueKawasaki Z400
785 mm
Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Kawasaki Z400: which one to choose?
These models are very close in specifications.
- Yamaha YZF-R3 is the only one that fits the numerical A2 limits at 42 hp (31 kW); by these data, check approval in your market.
- Kawasaki Z400 has the larger engine capacity at 399 cm³.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle is lighter?
- The Kawasaki Z400 is lighter: 165 kg versus 169.2 kg for the Yamaha YZF-R3, with both figures on a wet-weight basis.
- Which motorcycle has the lower seat?
- The Yamaha YZF-R3 has the lower seat at 780 mm, compared with 785 mm for the Kawasaki Z400.
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- The Kawasaki Z400 has more power, with 45 hp (34 kW) compared with 42 hp (31 kW) for the Yamaha YZF-R3.