The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a practical and accessible sportbike suitable for riders who prefer a traditional gasoline engine and value maneuverability and comfort. The Zero SR/F, on the other hand, is a technologically advanced electric motorcycle that offers superior performance and features but may compromise on comfort for longer rides. The choice depends on the rider's preference for electric vs. gasoline, performance requirements, and budget.
| Attribute | Kawasaki Ninja 400 | Zero SR/F |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Kawasaki Ninja 400 | Zero SR/F |
| Engine Displacement (cc) | 399 | Electric, no displacement [N/A] |
| Horsepower | 44.7-49 hp | 111 hp (83 kW) @ 5,600 rpm (Some sources state 100.2 hp at 4,500 rpm when tested on a dyno) |
| Torque (Nm) | 37-38 | 190 |
| Wet Weight (kg) | 166-168 | 227 |
| Seat Height (mm) | 785 | 787 (Accessory options for a low seat at 770 mm and a tall seat at 810 mm are available) |
| Fuel Capacity (L) | 14 | Not applicable, as it is an electric motorcycle [N/A] |
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | Not available | 17.3 |
| Range (km) | Not available | City: 283 (Some sources state 301), Highway: 188 (Some sources state 93 miles), Combined: Other sources state 120 miles. |
| Charging Time (hours) | Not available | Standard: 2.7 (100% charged) / 2.2 (95% charged), Level 2: Around 1.1 to charge to 95%, With 6kW Rapid Charger: 1.6 (100% charged) / 1.1 (95% charged), With a 6 kW Charge Tank: 1 hour and 10 minutes using a three-phase Type 2 charger, Standard household outlet: 11.6 (100% charged) / 11.1 (95% charged) |
| Front Suspension | 41 mm telescopic fork with 120 mm travel | Showa 43 mm Big Piston Separate Function (BPF) forks, adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound damping |
| Rear Suspension | Uni Trak, gas-charged shock with adjustable spring preload and 130 mm travel | Showa 40 mm piston, piggy-back reservoir shock adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound damping |
| Braking System | Front: Single semi-floating 310 mm petal disc with a dual-piston caliper. Rear: 220 mm petal disc with a dual-piston caliper. ABS is available. | Bosch Advanced MSC, dual J-Juan radial 4-piston calipers with radial master cylinder, 320 x 5 mm discs (front) and J-Juan single piston floating caliper, 240 x 4.5 mm disc (rear) |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | overall: Not available, performance: Not available |
| Pros | Comfortable riding position, Admirable maneuverability, Increased engine performance at all RPMs with smooth, predictable response, Sound of a typical motorcycle engine | Instant torque due to its electric motor, Slim chassis waist to enhance maneuverability, Park Mode provides slow-speed forward and reverse capability, Battery requires no maintenance, Bosch Advanced MSC for ABS and traction control, Fully adjustable Showa suspension components, Five preset riding modes (Eco, Street, Sport, Rain, and Custom), Silent operation |
| Cons | Needs to rev higher to make power, Some suggest upgrading the brake pads for better performance, Does not have rider modes | Seat is noted to be overly stiff and uncomfortable for rides longer than an hour |