2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R

There has been a flurry of activity in the small cc motorcycle niche lately. Major manufacturers have finally recognized that there is a gap in options in this category, and they are rushing to provide exciting new options in this area for the 2011 model year.

It used to be something of a rule of thumb that smaller bikes were deliberately designed to be stylistically simple, less eye-catching than their larger brethren. This is much less the case with some of the new offerings, notably the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R. Available in traditional Kawasaki lime green or Metallic Spark Black, this is a bike that attracts favourable second glances. Crisp, sharp lines and an unequivocally sporty appearance make this a welcome addition to the Ninja family.

The 400 cc engine, with a claimed 44 horsepower at 9,500 rpm, is more than adequate for most uses considering as well that the weight of this bike is a lean 203 kilograms. Riders are once again remembering that motorcycles can be fuel efficient forms of transportation, great for commuting reasonable distances or making little jaunts to destinations that aren’t half a continent away. Handling on this sport-styled bike is reputed to be quite good, and given the attention to performance that Kawasaki puts into all of their two wheeled products you can be sure that you would be highly unlikely to encounter any serious issues.

So you now have an even broader range of offerings from your local Kawasaki dealer. The perennially popular EX500 Ninja is gone, but with the option of either the 400 or the 650, or the eternally reliable 250, your Ninja options outside of the super sports are now greater than ever. At a price of $7,499, the new 400R will unquestionably be a very hot commodity on the 2011 market.

Any of these Ninjas are surprisingly affordable to insure with Riders Plus,and potentially with some of our competitors although you would have to confirm that with them. As with any new motorcycle purchase, call around for a firm insurance quote before you sign for the bike, because you don’t want to make assumptions where there are as many possible variables as there are in insurance. Get a Riders Plus Insurance Quote Here.

You can check out the new Kawasaki Ninja 400R at the Toronto International Motorcycle Supershow January 7, 8, and 9, 2011. You could also go to your local Kawasaki dealer (search on Ontario motorcycle dealers).