The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a great entry-level sport bike, but is it good enough to keep the new CBR250RR at bay?
The CBR250RR has what it takes to take on the Kawasaki Ninja 400, even if it has a 150cc deficit.
The Ninja Kawasaki The 400 has a strong global presence and has been an impressive entry-level sport bike since its inception. However, even though the Ninja has been recently updated, it hasn’t changed much over the years, leaving it vulnerable to attacks from other Japanese sports bikes like the 2023 Honda CBR250 rubles. Curious to know which is the better of the two? Well, here is a comparison between the CBR250RR and the Ninja 400 that gives the exact answer.
Honda CBR250RR 2023 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 – Performance
| Specification | Honda CBR250RR | Kawasaki Ninja 400 |
| Engine | 249.7 cc, twin cylinder engine | 399cc, twin cylinder engine |
| Power | 41.6 horsepower | 45 horsepower (EU spec) |
| Torque | 18.44 lb-ft | 27.29 lb-ft |
| Weight | 370 pounds | 369 pounds |
| Fuel tank capacity | 14.5 liter | 14 liter |
Although The CBR250RR has become more powerful for 2023it’s still down 3.4 horsepower and 8.85 lb.-ft Kawasaki Ninja 400. The latter also has a stronger power-to-weight ratio, further strengthening its body. But hey, the 250RR has a 150cc deficit here, so we’ve seen the Ninja 400 win. Not to worry though, Honda more than redeems itself in the next aspect.
2023 Honda CBR250RR vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 – The Basics
| Specification | Honda CBR250RR | Kawasaki Ninja 400 |
| Front suspension | Showa SFF-BP USD forks | Telescopic forks |
| Rear suspension | A nun | A nun |
| Front and rear brakes | Single petal discs | Single petal discs |
| Tire size | F: 110/70-17 R: 140/70-17 | F: 110/70-17 R: 150/60-17 |
| Road clearance | 148 mm (5.82 in) | 140 mm (5.51 in) |
The CBR250RR is a more premium and modern offering as it features Showa SFF-BP inverted forks compared to the Ninja’s aging telescopic units. This, combined with the CBR’s slimmer rear tire, should make it a better ride than the Ninja 400. The RR’s extra ground clearance should also come in handy in both track and day-to-day scenarios. However, the emphasis is on “should” because only a proper test can conclude that this is indeed the case.
Honda CBR250RR 2023 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 – Specs and Design
| A feature | Honda CBR250RR | Kawasaki Ninja 400 |
| Fully LED lights | yes | yes |
| Fully digital dashboard | yes | no |
| Driving modes | Yes (Comfort, Sport, Sport+) | no |
| Quick switch | yes | no |
| Slipper clutch | yes | yes |
| Two-channel ABS | yes | yes |
As always, the Ninja 400 is showing its age when it comes to features. It boasts only the basics and is no match for the all-rounder CBR250RR, which boasts quick gearshifts, three riding modes and a fully digital LCD display. Like the specs, the CBR250RR also looks like a fresher bike with a sporty and unique design. Meanwhile, the Ninja 400 has always looked the same, albeit with new color options. However, design is a subjective matter, so comment below and let us know which one you like best.
Honda CBR250RR 2023 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 – Verdict
In conclusion, the CBR250RR is definitely a more versatile bike than the Kawasaki Ninja 400. Don’t get us wrong, the Ninja is a great, well-established entry-level bike, but it just feels dated in the company of newer bikes. and we hope Kawasaki does something about it soon. Also, the CBR250RR is not available in the European and American markets, so the Ninja 400 is still unbeatable in terms of affordability.
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