Yamaha R3 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400: 2018 Ninja 400 was one among those dream machines of Indian fans that missed the limelight of Auto Expo 2018. Closest rival Yamaha R3 was relaunched in India for INR 3.48 lakh while Ninja 400 made it to India for INR 4.69 lakh. Both prices mentioned are ex-showroom Delhi. Yamaha recently hiked the price of R3 by INR 1000 in India, it is now priced at INR 3.49 lakh.
While the name sounds more dominating in Ninja 400, Yamaha R3 is nothing less than a deal breaker for Kawasaki with its huge fans following. As Kawasaki has launched Ninja 400 along with Ninja 300 in India, here are three sure-shot factors that can help future buyers decide easy between both all new Ninja 400 and Yamaha R3.
Yamaha R3 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400
# Engine/Performance/Output
Yamaha R3 is powered by a 321cc, twin cylinder engine producing 42 HP at 10,750 rpm and 29.6 Nm at 9,000 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Even after including full fuel tank and fluids, the bike weighs just 173 kg. Kawasaki Ninja 400 is powered by a bigger 399cc, twin cylinder engine producing 49 HP at 10,000 rpm and 38 Nm at 8,000. That’s a huge difference as Ninja 400 weighs equally good at 173 kg. Even when you add those ugly looking accessories that are mandatory, it will never be a problem for Ninja 400 rider to bring R3 down in most aspects.
Yamaha R3 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400
| YZF-R3 | Ninja 400 | |
| Displacement | 321 cc | 399 cc |
| Transmission | 6-Speed | 6-Speed |
| No. of Cylinders | 2-Cylinder | 2-Cylinder |
| Max. Power | 42 HP @ 10,750 rpm | 49 HP @ 10,000 rpm |
| Max. Torque | 29.6 Nm @ 9000 rpm | 38 NM @ 8000 rpm |
| Fuel Supply | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Engine Cooling | Liquid-Cooled | Liquid-Cooled |
| Engine Setup | 4-Stroke 4-Valve DOHC | 4-Stroke 4-Valve DOHC |
| Top Speed | 188 kmph (Approx.) | 190+ kmph (Approx.) |
# Dimensions/Seating/Equipment
Yamaha R3 measures 2090mm in length, 720mm in width and 1135mm in height. Wheelbase available is 1380mm while seat height stays quite comfortable at 780mm. It comes with 14 liter fuel tank and offers 160mm of ample ground clearance. Ninja 400 is a bit compact with 2020mm of length, 710mm of width and 1120 mm of height. They offer almost similar (785mm) seat height and wheelbase available is 1370mm. Fuel tank measures 14 liters while ground clearance for Ninja 400 is 140mm. If you live in an area with rough roads, R3 is a better option while compact dimensions of Ninja 400 makes it better for all other purposes.
| YZF-R3 | Ninja 400 | |
| Length | 2090 mm | 2020 mm |
| Width | 720 mm | 710 mm |
| Height | 1135 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 160 mm | 140 mm |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 785 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 173 kg | 173 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 14 litres | 14 litres |
Brakes & Suspension
| YZF-R3 | Ninja 400 | |
| Brakes (F) | 298 mm Single Disc | 310 mm Single Disc |
| Brakes (R) | 220 mm Single Disc | 220 mm Single Disc |
| Suspension (F) | Conventional Forks | Conventional Forks |
| Suspension (R) | Adjustable Monoshock | Adjustable Monoshock |
| ABS | 2-Channel ABS | 2-Channel ABS |
Frame & Tyres
Yamaha R3 vs Kawasaki Ninja 400
| YZF-R3 | Ninja 400 | |
| Frame | Diamond | Trellis |
| Front Tyre | 110/70-R17 | 110/70-R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 140/70-R17 | 150/60-R17 |
# Pricing/Placement of Products
Yamaha R3 is priced at INR 3.49 lakh. This price tag includes dual channel ABS and Metzeler tyres. When compared with Ninja 400 at INR 4.69 lakh, the pricing part is still better for Yamaha R3. Justifying INR 1.20 lakh of price hike for limited increase in values is not a good idea for India. The updated YZF-R3 is a better value for money deal in comparison to the Ninja 400.
