Aftermarket Fairings for Customizing the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400

Introduction to Kawasaki Ninja 400 Fairings

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is one of the most popular small displacement sportbikes on the market. With its sharp styling and lightweight chassis, the Ninja 400 offers big bike performance in a compact and nimble package. For 2023, Kawasaki has not made any major changes to the Ninja 400, opting to keep refining what was already an excellent motorcycle.

One area where owners often choose to customize their Ninja 400 is with aftermarket fairings. Fairings are the plastic bodywork panels that cover the frame and mechanical components on a motorcycle. Aftermarket fairings allow owners to change the look of their bike while also often providing some performance benefits.

Benefits of Aftermarket Fairings

There are several reasons why Ninja 400 owners may want to upgrade to aftermarket fairings:

• Custom styling - Aftermarket fairings come in a variety of colors and designs to change the overall look of the bike.
• Weight reduction - Aftermarket fairings are often made from lighter materials like carbon fiber to reduce overall weight.
• Crash protection - Some aftermarket fairings provide additional impact absorption to better protect the bike in a crash.
• Improved aerodynamics - Aftermarket fairings can be shaped for better airflow and reduced drag at higher speeds.

Popular Aftermarket Fairings for the Ninja 400

Some of the most popular aftermarket fairing options for the Kawasaki Ninja 400 include:

• Puig Racing Windscreen - Puig offers a direct replacement windscreen for the Ninja 400 that is taller and provides better wind protection.
• Sharkskinz Custom Fairing Kits - Sharkskinz makes custom painted fairing kits that completely change the look of the Ninja 400.
• StompGrip Traction Pads - StompGrip kits add grip pads to the sides of the fairings for improved knee grip when cornering.
• NOZEM Carbon Fiber Fairings - NOZEM makes ultra lightweight carbon fiber fairing kits for the Ninja 400.

Tips for Installing Aftermarket Fairings

When installing aftermarket fairings, here are some tips to do it properly:

• Review instructions - Read the fairing maker's instructions fully before starting.
• Take time - Rushing can lead to mistakes, so set aside plenty of time for the install.
• Disconnect battery - Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting.
• Have help - An extra set of hands makes fairing installs much easier.
• Watch cabling - Make sure to reattach any disconnected cables or wiring properly.
• Double check - Verify all fasteners and connections are tight before riding.

Maintaining and Caring for Aftermarket Fairings

Once aftermarket fairings are installed, they will require some regular maintenance and care to keep them looking and performing their best. Here are some tips for fairing care:

Keep Fairings Clean

Dirt, bugs, and road debris buildup can all take away from the appearance of aftermarket fairings. Use a dedicated motorcycle cleaner and a soft cloth to gently clean fairing surfaces. Avoid harsh abrasives or high pressure spraying. For matte or unpainted fairings, use specifically designed matte surface cleaners and waxes.

Inspect for Damage

Check fairings regularly for any chips, cracks, or other damage. Small scratches can be touched up with paint pens. For larger damage, fairing repair or replacement may be required. Address any issues promptly to prevent further spreading.

Use Protective Products

Waxes, sealants, or protective film can be applied to shield painted fairings from UV rays and minor scratches. Unpainted matte fairings benefit from periodic treatment with matte-specific waxes. Ensure products are specifically formulated for use on motorcycles.

Store Fairings Properly

When fairings are removed for storage, place them on raised stands to avoid pressure points. Cover with motorcycle covers or wrap in soft materials. Avoid stacking or leaning fairings directly against each other when in storage.

Customizing the Ninja 400 with Aftermarket Fairings

One of the great aspects of the Ninja 400 is that it serves as an ideal platform for customization and modification. Here are some ideas on how to customize the styling of a Ninja 400 using aftermarket fairings:

Complete Fairing Swap

For a completely new look, aftermarket full fairing kits allow you to change the color scheme and graphics of the Ninja 400. Retro, race replica, or custom designs are all options. This is a great option but requires the most work to install.

Mix and Match Pieces

You can also mix and match individual fairing parts like tank covers, front fenders, or side fairings panels. This allows you to replace only certain sections to create your own unique look.

Add Graphics or Decals

Supplementary decals, graphics kits, and stickers can provide some visual flair without fully replacing fairings. Consider accent colors on top of the stock bodywork. Use high quality, motorcycle rated materials.

Remove Street Fairings for Track

Many riders swap the stock Ninja 400 street fairings for toned down track fairings when heading to race days or track days. The simplified track fairings reduce weight and allow for easier movement when cornering aggressively.

With some small upgrades like aftermarket fairings, you can easily customize the looks of the Kawasaki Ninja 400 to make it your own. Just take care to install them properly and maintain them well so you can enjoy your personalized Ninja 400 for many miles of riding.

FAQs

What are the benefits of aftermarket fairings for the Ninja 400?

Aftermarket fairings allow for custom styling, potential weight reduction, added crash protection, and improved aerodynamics in some cases. They allow you to customize the looks of your Ninja 400.

What are some popular aftermarket fairings for the Ninja 400?

Some popular options are Puig windscreens, Sharkskinz custom fairing kits, StompGrip traction pads, and NOZEM carbon fiber fairings.

What should I do when installing aftermarket fairings?

Read all instructions thoroughly, give yourself plenty of time, disconnect the battery, get help if needed, be mindful of cabling, and double check all connections are tight.

How do I maintain and care for aftermarket fairings?

Keep them clean with motorcycle specific cleaners, regularly inspect for any damage, apply protective waxes/sealants, and store properly using stands and soft wrappings.

How can I customize the looks of my Ninja 400?

Options include full fairing swaps, mixing and matching fairing pieces, adding graphics/decals, or removing street fairings for track-only setups.