Does the Kawasaki Ninja 400 Have a Quick Shifter? Everything You Need to Know

Does the Kawasaki Ninja 400 Have a Quick Shifter?

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is one of the most popular small displacement sportbikes on the market. With its aggressive styling and lightweight, nimble handling, it's a great choice for new riders looking to get into the sportbike world. However, one question that often comes up is whether the Ninja 400 comes equipped with a quick shifter from the factory.

What is a Quick Shifter?

A quick shifter is a mechanical device that allows riders to seamlessly upshift without using the clutch. It works by cutting power for a split second as you click the gear lever, allowing the transmission to easily engage the next gear. This creates faster, smoother shifts compared to manually operating the clutch.

Quick shifters are common on high-performance liter bikes and many mid-sized supersports. They allow riders to keep the throttle pinned during aggressive acceleration while banging through the gears. For track and canyon riding, quick shifters offer significant performance benefits.

Quick Shifter Benefits

Here are some of the main benefits of having a quick shifter:

• Faster lap times - No need to roll off the throttle allows you to carry more corner speed and accelerate harder out of turns.
• Increased safety - Keeping eyes up and hands on the bars instead of using the clutch allows you to focus on the road or track.
• Less rider fatigue - Reduces the need to use the clutch lever during aggressive riding sessions.
• Smooth upshifts - Provides seamless, instantaneous gear changes at wide open throttle.

For track day junkies or canyon carvers, gaining a few tenths per lap or staying off the clutch to conserve energy can make a big difference. But how about on a smaller displacement bike like the Ninja 400? Does it need a quick shifter?

Does the Ninja 400 Have a Quick Shifter?

The short answer is no - the Kawasaki Ninja 400 does not come equipped with a quick shifter from the factory. Kawasaki USA does not offer one as an accessory either.

Being a lightweight beginner sportbike, the Ninja 400 is aimed more at street riding and everyday commuting. It's not built as an all-out track machine like the ZX-6R or ZX-10R. While a quick shifter could provide a little benefit, it's not an essential performance item at this power level.

Aftermarket Quick Shifter Options

While Kawasaki doesn't offer a quick shifter for the Ninja 400, the aftermarket motorcycle parts industry has solutions available. Here are some ways to add quick shifting capability to your Ninja 400:

• Bazzaz Quick Shifter - The Bazzaz quick shifter is a plug-and-play system that piggybacks on the Ninja 400's stock harness. Retains use of the clutch for downshifts.
• Twisty Shifter - Twisty offers a sensor that activates the quick shift function when you tap the gear lever. Sold as part of their complete shifter linkage.
• Speedy Shifter - Another quick shift module that plugs into the bike's sensors and ignition system to cut power for seamless upshifts.

Depending on brand, most aftermarket quick shifters designed for the Ninja 400 cost $200-300 plus professional installation fees. It's not a huge investment, but also not an essential upgrade.

Quick Shifting Without the Quick Shifter

While the Ninja 400 doesn't come with a true quick shifter, experienced riders can still achieve smooth, clutchless upshifts by quickly reducing throttle input while clicking up a gear. This takes practice to master, but can replicate some of the benefits of a quick shifter.

For casual street riders, there's little need to worry about quick shifting. But for those interested in tracking their Ninja 400 or riding canyons aggressively, a quick shifter can provide a nice performance boost.

Conclusion

So in summary, no, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 does not come equipped with a quick shifter from the factory. The bike is aimed at beginner and intermediate riders where quick shifting is not as much of a priority. However, the aftermarket does offer bolt-on quick shifter options for around $200-300. While not an essential upgrade, it can provide faster shifts and less clutch wear for more aggressive riders.

Whether you feel the need for quick shifting capability or not, the nimble and lightweight Ninja 400 remains one of the most fun small displacement sportbikes on the market. It's the perfect bike for new riders to hone their skills on while also putting a smile on experienced riders' faces. Just be prepared for some old fashioned clutch work when banging through the gears.

FAQs

What is a quick shifter?

A quick shifter is a mechanical device that allows for seamless, clutchless upshifts by cutting power to the engine for a split second as you click up into the next gear.

Why would you want a quick shifter?

On track bikes and high performance street motorcycles, quick shifters provide benefits like faster lap times, less rider fatigue, and smoother aggressive throttle shifting. They allow keeping the throttle pinned during acceleration.

Does the Ninja 400 come stock with a quick shifter?

No, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 does not come equipped with a quick shifter from the factory. Kawasaki does not offer one as an accessory either.

Can you add a quick shifter to the Ninja 400?

Yes, the aftermarket offers bolt-on quick shifter modules that plug into the Ninja 400's wiring harness and ignition. Brands like Bazzaz and Twisted Shift offer kits for around $200-300.

Is a quick shifter necessary for the Ninja 400?

No, it's not an essential upgrade for the Ninja 400, which is aimed more at street riding. But it can provide smoother shifts and less clutch wear for aggressive riding situations.