Latest Cars And Bikes Reviews

Archive for September, 2010

The XKR’s already powerful sporting styling cues – an enhanced front bumper, bonnet louvres and aluminium-finish grilles and side power vents – will remain and exclusive Celestial Black exterior paint and 20-inch polished Cremona five-spoke alloy wheels add to the overall presence.

The XKR’s interior represents a truly sophisticated yet driver-focussed environment thanks to class-leading ergonomics, user-friendly in-car technology and simple, clear information displays in the instrument panel and main dashboard area.

The XKR Portfolio will combine this acclaimed design and performance with Jaguar’s engineering and craftsmanship skills to take the XKR to an even higher level. Every XKR benefits from its class-leading, advanced aluminium construction, which ensures that its power is matched by a dynamic, lightweight chassis that handles supremely, rides exceptionally well and stops with surefooted reassurance time after time.

XKR Portfolio’s brakes are polished 20-inch five-spoke Cremona wheels, while behind the front wheels sit all-new Power Vents which are hewn from polished aluminium and incorporate the indicator side repeater and Jaguar signature ‘ingot’. An exclusive Celestial Black exterior paint will also serve to differentiate the XKR Portfolio edition. (UK and Switzerland have a Liquid Silver paint option as well.)

The XKR Portfolio also marks another first for Jaguar: the first production example of its new partnership with renowned audio entertainment specialists Bowers & Wilkins. This world-leading loudspeaker manufacturer worked alongside Jaguar to create a stunning speaker system for the recent C-XF concept car, but the XKR Portfolio is the first production Jaguar to benefit from the relationship.

Taking Jaguar’s 525W Premium Audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound as a starting point, Bowers & Wilkins have crafted a signature speaker system specifically for the XKR’s cabin. High-output, low-distortion Kevlar mid-range speakers and specially designed aluminium-dome tweeters deliver superb mid-range and extended high-frequency responses.

The XK debuted with a 4.2L, 32-valve V8 that made 300hp and was coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The supercharged XKR version made 420hp. This was ample power for both cars, but, in an effort to keep up with the competition and avoid the problems witnessed at the outset of the millennium, Jaguar gave the XK and XKR brand new engines for 2010. With displacement increased to 5.0L, the new V8s now produce 385hp in naturally aspirated form and 510hp in supercharged guise.

The XK, now complemented by the impressive XF and brand-new XJ, helped to revitalize Jaguar’s ageing image. It represents the sporty car in Jag’s small, cohesive lineup, and is a thoroughly modern piece that has earned the right to call itself by those two famous letters that first established Jaguar as a builder of benchmark sports cars in 1948.

The Gallardo LP560-4 is the successor of the most successful Lamborghini model of all time. Approximately 7100 Gallardo models have left the Sant’Agata Bolognese production plant since its launch in 2003. ‘The LP560-4 will consolidate this success story,’ states Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. ‘It will outclass its predecessor in every aspect; its dynamics are distinctly breathtaking and its design sets new standards. With the introduction of the Gallardo LP560-4, we will consistently continue Lamborghini’s growth strategy’.

The powerful heart of the Gallardo LP560-4 is the new 5.2 litre V10 engine with an output of 560 PS (412 kW) at 8000 rpm. The increase of 40 PS compared with that of the previous Gallardo, and the approximate 20 kilogram reduction in weight, improves the power weight ratio to 2.5 kilograms per PS (hp) and thus enhances performance. The LP560-4 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, its speed at 11.8 seconds is 200 km/h and its top speed lies at 325 km/h. At the same time the new, highly efficient engine enthrals its driver with its direct fuel injection system – ‘Iniezione Diretta Stratificata’. Despite its clearly increased power, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by a staggering 18 per cent.

The body of the car also demonstrates extremely high levels of ‘passive security’. The Gallardo LP560-4 fulfils the not yet obligatory European directives regarding the protection of pedestrians. Furthermore, the geometry of the entire front of the car has been optimised with the addition of a special combination of materials behind the front bumper which serve to absorb any impact energy.

Engine

The engine of the Gallardo LP560-4 is a completely new development. All that remains of the original V10 is the number of cylinders which, in this performance category, create a perfect and unique synthesis of torque, force of movement, sporty nimbleness, compact size and low weight. The engine has a 5204 cm3 volumetric displacement which, with 8.000 rpm creates the extreme 560 PS (412 kW). This results in the excellent performance per litre of 107.6 PS/lt. At maximum torque output, the engine yields 540 Newtonmeter at 6.500 rpm. The ample torque curve guarantees outstanding thrust from every engine speed. With an acceleration of 3.7 seconds from 0-100 km/h and a maximum speed of 325 km/h, the Gallardo LP560-4 shoots into the orbit of the most extreme and powerful sports cars.

The engine in this new model lies lengthways in front of the rear axle – hence the model description Longitudinale Posteriore. The concept of the mid – rear engine is unbeatable in sports car production, with the centre of gravity being displaced next to the vertical axis, thus creating the car’s exceptional dynamics. Furthermore, it creates the basis for the Gallardo LP560-4′s perfect weight distribution with 43 per cent on the front axle and 57 per cent on the rear. In combination with the permanent four-wheel drive transmission, superior driving stability and road adherence are guaranteed in all situations.

Transmission

Such extreme power must be brought onto the streets with extreme reliability. The driver of a Gallardo LP560-4 can thus rely on the four-wheel drive Viscous Traction (VT) system, with the ‘4′ in the model name a reminder of this. Lamborghini already introduced this system with the Diablo VT in 1993 – and for good reason: four actuated wheels achieve more grip than two and permit acceleration earlier in the curve exit.

The protagonist in the transmission is the central viscous-coupling which requires no electronic control. In this special Lamborghini configuration, the driving torque is distributed between front and rear – generally with a 30:70 front to rear ratio and, within milliseconds, adapts to even the slightest variations in road conditions. A mechanical differential on the rear axle provides up to 45% limited slip and an electronic differential lock at the front complete the four-wheel drive system.

Superior Traction And Handling

Not only does the maximum traction take advantage of the permanent four-wheel drive system, but also the car’s clearly superior handling. Each wheel can only transfer a certain amount of torque to the road. As the propulsion power is distributed onto all four wheels through the viscous traction system, more potential for directional control remains – and reserves in every situation distinguish a perfectly made sports car.

Despite all the engine thrust, changing gears in the Gallardo LP560-4 is one of the most exciting experiences of driving this vehicle. It is still the customer’s personal preference as to whether he wishes to change gears manually through the exact ‘gate’ guides of the six-speed gearbox via the short gear stick, or whether he prefers to let his fingertips control the e.gear’s paddle-shift system located behind the steering wheel: the latter solution becoming the preference of the majority of Lamborghini customers.

Suspension

The Gallardo LP560-4′s space frame is uncompromisingly high tech. Its technical production was conceived from motor sport technologies. The double wishbones made out of aluminium with newly designed kinematics, while the springs and shock absorbers are tightly adjusted for grip. The rear axle now has an additional track rod which further improves the excellent control of this super sports vehicle. Newly developed elements are the rubber-metal bearings – authentic high-tech parts – which clearly improve the special Lamborghini driving dynamics with well-chosen material combinations and cleverly defined assembly.

Extreme Road Adherence

The steering rack works with relatively little assisted steering support, thus bonding the driver closely to the road. This in turn provides him with an intense experience of power and impulse. The steering has its own cooling system for the power steering fluid. Precise, breathtakingly fast, whilst stable and free from surprises, the Gallardo LP560-4′s dynamics assures a sensuous experience. The LP560-4′s tyres (format 235/35 ZR 19 front and 295/30 ZR 19 rear) appear to bond with the asphalt. Specially developed Pirelli P-Zero series tyres are fitted: these have a particularly low roll resistance which also maintains tyre wear at a minimum without, of course, any reduction in their performance quality. At a speed of over 120 km/h an independently extended rear spoiler increases the downforce on the rear axle It acts in association with the specially formed underbody which directs the airstream under the car.

Interior And Trim

A large variety of options increases the interior comfort of the vehicle, including a navigation system and a module for TV reception, a hands-free Bluetooth® phone set, an anti-theft device and a rearview camera. A further option is the lifting system control of the front of the vehicle which, at the touch of a button, is raised to enable driving over obstacles. The new polished cross wheel rims ‘Cordelia’ or the black Y-rims ‘Callisto’ complete the options range. Finally, the engine hood made from glass creates a showcase for the heart of the Gallardo LP560-4.

The possibilities and different combinations available in the Individualisation Program Ad Personam are almost inexhaustible. Behind this program stands the philosophy that a super sports car of this nature should, after all, reflect the personality of its owner by enabling him to completely indulge his expectations and wishes. As a consequence, extreme exclusivity is the trademark of Lamborghini’s individualisation program. ‘Think the Impossible’ states the motto. Ad Personam offers a host of options in order that a customer may give the car an imprint of his own style with respect to the interior trim and exterior. A new highlight in the program are the following three exclusive matt colours: Nero Nemesis (matt black), Bianco Canopus (matt white), Marrone Apus (matt brown). The new matt colours underline the clearly defined and purist precision of the Lamborghini design.

Yamaha refers to its FZ6R as one of the coolest and most desirable models in the LAMS category for learner and provisional bikes, and after spending a couple of weeks with one, we wouldn’t really argue.

Buying a LAMS-approved bike can be a massive decision, the task of finding a balance between the right size that you can handle while still having a typically good engine not as simple as you’d first think.

If you compare the FZ6R to the YZF-R125 that we put through its paces last month, you’ll notice there’s night and day difference in their qualities and purposes in the LAMS segment.

Design And Styling

While the FZ6R ticks many boxes aesthetically and looks especially nice in the red and white colour scheme, you’d have to say that the half-faired XJ6S that it’s based on does look slightly better.

The quality of the bike is very much desirable though, the build of the components looking exceptionally good as you’d expect from Yamaha when it comes to a 600cc motorcycle.

The FZ1-inspired instrument cluster is a cinch to operate as with most Yamahas, meaning you’ll be able to focus on the job at hand without being confused by what’s going on in the dash department.

Handling

You’ll notice as soon as you sit on the FZ6R that it’s going a very touring-like feel to it, with its high handlebar position, low seat height, relaxed seating and short reach to the controls in both the arm and leg department. You sit quite far toward the rear of the bike, which makes balances the weight bias toward the rear, meaning you really have to purposely position your body weight forward for optimum turning.

The good thing about this particular ride is that Yamaha has designed it so you’ll be comfortable riding through town, yet it’ll handle good enough to go for a blast through the mountains on the weekends. It’s not quick steering like a supersport and certainly isn’t a stiff feeling motorcycle, but what it does do it remain stable the majority of the time and reacts consistently to many types of road surfaces whether they’re round or smooth.

That particular point can be of a real benefit to newcomers in the riding world, assisting them in comfortably learning the ropes without too many chances of a big scare. The conventional ‘upside-up’ forks aren’t adjustable and to have a tendency to dip under heavy braking via the consistent Brembo/Nissin stoppers, which themselves are consistent and offer a great lever feel. The rear shock absorber has a seven step preload adjuster, although chances are you won’t require too much adjustment unless you’re particularly heavy and need to reduce the sag.

Power

The liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-cylinder, four-valve DOHC engine in the LAMS FZ6R is restricted via a throttle stop, however its character makes for a great learning ground for the future.

The engine has a bore and stroke of 65.5 x 44.5mm and a high compression ratio of 12.2:1, performing like a true inline four to create a perfect world for those cutting their teeth before stepping up to a modern full power sportsbike.

The six-speed gearbox is silky smooth to the point that you’ll appreciate it with every shift, something that clearly sets the FZ6R ahead of so many other LAMS bikes on the market.

Engine

Ultra-compact, 600cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, slant block in-line four powerplant. This engine has been specially tuned for ease of riding with very linear power characteristics. It is loosely based on the FZ6 with revised cylinder head, crankcases, intake and exhaust systems plus a revised clutch and shifter assembly.

Compact, 4-valve cylinder head features the same size intake (25mm) and exhaust (22mm) valves as the FZ6 but the intake port shape has been narrowed for increased air velocity resulting in more linear throttle response.

Lightweight hollow camshafts feature revised lift and duration profiles (Vs the FZ6) providing excellent torque in the low and mid rpm range and also helping to achieve linear throttle control. Fuel economy is also optimized.

Chassis/Suspension

“Diamond-type”, high tensile tube steel frame is used. The main frame tubes are 31.5mm in diameter and feature a minimum of welds and bends. Rigidity around the steering head and swingarm pivot has been optimized for excellent handling and stability.

This frame design helps to maintain one of the lowest seat heights (785mm / 30.1″) in the 600 sports class. The engine is mounted to the frame in 4 locations making it a stressed chassis member and enhancing handling qualities.

Conventional 41mm cartridge style fork provide great handling and excellent ride comfort. Plastic protectors help prevent tube damage due to stone chips. Wheel travel is 130mm (5.1″).

The rear suspension system has been designed to provide a rising rate feeling without the additional weight of linkage arms and pivots. The shock features 7-way spring pre-load adjustability. Wheel travel is 130mm (5.1″)

Dual 298mm floating front disc brakes are squeezed by a twin piston calipers. Braking performance is progressive and lever feel is excellent.

The LS 600h, the full hybrid Lexus flagship, gains a range of technological and styling improvements for the 2010 model year, changes that have been unveiled for the first time at the Frankfurt motor show. With redesigned seating, updated equipment, a new ECO driving mode and new brakes, the LS 600h and the long wheelbase LS 600h L achieve advances in comfort and driving dynamics.

The full hybrid Lexus Hybrid Drive system that powers the LS 600h has a new ECO mode, which modifies the throttle action and performance of the air conditioning system to support fuel-efficient driving.

The relationship between movement of the accelerator pedal and system output is automatically controlled, reducing response to aggressive inputs to improve fuel economy and promote smoother driving. The load on the engine is also reduced under acceleration, which also helps improve fuel efficiency.

When the outside temperature is 20°C or higher, the air conditioning system automatically selects its air recirculation mode to reduce power consumption. The blower airflow is reduced when set to ‘high’ and operation of the supplementary electrical heating system (the PTcompact heater) is stopped, further cutting the amount of power used. Also, the system will not signal for an increase in engine speed to boost power when the vehicle is at idle.

The LS 600h is newly equipped with larger, 380mm ventilated front disc brakes with six-piston callipers, rotors and pads developed jointly with specialist manufacturer Brembo. The pads are designed for quieter performance with less vibration and give fade-free high-speed stopping power.

The revised model is distinguished visually by a new four-bar grille and front bumper with redesigned air intakes and foglamps. The headlamps have a new running light design and are finished in Lexus hybrid blue, giving the car a distinctive appearance befitting its flagship status.

In profile, the car has a new one-piece rocker moulding and new door mirrors that incorporate twin LED turn signals and puddle lamps, with chrome highlights.

Further new details include a lower bumper design with vertical fins to smooth the airflow from beneath the car. The range of exterior colours has been increased, with Mesa Red, Vanilla Mist, Richmond Green and Atlantic Blue newly available, together with the hybrid-exclusive Crystal Sapphire. The paint has a new Self-restoring Coat treatment that helps maintain a superb finish over the vehicle’s lifetime.

The premium seat arrangement has a 40:20:40 design with an upper seatback reclining mechanism, fully retractable leg and footrest and lower back massage function, all operated using a remote controller. It also offers different levels of massage using an array of eight pneumatic chambers built into the seatback, and lumbar and shoulder areas.

The horizontal suspension position of the rear seat has been moved forwards 45mm to improve fit around the hips and the shape of the seat surface over the outer edges has been plumped up by around 10mm for better support.

The LS 600h is adopting a new hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system with the 40GB capacity, giving Europe-wide coverage with traffic information data capture in each country. The 19-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System fitted as standard in the LS 600h gives 7.1-channel surround sound on selected CDs and DVDs. It is now DAB ready (DAB audio will be available as a centre-fitted accessory) and provides USB and audio jack plug connection for fully controlled use of portable music players, and Bluetooth with an audio streaming function.

The revised LS 600h features a new, automatic high beam system. A camera sensor in the rear view mirror detects oncoming traffic, street lamps and vehicles travelling ahead and automatically switches the headlamp high beam on and off according to driving conditions.

The evolution of the Shiver project has no limits. The Aprilia naked that has surprised the world with its technological content which is still not within reach of its competitors, has perfected itself even further with interventions that aim at increasing its personality, riding fun and ergonomic features.

In terms of special features, Aprilia Shiver 2010 is without doubt the benchmark bike in the medium cc naked sector. A highly evolved engine fitted with latest generation integral Ride by Wire, a multimap, a first-rate chassis which is able to satisfy all levels of riders, and technical outfit that no other bike even comes close to.

Today, these features are highlighted by an even more racing look, with the arrival of a new top fairing and aggressive Wave discs. At the same time, Aprilia Shiver has come even closer to satisfying the needs of riders, with totally revamped ergonomics, a 5 cm slimmer saddle to provide better control optimising bike handling not only on the road, but also when the engine is switched off. The rider and passenger footpegs are also new and contribute to lending the bike an enhanced sporting look. The moved-back rider footpegs and the new handlebar inclination allow for a more sporting use.

The main features of the Aprilia 750 Shiver my 2010 are:

V2 90° engine with four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshaft and liquid cooling;
the integral Ride-by-Wire tri-map technology developed for competitions;
modular trellis/aluminium frame with significant torsional rigidity;
aluminium swingarm with stiffener brace and lateral shock absorber;
43mm upside down fork;
racing brakes with radial callipers and 320mm Wave discs
New more protective top fairing
New lower and slimmer saddle New racing style rider/passenger footpegs.

Design

The new Shiver roundly focuses on racing aspects. The new colours, the wave-style discs and the new racing rider footpegs are just a few of the signals that Shiver sends out to those observing it. The line remains very streamline and Italian and thanks to the clever use of the new colours and graphics, Shiver moves up a few notches as far as balance and aggression are concerned, highlighting some techniques that really make a difference, such as, for instance, the side shock absorber or the mixed steel trellis frame and aluminium plates.

Engine

The V90 engine is the result of the extensive experience Aprilia has in high performance mechanics. Thanks to its peculiar technical features the Aprilia twin-cylinder is able to combine an exceptionally high level of output with maximum exploitation rates and user-friendly riding options. The research conducted to reach top performance levels in its category has led to the decision to adopt some advanced cutting-edge technical solutions. The Aprilia V2 750 engine has a number of core features: extremely generous torque over most of the rpm range, insignificant vibrations, smooth full power delivery and output levels which are top in its category.

The 2010 version of Shiver naturally uses the multi-map integral Ride by Wire technology that has been developed even further exploiting the racing experience gained with the RSV4 superbike. This technical solution obviously represents the state-of-the-art version of engine control systems and Aprilia Shiver confirms its technological leadership position in its sector.

Suspension

The upside down fork has 43 mm stanchions with chill-cast bottom end to support the radial callipers and provide unparalleled smooth sliding action. The 120 mm travel makes it possible to easily face both urban and mountain roads.

The lateral shock absorber is fitted directly to the swingarm using a cantilever set-up and the spring preload and hydraulic rebound are adjustable; the rear wheel travel is 130 mm.

Brakes

Last year version already mounted the radial callipers, which are a solution that made this a pioneer bike in this sector. The Shiver 2010 version adds the new Wave discs and this choice not only provides for a different aesthetic impact, but also for a more decisive braking action.

The rear brake features a 245mm disc with single piston calliper to provide adequate support to the front system. The brake master cylinders have also been revamped to ensure even more effective braking response.

Both the front and rear systems have metal braided braking pipes, derived from the aeronautic sector, which eliminate the annoying buffering effect of conventional pipes and guarantee maximum braking accuracy and top-class system.

It also comes in an ABS version, and adopts a 2-channel Continental system which is able to guarantee maximum levels of safety when braking in all conditions.

The Insignia’s look signals a new direction for the brand and shows the new design elements that will be seen in future models. It also highlights the benefits of GM Europe’s expanded design center, which opened two years ago and offers the latest technologies in design and engineering.

GM Europe designers spent years, painstakingly refining the surfaces, carving the crisp intersecting lines and colors; testing the textures, feeling the materials and ensuring all the surface finishes were of the highest quality.

‘This is a paradigm shift for Opel,’ says John Puskar, Director Interior Design at GM Europe. ‘We wanted to create interior environments for all our future vehicles that are warm, inviting and sporty. The Insignia is the first evidence of this new philosophy.’

The overall goal for the design team was to create a simply beautiful car that would herald the next generation for Opel. The exterior’s hallmark is its flowing graceful silhouette. The body’s sculpted shape is accented by sweeping front and rear light designs and enhanced by a bold radiator grille. A distinctive ‘blade’ feature runs through the body side from behind the front wheel, further emphasizing its taut and rakish lines.

‘There are elements of crispness and structure that give the Insignia the feeling of German precision. The sculpted surfaces were then added to this framework to give it movement and make it look fluid and flowing,’ says Malcolm Ward, exterior Chief Designer.

The same design cues are expressed inside the car as well. On opening the doors, the first impression is of the bold wrap around interior. This is dominated by the signature ‘wing’ theme that flows from the front of the instrument panel and dives into the door panels in a downward dynamic curve. The bold surfaces from the exteriors ‘blade’ feature are echoed in the shape of the interior door grab handle, where the bright accent material sweeps dramatically into the door armrest. This sweeping accent is repeated in chrome shapes on the steering wheel and at the front of the center console. All of the materials work together, to create a harmonious, classy feel to the interior. The overall interior has taken a light, spacious approach that is both sporty and welcoming.

The car’s lighting both inside and out, is giving Opel a more unique night time appearance. Outside, a distinctive illuminated ‘wing’ design on the front and rear light clusters gives the Insignia a unique signature. Inside, designers have added a warm orangish-red ambient light to enhance the overall atmosphere for night driving. Instrument cluster is illuminated white, but on depressing the ‘Sport’ button, this lighting turns red to match the surrounding illumination.

On the Insignia, all of the colors and materials have been developed to enhance the premium feel of the interior environment. The sport model uses a high gloss black piano lacquer, to strongly contrast the overall soft feel black grained environment. At the other end of the spectrum, there is a warm environment which enters new territory with a polished Kiba Wood trim, complementing warm brown and light neutral upholstery.

Many themes started in this Interior provide the DNA for future Opel designs. Variations on sculptural artistry – the wing, flowing sculptural forms and a sporty dynamic environment — will be used moving forward, as Opel refines and builds the vocabulary of its new design language. At the same time, Opel’s roots will be expressed with the execution of German precision in all its vehicles. Still, the cars will not be clones of each other. Each car will have its own distinctive personality. Opel aims to be consistent with its design execution but not prescriptive or predictable.

The Insignia is the first car within GM to be developed globally, where the creative process that linked interior and exterior designers from Rüsselsheim to the rest of the world. ‘The focus was very much on designing a beautiful Opel/Vauxhall that would head the portfolio’ Adams said. Technically, the car had to be created to allow for regional tastes and safety requirements.

The new facility utilizes the highest technology, with a state of the art virtual reality center, with its massive screens that allows designers to ‘build’ and test designs and examine them in various environments. Computer programs allow designers to explore a not-yet built interior and exterior with a 360° view from any level and any perspective.

The Insignia’s elegant styling can be summed up as sculptural artistry meets German precision. The car also proves to be particularly efficient aerodynamically with a spectacular Cd of 0.27 which positively influences the economic, dynamic and acoustic qualities of the car. Moreover, innovations, like the Opel Eye, which can read road signs and warn drivers when they veer out of the lane, are also segment-leading technologies. The new car will hit dealerships in Europe this year and early 2009 with a line-up of nine engines. All meet Euro 5 emissions standards and come with six-speed transmissions, either manual or automatic.

The five gasoline engines range from a four-cylinder 115 hp unit to a V6 with 260 hp. The four new direct-injection turbo-diesels exclusively developed for the Insignia feature displacement of 2.0 liters. They offer outputs spanning from 110 to 190 hp and excellent torque values ranging from 260 to 400 Nm. All combinations compare competitively in CO2 emissions. An ecoFLEX variant with remarkably low fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels will be added in the near future.

2010 Kawasaki Ninja 400R Performance:-

Engine

– 399 cc Parallel Twin with strong low-mid range torque
– Bore and stroke specifically chosen to deliver the most exciting 400cc performance
– Rider-friendly off-idle characteristics.

Chassis
– High-tensile steel trellis frame with balanced rigidity offers nimble handling for easy control and fun sport riding enjoyment.

Ergonomics
– Slim, natural riding position
– Easy to reach ground with both feet thanks to a slim chassis design.

Suspension
– Offset laydown single-shock rear suspension
– Suspension settings match frame and swingarm characteristics to offer light, rider-friendly handling.

Low seat height
Seat design and slim overall package make it easy to reach the ground with both feet.

Tall fuel tank
Tall fuel tank design contributes to the bike’s compact appearance.

Minimal vibration
Rubber mounts used for the upper-rear engine mounts and handlebar, and rubber-coated footpegs minimise vibration transmitted to the rider.

MotoGP-inspired instrumentation
MotoGP inspired multi-function display includes fuel gauge, digital speedometer and bar-style digital tachometer.

Supersport-style full-fairing bodywork
Like on other Ninjas, the minimalist-design fairing makes good use of coloured and black pieces, contributing to the bike’s compact appearance.

Bodywork

* Dual headlamp design features twin position lamps – just like on our Ninja supersport models. The designed shape of the multi-reflector headlamp’s bulb hoods is an example of to the attention given to detail on this model.
* Windscreen set at a sharp angle contributes to the supersport image. A lip at the top of the screen helps to deflect air away from the rider. A duct in the centre of the cowling creates an “air curtain” which reduces wind buffeting at higher speeds and improves rider comfort.
* Tall fuel tank – especially noticeable when viewed from the side – adds to the bike’s crouching appearance. Sharp-edged line motif adds to the bike’s avant-garde design. Flush-surface fuel cap contributes to the sleek lines.
* Side view of the front cowling and fairings (especially the top corners at the front) have distinctive Ninja design elements.
* Supersport-style mirror design is similar to that on the Ninja ZX-6R.
* Fairing design judiciously combines coloured and black panels to create a compact appearance – an approach similar to that used on the Ninja ZX-10R.
* Front turn signals are integral with the fairings, contributing to the bike’s supersport styling.
* Viewed from the rear or from the side, the tail cowl and seat’s sharp design is evident. Thin LED tail lamp and rear turn signals reinforce this image.
* Two-tone design of the front fender contributes to the light, compact appearance.
* An inner fender helps keep the underside of the tail cowl clean and contributes to the Ninja 400R’s sporty look.
* License plate bulb housing and slim rear mud flap add to the sharp image of the tail.

Frame/Rear Suspension
* The frame is a key component of the Ninja 400R’s identity. Like on its larger sibling, the bike’s bodywork accentuates the frame, rather than hiding it.
* The design of the frame, rear suspension and swingarm create an integrated line running from the steering head to the rear hub.
* A trellis frame of high-tensile steel gives the bike a lightweight appearance. 3D analysis was used to achieve the target rigidity and stress values.
* Offset laydown rear single-shock suspension flows smoothly from the frame to the swingarm.
* The braced steel swingarm follows the lines of the frame and rear shock, its triangulated design contributing to the machine’s innovative styling.
* The pipe-like design of the swingarm and stabiliser (thanks to a D-shaped cross-section) contribute to the Ninja 400R’s high-quality appearance.
* Elegant design of the one-piece rider/passenger footpeg stays complements the swingarm and stabiliser.
* Clean finish at the frame joints contributes to the overall quality of the bike.

Instrumentation
* Flowing lines are also evident in the design of the MotoGP-inspired multi-function instrumentation. Features include a fuel gauge, digital speedometer, clock, odometer, dual trip meters and a bar-style digital tachometer. The layout allows the clock and trip meter to be viewed simultaneously. Red backlighting for the LCD screen adds to the sporty image.
* Panelling around the instrument panel gives the inside of the front cowl a clean, finished appearance.

Engine Performance
* Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 399 cc Parallel Twin with fuel injection delivers smooth, responsive performance, especially in the low and medium rpm ranges. The engine was tuned for fun, rider-friendly power characteristics that will inspire confidence in new riders.
* The engine’s excellent mid-range power characteristics make the bike especially fun to ride at medium speeds on city streets. Roll-on response is exceptional, offering impressive passing performance.
* 34 mm throttle bodies feature sub-throttles for high power output with smooth, sensitive throttle response.
* Bore and stroke measure 68.4 mm and 54.3 mm – their measurements selected to offer the most exciting performance for a 400cc engine. * The quick-revving engine offers smooth, linear power delivery. Difficult to stall and with rider-friendly off-idle characteristics, the engine has a highly accessible character.

Compact Engine Design

* The key to the Ninja 400R’s compact size is its amazingly compact Parallel Twin engine, which permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. The engine is loaded with innovative technology that enabled the realisation of its compact design and surprising performance.
- Triangular layout of the crankshaft and transmission shafts makes the engine very short front-to-back.
- Transmission input shaft, output shaft and change drum are contained in a “cassette”-style package that both allows a compact layout and facilitates transmission maintenance chores.
- Semi-dry sump design reduces engine height.
- Plated, linerless aluminium cylinder is lightweight.
- Under-engine muffler improves mass centralisation and lowers the bike’s centre of gravity.
* Together with the compact engine, the frame’s elegant design realises a package that is slim, low, lightweight and compact.
- The compact engine allows use of a slim, minimalist frame, resulting in a design that is narrow at the knees and feet.
- The compact engine also allows an extremely short wheelbase, giving light and nimble handling.
- Because a long swingarm can be used, rear suspension action and handling are both improved.
- 3D analysis was used to achieve the ideal stiffness balance for the frame, contributing to the superb handling characteristics.
- The frame is constructed of high-tensile steel, giving it a lightness rivalling that of aluminium frames.
- The layout of the offset single-shock rear suspension allows the battery to be located beside the shock instead of above it. This elegant arrangement allows a lower seat height as well as a slim design.
* The same characteristics that make it fun to ride (responsive handling and rider-friendly ergonomics), also make the Ninja 400R ideal for new riders.
* A short wheelbase and tight turning radius contribute to the Ninja 400R’s high manoeuvrability.

Light Handling
* Frame and swingarm rigidity balance chosen to offer light, rider-friendly handling.
* Front and rear suspension settings match frame and swingarm characteristics , and contribute to the light, rider-friendly handling.

Minimal Vibration
* Rubber mounts instead of rigid mounts used for the upper-rear engine mounts reduce vibration transmitted to the rider through the seat.
* Handlebar is rubber-mounted to reduce vibration transmitted through the handle grips.
* Rider and pillion footpegs are rubber coated to further reduce vibration.
* Low vibration levels ensure that riders do not get fatigued after long rides.

Rider-friendly Ergonomics
* The riding position was specially designed to inspire rider confidence. An ideal relationship between the handlebars, seat and footpegs results in a comfortable and natural position suitable for a wide range of riders.
* The narrow frame and engine make for an overall narrow package, allowing the rider to keep his or her knees and feet close together.
* Thanks to the low seat height and slim overall design, it’s easy to keep both feet firmly on the ground when stopped, an important consideration for many riders.

Colours

* Lime Green / Flat Super Black, * Metallic Spark Black / Flat Super Black.