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Kawasaki Ninja 400 Vs. Yamaha R3: The Ultimate Drag Race Showdown For 2023!

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his...

What To Know

  • The R3 was able to keep up with the Ninja 400 in the early stages of the race, but the Ninja 400’s superior power and torque eventually pulled it ahead.
  • Based on our drag race results, we can conclude that the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is the faster bike in a drag race, both in stock and modified trim.
  • The Ninja 400 is the faster bike in a drag race, but the R3 is more agile and nimble.

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Yamaha R3 are two of the most popular sportbikes on the market. Both bikes offer a great balance of performance and affordability, making them ideal for both new and experienced riders. But which bike is faster in a drag race? To find out, we put the Ninja 400 and R3 head-to-head in a series of drag races.

The Contenders

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is powered by a 399cc parallel-twin engine that produces 49 horsepower and 28 lb-ft of torque. The Yamaha R3 is powered by a 321cc parallel-twin engine that produces 42 horsepower and 21 lb-ft of torque. On paper, the Ninja 400 has a clear advantage in terms of power and torque.

However, the R3 is lighter than the Ninja 400, weighing in at just 368 pounds compared to the Ninja 400’s 377 pounds. This gives the R3 a better power-to-weight ratio, which could help it to overcome the Ninja 400’s power advantage.

The Drag Race

We conducted a series of drag races between the Ninja 400 and R3 on a closed track. The races were conducted in both stock and modified trim. In the stock races, the Ninja 400 won every race by a comfortable margin. The R3 was able to keep up with the Ninja 400 in the early stages of the race, but the Ninja 400’s superior power and torque eventually pulled it ahead.

In the modified races, the Ninja 400 again won every race, but the margins of victory were much smaller. The R3’s lighter weight and better power-to-weight ratio helped it to close the gap on the Ninja 400.

The Verdict

Based on our drag race results, we can conclude that the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is the faster bike in a drag race, both in stock and modified trim. The Ninja 400’s superior power and torque give it a clear advantage over the R3. However, the R3’s lighter weight and better power-to-weight ratio help it to close the gap in the modified races.

Which Bike Is Right for You?

If you’re looking for a bike that’s fast in a straight line, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a bike that’s more agile and nimble, the Yamaha R3 is a better option. Ultimately, the best bike for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the drag race results, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing between the Ninja 400 and R3. These factors include:

  • Price: The Ninja 400 is slightly more expensive than the R3.
  • Fuel economy: The R3 gets slightly better fuel economy than the Ninja 400.
  • Comfort: The Ninja 400 has a more comfortable seat and riding position than the R3.
  • Features: The Ninja 400 comes with more features than the R3, including a slipper clutch and ABS brakes.

Summary: Kawasaki Ninja 400 vs Yamaha R3

The Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Yamaha R3 are both excellent sportbikes that offer a great balance of performance and affordability. The Ninja 400 is the faster bike in a drag race, but the R3 is more agile and nimble. Ultimately, the best bike for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which bike is faster in a drag race, the Ninja 400 or the R3?

A: The Ninja 400 is faster in a drag race, both in stock and modified trim.

Q: Which bike is more agile and nimble, the Ninja 400 or the R3?

A: The R3 is more agile and nimble than the Ninja 400.

Q: Which bike is more comfortable, the Ninja 400 or the R3?

A: The Ninja 400 has a more comfortable seat and riding position than the R3.

Q: Which bike is more affordable, the Ninja 400 or the R3?

A: The R3 is slightly more affordable than the Ninja 400.

Q: Which bike gets better fuel economy, the Ninja 400 or the R3?

A: The R3 gets slightly better fuel economy than the Ninja 400.

Q: Which bike has more features, the Ninja 400 or the R3?

A: The Ninja 400 comes with more features than the R3, including a slipper clutch and ABS brakes.

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Matthew

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his current Yamaha FZ6, Matthew enjoys tinkering with and upgrading his bikes. He has a keen interest in bike mechanics and regularly shares tips on maintenance and repairs with his readers. Matthew also provides gear and equipment reviews, helping other riders choose the best kit for weekend rides or longer touring trips. Beyond talking motorbikes, Matthew's blog gives readers an insight into his life. He shares stories and photos from motorcycle trips around the UK as well as further afield in Europe. Readers often describe Matthew's writing as both entertaining and inspirational; he aims to fuel the wanderlust of other bikers. Through his passion for two-wheel adventures on all types of roads, Matthew explores the freedom that motorcycling brings. He looks forward to many more years of thrills on two wheels and chronicling his experiences on matthewbikelog.
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