The Kawasaki Ninja 400 has a strong global presence and has been an impressive entry-level sport bike since its inception. However, though updated recently, the Ninja hasn’t changed much in all these years, which has left it susceptible to attack from fellow Japanese sport bikes such as the 2023 Honda CBR250RR. Curious to know which is better between these two? Well, here’s a comparison between the CBR250RR and Ninja 400 answering exactly that.

2023 Honda CBR250RR vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 - Performance

Specification Honda CBR250RR Kawasaki Ninja 400
Engine 249.7cc, twin-cylinder engine 399cc, twin-cylinder engine
Power 41.6 horsepower 45 horsepower (EU-spec)
Torque 18.44 pound-feet 27.29 pound-feet
Weight 370 pounds 369 pounds
Fuel tank capacity 14.5-liter 14-liter

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Though the CBR250RR has become more powerful for 2023, it still falls 3.4 horsepower and 8.85 pound-feet short of the Kawasaki Ninja 400. The latter also has a stronger power-to-weight ratio, further strengthening its case. But hey, the 250RR has a 150cc deficit here, so we kinda saw the Ninja 400’s win coming. Don’t worry, though, as the Honda more than redeems itself in the next aspect.

2023 Honda CBR250RR vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 - Underpinnings

Honda CBR250RR
Honda
Specification Honda CBR250RR Kawasaki Ninja 400
Front Suspension Showa SFF-BP USD forks Telescopic forks
Rear Suspension Monoshock Monoshock
Front & rear brakes Single petal discs Single petal discs
Tire size F: 110/70-17 R: 140/70-17 F: 110/70-17 R: 150/60-17
Ground clearance 148mm (5.82-inch) 140mm (5.51-inch)

The CBR250RR is the more premium and modern offering here as it features Showa SFF-BP upside-down forks in comparison to the Ninja’s dated telescopic units. This, coupled with CBR’s slimmer rear tire, should make it a better corner carver than the Ninja 400. Oh, and the RR’s extra ground clearance should also come in handy, both on track and in day-to-day scenarios. Emphasis on “should”, though, because only a proper test can conclude these in reality.

2023 Honda CBR250RR vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 - Features & Design

2023 Honda CBR250RR
Honda
Feature Honda CBR250RR Kawasaki Ninja 400
All-LED lights Yes Yes
Fully digital instrument cluster Yes No
Riding modes Yes (Comfort, Sport, Sport+) No
Quick-shifter Yes No
Slipper clutch Yes Yes
Dual-channel ABS Yes Yes

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As always, the Ninja 400 shows its age when talking features. It boasts only the basics and is no match for the feature-rich CBR250RR, which boasts a quick-shifter, three riding modes, and a fully digital LCD. Like the features, the CBR250RR is also the fresher-looking motorcycle here, with a sporty and unique design. The Ninja 400, meanwhile, has always looked the same albeit with just new color options. Design is a subjective affair, though, so do comment down below and let us know which of these is more appealing to you.

2023 Honda CBR250RR vs Kawasaki Ninja 400 - Verdict

To conclude, the CBR250RR is certainly a more well-rounded motorcycle than the Kawasaki Ninja 400. Don’t get us wrong, the Ninja is a marvelous, well-proven entry-level motorcycle but it just feels aged in the company of newer motorcycles and we hope Kawasaki does something about it soon. Also, the CBR250RR is unavailable in European or American markets, so the Ninja 400 still remains unbeaten for availability’s sake.