Here's Why 400cc Bikes Are Better Than Ever

In an industry chock full of options, there really is a bike out there for everyone. You can go out and buy a bike of just about any displacement from 50cc all the way up to 2,5 liters.

Today, bikes are also more efficient, more powerful and more reliable than ever before. They are also safer. Not something anyone would have ever associated with motorcycles, safety has become part of the picture in recent years. ABS made its debut some years ago, and now we have a range of ride modes that can add an extra safety net for us, or remove it, depending on how we feel on a given day.

Initially these safety devices were only available on bigger, more expensive motorcycles, but increasingly we are seeing these devices on smaller bikes. Especially the 400cc class. This is a class of motorcycle often overlooked in the past, especially by more experienced riders, but the “entry level” motorcycle of today is not what it used to be. Many of these bikes really are way more than simple beginner bikes.

Impressive Features Lists

In the past you would have scarcely seen any 400 class bikes with ABS. Today, that is the bare minimum, and most manufacturers will also offer modern TFT displays, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity as well as traction control. All features that were reserved for halo models just a few short years ago.

There are still several models that offer a more back-to-basics experience, but in a hugely competitive market those models are very much the exception to the rule. Simply offering a good quality product no longer cuts it, with every manufacturer under pressure to offer more and more value each year.

You could make an argument against all this, as it inevitably increases the cost of entry and in the long term it will only cause more reliability concerns as these budget bikes age. One thing is for certain though, if you want a feature rich motorcycle, you most certainly have options in this space.

More Than Enough Power

Smaller bikes are inherently lighter, well, with the exception of the Royal Enfields, but they offer different perks. Their light weight means you don’t need 100 horsepower to make them fun, 40 is more than enough to make a 400 class bike genuinely fun to ride.

Any modern 400cc bike will get up to highway speed and cruise at highway speed without any issues. Small tanks are a bone of contention but when a bike is getting close to 70 mpg (3.4 L/100km), 3.5 gallons (13.4 liters) is more than enough for most. Every bike is different and each has its pros and cons, but for the most part you won’t be disappointed in terms of comfort either, with the vast majority of small bikes made with ergonomics that suit a wide variety of riders – it is here where the aforementioned Royal Enfields shine.

Another benefit of being so light is the simple fact that a lighter bike is much easier to control, and even newish riders can explore their limits without feeling intimidated. 400 class bikes are more often than not some of the most flickable through the corners and inspire more confidence than any bigger motorcycle.

A Bike For Every Purse And Purpose

Although the “no replacement for displacement” mantra is often applied to motorcycles, it actually couldn’t be further from the truth. Power-to-weight ratio is everything.

Motorcycles are inherently light vehicles, and the lighter they get, the more you can do with the horsepower they have. In the case of modern 400cc class motorcycles, we have something of a “Goldilocks” power-to-weight scenario, with small, powerful engines in light, agile frames. Like any class of motorcycle, the more you spend, the more you will get.

There is, however, a bike that will fit pretty much every budget, as long as you are willing to accept the inevitable compromises involved in purchasing a motorcycle.

Naked Bike: KTM 390 Duke

There are several really good little naked bikes, but the Duke has seen the most development over the years and offers unbeatable value. Packed with a litany of tech features, it also offers nimble handling and a punchy single that will get you into a lot of trouble if you are not careful.

Sport Bike: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR

The best sport bike for beginners is without doubt the Ninja 400, this on the other hand, is not a beginner bike. It is a hard core little track machine, designed to dominate anything and everything in this class.

Cruiser: Honda Rebel 500

Although marketed as a 500, the Rebel, and by extension any Honda 500, is actually very much a 400 class motorcycle in terms of weight, cost and performance. The little cruiser may not offer a traditional V-twin, but everything else is there, including Honda reliability.

Adventure Bike: KTM 390 Adventure

If you are going to be doing more street riding, the Honda CB500X is arguably the better option, and if you are going to be doing more off-road riding the Royal Enfield Himalayan would be better. What you get with the KTM is a Jack-of-all-trades, and they expect you to pay for that privilege.

Dirt Bikes & Dual Sports: Beta 390 RS

Now, this is very much a dirt bike with lights. But it really is a 400 class motorcycle, making crazy horsepower, and can – at least technically – be ridden on the street. This is a bike you ride to the trail, enjoy on the trail, and ride home, somewhat uncomfortably. Followed by a potential top-end rebuild… It is not a commuter, nor beginner-friendly.

Retro Bike: Triumph Scrambler 400 X

Triumph is known for making high quality motorcycles, and we have no doubt their latest small displacement retro bike will be just as good as anything in their portfolio. If you want a retro bike, Triumph is arguably the first name that will come up, and now they have a 400cc option.

Scooter/Touring: BMW C 400 GT

Technically a maxi scooter, there are actually a few really good options in this space. The BMW just offers a more premium take on the segment, and we feel that is exactly what a maxi-scoot buyer would be looking for, able to tour in comfort as well as handle the daily commute with aplomb.