If you’re looking for a motorcycle that can do it all without breaking the bank then 400cc motorcycles might be exactly what you need.
Bikes at this displacement are usually very affordable but pack enough of a punch to do everything you’ll need them to do and then some. In the past, I’ve written about 250cc motorcycles and 300cc motorcycles. These are a step up.
So, let’s take a look at the best of the best 400cc motorcycles you can buy right now.
1. KTM 390 Adventure
The KTM 390 Adventure provides riders with a premium adventure option with a small but powerful engine and a lightweight and capable chassis that is reasonably priced.
The 373cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine provides the torque and horsepower you need to get around on the pavement or tear up a trail. It also places it in good company with the rest of the 400cc motorcycles group. Pair that with sharp styling Dakar-inspired styling, slipper clutch, ride-by-wire throttle control, trellis subframe, WP suspension, and 19-inch and 17-inch wheels and you have a machine ready for anything.
- Price: $7,599
- Learn more at KTM’s website
2. KTM RC 390
Now, I considered putting the KTM 390 Duke here, but instead, I’m gonna go with the KTM RC 390. While both are great bikes, if I had to choose between the two I’d pick the RC 390 and I don’t want my whole list being KTM. So, let’s touch on the merits of this supersport machine.
A high-performance machine with a modest displacement. Yep, those two things don’t often go together, but it’s an apt description here. The RC 390 uses the same 373cc engine (tuned differently) as the 390 Duke and the 390 Adventure. The lightweight but stiff trellis frame, the WP suspension, BYBRE calipers with ABS, and the lightweight five-spoke wheels make for a machine designed for the racetrack that’s also a good street bike if you choose to ride it there.
- Price: $5,899
- Learn more at KTM’s website
3. Kawasaki Ninja 400
If you’re more of a Kawasaki rider, then you need to check out the Ninja 400. You probably expected this one to be on a 400cc motorcycles list, and it is for good reason. This bike takes the entry-level Ninja to a whole new level. The bike is plenty of motorcycle for new riders, intermediate riders, or even expert riders who want to get the most out of a smaller bike.
At the heart of the Ninja 400 is a 399cc parallel-twin engine that’s liquid-cooled and connected to a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch. You can get ABS or no ABS. The trellis frame, comfortable seating position, strong brakes and quality suspension all make it a rival to the KTM RC 390 for hundreds of dollars cheaper.
- Price: $5,299
- Learn more at Kawasaki’s website
4. Royal Enfield Himalayan
You might not think of adventure motorcycles when you think of Royal Enfield but the Himalayan is a legit adventure motorcycle built to take on the world’s toughest terrain and everything in between. It’s not fast or especially badass, but it’ll scoot up a mountain trail easily and just keeps on chugging.
The bike comes with a fuel-injected single-cylinder engine that’s mated to a five-speed transmission. There’s a 41mm telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock in the rear. The wheels are 17 inches out back and 21 inches in the front. The brakes while not shocking are more than adequate and you can get dual-channel ABS with rear-wheel deactivation.
Price: $5,449
Learn more at Royal Enfield’s website
5. Suzuki DR-Z400S
Not sold on the Himalayan as a true adventure machine? Hey, okay. Then you need the Suzuki DR-Z400S. If this bike can’t get you there, it’s not a place any bike will be able to get you. The DR series from Suzuki has a loyal fanbase and for good reason, these bikes are bulletproof and ready to be abused in any environment. They run forever.
The modern DR-Z400S features a carbureted 398cc single-cylinder engine that’s liquid-cooled. That engine is mated to a five-speed transmission and the sturdy chassis is designed for longevity. The long-travel suspension is comprised of a telescopic fork and a link-type coil spring setup at the back. This bike isn’t a technological wonder, it’s a mechanical burro ready to go anywhere.
- Price: $6,999
- Learn More at Suzuki’s website
