MotoSpecs

1985 Honda NS 400R vs 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
1985 Honda NS 400R 1985 Honda NS 400R

Sport

Engine
V3
Power
59 hp @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
207.0 km/h
Weight
423.3 pounds
2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300

Sport

Engine
Four stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
29.0 kW / 39 hp @ 11000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
172 kg / 379.1 lbs - ABS 174 kg / 383.6 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year19852015
Make ModelHonda NS 400RKawasaki Ninja 300
Dimensions
Seat Height780 mm / 30 in785 mm / 30.8 in
Wheelbase1385 mm / 54.5 in1405 mm / 55.3 in
Ground Clearance-140 mm / 5.5 in
Height1150 mm / 45.2 in1110 mm / 43.7 in
Length2065 mm / 81.2 in2015 mm / 79.3 in
Width720 mm / 28.3 in715 mm / 29.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight163 kg / 259.3 lbs-
Fuel Capacity19 Litres / 5.02 US gal17 Litres / 3.8 US gal
Wet Weight183 kg / 403.4 lbs172 kg / 379.1 lbs - ABS 174 kg / 383.6 lbs
Performance
Top Speed202 km/h / 125.5 mph-
Max Power 72 hp / 52.5 kW @ 9500 rpm 29.0 kW / 39 hp @ 11000 rpm
Max Power - Rear Tyre59 hp @ 8500 rpm-
Max Torque5.1 kgf-m @ 8000 rpm27.0 Nm / 2.8 kg-fm @ 10000 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile13.03 sec / 164.2 km/h-
Engine
Stroke2-
Fuel ControlMembrane-
Engine TypeV3-
Displacement387 cc / 23.6 cu-in296 cc / 18.0 cu-in
Engine DetailTwo stroke, 90°V-three cylinder, reed valveFour stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke57 x 50.6 mm62 x 49 mm
Compression Ratio6.7:110.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption30 mpg-
Fuel Induction3x 26mm Keihin carburetorsFuel injection: Ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin), with dual throttle valves
IgnitionCDI TCBI with Digital Advance
Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
StarterKickElectric
Drivetrain
Clutch-Wet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChainChain
Final Drive Ratio-3.000 (42/14)
Gear Ratios1st 2.500 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.333 / 4th 1.111 / 5th 0.965 / 6th 0.8661st 2.714 (38/14) 2nd 1.789 (34/19) 3rd 1.409 (31/22) 4th 1.160 (29/25) 5th 1.000 (27/27) 6th 0.893 (25/28)
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary Drive Ratios-3.087 (71/23)
Transmission / Drive6 speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble cradleTube diamond, steel
Suspension - FrontAir assisted forks. adjustable anti-dive37 mm Telescopic fork,
Suspension - RearPro-link adjustable preloadBottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload,
Rake- 27°
Trail-93 mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear100 mm / 3.9 in132 mm / 5.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 256mm discs 2 piston calipersSingle 290 mm petal disc Single balanced actuation dual-piston
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle 220 mm petal disc Caliper: Dual-piston
Tyres - Front100/90 -16110/70-17 M/C 54S
Tyres - Rear110/90 -17140/70-17 M/C 66S

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300

The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 edges out the 1985 Honda NS 400R thanks to its lighter kerb weight, fuel injection and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

1985 Honda NS 400R - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Larger displacement: 387 cc vs 296 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 172 kg vs 183 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More rear wheel travel: 132 mm vs 100 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

1985 Honda NS 400R vs 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1985 Honda NS 400R and 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
The 1985 Honda NS 400R uses V3, while the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 is powered by Four stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 1985 Honda NS 400R or the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 is lighter at 172 kg compared to 183 kg for the 1985 Honda NS 400R - a difference of 11 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 1985 Honda NS 400R or the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
The 1985 Honda NS 400R has the larger tank at approximately 19 litres vs 17 litres for the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 316-380 km vs 283-340 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 1985 Honda NS 400R or the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
Both are strong choices. The 1985 Honda NS 400R has the edge in larger fuel tank and larger displacement, while the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 stands out for lighter kerb weight and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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