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R3 vs Ninja 400

R3 can’t stand a chance against the 400. Better chassis and engine. Race results speak for themselves.
 
400 is a dominant bike when compared to the old 300 and R3. Great track platform once you get the stock brakes sorted. The only thing that can stay with it is the latest KTM390 with KTM Factory Kit. ($25k last year)

In MotoAmerica Jr. Cup, you could pretty much do anything you needed to on the R3 to keep it competitive against the 400 on track. This included airbox modifications.

What do you want to do with the 400? I think if you just put good suspension on it, you have a great all around motorcycle, including throwing panniers and a tank bag for a great lightweight sports touring bike.
 
There is already a out-of-the box review of the bikes you're inquiring about. Although, it helps having a personal experience to sway otherwise.

Tough getting a perception of difference between the 3 in track form, due to there are so many setup variables, to compare apples-to-apples. And tough to find 3 bikes similarly setup equally, to form a opinion.

In MA race form, keep in mind, the bikes are tuned such that there is somewhat of a equal playing field. Although, earlier in the season, the N400 showed to dominate over the 390, and the R3. And of coarse, then there is the "rider" :p

Fwiw, I have had a old-gen N250, new gen N250, and have N300. I had demo'ed a R3, and rode a FLAP N400 at the track. I have yet ridden the RC or Duke 390, though. But based on the stock-for-stock review, I understand which is the better bike.

I love my N300 (nearly in stock form), and have tons of fun with it. After demo'ing the R3 (a bit more power than the N300, obviously), I was almost ready to jump. Then the N400 came out. After riding it at the track, that completely changed my mind. I have not jumped on the N400 yet, because I am a bit particular on aesthetics and schemes. Or, if I find one priced (used) to make it worth my jump.
 
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I owned a R3 and now have a Ninja 400 ABS.

Commuted and took them both on the track in stock form. The N400 is a better bike IMHO. The torque, chassis and weight (lack of) really make the little Ninja shines over the R3. People complain about the brakes and soft suspension but those didn’t bother me on the track (I did turn on ABS though). The R3 is cheaper and have more aftermarket support though. I’m sure in the right hands, the R3 can keep up on the track.
 
sckego said:
The R3 felt way more aggressive, like i was perched on it
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I can't speak to the 400, but the R3 definitely feels a lot stiffer than the 300. Not the suspension - I had a race Ninja 300 and now have a race R3, both with proper suspensions - but the overall chassis just feels stiffer and more aggressive. The 300 was more forgiving.

I can't get over how small the R3 feels. It makes the 300 feel positively fat. I'm a shrimp, and when I get on the R3, it feels like a fecking pocket bike.

To the OP - FLAP rents out Ninja 400s now, why not test one out at a track day?
 
Roadstergal said:
To the OP - FLAP rents out Ninja 400s now, why not test one out at a track day?
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Warning: Do not rent those N400 from FLAP (sarcasm). They are so much fun.. you'll end up buying one. My friends and I all rented from FLAP and 4 out of 4 ended up with Ninja 400 a month later.

Seriously though: FLAP is such a great company. The renting experience was awesome! Just bring your gear and they do it all for you.
 
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Roadstergal said:
.... but the R3 definitely feels a lot stiffer than the 300. Not the suspension - I had a race Ninja 300 and now have a race R3, both with proper suspensions - but the overall chassis just feels stiffer and more aggressive. The 300 was more forgiving.

I can't get over how small the R3 feels. It makes the 300 feel positively fat. I'm a shrimp, and when I get on the R3, it feels like a fecking pocket bike.

To the OP - FLAP rents out Ninja 400s now, why not test one out at a track day?
Click to expand...

My R3 demo ride experience ..... rider position felt a little more aggressive, than my N300 (more upright). More over, the R3 tank felt narrower, vs N300, which in turn made the bike feel more nimble and flickable.

I'm a shrimp too! these smaller displacement bikes just fit me better :p

as for the N400 comment, I totally agree :ride
 
I'm 6'2" and I feel as the R3 is too small compared with the ninja.
 
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