The Rise and Farewell: Kawasaki Ninja 400
Reign of the Supersport 300 King Comes to an End
Introduction
The Kawasaki Ninja 400, a powerhouse that stormed onto the Supersport 300 scene in 2018, clinching the World Supersport 300 title in its inaugural year. This remarkable machine, designed for dominance, went on to secure both the riders' and manufacturers' titles five times, asserting its supremacy over the course of seven championship years. With 2024 rumoured to be the last year of the 300 championships, can the Ninja take the last title? As we delve into the journey of this iconic motorcycle, we bid farewell to an era as Kawasaki ceases production, marking the end of the Ninja 400's illustrious reign as the undisputed king of the Supersport 300 realm.
Rising Stars: Tracing the Short History of the Supersport 300 World Championships
The inception of the Supersport 300 World Championship in 2017 marked the transition from the European Junior Cup and European Superstock 600 Championship, renowned breeding grounds for future Superbike stars until 2016. Elevated to world-class status by the FIM, this championship seamlessly aligns with the World Superbike Championship and the Supersport World Championship but exclusively during European rounds.
Crafted with the objective of providing an accessible pathway to Superbike glory, the championship prioritizes mechanical equality, ensuring all drivers have an equal shot at victory. The inaugural race on April 2, 2017, at MotorLand Aragón, witnessed 37 drivers in action, with Scott Deroue clinching the distinction of being the first race winner in the category. In a nail-biting showdown, Spaniard Marc García secured the title, narrowly edging out Italian Alfonso Coppola by a single point.
The historic moment arrived on September 30, 2018, as Ana Carrasco, already the first woman to triumph in a world championship race organized by FIM a year earlier, etched her name in the annals of motorcycle racing history as the inaugural female world champion.
The 2019 season responded to the overwhelming entry list by splitting Practice and Qualifying into two groups, with the top 30 riders battling it out on Sundays. While the series has garnered acclaim for its fierce competition, critics have voiced concerns about the inherent risks, citing potential collisions among riders in the event of falls.
Scott Deroue leading on Ninja 400 in 2018
Dominance Defined: The Kawasaki Ninja 400 Era in Supersport 300 Racing
In the realm of Supersport 300 racing, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 has etched its name in the annals of dominance, creating an era that reverberates with power, precision, and racing prowess. Since its introduction in 2017, the Ninja 400 has emerged as the undisputed champion, reshaping the landscape of the competition.
The 2017 season witnessed Spain's Marc García steering his Yamaha YZF-R3 to victory, but it was in 2018 that the Ninja 400 began its reign. Ana Carrasco, hailing from Spain, showcased the Ninja's prowess as she claimed the championship title with DS Junior Team. The Ninja 400's supremacy continued with Spain's Manuel González in 2019, securing the top spot with the Kawasaki ParkinGO Team.
As the racing circuits felt the thunderous roar of the Ninja's engine, the Netherlands' Jeffrey Buis dominated the 2020 season aboard the Kawasaki Ninja 400 under the banner of MTM Kawasaki Motorsport. The Spanish legacy persisted in 2021, with Adrián Huertas adding to the Ninja's triumphs with MTM Kawasaki.
The year 2022 witnessed Spain's Álvaro Díaz, though on a Yamaha YZF-R3, achieving notable success. However, it's the collective data across these years that underscores the Kawasaki Ninja 400's indisputable dominance in Supersport 300 racing.
With riders from different corners of the globe showcasing their skills atop the Ninja 400, this formidable machine has become synonymous with victory, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Supersport 300 racing. The numbers tell a compelling story, a tale of Kawasaki's racing prowess and the unrivalled era that the Ninja 400 continues to define on the track.
Power on the Track: The Kawasaki Ninja 400 in Racing Trim
In the exhilarating domain of Supersport 300 racing, the Kawasaki Ninja 400 takes centre stage in a formidable race-ready configuration. With a dynamic twin-cylinder engine at its core, this racing marvel maintains a sleek profile, with a rules minimum weight of 150 kg to strike the perfect balance between nimbleness and stability on the track.
In the pursuit of supremacy, teams are granted the freedom to customize specific elements, including exhausts, suspension fork internals, rear shock, footrest, and bodywork. However, the competitive spirit of the race is preserved by restricting engine tuning and enforcing controlled electronics, compelling the Ninja 400 to operate within the confines of 10,300 RPM.
This race-spec Ninja 400, generating approximately 54 BHP, stands as a testament to meticulous engineering, precision design, and an unwavering commitment to speed. As teams unleash the full potential of this iconic machine on the circuit, the Ninja 400 remains a force to be reckoned with, epitomizing the spirit and thrill of Supersport 300 racing.
Revving to Retirement: Kawasaki Ninja 400's Final Lap in Supersport 300
In the dynamic realm of Supersport 300 racing, the Kawasaki Ninja 400, a stalwart of the track, is gearing up for its final lap. As the racing landscape undergoes shifts, the retirement of the Ninja 400 from the Supersport 300 category marks the end of an era that has seen dominance and thrilling competition.
The British Superbike Championship (BSB), once a battleground for Supersport 300 glory, has bid farewell to this class, signalling a change in the racing hierarchy. The absence of Supersport 300 from BSB creates a void in the series, leaving riders and fans reminiscing about the intense battles and exciting moments that defined this category.
Adding to the intrigue, rumours echo through the racing circuits that the World Supersport 300 Championship, where the Ninja 400 has carved its legacy, might also take its final bow in 2024. The anticipation surrounding this potential conclusion adds an extra layer of emotion to the forthcoming seasons, with teams and riders eyeing the pinnacle of success before the curtain falls.
Amidst the uncertainty, the 2024 season remains a pivotal juncture for Supersport 300 enthusiasts. Notably, numerous teams continue to harness the power of the Ninja 400, exemplifying their unwavering belief in the machine's capabilities. MTM, with riders Loris Veneman and Mirko Geni, stands as a testament to this commitment, aspiring to etch their names in history during what could be the championship's swan song.
As the Ninja 400 revs to retirement, each race becomes a poignant chapter in its storied career. The roar of its engine, the swift manoeuvres on the track, and the camaraderie among teams and riders create a tapestry of memories that will linger in the hearts of racing enthusiasts. The final lap of the Kawasaki Ninja 400 in Supersport 300 is not just an end but a celebration of a legacy that transcends the boundaries of speed, excellence, and the indomitable spirit of racing.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Will you stick with your Ninja 400 or upgrade to the new 500, or maybe the ZX4RR? Will the new 650 twin championships be more exciting or can nothing be as exciting as the 300 class? Let us know in the comments below.
