Photo: Barry Lewis · CC BY 2.0
Yamaha XS400
73/100 Overall
73 On the road73 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Yamaha XS400 vs Kawasaki KH400
Yamaha XS400 scores 73/100 overall against Kawasaki KH400 on 81/100. On the road: 73–67. As classics: 73–95. Overall result: Kawasaki KH400.
Photo: PSParrot from England · CC BY 2.0
Kawasaki KH400
81/100 Overall
67 On the road95 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Yamaha XS400 | Kawasaki KH400 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 8 | Kawasaki KH400 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 6 | Yamaha XS400 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 6 | Yamaha XS400 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 6 | Yamaha XS400 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 9 | Kawasaki KH400 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 7 | 9 | Kawasaki KH400 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 7 | 10 | Kawasaki KH400 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 7 | 10 | Kawasaki KH400 |
Choose the Yamaha XS400 if…
you want a practical Yamaha middleweight with simple twin-cylinder engineering, comfortable road manners and traditional styling.
Choose the Kawasaki KH400 if…
you want charismatic Kawasaki triple-cylinder performance in a more manageable package than the larger Mach models.
Background
History
Yamaha XS400
The Yamaha XS400 was produced from 1977–1982 and used a 392cc air-cooled four-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, reliability, ownership appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Kawasaki KH400
The Kawasaki KH400 was produced from 1976–1978 and used a 400cc air-cooled two-stroke triple. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for collector appeal, character, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Yamaha XS400
- Its production span in this library runs from 1977 to 1982.
- The recorded engine description is: 392cc air-cooled four-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, reliability, ownership appeal.
Kawasaki KH400
- Its production span in this library runs from 1976 to 1978.
- The recorded engine description is: 400cc air-cooled two-stroke triple.
- Its strongest comparison scores are collector appeal, character, styling.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Yamaha XS400
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha XS400. Its library score for styling is 8/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Kawasaki KH400
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Kawasaki KH400. Its library score for collector appeal is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Yamaha XS400
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Kawasaki KH400
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Yamaha XS400
Rivals to the Kawasaki KH400
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha XS400 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Kawasaki KH400 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Kawasaki KH400 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.