[seniorider]

This was the last piece I would need for my Z400. I've always had links ready for upgrading my street bikes after purchase.

It took quite awhile, but I located a company that makes several different variations for the Ninja/Z400 bikes. Maybe others haven't seen this company's offerings.
Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS SE (18 - >) – Ventura MCA (ventura-mca.com)
This would be the combo for my needs.

My wife is accustomed to having a backrest. This would allow her some protection during spirited rides while on the pillion with me. We could also pack a lunch or extra clothing in a bag.

In other news . . . winter arrived today in Arizona. Being a fair weather biker I'll probably wait until spring to pick up a 2023 model Z400. Hopefully I can save up some more $$$ or my usual tax refund will materialize to assist in the purchase.

Wish me luck.
seniorider

 

[Rich T]

I have the Ventura Sport Rack on both my N400 and ZX-6R -- I love them! They are totally solid!

 

[seniorider]

That's great to hear. I didn't want to go with the traditional "helmet holder" boxes and the Ventura sport rack looks more minimalist, but effective.

 

[Roadking100]

I also have the Ventura set up. Both the short grab rail and the taller one. Both go with the shelf you show in the photograph. That is a SOLID set up. Not amazon cheap……you get what you are paying for….good set up…

RK.

 

[seniorider]

Now that the new bike is coming to town I was reviewing the rack plan with my wife and it was rejected!

I was hoping for a minimalist approach, but plan B = top box with a backrest. To me, the smallish Shad box with backrest looks better than the Givi. I might even add a small windscreen to "even out" the front since I'll now have a "radar plane" bulge on the back of the bike. My wife approves so Shad with backrest = happy wife. Corbin seating is also likely but that's part of my original plan.

If anyone has any other suggestions on rack backrest combos that would be great. Happy wife is the goal so we can share rides as we always have. Still, I don't want to transform a great looking bike into a goofy bike.🤓

 

[Pmack]

I don't ride my 400 when I need to carry a lot with me( I ride the C-14 or N1000sx). I have a GIVI Top case that I switch back and forth that doubles as a backrest for the passenger.

If riding solo on the 400 and in need of storage, I would get an airbag backpack over a tank bag or saddlebags.

 

[Pmack]

Once she rides on the pillion seat, she will never want to again, BTW.

 

[seniorider]

I'm sure she won't like the pillion. That's why Corbin seating is also a must. I noticed you combine the Ventura rack with a Givi top box. I like the small Shad box, but not their rack which puts it up in the air (radar plane style). Am I correct that the Ventura rack mounting is more level with the pillion seat height? Could you supply me with the Ventura part numbers needed? They have so many options. Also does the Givi offer easy on/off for solo riding? I'm assuming a Shad would too with the same Ventura rack setup. Does the top box mount with the grab rail rack? I might not need the upright (sissy bar) pieces since my wife said no-way to riding without a pad behind her.

Thank you,
seniorider

 

[Pmack]

I'm sure she won't like the pillion. That's why Corbin seating is also a must. I noticed you combine the Ventura rack with a Givi top box. I like the small Shad box, but not their rack which puts it up in the air (radar plane style). Am I correct that the Ventura rack mounting is more level with the pillion seat height? Could you supply me with the Ventura part numbers needed? They have so many options. Also does the Givi offer easy on/off for solo riding? I'm assuming a Shad would too with the same Ventura rack setup. Does the top box mount with the grab rail rack? I might not need the upright (sissy bar) pieces since my wife said no-way to riding without a pad behind her.

Thank you,
seniorider

I don't have any top box for my N400, so no help with part numbers or recommendations from me.
The Givi Monokey top box takes about 30 seconds to pull off of the Concours and install on the Ninja 1000sx, and 10 seconds is walking from one bike to the other.

 

[Flash Bantam]

I asked my wife "If I get a cruiser, would you ride with me"? She said NO so I bought my Z400. This bike is not good for "two up" although it can be done.

 

[seniorider]

Pmack - I went ahead and emailed Ventura regarding their racks.

Flash - I'm sorry to hear your wife rejected giving a cruiser a try. I'm committed to making the Z work for her at least occasionally. I've shown her pictures of the Corbin seating, and the top box with a backrest and she's willing to try it. On the other hand she hasn't even stepped inside the dealership to look at one of these bikes up close. She does know that our typical rides would be no more than an hour between breaks and at most perhaps one night out of town at most if SHE is having a good time of it.

 

[Flash Bantam]

Mistake, try again.

 

[Flash Bantam]

Seniorider, When I asked my wife about riding with me, I already knew the answer but we have to consider our wives when it comes to big purchases. I really hope your wife wants to ride on a motorcycle with you, she's a special woman.

 

[seniorider]

Thank you Flash. My wife has ridden many miles with me. Due to aging though I'm slowing down and going to have to prove myself again. I knew I needed to go to a lighter easier handling bike and admitted it. I know I'm going to be graded on my 2 wheel performance. And she's a retired teacher so handing out grades is second nature to her.

 

[seniorider]

Regarding a backrest/rack/top box combo, after more research my current plan is to go with the Ventura flat rack and supports and use a Shad29 top box with backrest. (not endorsed by the manufacturers ) This should achieve a more moderate height result. Pictures to follow of course. Wish me luck.

 

[Billy Red]

Good luck. I also have a few other bikes including a Goldwing and my wife has no interest in riding on any of them. She likes the way they look but that’s where it ends. She will take a five minute inaugural ride through the neighborhood when I bring home a new one but that’s it.😆

 

[Bikenut]

Never forget that old saying.... "Happy wife, happy life."

 

[misnblu]

Never forget that old saying.... "Happy wife, happy life."

I object.
Ive never married and super happy with how my life has been. 🤫😉😁

 

[Bikenut]

I object.
Ive never married and super happy with how my life has been. 🤫😉😁

I couldn't keep my wife happy so we got a divorce. Now both of us are happy. So ... happy wife = happy life ... still worked out.

 

[Bikenut]

Sorry I kinda derailed this discussion however I'm following it because right now I'm limited to a backpack so I'm interested in what is available out there. Nothing wrong with a backpack but I've noticed the police look at ya funny if yer on a motorcycle wearing a backpack in certain parts of town. I think they suspect there might be a delivery in progress.