Officially the launch was scheduled for February 2, but Kawasaki has already lifted the curtain on the long-awaited new Ninja ZX-4R today. Team Green’s little Supersport will be marketed in 3 different versions: ZX-4R, ZX-4R SE and the ZX-4RR as the cream of the crop.
We have already paid attention to it more than once, to the new Ninja ZX-4R that Kawasaki thought was being developed in the deepest secrecy, but that had long been leaked thanks to patent registrations and of which we recently wrote that It would be revealed in the foreseeable future. That it would come was therefore a big public secret, but the design and its specifications were guesswork.
Until now, because although the engine will initially be launched in the United States, followed a little later by the European version which appears to have slightly better specs, we have been told by a reliable source.
With the ZX-4R, Kawasaki harks back to the illustrious 1990s, when the 400 supersport class was incredibly popular. Thanks to the driving license guidelines in Japan, where a 400 cc motorcycle was about the maximum attainable at the time.
While the L model of the ZXR400 was quoted as having a top power output of 64PS at 13,000rpm, the new 399cc in-line four-cylinder ZX-4R claims a top output of no less than 80PS. OK, that’s with Ram-Air effect included, but purely naturally aspirated it’s still 77 horsepower, more than 70% more than the 399cc parallel twin Ninja 400.
It is not known at how many rpm the maximum power is released, but that the red area is above 15,000 rpm. Kawasaki claims a maximum torque of 36 Nm at 11,000 rpm on the American version, but as said… the European specs will be better.
In terms of bore x stroke, the engine of the new ZX-4R is virtually identical to that of the old ZXR400. That block got its 398cc from a bore x stroke of 57 x 39mm, the ZX-4R gets its displacement of 399cc from a bore x stroke of 57 x 39.1mm. Among other things, a very light forged camshaft and cast aluminum pistons have now made the significantly higher revs possible.
According to Kawasaki, the block has an eager throttle response thanks to the use of a lightweight flywheel, the slip-assist clutch prevents the rear wheel from bouncing when you have downshifted a little too enthusiastically (something the ZXR400 sometimes suffered from, for example when braking of the Geert-Timmer bend.
The bicycle part, says Kawasaki, uses techniques and experience gained in the Superbike World Championship. For example, important points in the chassis such as the weight distribution, swingarm pivot and suspension of the engine block are based on the Ninja Superbikes.
The steel truss tube frame in combination with the long curved swingarm must have ensured an optimal weight distribution front and rear, as well as a perfect balance between stiffness and flexibility. According to Kawasaki, the whole is light, extremely agile and must provide excellent feedback.
With a wheelbase of 1,380 mm, a head angle of 23.5 ° and a trail of 97 mm, we are confident in that. And thanks to a seat height of 800 mm, the engine will be wonderfully accessible. Kawasaki also claims a curb weight of 188 kg, with a full 15 liter petrol tank.
On the ZX-4RR, a 37mm Showa SFF-BP upside-down fork is fitted at the front, while a Showa SFRC horizontal back-link monoshock with a progressive spring character is fitted at the rear. The rear shock is fully adjustable, the front fork only in terms of spring preload.
The front forks may be a minor disappointment, but the brake specs are to die for, with dual semi-floating 290mm discs with radial-mount monobloc 4-piston calipers at the front and a 220mm disc at the rear.
Advanced electronic driver assistance is also included to ensure you get the most out of this latest Ninja. Built-in riding modes that link KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) and Power Modes with a choice of four different modes – Sport, Road, Rain and Rider (Manual) – make it easy to choose the right setting. By the way, the traction control can also be completely switched off.
The design of the ZX-4R is unmistakably Ninja. The large Ram-Air intake at the front, aggressive twin LED headlights and Kawasaki Racing colors make it instantly recognizable as a member of the sporty Kawasaki family. The higher placed clip-ons and good wind protection should make it easier to enjoy a long time in the saddle. The narrow fuel tank improves the feel of the engine.
Behind the top fairing is Kawasaki’s well-known 4.3″ TFT color display. In addition to a street mode with a large amount of information, the screen is equipped with a special track mode that only displays lap times, gear positions and engine speeds from 10,000 rpm. The Kawasaki RIDEOLOGY app can used to connect to a smartphone for various functions, including capturing GPS route information and important vehicle information.
The Ninja ZX-4R is marketed in 3 different versions: Ninja ZX-4R, Ninja ZX-4R SE and Ninja ZX-4RR. The SE version is distinguished by frame sliders, a smoked windshield, a USB connection and an up/down quickshifter, the RR has the aforementioned Showa suspension and special RR colours.
In the Americas, Canada, Philippines and Indonesia, the Ninja ZX-4R will be available as early as this spring and the model is expected in Europe in the fall of 2023. How much it will cost and what its exact European will be announced at a later stage, but in the United States the most expensive version ZX-4RR KRT Edition will sell for $9,699.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.