In exciting news, Kawasaki Motors Australia have announced the all-new Ninja ZX-4R and ZX-4RR inline four-cylinder sportsbikes are heading Down Under in Q3! Check them out...
The Kawasaki ZXR400 came out in 1989, with a top speed of 225km/h and a 60hp screaming 12,000rpm inline four slotted into a trick 160kg package. It was one of the many Kawasaki 400 supersport weapons we never got here… and finally 34-years on, our wait is over!
The ZX-4R is the most exciting sub 700cc bike to land Down Under for ages. With an estimated 80-plus hp and a weight of 180kg it should be a little weapon… Pricing, power output and arrive date is all yet to be announced.
Running the same successful bore x stroke of 57 x 39.1mm as the ZXR250 did from 1989 to 1999, but with a higher compression ration, modern 34mm ram air throttle-bodies and current tech engine design and materials, the motor now revs at least 4000rpm more and should put out around 80-horsepower and thanks to the compression and modern ignition control, bottom-end and mid-range should be good.
Originally built for the ultra competitive Formula 3 All Japan production class, the ZXR400 eventually made its way to the UK market where it was also a race winner until as late as 2003 when availability stopped. Formula 3 was amazing racing, often against 250 production bikes. With the new modern tech, this ZX-4R is going to be one hell of a weapon of a bike for the boy and girl racers out there.
There is so much to be excited about with the new ZX-4R, but first we should assume that it is not going to be a cheap commuter option or a bargain LAMS bike like the Ninja 400 as this is a real deal ZX and for the serious sports and road and track rider. With high tech electronics, proper suspension and brakes, and two version to choose from it’s clear that Kawasaki mean business…
The are features galore on the ZX-4R, it truly is a mini ZX-6/ZX-10R. Why not complete the family and own all three?
Aside from all of the great tech listed in the graphic above and the ripper powerhouse, the ZX-4R and ZX-4RR feature a high-tensile steel trellis frame with a 23.5º steering angle, 97mm of trail and a wheelbase of 1380mm. Along with a low 800mm seat height, the lightweight alloy wheels and 120/70 – 17 and 160/60 – 17 tyres, all indications are there of a super nimble steering bike with straight-line stability and by the suspension spec, an all-round great handing machine.
Proven geometry and a 1380mm wheelbase, plus the 120 and 160 tyres, means the ZX-4R is well packaged in the chassis department. The R gets a basic semi-adjustable shock but the RR gets a full BFRC SHOWA unit.
The forks on both bikes are 37mm SHOWA SFF-BP forks, the R gets top out springs and no adjustment while the RR gets top out springs and preload adjustment. Travel is 120mm up front while the R gets 112mm at the rear and the RR 124mm. Braking is taken care of my dual semi-floating 290mm rotors at the front, squeezed by monobloc radial-mount four-piston calipers. Out the back there is a single 220mm rotor and single-piston caliper, of course ABS is included on both versions.
Fuel capacity is 15L and the bike is estimated to weight around the 180kg mark, with just over 80hp and a redline of 16,000rpm. There is a stunning TFT display and the styling and aero is just awesome as you can see. Final gearing is 14/48 on both versions and the gear ratios are also the same between the R and the RR. The clutch is a wet multi-plate with Assist & Slipper Clutch and the RR has the bi-directional quick-shifter.
Both versions have three way KTRC traction control and four Ride Modes to choose from, while RIDEOLOGY THE APP will unlock even more features for the rider. LED lighting is featured on the R and the RR, and there will no doubt be a great range of accessories available. The ZX-4R pictured is Metallic Spark Black and the ZX-4RR pictured is Lime Green/Ebony.
Pricing, colurs and exact availability is yet to be announced but the ZX-4R and ZX-4RR can be expected in Q3. We can’t wait to get one on the street and track and relive our youth!
2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R & ZX-4RR Gallery
