A little while ago, we threw some light on Kawasaki’s intention to introduce an inline-four, 400cc sportbike, similar to the Ninja ZX-25R. Taking a step in this very direction, the Japanese marquee has registered an interesting VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) with the U.S. authorities which not only confirms the Ninja ZX-4R but also its arrival in America.

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Confirmed By Official Filings

*ZX-25R shown

As reported by Motorcycle.com, the VIN filings include two new additions - ZX400PP and ZX400SP - where ZX denotes Kawasaki’s high-end sportbike models (also used for ZX-10R, ZX-6R, and Ninja H2), 400 gives away the engine displacement, and the ‘P’ in the end translates to a 2023 model.

*ZX-25R shown

Diving deeper, *ZX-25R shown} While the power output isn’t available, you can expect the ZX-4R to dish out nearly 60 horsepower, as the four-cylinder engine will essentially be an up-specced version of the ZX-25R’s 44 horsepower mill.

*ZX-25R shown

Engine-aside, the ZX-4R will take heavy inspiration from the ZX-25R elsewhere too, and it’s a good thing. We say this because the filings also give an insight into the bike’s specifications by confirming the Ninja ZX-4R's four-cylinder, 399cc engine.

*ZX-25R shown0}

the ZX-25R not only looks pretty hot, but it rounds things off with a modern electronics package (traction control, quickshifter, and power modes) as well as top-shelf underpinnings, all of which you can also expect on the ZX-4R. Kawasaki has already announced a number of returning models for 2023 skipping out key players like the ZX-10R, which we believe will come alongside the new ZX-4R later, accompanied by a special event.

As for rivals, the ZX-4R is in a league of its own here and there’s no other inline-four sub-600cc sportbike to lock horns with. The VIN filings declare the ZX-4R as a 2023 model which means its official launch isn’t far down the line.