In the recent past, there’s been a lot of speculation about Kawasaki’s plan to resurrect entry-level inline-four motorcycles in a modern avatar. Putting all this to rest, Team Green has now taken the wraps off the 2023 Ninja ZX-4R and launched it in America. The newest Ninja is the world’s most powerful 400cc motorcycle in the modern era, complete with high-shelf components from head to toe. Here are all its details.
The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Is Powered By A 399cc, Four-Cylinder Engine
The USP of the ZX-4R is its 399cc, inline-four engine that whips out 75.9 horsepower (79-HP with ram air effect), an insane 31 ponies more than the twin-cylinder Ninja 400. This mill is derived from the ZX-25R’s 249cc, four-cylinder mill, but has a bigger bore and stroke to bump its displacement. In addition, it also has a lower 12.3:1 compression ratio (the ZX-25R has 12.5:1), likely to keep the emissions in check. Concurrently, since 76-odd ponies are no joke, Kawasaki has equipped the ZX-4R with extensive rider aids. We’re talking four ride modes (Sport, Road, Rain, and Rider Customizable), three-mode traction control, two power modes, and a bi-directional quickshifter, all accessible via a 4.3-inch TFT instrument cluster. The latter also has a lap timer, dedicated track view mode, and smartphone connectivity. Now, that’s what we call feature-packed!
The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Possesses Top-Shelf Underpinnings
Like the engine, the ZX-4R’s underpinnings are exemplary too. The motorcycle is built around a steel trellis chassis that’s paired with adjustable 37mm Showa SFF-BP forks and a Showa BFRC monoshock borrowed from the Ninja ZX-10R. Complementing these are five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels, draped in Dunlop 120/70 and 160/60 GPR300 tires (front and rear). The alloy wheels also house dual 290mm front discs and a 220mm rear disc, clamped by Kawasaki’s in-house calipers. As for dimensions, the whole package tips the scale at 414.5 pounds, which, coupled with its 31.5-inch seat height, seems pretty accessible for all folks.
The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Looks In Line With Its ZX Siblings
Finally, all this is brought together by a familiar design language that feels right in line with Kawasaki’s existing lineup. The LED headlights and fairing-mounted indicators remind us of the Ninja ZX-6R, while the tail lamp and exhaust are reminiscent of the ZX-10R. The 4R only comes in Kawasaki’s KRT graphics, though.
So how much does all this cost? Well, as expected, the ZX-4R retails at a not-so-affordable $9,699 MSRP. For perspective, this is $4,400 more than the Ninja 400, $1,700 more than the Ninja 650, and even $300 more than Kawasaki’s near-liter-spec Z900. But the money seems somewhat justified (at least from the spec sheet), considering you get an unmatched supersport that is in a league of its own with no natural rivals. Not to mention, it’s probably the last hurrah to four-cylinder, entry-level sportbikes from a trusted brand, so you can even consider it an investment.