Here’s What We Can Tell You About The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R, In 5 Images

Kawasaki’s small-capacity bruiser gives off a serious 90s vibe

Kawasaki has bolstered its middleweight portfolio with the Ninja ZX-4R, which is slated for launch in the USA this month. However, don’t let its name fool you. Yes, it’s a 400cc machine, and at first glance even bears a passing resemblance to the same bike. 

But unlike the Ninja 400 on sale in India, the ZX-4R is powered not by a parallel-twin, but an inline-four – like the Ninja ZX-25R – and hence punches well above its weight. How much? Well, Kawasaki claims 77PS at an astronomical 15,000rpm, which goes up to 80PS with ram-air  added!

Now considering the massive power output, the NInja ZX-4R also boasts strong stopping power too. On offer are twin 290mm discs up front, and a single 220mm disc at the rear, with dual-channel ABS as standard.

Moving now to the underpinnings, and here’s where the story gets even more interesting. You see, the NInja ZX-4R is available in three variants: standard, SE and RR. All three get Showa Separate Function Forks, but the SE and RR models get preload adjustability. Moreover, the RR variant also gets Showa’s Balance Free Rear Cushion monoshock.In terms of tech, the ZX-4R gets a 4.3-inch TFT dash with smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology app. It gets four power modes each with its own throttle mapping, and rider aids include traction control, and a quickshifter (optional on base model, standard on the SE and RR).And finally getting to the Indian context. Now, the chances of the Ninja ZX-4R coming to India are already remote. Moreover, Kawasaki retails the top-spec RR variant of the Ninja ZX-4R at $9,699 in the US (or about Rs 7.94 lakh, before taxes). This is much costlier than even the Ninja 650, which is priced at Rs 7.12 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Moreover, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R retails at Rs 16.15 lakh (ex-showroom, India), and is a bang-for-the-buck offering for litre-class enthusiasts. Hence, we don’t think the bikemaker would want to jeoparidise its standing in the country.