Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Patent Filings Emerge

The new inline-four screamer will bridge the gap between the Ninja ZX-25R and the Ninja ZX-6R

Just a few days after the internet was abuzz with rumours of Kawasaki developing a Ninja ZX-4R, patent filings confirming the same have emerged. These images not only affirm the new Japanese in-line-four screamer’s development , but also reveal some interesting details about its sibling-- the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R.

The patent images suggest that the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R shares its styling with its quarter-litre sibling. Interestingly, while we believed that the new bike could be based on the ZX-25R, it actually sems the other way around. The patent document reveals that the fairing, and especially the side air ducts are suited to a vehicle having a four-cylinder 400cc engine.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R’s engine redlines at an astounding 17,000rpm, and so Kawasaki incorporated side air ducts to keep the engine heat in check. The new bike is likely to have a similar high-revving nature and is expected to belt out over 60PS.

Just like the ZX-25R, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R is likely to come equipped with premium features, including adjustable suspension, electronic aids like ABS, traction control and even riding modes. Kawasaki may even throw in a bi-directional quickshifter as standard.

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So will Kawasaki pull the plug on the Ninja 400? It is unlikely to do so. Even though the bike tanked in the Indian market, it has worked well for the brand overseas. While the Ninja 400 is a comparatively easy-going bike that one can commute or even tour on, the Ninja ZX-4R will be more focused towards clocking faster lap times than anything else.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R has been restricted to select Asian markets so far, and the ZX-4R could be targeted at the European market. Not only will the new bike justify its price better with its performance, but could also lure people tempted by the Aprilia RS 660.

But with the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R in the picture, would the Japanese brand still continue to have the Ninja ZX-6R on sale? With the diminishing popularity of the 600cc supersport segment, we feel Kawasaki might just do what Yamaha did, and discontinue the Ninja ZX-6R and bring out the 700R that the brand is rumoured to be working on.

Will the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R come to India, though? We doubt that as it might be brought via the CBU route and that will result in an astronomical price tag. Kawasaki has already burnt its fingers once with the Ninja 400, so it’s unlikely to repeat the same mistake.