Riders who were around in the heyday of 400cc supersport machines in the 1980s and 1990s will remember their high-revving character, how lightweight and compact they were, and their exciting cornering performance. In the modern era, 400cc machines remain an excellent midway point between the 250cc and 600cc classes, but many do not offer the same performance and thrill as their older counterparts. However, the arrival of the new Ninja ZX-4R ushers in a screaming 400cc revolution with an all-new In-Line Four engine making an unprecedented 55 kW (75 PS). Winding it up, the tachometer climbs to over 15,000 min-1 to produce an intoxicating wail that is music to the ears of high-performance motorcycle fans - a clear audible signal that the Ninja ZX-4R stands apart in the 400cc class. For customers looking for the ideal mix of real-world road enjoyment and track riding potential, the sound and performance will entice, but the total package will convince.
To ensure that the Ninja ZX-4R is as compact and nimble as possible, the new engine is mounted in a chassis with proportions essentially the same as the Ninja ZX-25R. The trellis frame is made from high-tensile steel, and is complemented by high-grade components like dual front disc brakes and capable front and rear suspension to ensure the Ninja ZX-4R has the handling, stopping power and a ride character ideally suited to the kinds of roads on which lightweight supersport machines excel.
Aggressive Ninja ZX family styling make it clear that this is a high-performance supersport model from Kawasaki. Its looks and performance are backed up by TFT colour instrumentation with smartphone connectivity, and integrated riding modes that link traction control and power modes— premium features that allow the Ninja ZX-4R to take its place at the top of the 400cc class. And the higher-grade Ninja ZX-4R SE include dual-direction Kawasaki Quick Shifter, USB outlet, smoked windshield, and front fork with adjustable spring preload.
For returning riders who still fondly remember the 400cc supersports of old, for new riders looking for a fun, well-mannered supersport machine, or for experienced riders looking for a new kind of exhilarating riding experience, the new Ninja ZX-4R is the perfect match. The 400cc class will never be the same.
The new 399 cm3 liquid-cooled DOHC In-Line Four engine pushes technological boundaries to comfortably top the 400cc class*. Developed with know-how gained from other Ninja ZX models, the high-performance engine offers class-leading power and a rev-range that extends beyond 15,000 min-1.
The Ninja ZX-4R’s ø37 mm inverted fork uses SFF-BP internals to offer both racetrack performance and everyday usability while the Horizontal Back-link rear suspension offers a progressive character. Offering increased adjustability, the Ninja ZX-4R SE front forks include adjustable spring preload.
Key chassis dimensions (centre of gravity position, swingarm pivot position, engine axis positions, caster angle, etc) were inspired by Kawasaki’s World Superbike Ninja ZX-10RR racer, bringing WorldSBK chassis design thinking to the 400cc class.
Header pipes and collector pipe layout were inspired by the exhaust of the Ninja ZX-6R. Joint pipes link the headers, contributing to strong power output and meeting emissions and sound regulations.
The ZX-4R’s two ø290 mm front brake discs and radial-mount monobloc calipers provide sure stopping power, while also offering excellent braking feel to inspire confidence both on the track and on the street.
Bluetooth technology built into the instrument panel allows connection to smartphones via the “RIDEOLOGY THE APP” smartphone application, enabling riders to access instrument functions for an enhanced motorcycling experience.
The 4.3” all-digital TFT colour instrumentation with selectable display modes (Normal, Circuit) clearly displays the most pertinent information, whether on the street or on the track. Circuit Mode shows the gear position, lap times, and rpm above 10,000 more prominently.
Four integrated riding modes (Sport, Road, Rain or Rider (manual)) make it simple to select a level of traction control and power mode to suit the current riding conditions.
The Ninja ZX-4R SE, with original KRT-inspired colour and graphics, higher-grade front fork with adjustable spring preload, and equipped with a number of accessories, is also available in certain markets.
Accessories equipped on the Ninja ZX-4R SE include:
- Dual-direction KQS
- smoked windshield
- USB outlet
- frame sliders
- adjustable spring preload front fork
Allowing riders to take even greater advantage of the Ninja ZX-4R’s exhilarating engine character, the quick shifter enables clutchless upshifts and downshifts for seamless acceleration and quick and easy deceleration.
* During acceleration, the system detects that the shift lever has been actuated and sends a signal to the ECU to cut ignition so that the next gear can be engaged without having to use the clutch.
* During deceleration, the KQS system automatically controls engine speed, allowing riders to downshift without operating the clutch.
* KQS does not function below 2,500 min-1.
* The system uses a contactless-type sensor, offering very high reliability.
The new 399 cm3 liquid-cooled DOHC In-Line Four engine pushes technological boundaries to comfortably top the 400cc class*. Developed with know-how gained from other Ninja ZX models, the high-performance engine offers class-leading power and a rev-range that extends beyond 15,000 min-1.
The Ninja ZX-4R’s ø37 mm inverted fork uses SFF-BP internals to offer both racetrack performance and everyday usability while the Horizontal Back-link rear suspension offers a progressive character. Offering increased adjustability, the Ninja ZX-4R SE front forks include adjustable spring preload.
Key chassis dimensions (centre of gravity position, swingarm pivot position, engine axis positions, caster angle, etc) were inspired by Kawasaki’s World Superbike Ninja ZX-10RR racer, bringing WorldSBK chassis design thinking to the 400cc class.
Header pipes and collector pipe layout were inspired by the exhaust of the Ninja ZX-6R. Joint pipes link the headers, contributing to strong power output and meeting emissions and sound regulations.
The ZX-4R’s two ø290 mm front brake discs and radial-mount monobloc calipers provide sure stopping power, while also offering excellent braking feel to inspire confidence both on the track and on the street.
Bluetooth technology built into the instrument panel allows connection to smartphones via the “RIDEOLOGY THE APP” smartphone application, enabling riders to access instrument functions for an enhanced motorcycling experience.
The 4.3” all-digital TFT colour instrumentation with selectable display modes (Normal, Circuit) clearly displays the most pertinent information, whether on the street or on the track. Circuit Mode shows the gear position, lap times, and rpm above 10,000 more prominently.
Four integrated riding modes (Sport, Road, Rain or Rider (manual)) make it simple to select a level of traction control and power mode to suit the current riding conditions.
The Ninja ZX-4R SE, with original KRT-inspired colour and graphics, higher-grade front fork with adjustable spring preload, and equipped with a number of accessories, is also available in certain markets.
Accessories equipped on the Ninja ZX-4R SE include:
- Dual-direction KQS
- smoked windshield
- USB outlet
- frame sliders
- adjustable spring preload front fork
Allowing riders to take even greater advantage of the Ninja ZX-4R’s exhilarating engine character, the quick shifter enables clutchless upshifts and downshifts for seamless acceleration and quick and easy deceleration.
* During acceleration, the system detects that the shift lever has been actuated and sends a signal to the ECU to cut ignition so that the next gear can be engaged without having to use the clutch.
* During deceleration, the KQS system automatically controls engine speed, allowing riders to downshift without operating the clutch.
* KQS does not function below 2,500 min-1.
* The system uses a contactless-type sensor, offering very high reliability.
| DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 1,990 mm |
| Overall width | 765 mm |
| Overall height | 1,110 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,380 mm |
| Road clearance | 135 mm |
| Seat height | 800 mm |
| Curb mass | 189 kg |
| Dry mass | - |
| Fuel tank capacity | 15 litres |
| PERFORMANCE | |
|---|---|
| Max. power | 55.0 kW {75 PS} / 14,500 min-1 |
| Max. Power with Ram Air | 56.7 kW {77 PS} / 14,500 min-1 |
| Max. torque | 37.6 N·m {3.8 kgƒ·m} / 12,500 min-1 |
| ENGINE | |
|---|---|
| Type / Valve system | 4-stroke In-Line Four |
| Coolant System | Liquid-cooled |
| Bore x Stroke | 57.0 x 39.1 mm |
| Displacement | 399 cm3 |
| Compression ratio | 12.3:1 |
| Fuel supply | Fuel injection: ø34 mm x 4 |
| Lubrication system | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
| Starting system | EL. Starter |
| Ignition system | Digital |
| DRIVETRAIN | |
|---|---|
| Driving system | Chain |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return |
| Primary reduction ratio | 2.029 (69/34) |
| 1st Gear ratios | 2.929 (41/14) |
| 2st Gear ratios | 2.056 (37/18) |
| 3st Gear ratios | 1.619 (34/21) |
| 4st Gear ratios | 1.333 (32/24) |
| 5st Gear ratios | 1.154 (30/26) |
| 6st Gear ratios | 1.037 (28/27) |
| Final reduction ratio | 3.429 (48/14) |
| Clutch type (Primary) | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| FRAME | |
|---|---|
| Type | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Front Suspension | ø37 mm inverted fork (SFF-BP) with spring preload adjustability, and top-out springs |
| Rear Suspension | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock with spring preload adjustability |
| Front Wheel travel | 120 mm |
| Rear Wheel travel | 112 mm |
| Caster (Rake angle) | 23.5° |
| Trail | 97 mm |
| Steering angle (left/right) | 35° / 35° |
| Front Tyre | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60ZR17M/C (69W) |
| Front Type Brake | Dual semi-floating ø290 mm discs |
| Caliper (Front) | Dual radial-mount, monobloc, opposed 4-piston |
| Rear Type Brake | Single ø220 mm disc |
| Caliper (Rear) | Single-piston |
