Kawasaki has announced the introduction for their latest motorcycle lineup, the Ninja ZX-4R which delivers 80 PS in a lightweight, compact Ninja ZX-25R-based chassis for superior cornering performance and acceleration feeling. The company did confirmed that the the model’s specifications will be varying by market. The model is expected in Europe in the Autumn of 2023.
The key highlight for the Supersport is the sensation-provoking exhaust sound of the high-revving four-cylinder engine. The newly developed 399cc liquid-cooled, parallel 4-cylinder DOHC engine is rated to deliver a maximum output of 57 kW (77 PS) and 59 kW (80 PS) when ram air is pressurized. The engine has been conceived to combine strong low- and mid-range torque with strong power at high rpm and in all riding situations, from daily use to on-track sport riding. The company has confirmed the engine can revs above 15,000 rpm, delivers the exhilarating exhaust sound that only a Kawasaki high-performance parallel four-cylinder engine can deliver.
The Ram Air system helps to increases filling efficiency and contributes to improved engine performance, where the air intake is located in the centre of the upper cowl, providing styling that is instantly recognisable as part of the Ninja ZX series. The Ram Air ducts are located on the left side of the front forks, leading to the airbox while the “Ram Air” stamping is visible to the rider to show off the performance of the Ram Air system.
The ZX-4R chassis is focused on excellent handling performance, with some inspiration from the chassis elements and design concept of the Ninja ZX-10RR World Superbike. Packing a high-tensile steel trellis frame and a curved long-type swingarm, the frame achieves an idealised front-rear weight distribution plus an excellent balance of rigidity and flexibility, providing nimble handling and great rider feedback.
For suspension, Showa’s advanced SFF-BP front fork (Ninja ZX-4R SE and Ninja ZX-4RR models feature a preload adjustment mechanism) with the rear equipped with a horizontal back-link rear suspension system offers superb handling performance typical of supersport models. Only the Ninja ZX-4RR variant gets the same type of Showa BFRC-lite rear shock as the Ninja ZX-10R.
For braking, a φ290mm semi-floating front twin discs and radial-mounted monobloc calipers and a rear large-diameter φ220mm disc will provide the stopping power. In terms of braking effectiveness and grip, the F120/R160 tyre combination adopted is designed to match the Ninja ZX-4R’s dynamic performance and provide excellent stability at high speeds.
The ZX-4R design is brings an aggressive styling that exudes the power and instantaneous force that the Ninja ZX series is known for. It’s high-grade appearance is also enhanced by the use of LEDs for all lighting, from the twin-light headlight to the taillight.
Electronic riders aids on the ZX-4R includes integrated riding modes that link KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) and Power Modes. From four different modes – Sport, Road, Rain, and Rider (Manual), the rider can easily select the appropriate setting to suit the riding conditions and his or her own riding style. Meanwhile, the Ninja ZX-4R SE and Ninja ZX-4RR gets a dual direction KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter) enabling clutchless shifting up/down.
The meter panel of the Ninja ZX-4R is equipped with a 4.3-inch full-digital colour LCD screen providing high visibility and a premium feel. It integrates a track mode that displays lap times, gear positions, and RPMs from 10,000 rpm and above in an easy-to-read manner. The Kawasaki RIDEOLOGY application can be used to connect to a Smartphone for a variety of functions, including recording GPS route information and vehicle riding information.
In addition to the Ninja ZX-4R, the following two variants are available:
Ninja ZX-4R SE:
This special edition model features original colours and graphics inspired by the machines of Kawasaki’s factory racing team, the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT), as well as numerous accessories as standard equipment.
（Equipment）
-Dual direction KQS
-Smoked windshield
-USB power socket
-Frame Slider
Ninja ZX-4RR:
In addition to the original Kawasaki Racing Team-inspired colours and “RR” graphics, the rear suspension features Showa’s BFRC-lite, the same type used on the Ninja ZX-10R supersport model. This specification allows for a more sporty riding experience.
（Equipment）
-Dual direction KQS