Team Green’s 400-class pocket rockets are coming to Canada this year! According to Canadian Kawasaki Motors, the ZX-4R and ZX-4RR are both slated to arrive here this year, bringing high-revving four-cylinder fun to trackdays across the country.
The new ZX-4 platform is a big-bored version of the ZX-25R that debuted in southeast Asian markets mid-2020. That bike made a whopping 50 hp from its tiny inline four, thanks to a 15,500 rpm redline. The new ZX-4 models are limited to 11,5000 rpm, thanks to Canadian noise regs, so we don’t know how much power they will make—but we bet that any regulation-induced restrictions will be gone as soon as a resourceful owner re-flashes the ECU.
The liquid-cooled DOHC engine comes with six-speed gearbox and assist/slipper clutch, and in ZX-4RR trim, a quickshifter is standard. Cylinder capacity is 399cc from an oversquare 57 x 39.16 mm bore/stroke.
Both the R and RR variants have four ride modes (Rain, Road, Sport, and Rider-adjustable); the ride modes are controlled from the bike’s TFT screen. The 4.3-inch screen also shows you which traction control level you’ve selected (there are three to choose from), along with speed, rpm, fuel capacity, gear selection, and there’s even a Circuit mode that helps you keep track of lap times, etc. The TFT can also be paired to your phone via Bluetooth to let you see incoming calls and messages.
Both the ZX-4R and ZX-4RR have dual 290 mm disc brakes up front, mated to radial-mount monobloc calipers with four opposed pistons. There’s a single-piston caliper in back, and 220 mm disc. ABS is standard.
Both bikes also have Showa suspension; the ZX-4R has a SFF-BP fork (split-function design), and a preload-adjustable rear shock. On the ZX-4RR, the SFF-BP fork is preload-adjustable and the BFRC lite rear shock is fully adjustable. Dunlop GPR300 tires are mounted to 17-inch five-spoke wheels.
Pricing for the sporty new 400s is a lot more than existing entry-level machines like the Yamaha R3 or the Kawasaki Ninja 400, but this four-cyl is targeting a much different market than those budget-oriented beginner machines. The ZX-4R comes in at $9,999 in Canada, plus taxes and fees. The ZX-4RR is $10,999. Find more info at Kawasaki’s Canadian website.
There is just one big problem I have with these: for the $10k/$11k prices quoted for the ZX-4Rs, many prospective buyers would upgrade to a slightly used (2-3 year old) ZX-6R for around the same amount of money.
Yes but which one will be a rare and desirable motorcycle in a few years? I’m thinking the 400 four.
The ZX-4R would be the more collectible of the two. The Ninja 400 is more for the average person, while the ZX-4R is for the trackday enthusiast.
But as a newly licensed rider, how much will these cost to insure?
That’s the biggest question, if they’re willing to insure it for a little more than the 2023 Ninja 400 I’ll be all over this bike like stink on a monkey LOL
But if they’re going to treat it like a ZX6R (basically uninsurable as an M2 rider) then I have no use for it.
May luck be on my side LOL
Just get the ZX 10r people. Best purchase I have made and i’m still in college. Don’t settle for less and no its not too much bike for the road.
I’m attracted to the cheap insurance. I will stay for the proper 16,000rpm redline reported elsewhere. If the ecu program that the USA will get is easily obtainable, that redline won’t be hard to get.
“The new ZX-4 models are limited to 11,5000 rpm, thanks to Canadian noise regs”
I’m out (if I was ever in).
“The new ZX-4 models are limited to 11,5000 rpm, thanks to Canadian noise regs”
How about the noise regulations regulate noise (Harley Davidson) instead of rpm?
Sites for the USA state that their version will be the full bore, 16,000 RPM version. Might not be difficult to “upgrade?”
115000 rpm you say. You have my attention!
Seriously though – I think these bikes will be a blast and good value at those prices. Cheap insurance too!