Kawasaki announces ZX-4R
Kawasaki Motors Australia has announced an upcoming addition to the local range in the form of the ZX-4R. While further details are still to come, the small four-cylinder sportsbike will come with several features associated with larger and more expensive bikes, like multiple riding modes, traction control and smartphone connectivity.
Two versions of this model will be released locally: the base ZX-4R and the ZX-4RR, with the latter adding an up-and-down quickshifter, upgraded suspension and Kawasaki Racing Team-inspired graphics.
Big Bike Style
Styling on the ZX-4R borrows heavily from the larger Kawasaki supersport models, with sharp angles and a forward-leaning, aggressive look.
The Ram Air intake above the dual headlights sets the ZX-4R apart from other 400cc models, according the Kawasaki, while the upswept muffler and compact tail design contribute to the overall impression of forward motion.
The fairing hugs the engine closely and incorporates the front indicators, while the tail light uses styling elements seen on the ZX-10R.
On the ZX-4R, Metallic Spark Black paint will be the only colour available at launch, while the ZX-4RR is finished in Lime Green/Ebony, with graphics inspired by the racing ZX-10R.
Small Four, Big Power
Of 399cc capacity, the ZX-4R is based on the ZX-25R; a 250cc model that’s been sold in some overseas markets since 2020. Boring and stroking the ZX-25R’s DOHC 16-valve inline four has achieved the larger capacity, with learnings from other ZX models applied, too.
While power and torque figures have yet to be released, Kawasaki have confirmed the ZX-4R will not be LAMS legal, suggesting power output is in the mid 50kW range. This compares to 35kW from the Ninja 400 – a model with the same 399cc capacity, but a parallel twin engine instead of an inline four. The ZX-4R also has a hotter compression ratio of 12.3:1, larger (34mm) throttle bodies and a 15,000+rpm redline which the Ninja 400 doesn’t have.
Kawasaki describe the ZX-4R’s liquid-cooled engine as being of flexible character, offering strong low-to-mid range torque for city riding and screaming high-rpm power for sport and track riding.
Ram Air induction is standard, using a layout similar to that on the Ninja H2. Side air ducts in the fairing contribute to engine cooling and the radiator cover design directs hot air away from the rider.
The exhaust system takes cues from the ZX-6R, while the placement of catalysers in the collector pipe makes it easier to add an aftermarket muffler.
The ZX-4R’s listed weight of 188kg (with a full 15-litre fuel tank) compares to 168kg from the Ninja 400, so the (expected) additional power will compensate for that.
A six-speed transmission is standard on both versions, along with an assist & slipper clutch, while the ZX-4RR adds a bi-directional quickshifter.
Light Frame, High-Spec Suspension
The ZX-4R engine sits in a trellis frame developed from Kawasaki’s experience in World Superbike competition to achieve what they claim is an excellent rigidity balance.
The frame’s steel tubing, of various diameters and thickness, combines with a long-style steel swingarm and uses the engine as a stressed member.
Standard suspension consists of a Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) 37mm inverted fork and a horizontal back-link monoshock rear with adjustable preload.
On the ZX-4RR, adjustable preload is added to the front-end (a first in the 400cc class, according to Kawasaki) and the rear shock is upgraded to a Showa BFRC lite unit that offers compression and rebound adjustment.
Listed travel is 120mm at the front and 112mm at the rear, rising to 124mm on the rear of the ZX-4RR.
For braking, the ZX-4R and RR use the same set-up of dual 390mm front discs with radial-mount four-piston calipers and a 220mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper. ABS is standard.
Wheels are 17-inch alloys front and rear, with a 120/70ZR17 front and 160/60ZR17 rear tyre.
Features and Tech
Riding position on the ZX-4R is described as more forward-leaning than the Ninja 400, but still relaxed overall, while the fairing and tank designs allow for tucked-in riding at speed.
The seat is said to offer “sports potential” and comfort, while the pegs are designed for sports riding and brake/clutch levers are five-position adjustable.
All lighting is LED, including the front indicators built into the fairing and the licence plate light.
Instrumentation consists of a 4.3-inch colour TFT screen with various display options, while screen brightness automatically adjusts across five levels to suit ambient light conditions.
Standard information includes a large digital speedometer, bar-style revcounter, a shift indicator and all the usual information, like tripmeters, fuel gauge, fuel range and a clock. Surrounding the screen are warning lights for engine temp, volts, service reminder and assistance features, like riding modes, the KTRC traction control, KQS quickshifter and more.
There’s also a 'Circuit Mode' for the TFT display, designed for use at track days, that shows lap times and track-related information more prominently.
Three riding modes are standard – Sport, Road and Rain – which adjust the traction control intervention and engine mapping. A fourth ‘Rider’ mode allows these elements to be adjusted individually.
Separate to this, the engine mapping can be set to Full Power or Low Power to suit weather and surface conditions.
Smartphone connectivity, using Kawasaki’s ‘Rideology – the App’ is standard, allowing tuning information, a riding log and general bike data to be viewed on your phone, with phone call notices displayed on the TFT instrument screen.
Finally, a USB charging port is standard and the key incorporates an anti-theft immobiliser.
Q3 Arrival, 2024 model
The ZX-4R and ZX-4RR are due to arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2023 as 2024 models. As mentioned, it should be noted that neither model will be LAMS compliant.
Pricing has not been revealed, but will likely be above $10,000, as the Z400 naked and Ninja 400 sports models list for around $8,435 and $8,590 ride away, respectively.
More details on the Kawasaki ZX-4R and ZX-4RR will be announced closer to local release.
