2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR Supersport

Kawasaki announced that it will launch a mid-weight, high performance Ninja ZX-4R (including an SE variant) in Europe and a track oriented mid range warrier ZX-4RR Supersport into UK dealerships in September 2023 for 2024 season.

As the only full-fairing supersport model in the 400cc class with a parallel four-cylinder engine, Kawasaki expects high demand for the RR. Equipped with a WorldSBK inspired chassis and full-colour LCD screen with a track mode that displays lap times, gear position and RPM (from 10,000-15,000 rpm).

And best of all the 79.1bhp (80ps) SCREAME-RR will cost just £8,699!

Only the ZX-4RR version will be imported into the UK by Kawasaki.

Not to be confused with the existing Kawsaki Ninja 400

The most powerful Ninja ZX-4R will be equipped with a newly-designed engine which produces 59kW (79.1 horsepower) from within a lightweight, compact chassis. This choice of platform was favoured for superior thrills and cornering performance. The Ninja ZX-4R will be the only full-fairing supersport model in the 400cc class with a parallel four-cylinder engine. The existing Ninja 400 is a twin-cylinder. The ZX-4R adopts the aggressive appearance and equipment finesse expected of its siblings in the Ninja ZX family. The 400 is said to produce a refined experience and highly charged exhaust sound.

The newly created 399cc liquid-cooled, parallel 4-cylinder DOHC engine is inspired by the legendary Ninja ZX series of supersport machines, combines strong low- and mid-range torque with firm power application at high rpm. The nimble machine lays power and manoeuvrability in every riding situation from the daily ride to the track attack. The ZX-4R enjoys the benefit of Kawasaki’s world-famous Ram Air system that maximises filling efficiency and contributes to improved engine performance, The ultra high-revving engine, which punches through 15,000 rpm, delivers the exhilarating exhaust sound that only a Kawasaki high-performance parallel four-cylinder engine can deliver.

Headlines:

• Chassis features 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. Inspiration for the chassis is fed from the Ninja ZX-10RR World Superbike
• Showa SFF-BP advanced front forks (ZX-4R SE and Ninja ZX-4RR models feature a preload adjustment mechanism). Horizontal back-link rear suspension system offering similar characteristics to the ZX-10R supersport. The Ninja ZX-4RR features the same type of Showa BFRC-lite rear shock as the Ninja ZX-10R also.
• 290mm semi-floating front twin discs and radial-mounted monobloc calipers, Large-diameter 220mm disc to the rear.
• The Ninja ZX-4R’s uses LEDs for all lighting, from the twin-light headlight to the taillight and offers that unmistakable ZX character.
• Electronic rider aids with integrated riding modes that link Kawasaki Traction Control and Power Modes. There are four different modes – Sport, Road, Rain, and Manual,
• Ninja ZX-4R SE and Ninja ZX-4RR feature dual direction Kawasaki Quick Shifter enabling clutchless shifting up/down.
• 4.3-inch full-digital colour LCD screen offering a track mode that displays lap times, gear positions, and RPMs from 10,000 rpm and above that is crystal to interpret at a quick glance. Kawasaki RIDEOLOGY application enables smartphone features such as riding information and GPS.

Variants:

Ninja ZX-4R SE:

• Original colours and graphics inspired by Kawasaki Racing Team
• Numerous accessories as standard equipment.
• Dual direction Kawasaki Quick Shifter
• Smoked windshield
• USB power socket
• Frame Slider

Ninja ZX-4RR:

• 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.
• More sporty riding appearance
• Also features Dual direction Kawasaki Quick Shifter

What do we think?

BeMoto's Mick Fenton said "We're delighted to finally see a proper 4 pot 400 screamer. Its impressive to see 80BHP coming with a 15k redline but it's a bit heavy at 188kg at its lightest. We thought the 4 pot 400 sportsbike was a dead breed. It was sad to think that the cheap parallel-twin were dominant considering their boring nature and mediocre offering. This is sure to get an awful lot of interest with no 4 cylinder machines being released since the 90's. We predict it will reinvigorate some of those with racing blood born in the 70's and invite them onto this platform to relive some thrilling nostalgia. Meanwhile the younger generation can experience what a good bike really feels like. It has the potential to seriously spoil both demographics and everyone in between."

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