The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR is one of the most exciting motorcycles in the supersport category. Unlike most bikes in the 400cc class, it offers a proper four-cylinder engine, making it unique and thrilling for enthusiasts. Kawasaki launched the ZX-4RR to give riders a taste of high-revving supersport performance without stepping up to the more powerful ZX-6R or ZX-10R. This bike is designed for riders who crave track-like excitement but want something more accessible and manageable.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Ninja ZX-4RR lies a 399cc inline-four engine, liquid-cooled and fuel-injected. This motor produces an impressive 77 hp at 14,500 rpm, which can rise up to 80 hp with Ram Air. The engine revs insanely high, going up to 16,000 rpm, giving it the same character as larger supersports. Power delivery is strong at the top end, with a thrilling scream that sets it apart from twin-cylinder rivals. It comes with a six-speed gearbox, assisted by a slipper clutch and quickshifter, ensuring smooth and fast gear changes.
Design and Styling
The Ninja ZX-4RR looks like a baby superbike, borrowing styling cues from the larger ZX family. The aggressive fairing, sharp LED headlights, and sleek body lines make it stand out instantly. The aerodynamic design not only looks sporty but also helps with stability at high speeds. Kawasaki has given it the KRT Racing Edition livery, with green, black, and red highlights, making it look like a mini ZX-10R. The overall design is premium and track-focused, perfectly suited to its high-performance nature.
Chassis and Handling
The ZX-4RR is built on a high-tensile steel trellis frame, designed to deliver maximum rigidity and control. The suspension setup includes Showa SFF-BP upside-down forks at the front and a Showa BFRC-lite monoshock at the rear, both fully adjustable. This makes the bike highly adaptable for street use as well as racetrack riding. The short wheelbase and lightweight build give it sharp handling, allowing quick direction changes and confident cornering. Riders will immediately feel the bike’s track-focused DNA when leaning into corners.
Braking and Safety
Braking performance on the Ninja ZX-4RR is top-notch. The bike is equipped with dual 290 mm front discs with radial-mounted calipers and a 220 mm rear disc, supported by dual-channel ABS. The braking setup provides excellent bite and control, suitable for aggressive riding. Kawasaki has also included rider aids like multiple riding modes (Sport, Road, Rain, and Rider-custom) and Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) for added safety. These features make the ZX-4RR a well-rounded supersport that is not only thrilling but also secure.
Features and Technology
The Ninja ZX-4RR is loaded with advanced features. It comes with a 4.3-inch full-color TFT display, offering clear visibility of speed, revs, gear position, and riding modes. The screen also supports Bluetooth connectivity via the Kawasaki Rideology app, giving access to ride logs and notifications. Other features include full-LED lighting, lightweight alloy wheels, quickshifter as standard, and advanced electronics like traction control. This combination of modern tech and raw performance makes the ZX-4RR one of the most premium bikes in the 400cc category.
Comfort and Ergonomics
While the ZX-4RR is primarily built for performance, Kawasaki has ensured that it remains somewhat practical. The riding position is aggressive, with clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs, giving a proper supersport feel. The seat height of 800 mm is manageable for most riders, though shorter riders may find it a bit tall. The suspension is firm, tuned for sporty handling, but it still manages city bumps decently. For long rides, it may feel demanding, but that’s expected from a track-focused machine like this.
Mileage and Efficiency
The Ninja ZX-4RR is not built for fuel efficiency, but it still offers decent numbers for its segment. Riders can expect around 18-20 kmpl in city riding and up to 22-24 kmpl on highways with careful riding. The bike comes with a 15-liter fuel tank, which provides a range of 280–320 km. While it’s not meant for economy, the ZX-4RR still offers enough fuel range for weekend rides and spirited track sessions without constant refueling.
Price and Variants
In India, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR is expected to launch at around ₹9 – 9.5 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a premium offering in the 400cc category. This places it above twin-cylinder rivals like the Yamaha R3, KTM RC 390, and Kawasaki’s own Ninja 500. However, the unique inline-four engine justifies the higher price, as no other bike in the segment offers similar performance and thrill. Internationally, it comes in the KRT Edition livery, which is likely to be the main variant for India as well.
Final Verdict
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR is a rare gem in today’s motorcycle world, where inline-four engines in smaller bikes have almost disappeared. It offers a high-revving, thrilling experience that is unmatched in the 400cc segment. With its aggressive styling, advanced features, and superb handling, it is a dream bike for riders who want track excitement in a manageable package. Though priced on the higher side, the ZX-4RR is worth every penny for enthusiasts who want a unique and exhilarating sportsbike.