Kawasaki has never shied away from pushing the boundaries of motorcycle engineering, and their latest creation is no exception. The Ninja ZX-4R has arrived in India, and it’s ready to redefine what you thought a 400cc bike could be.
This four-cylinder supersport is more powerful than the Ninja 650, and it’s set to leave a trail of awe-struck enthusiasts in its wake!
Supersport Aura on a 400cc
A supersport is that motorcycle which is closest to a race track bike but is completely street legal. The supersports are agile, light and aerodynamic while maintaining a race ready riding posture.
The ZXR400 is Kawasaki’s answer to the supersport enthusiasts across the world. Unfortunately, it had to be discontinued in 1999. And now, the new Ninja ZX-4R however, has carried on the legacy of its predecessor and is here to achieve greater success.
The Ninja DNA: Familiar Yet Ferocious
The moment you lay eyes on the Ninja ZX-4R, it’s unmistakably a Ninja. Sporting sharp lines and aggressive styling reminiscent of its smaller sibling, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R, it exudes the kind of ferocity that gets any adrenaline junkie’s heart racing. While some may wish for a more unique touch, it’s the substance under the skin that truly sets this beast apart.
The Heart of the Beast: 399cc Inline-Four Powerhouse
The Ninja ZX-4R roars to life with a small yet effective 399cc four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that boasts impressive power. But here’s the kicker, thanks to its ram-air technology, it can churn out a staggering 80PS, propelling it past the Ninja 650 with a generous 12PS advantage.
This supersport machine can rev beyond 15,000rpm, while tipping the scales at a svelte 188kg kerb weight, it’s as nimble as it is potent. Kawasaki equips the ZX-4R with an array of advanced features, including Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), four power modes, and an optional bidirectional quickshifter.
Engineering Excellence and Precision Handling
Beneath the ZX-4R’s skin lies a trellis frame that forms the foundation for precision handling. It’s equipped with a preload-adjustable Showa SFF-BP USD fork and a monoshock with comprehensive suspension adjustments (compression, rebound, and spring preload).
Braking duties are handled by twin 290mm discs up front and a 220mm unit at the rear, all backed by dual-channel ABS. The ZX-4R effortlessly glides on 17-inch wheels shod with Dunlop Sportmax rubber (120/70 front and 160/60 rear).
Connectivity and Control
On the cockpit, a 4.3-inch colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity gives vital information. While it lacks navigation, it compensates with a track mode, providing essential information such as lap times, gear position, and RPM.
Revving to the Stratosphere
The ZX-4R’s inline-four engine is a true screamer, delivering a remarkable 77PS (or a blistering 80PS with ram air intake) at an astonishing 14,500rpm. Torque kicks in at 13,000rpm, making it clear that this machine is built for high-revving excitement.
The exhaust notes on the ZX-4R while it revs high is nothing less than a symphony in motion!
Unleashing the Fury: Acceleration Madness
The Ninja ZX-4R isn’t just a beauty; it’s a beast on the track. A video from Kawasaki Indonesia showcases its incredible capabilities as it rockets through the gears at the Sentul circuit.
In the third gear, it hits a speedo-indicated 152kmph, followed by 187kmph in fourth gear, and a jaw-dropping 207kmph in just the fifth gear. That’s a symphony of power emanating from the inline-four as it screams past 15,000rpm.
Here’s the hair raising video of it.
Breaking Barriers
Comparing it to the Ninja 400 provides further insight into its prowess. The ZX-4R’s two extra cylinders and 35PS of additional power result in incredible speeds, leaving the Ninja 400 trailing in its wake.
It’s a dream come true for riders who want to keep up with those middleweight superbikes and challenge them around the track.
Defying Expectations: India Welcomes the ZX-4R
Kawasaki has defied expectations by bringing the ZX-4R to the Indian market. While it may be on the higher end of the price spectrum for a 400cc bike, it’s worth every penny for the track racers.
So, India’s first 400cc inline-4 sportsbike has been launched in India at the ex-showroom price of Rs. 8,49,000. This supersport isn’t just in a league of its own; it’s rewriting the rulebook for what a 400cc motorcycle can achieve.