We review the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR, featuring a liquid-cooled 399cc inline-Four with DOHC and 16 valves, at the Thunderhill Raceway Park in Northern California.
The ZX-4RR has the potential to reinvigorate the sportbike market, providing a gateway to high-level performance in a package that is both tamable and attainable. Its power naturally pales in comparison to a fire-breathing ZX-10R or even a ZX-6R, but the 124 mph shown on its speedometer at the end of Thunderhill Raceway’s front straight demonstrates its potential for speed.
Unfortunately, EPA noise regulations mean that the 4RRs coming to North America are restricted, most likely by way of the electronic throttle valves at high revs. Our 4RRs produce peak power around 11,500 rpm according to a dyno chart supplied by Graves Motorsports, just shy of 60 hp at the rear wheel. Upconverting that number to a rated-at-crankshaft figure translates to about 65 hp, at least 10 ponies down from its Euro spec.
Watch the video to see the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR in action and get our impressions. You can also read our first ride review.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR Specifications
- Base Price: $9,699
- Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. miles
- Website: Kawasaki.com
- Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse inline-Four, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
- Displacement: 399cc
- Bore x Stroke: 57.0 x 39.1mm
- Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch, up/down quickshifter
- Final Drive: Chain
- Wheelbase: 54.3 in.
- Rake/Trail: 23.5 degrees/3.8 in.
- Seat Height: 31.5 in.
- Wet Weight: 415 lb
- Fuel capacity: 4.0 gal.
