Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R 400 2026 — Specifications

That’s it, finally, a manufacturer has decided to please a certain category of track riders. For enthusiasts of small displacement engines pushed to the limit, where the perfection of the trajectory transcends through the engine’s wail.

It’s also the glory of an era with machines imbued with a different character. 30 years after the VF400 and ZXR 400 (and other FZR and GSX-R of this displacement), the compact inline-four sporty engine is back with the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R.

Attention, this is not a variant of the Ninja 400, the sport-GT with a twin cylinder; although it resembles it a lot. No, it’s a new sporty model in the range, derived from the ZX-25R (reserved for the Asian market). With the R7 and RS 660 in its sights. Its engine will provoke thrills while seeking high RPMs.

While engines in the same displacement range as the RC 390, Ninja 400 or R3 develop between 40 and 45 horsepower, the ZX-4R’s 399 cm3 sends no less than 77 horsepower. Even 80 horsepower with the ram air intake system. With its displacement and inline-four architecture, the machine should be weak at low and mid-range but explosive at high RPMs. Indeed, it’s the high RPMs that will be the party. More than 15,000 RPM are announced before the redline, while it will be necessary to seek the watts at 14,500 RPM.

We guess clip-on handlebars and a riding position typical of the 4R; the track is therefore announced as its preferred place. Its frame is a steel trellis, associated with Showa suspension elements. The standard version and its SE declination will be equipped with a SFF-BP large piston fork and a Back-link positioned horizontal shock absorber. The RR model will allow preload adjustment at the front while the rear suspension becomes a BFRC-lite, of the same type as on the ZX-10R. The braking also shows beautiful dispositions with 290 mm discs pinched by radial 4-piston calipers.

Those who knew the ZXR 400 could delight in fine-tuning their carburetor settings. No such thing on the ZX-4R but a traction control and 4 Riding Modes: "Sport", "Road", "Rain", and the programmable "Rider". A 4.3-inch color TFT screen allows reading of the information and above all the "Track" theme, prioritizing engine speed above 10,000 RPM, the engaged gear and lap times. The SE and RR versions add the Up&Down shifter. The Special Edition will also have a smoked bubble, a USB socket and a set of engine guards.

Let’s keep a bit of softness in hand. The power of this troublemaker makes our mouths water (192 hp/liter) but it is primarily aimed at sporty riding fans and engine wail enthusiasts. And we will not see the three versions. The SE remains for the moment outside our borders but the R and RR will be offered. Last point, the price. This kind of small bomb is generally not cheap. This base version requires a little less than 9,000 euros. It is found in the same range as the Ninja 650 but for a very different and much more incisive character.

M.B - Manufacturer photos