Kawasaki recently shook the world with the Ninja ZX-4RR. It is claimed to be the most powerful 400cc motorcycle at the moment and comes ripe with top-shelf goodies you’ll rarely find on entry-level motorcycles. Plus, unlike the 2023 Ninja ZX-25R, Team Green has even confirmed its American arrival with a $9,699 price tag. Sounds great, right? Well, sadly, all might not be hunky-dory with the US-bound Ninja ZX-4RR. In fact, the supersport might actually be a horrific let-down, compared to its British and European iterations. Here’s why.
The US-Spec Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR Could Produce Just 56 Horsepower
Yes, you read that right! According to official Kawasaki documents (sourced by Motorcycle.com), the American-spec Ninja ZX-4RR will produce just 42kW (56 horsepower). This is nearly 20 and 18 ponies less than the Europe-spec and Australia-spec ZX-4R, respectively. More importantly, the power output is a measly seven ponies more than the Ninja 400, which is considerably cheaper at $5,299.
So what’s the reason? Well, America’s emission and sound norms are most likely at play here. We believe Kawasaki must’ve brought down the 16,000 rpm redline to meet America’s varying norms, which, in turn, have reduced the power output considerably. After all, small-capacity inline-four engines usually make most of their power and torque up top in the rev range. This is also the case with America’s neighbor, Canada, where the ZX-4R runs out of revs at just 11,500 rpm. Take this with a pinch of salt, however, as Kawasaki USA is yet to confirm/deny the drop in power.
What’s The Solution?
Of course, like all problems, there is a solution. You can always get a full-system exhaust to boost performance, or simply flash the ECU to unlock the Ninja’s “original” redline. All this costs money, though, and only adds misery to the already sky-high $9,699 price tag. Not to mention, the 123-HP Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R costs just $1,000 more, which is how much a free-flow exhaust and ECU flash will likely cost too.
Nevertheless, if money doesn’t matter to you, the Ninja ZX-4R still has a lot going for it. For instance, it’s the only inline-four entry-capacity motorcycle available in the States and we expect it to garner a cult following in no time. Concurrently, the ZX-4R is also bejeweled with premium suspension - fully adjustable Showa SFF-BP forks and BFRC monoshock - alongside Team Green’s own monoblock radial calipers. You also get plenty of features like traction control, power modes, ride modes, TFT instrumentation, and a bi-directional quickshifter, all aimed to enhance your riding experience.