In a world where emissions norms are choking the life out of all motorcycles, the thought of a four-cylinder, 400cc motorcycle seems outrageous. Yet, Kawasaki has shocked all of us with the 2023 Ninja ZX-4RR, the world’s only (and most powerful) modern-day 400cc motorcycle. Though these are mighty credentials, they come at a sky-high asking price of $9,699, which is a pretty hard pill to swallow for most of us. And if you're part of this club, then here are some more powerful motorcycles you can buy priced close to the new Ninja.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R - $10,699
If a sport bike is your priority, you’d be happy to know the ZX-4R is priced quite close to Kawasaki’s true supersport, the Ninja ZX-6R. At $10,699, the 2023 ZX-6R costs just $1,000 more than the ZX-4R, and has a lot to justify the extra money. Most importantly, the supersport employs a bigger 636cc, inline-four engine that belts out 127 horsepower–a massive 51 ponies more than the 400cc Ninja. You also get beefier 41mm Showa forks, bigger 310mm front discs, and Nissin monobloc calipers for added sport-riding prowess. For more details, check out our in-depth story on the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R.
2023 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty - $10,749
Superbikes are not for everyone, and if you’re in the latter stage of your life, chances are you cherish comfort. This is exactly where the 2023 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty comes in. The American-built cruiser costs $1,050 more than the Ninja ZX-4R, and belts out 78 horsepower from its 999cc, V-twin mill. Sure, you won’t get the same electronics package or trick suspension on this cruiser, but it more than justifies the money with the laid back riding posture. Oh, and the abundant low-end torque (65 pound-feet) will make the Indian more tractable and fun to ride on the streets, unlike the peaky ZX-4R.
2023 Triumph Street Triple R - $9,995
Last but certainly not least is the 2023 Triumph Street Triple R. It retails at $9,995 (just $296 more than the ZX-4R) and offers the best of both sportiness and comfort. For 2023, the entry-spec Street Triple R features a new TFT instrument cluster ripe with cornering ABS, traction control, four rider modes, and wheelie control. More importantly, its 765cc, inline-triple engine is tweaked to produce 118 horsepower–42 ponies more than the ZX-4R. You will miss out on the Ninja’s wind protection and aggressive riding posture, though, but you'll get a do-it-all (track days, weekend rides, commutes, and occasional road trips) in return. Oh, and in case you want an even more affordable but equally capable streetfighter, check out the $9,399 Kawasaki Z900.
To wrap up, the Ninja ZX-4RR’s expensive price tag makes it vulnerable to many other more capable motorcycles which can do more than the 400cc Ninja. Still, there’s no denying the ZX-4R stands out like a needle in a haystack of motorcycles, and if money isn’t a problem for you, it definitely deserves a place in your garage for just how special it is. Plus, we’re pretty sure it’ll sell for twice as much in the future (once IC engines go extinct), so it could be a good investment too.