Kawasaki has just dropped the bombshell Ninja ZX-4R for 2023. The sportbike is an ode to four-cylinder, entry-level screamers of yore, and aims to highlight Kawasaki’s modern engineering prowess. However, Team Green already has the Ninja 400 in its portfolio, which is a global hit thanks to its peppy performance, likable ergonomics, and affordable price point. So what exactly does the new Ninja ZX-4R do differently? Well, allow us to explain.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R vs Ninja 400: Performance
When you look at their names, there’s just a “ZX” to differentiate the two Ninjas. But this moniker is no joke since all “ZX” wearing Ninjas employ four-cylinder engines. The ZX-4R is no exception and employs a new 399cc, four-cylinder mill which screams out 76 horsepower. On the flip side, the Ninja 400 employs a 399cc, parallel-twin engine to gush out just 45 horsepower - a 31 pony deficit from the ZX. The inline-four mill also benefits from a higher compression ratio (12.3:1 vs 11.5:1) and bigger throttle bodies (34mm vs 32mm), resulting in a manic 16,000 RPM redline, compared to the 400's 13,000 RPM.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R vs Ninja 400: Features And Electronics
The Ninja 400 has been on sale for nearly five years, yet it has undergone no significant updates. This especially shows in the features department, as it only boasts a digi-analog readout, dual-channel ABS, and slipper clutch. In contrast, the ZX-4R is the newest Ninja in the lineup and has the technology to match. Riding modes, traction control, bi-directional quickshifter, power modes, smartphone connectivity – you name it and the Ninja ZX-4R has it. Plus, all this is accessed by a 4.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, loaded with a dedicated track display mode, just like the Ninja ZX-10R.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R vs Ninja 400: Underpinnings
The same story follows with underpinnings department, too. The Ninja 400 feels quite vanilla, courtesy of its non-adjustable telescopic forks, monoshock, and single disc brakes at both ends. Whereas the ZX-4R is all things top-shelf, with adjustable Showa SFF-BP forks, a Showa BFRC monoshock, and dual front discs. The extra components come at a price, though, as the ZX-4R weighs 49 pounds more than the Ninja 400. Differences aside, both motorcycles are built around a steel trellis chassis.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R vs Ninja 400: Design
Both motorcycles are handsome and fit well in the Ninja family. They have identical ZX-6R-like headlights and a ZX-10R-derived tail section, but the ZX-4R feels fuller and brawnier than the Ninja 400. If you want more colors, though, it’s the Ninja 400 that gives you more variety, while the ZX-4R only comes in Kawasaki’s KRT livery. Design is a subjective affair, so make of that what you will.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R vs Ninja 400: Price
Thanks to the aforementioned bits, it’s quite clear the Ninja ZX-4R is the more premium, better-equipped motorcycle between the two 400cc Ninjas. And all this comes at a sky-high price of $9,699, $4,400 more than the Ninja 400, and just $1,000 shy of the 2023 Ninja ZX-6R's MSRP.
Now, we know that’s some serious money for a 400cc motorcycle, but we believe the ZX-4R packs enough punch to justify it – at least to an extent. Plus, it is targeted toward hardcore motorcycle enthusiasts who want an unmatched riding experience, and not necessarily the “ideal” motorcycle. So if you had $9,699 to spare, would you pick the ZX-4R?