The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR is one of the craziest reveals of 2023 so far. It has re-ignited the much-hyped entry-level, inline-four segment and promises to be the world’s most powerful 400cc motorcycle. However, claimed horsepower numbers are just half the picture, and we know you’d more proof of just how capable the new Ninja is. Lucky for you, Kawasaki has posted a top-speed video of the ZX-4RR which shows its true mettle in a straight line.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR Top Speed Test
The short video shows the Ninja ZX-4RR rev all the way to its over 15,000 RPM redline in the third and fourth gears to reach 152kmph (94.5mph) and 185kmph (115mph), respectively. The crown jewel, however, is the fifth gear that helps the Ninja reach 207kmph (128mph) before it runs out of tarmac. Interestingly, at this point, the tacho still has roughly 1000 RPM left, in addition to the sixth gear, which means the motorcycle can go a lot faster than this overall. The YouTube channel also posted a dyno run of the Ninja where it reached an insane 253kmph (157mph). For perspective, this not only makes it faster than 114-MPH Ninja 400 but also the bigger Ninja 650 that tops out at 212kmph (131mph). Same goes for its other contemporaries - the Yamaha R3, Honda CBR500R, CFMoto 450SS.
Why Is The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR So Fast?
Credit here goes to its 399cc, inline-four engine that whips out 75.9 horsepower (79-HP with ram air effect). The mill is a derivative of the ZX-25R’s 249cc engine, albeit with a bigger bore and stroke. Meanwhile, the power reaches the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox, loaded with a slipper clutch and a bi-directional quickshifter as standard. You also have four ride modes (Sport, Road, Rain, and Rider Customizable), three-mode traction control, and two power modes, with the option to switch it all off (if you’re daring enough).
However, the stonking top speed will likely come at the cost of tractability. Inline-four engines produce most of their power high up in the rev range and usually, resort to technologies like variable valve timing or crossplane crankshafts to improve mid-range. Both bits are absent on the ZX-4RR, so you will have to push it to the redline for the hair-raising experience. Of course, this will come at the cost of fuel efficiency.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR - What’s The Price?
Kawasaki USA has priced the ZX-4RR at just $9,699 and we believe it’s a well-justified prospect, given how rare these motorcycles will be in the future. The sad part, however, is that the US-spec ZX-4RR might produce only 56 horsepower. So in case it was the above top speed that impressed you, your American Ninja will likely not achieve that. Nevertheless, it is still an unmatched motorcycle in the market, built especially for the purists. And if you are one, we know you won’t think twice before getting this home.