Kawasaki’s little screamers, the ZX-4R and the ZX-4RR have landed in India! The 2025 versions of both these motorcycles have been launched at Rs 8,79,000 and Rs 9,42,000 (ex-showroom), respectively. This translates to a minor price hike for both the models. To be precise, the ZX-4R is now Rs 30,000 more expensive than before and the ZX-4RR is costlier by Rs 32,000 than the model it replaces. If you’re familiar with these 400cc monsters, you would know they’re purpose-built track weapons. And if you’re wondering what has changed in their new model year, well, nothing basically.
What? Nothing Has Changed?
Apart from a new colourway for the ZX-4RR, nothing has changed. Everything ranging from powertrain to underpinnings and braking system, remains exactly the same as before. The new colourway for the ZX-4RR is called Lime Green / Ebony / Pearl Blizzard White and essentially replaces the KRT racing livery. According to us, the KRT graphics looked more racy and were a perfect set of clothes for a motorcycle like the ZX-4RR.
What Essentially Are These?
The ZX-4R and the ZX-4RR are pretty unique in positioning but very focused in their intent. They both remain the only two sub-500cc inline-4 powered motorcycles in the country. Their highlight remains the inline-4 screamer of an engine. This powertrain displaces 399cc and puts down 75PS at 14,500rpm and 37.6Nm at 12,500rpm on the ZX-4R. With slightly tweaked internals, the ZX-4RR puts down slightly higher 77PS at 14,500 and 39Nm at 13,000. Both the motorcycles benefit from ram air intake which shoots up the maximum power to 77PS in the ZX-4R and 80PS in the ZX-4RR. While assist and slipper clutch comes standard on both these motorcycles, the ZX-4RR also gets a bi-direcrional quickshifter.
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Another department which sets both of these variants apart is the suspension setup. While the ZX-4R gets non-adjustable 37mm inverted fork (120mm wheel travel) and a monoshock (112mm wheel travel), whereas the Ninja ZX-4RR has a 37mm Show inverted fork with preload-adjustability and a fully-adjustable Showa monoshock. They offer the same braking setup though as they both have 290mm dual discs at the front and a 220mm disc at the rear. A 120-section tyre at the front and 160-section tyre at the back wrap around the 17-inch wheels at both the ends. Their kerb weight stands at 189kg while having an accessible seat height of 800mm.
Do They Make Sense in India?
If you wish to go down the logical route, no. The ZX-4R and the 4RR find themselves in a secluded corner as they don’t have any direct rivals. The closest competitors that they have in terms of pricing are the Triumph Daytona 660 and the Suzuki GSX-8R. But then their engine configuration sets them apart so if you wish to get to live your Japanese inline-4 dream in an accessible format, these motorcycles make a strong case for themselves.