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Vince Cicone·
2023 Motorcycle Models
··8 min read

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R [Specs, Features, Photos]

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R
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The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R: A Middleweight Powerhouse

Contents

Kawasaki motorcycles has once again upped the ante in the supersport segment with the release of the 2023 Ninja ZX-4R but sadly it won’t be available in the USA. This middleweight sportbike is a force to be reckoned with on both the street and the track that’s sure to please seasoned riders and newcomers alike. The ZX-4R continues the aggressive look that is evident throughout Kawasaki’s 2023 Ninja line . Its sharp, aerodynamic lines coupled with the central ram air give it an imposing presence that distinguishes it from its Japanese motorcycle competitors in the middleweight class.

Kawasaki has equipped the Ninja with a powerful 399cc inline-four engine that’s high-revving nature, while the Assist & Slipper Clutch ensures smooth downshifts and reduced rear-wheel hop.

The ZX-4R boasts a lightweight twin-spar aluminum frame that offers exceptional rigidity and handling. The fully adjustable Showa SFF-BP front fork and horizontally mounted rear shock provide precise, responsive suspension action, allowing riders to tailor the bike’s performance to their preferred riding style.

Kawasaki has outfitted the 2023 Ninja ZX-4R with a comprehensive suite of advanced electronics to enhance rider confidence and control. The bike features a quick-shifter for seamless upshifts, selectable engine modes, and traction control to optimize performance across varying road conditions. The bike also comes with a full-color TFT instrument panel that displays vital information and enables smartphone connectivity for seamless integration with Kawasaki’s Rideology app.

The Ninja ZX-4R’s braking system features Nissin radial-mount monobloc front calipers and a single-piston rear caliper, delivering powerful, precise stopping power. The bike rides on high-performance Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires that offer superb grip and stability, further enhancing the riding experience.

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R starts at NA USD/ $9,999 CAD

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R in one place.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R

Model Overview

General Info

  • Price: NA USD/ $10,999 CAD
  • Key Features:
    • Assist & Slipper Clutch
    • Electronics package
    • TFT instrument panel
    • Dual radial-mount front calipers

Main Specs

  • Engine: 399cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve in-line four
  • Power: 75 horsepower (estimated)
  • Torque: 26.5 lb-ft
  • Weight: 414 lbs (188 kgs)
  • Seat Height: 31.5 inches (800 mm)

Competitors

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE
Engine 399cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve in-line four
Power 75 horsepower (estimated)
Bore x Stroke 57.0 x 39.1 mm
Compression Ratio
12.3:1
Fuel System Fuel injection: ø34 mm x 4
Starter Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump

DRIVETRAIN
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Transmission 6-speed, return
Final Drive Chain

CHASSIS
Suspension Front ø37 mm inverted fork (SFF-BP) with top-out springs / 120 mm (4.7 in)
Suspension Rear Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock with spring preload adjustability / 112 mm (4.4 in)
Brakes Front Dual semi-floating ø290 mm discs with radial-mount, monobloc, opposed 4-piston calipers
Brakes Rear
ø220 mm disc with single-piston caliper
Tires Front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tires Rear 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Fuel Tank Capacity 15 litres
Color

ELECTRICAL
Ignition Digital
Spark Plugs
Headlight LED
Tail Light LED

DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 78.3 in
Overall Width 30.1 in
Overall Height 43.7 in
Wheelbase 1,380 mm (54.3 in)
Ground Clearance 135 mm (5.3 in)
Seat Height 800 mm (31.5 in)
Curb Weight 188 kg (414 lb)

WARRANTY
Warranty 12 Months
Kawasaki Protection Plus 12 / 24 / 36 / 48 months

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Features

Assist & Slipper Clutch

Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.
Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.
When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.

Economical Riding Indicator

Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.

While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.

Electronic Throttle Valves

Kawasaki’s fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of both the fuel (via fuel injectors) and the air (via throttle valves) delivered to the engine. Ideal fuel injection and throttle valve position results in smooth, natural engine response and the ideal engine output. The system also makes a significant contribution to reduced emissions.

Electronic throttle valves also enable more precise control of electronic engine management systems like S-KTRC and KTRC, and allow the implementation of electronic systems like KLCM, Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, and Electronic Cruise Control.

KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control)

KTRC, Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Multiple rider-selectable modes (the number of modes varies by model) offer progressively greater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference.
Less intrusive modes maintain optimum traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, they facilitate acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. And because Kawasaki’s sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc., and adapt accordingly.

In the more intrusive modes (and for some models, in any mode), when excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, slippery patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.

Power Modes

Models equipped with multiple Power Modes offer riders an easily selectable choice of engine power delivery to suit riding conditions or preference. In addition to Full Power mode, one (Low) or two (Middle, Low) alternate mode(s) in which maximum power is limited and throttle response is milder are provided.

Smartphone Connectivity

Clever technology enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP,” a number of instrument functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience. Vehicle information (such as the odometer, fuel gauge, maintenance schedule, etc) can be viewed on the smartphone. Riding logs (varies by model, but may include GPS route, gear position, rpm, and other information) can be viewed on the smartphone. When connected, telephone (call, mail) notices are displayed on the instrument panel. Riders can also make changes to their motorcycle’s instrument display settings (preferred units, clock and date setting, etc) via the smartphone. And on certain models, it is even possible to check and adjust vehicle settings (such as Rider Mode, electronic rider support features, and payload settings) using the smartphone.

ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

Kawasaki ABS systems use front and rear wheel sensors to constantly monitor wheel speed. Should information from either of the sensors indicate that wheel lock has occurred, the ABS ECU directs the pump in the ABS unit to modulate brake fluid pressure (releasing and reapplying pressure so that traction can be regained) until normal operation resumes. ABS offers rider reassurance that contributes to greater riding enjoyment.

HORIZONTAL BACK-LINK REAR SUSPENSION

Compared to the Kawasaki traditional Uni-Trak rear suspension, which mounts the shock unit vertically, with Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension, the shock unit is almost horizontal. The original Kawasaki suspension arrangement locates the shock unit very close to the bike’s center of gravity, greatly contributing to mass centralization. And because there is no linkage or shock unit protruding beneath the swingarm, this frees up space for a larger exhaust pre-chamber (an exhaust expansion chamber situated just upstream of the silencer). With a larger pre-chamber, silencer volume can be reduced, and heavy exhaust components can be concentrated closer to the center of the bike, further contributing to mass centralization. The result is greatly improved handling.

A secondary benefit is that the shock unit is placed far away from exhaust heat. Because it is more difficult for heat from the exhaust system to adversely affect suspension oil and gas pressure, suspension performance is more consistent.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Photos

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Videos

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR review by Peter Lowe One:

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR Review by MotoBob:

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