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

Last updated:July 11, 2023

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR Is A Track-Ready Supersport Beast

Model Overview
Specifications
Features
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The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR is one of a few special editions in Kawasaki’s 2023 lineup. The ZX-4RR is a track-ready supersport bike that builds on Kawasaki’s rich motorcycle racing heritage and is designed to deliver an exhilarating experience on both the track and the streets. The Ninja ZX-4RR is powered by a 399cc engine, which is equipped with a six-speed transmission and an assist and slipper clutch. This engine delivers an impressive power-to-weight ratio, providing a thrilling ride for experienced and novice riders alike.

Kawasaki’s advanced electronics package sets the Ninja ZX-4RR apart from the other Japanese motorcycle manufacturers. The Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) allows for seamless upshifts and downshifts without the need for a clutch. Additionally, the KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) offers three levels of intervention, allowing riders to fine-tune the system to match their skill level and riding conditions. The bike’s lightweight chassis is designed to provide excellent handling and stability and features a steel trellis frame that offers a great balance of rigidity and flexibility. The Showa suspension components, including the SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) front fork and a horizontal back-link shock allow for precise damping adjustments to suit various riding styles and conditions.

Kawasaki has also made significant strides in improving the Ninja ZX-4RR’s braking performance. The bike comes equipped with radial-mount monobloc front brake calipers to provide strong and consistent stopping power. The inclusion of ABS ensures optimal braking performance in all conditions, giving riders added confidence on the track and the streets.

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR starts at $9,699 USD/ $10,999 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-4RR in one place.

Model Overview

General Info

Price: $9,699 USD/ $10,999 CAD
Key Features:
- TFT Instrumentation
- Slipper Clutch
- Quick Shifter
- ABS

Main Specs

Engine: 399cc 4-stroke, In-Line Four, OHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled
Power: 75 horsepower (estimated)
Torque: 26.5 lb-ft
Weight: 414.5 lbs (188 kgs)
Seat Height: 31.5 inches (800 mm)

Competitors

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE
Engine	399cc, 4-stroke, In-Line Four, OHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled
Power	75 horsepower (estimated)
Bore x Stroke	57.0 x 39.1 mm
Compression Ratio	12.3:1
Fuel System	DFI® w/ 34mm throttle valves (4)
Starter	Electric
Lubrication
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch
Transmission	6-speed, manual, return shift
Final Drive	Chain
CHASSIS
Suspension Front	37mm inverted fork with SFF-BP internals and spring preload adjustability/4.7 in
Suspension Rear	Horizontal Back-link, BFRC lite gas charged shock w/ piggyback reservoir, adjustable compression, rebound and spring preload/4.9 in.
Brakes Front	Dual 290mm discs, ABS
Brakes Rear	Single 220mm disc, ABS
Tires Front	120/70 – 17
Tires Rear	160/60 – 17
Fuel Tank Capacity	4.0 gal.
Color	Lime Green/Ebony
ELECTRICAL
Ignition	Digital
Spark Plugs
Headlight	LED
Tail Light	LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length	78.4 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	414.5 lb
WARRANTY
Warranty	12 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus	12 / 24 / 36 / 48 months

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR Features

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.

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.

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’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.

Designed to help riders maximize their acceleration on the track by enabling clutchless upshifts with the throttle fully open, KQS detects that the shift lever has been actuated and sends a signal to the ECU to cut ignition so that the next gear can be engaged without having to use the clutch. On models that offer clutchless downshifts, during deceleration the system automatically controls engine speed so that the next lower gear can be selected without operating the clutch.

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.

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.

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.

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.