ZX 4R is coming to the USA

16686 Views 343 Replies 43 Participants Last post by kpier883, 2 d ago

BMHS

Discussion Starter · 4 mo ago

Well,
I saw the dealer announcement today at my local Kawasaki dealer. No price or availability. The supply will be limited, the rep said. Probably May/June. It has the new liquid dash, and dual front brakes, I only saw the green version.
Broan

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Pmack

· #301 · 23 d ago

Grantman said:
Cat back exhaust and tune looks to be 76hp per the Graves Dyno.

https://www.gravesport.com/products/kawasaki-zx-4rr-cat-back-slip-on-carbon-exhaust.html

That is just de-restricting the bike I believe, not a full tune.
@sbk1198 had @jetpilot01 bike on the dyno. Just pulling stock restrictions, put it at 69Hp, adding a full exhaust added another 5 in hot, humid Florida air.
They haven't tweaked fuel or timing maps yet, added stacks, made airbox mods, etc.

Reactions: 2

seniorider

· #302 · 23 d ago (Edited)

The site I found the 76HP figure looked to be British or European, with no mention of modifications. Chopping that down to 56HP is mutilation.

For $10,000 @ 56HP it would have to be given to me. IMHO.

Honestly, if it's any taller or heavier, at my age I wouldn't risk it.

Reactions: 1

xorbe

· #303 · 23 d ago

Pmack said:
I am almost foaming at the mouth for Kawasaki to introduce a different color stateside.

I want to go to a paint shop and get a retro "90s Jazz Cup" livery, but I'm too lazy ...

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RD52

· #304 · 23 d ago

misnblu said:
Confirmed on the hollow front axle and solid rear axle.
12mm reverse Allen nut in the fro t axle had me buying a set of big Allen drivers to remove the front axle.

Rear is 19mm nut on the left side just the opposite of the Ninja400 setup.
So many similarities to the N400 but differences as well.

Um, a "reverse Allen nut" would just be a regular hex nut, no??

Reactions: 2

Pmack

· #305 · 23 d ago

seniorider said:
The site I found the 76HP figure looked to be British or European, with no mention of modifications. Chopping that down to 56HP is mutilation.

For $10,000 @ 56HP it would have to be given to me. IMHO.

Honestly, if it's any taller or heavier, at my age I wouldn't risk it.

The riding position is very similar to the N400, and my abused wrists handle it better than a 636.

Reactions: 2

Boomerlcd

· #306 · 14 d ago

Reactions: 2

misnblu

· #307 · 14 d ago

Boomerlcd said:

I watched this today and David's take away on the bike is like everybody's.
A well made, thought out piece of engineering, and able to claim the RR branding.

Im so missing not riding mine without wheels to find that same feeling everyone is talking about but I'll have to enjoy the Lady in Red, which I do immensely, and wait until my wheels are back from Japan for r&d on some hopefully sweet forged wheels. 🥰

In the mean time I'm happy to gaze at what a ride this will be. 😁

Wheel Tire Bicycle Crankset Bicycle handlebar

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larkja

· #308 · 12 d ago

seniorider said:
For $10,000 @ 56HP it would have to be given to me. IMHO.

And here's the big problem. At least locally, the dealers are charging between $1,500 and $2,000 for "setup" and "shipping" charges. Plus, add another $1,000ish to get it properly tuned to get the full 80hp. So, that $10,000 bike will actually cost you almost $15,000 after taxes, fees, etc. That's waaaaaay too much.

I initially had a deposit for one of these, but after I realized the dealer was charging almost $2,000 in additional fees, I cancelled the order and purchased a pre-owned Ninja 400. Very happy with the purchase.

Reactions: 5

Flash Bantam

· #309 · 12 d ago

I visited the ZX4 forum. Guys are just getting these new machines so they're anticipating all the upgrades that our Ninja400 went through starting in 2018. One guy was disappointed when he topped his ZX4 at 141 mph indicated. I see familiar names over there. These screamers are exciting for sure. No way I could afford one and it wouldn't fit my current riding style but I thoroughly enjoy reading about their tuning progress.

Reactions: 3

NinjaRider

· #310 · 12 d ago

larkja said:
And here's the big problem. At least locally, the dealers are charging between $1,500 and $2,000 for "setup" and "shipping" charges. Plus, add another $1,000ish to get it properly tuned to get the full 80hp. So, that $10,000 bike will actually cost you almost $15,000 after taxes, fees, etc. That's waaaaaay too much.

I initially had a deposit for one of these, but after I realized the dealer was charging almost $2,000 in additional fees, I cancelled the order and purchased a pre-owned Ninja 400. Very happy with the purchase.

If you’re not going to ride track then the zx4rr is pretty pointless. Sure it sounds great, but not for the $. I’ve gone over 100mph a handful of times in the city and trust me it’s more than enough if youre just going to ride in the city. I actually find it more enjoyable to ride casually and enjoy the wind and sights, but always good once in awhile to wot.

Reactions: 4

misnblu

· #311 · 12 d ago

larkja said:
And here's the big problem. At least locally, the dealers are charging between $1,500 and $2,000 for "setup" and "shipping" charges. Plus, add another $1,000ish to get it properly tuned to get the full 80hp. So, that $10,000 bike will actually cost you almost $15,000 after taxes, fees, etc. That's waaaaaay too much.

I initially had a deposit for one of these, but after I realized the dealer was charging almost $2,000 in additional fees, I cancelled the order and purchased a pre-owned Ninja 400. Very happy with the purchase.

I was quoted $11,500 out the door when I paid the $500 deposit on the bike.

When I picked up the bike it was $10,920 and if you add the $500 came out to be $11,420 out the door.
I would imagine if you waited a month or two to put a down payment on the bike the dealerships are now gouging for extra profit.

I'm not a racer but do one or two track events a year and mostly street ride and even that is at a minimum as I'm home maybe 5-7 days a month.
Why did I buy the 4RR?
Because of what it is. Out the box it rips.
Yeah spending money to up the power and unlock the ecu is inevitable but so is tuning a car for better performance and efficiency.

We live once. We need to enjoy the time we have in the planet and what better way than a bike like the 4RR on the street and track. 😉

So glad you got a Ninja400 though and I couldn't tell you how much I enjoy mine when I ride it.
The 400 Kawasaki class is the benchmark of motorcycles and welcome to the 400 club. 🥰🤙

NinjaRider said:
If you’re not going to ride track then the zx4rr is pretty pointless. Sure it sounds great, but not for the $. I’ve gone over 100mph a handful of times in the city and trust me it’s more than enough if youre just going to ride in the city. I actually find it more enjoyable to ride casually and enjoy the wind and sights, but always good once in awhile to wot.

I can understand what you're saying and don't disagree but until you've ridden the 4RR you don't know what your missing.
100% of every review and person riding this bike agrees this bike is special.
I tend to agree and can't wait to ride mine once I get my wheels back from Japan for R&D of some forged wheels for this bike.

Al in all we are all riding what we like.
That's what matters in the end. 😎👍

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Rich T

· #312 · 12 d ago

NinjaRider said:
If you’re not going to ride track then the zx4rr is pretty pointless.

I'd say that same thing applies to the 6R and basically every other bike larger than the N400... I expect I will never get my 6R to redline even in 1st gear -- I can't go 80 mph anywhere near me, legally... In the meantime, I thoroughly enjoy the sound of an inline-4... So I have no regrets!!!

Reactions: 3

Tracy

· #313 · 12 d ago

Hey all. I haven't been keeping up with the 4R news but I happened across an article today that stated that the U.S. version was rated at 57 horses before tune, etc. Due to noise restrictions. Is this true? I'm curious.
Thanks
🐉

Reactions: 1

misnblu

· #314 · 12 d ago

Tracy said:
Hey all. I haven't been keeping up with the 4R news but I happened across an article today that stated that the U.S. version was rated at 57 horses before tune, etc. Due to noise restrictions. Is this true? I'm curious.
Thanks
🐉

Very true.
But with an ecu tune, full exhaust, and air filter upgrade 76hp has been obtained at the 15,200 rpm range and torque starting at 2,000 rpm all the way up to 14,900 at 26.1 ftlb.

In OEM trim the bike will rev to 15,200 but the power falls off at 56hp around 11,200 rpm.
For the beginner a person could keep the bike stock until they are comfortable with what it has and then do the upgrades to literally boost the power 50% and feel like they've just bought another bike to grow even more on.

This bike will be legendary. 🥰

Reactions: 3

NinjaRider

· #315 · 12 d ago

misnblu said:
I was quoted $11,500 out the door when I paid the $500 deposit on the bike.

When I picked up the bike it was $10,920 and if you add the $500 came out to be $11,420 out the door.
I would imagine if you waited a month or two to put a down payment on the bike the dealerships are now gouging for extra profit.

I'm not a racer but do one or two track events a year and mostly street ride and even that is at a minimum as I'm home maybe 5-7 days a month.
Why did I buy the 4RR?
Because of what it is. Out the box it rips.
Yeah spending money to up the power and unlock the ecu is inevitable but so is tuning a car for better performance and efficiency.

We live once. We need to enjoy the time we have in the planet and what better way than a bike like the 4RR on the street and track. 😉

So glad you got a Ninja400 though and I couldn't tell you how much I enjoy mine when I ride it.
The 400 Kawasaki class is the benchmark of motorcycles and welcome to the 400 club. 🥰🤙

I can understand what you're saying and don't disagree but until you've ridden the 4RR you don't know what your missing.
100% of every review and person riding this bike agrees this bike is special.
I tend to agree and can't wait to ride mine once I get my wheels back from Japan for R&D of some forged wheels for this bike.

Al in all we are all riding what we like.
That's what matters in the end. 😎👍

Yeah it does look like a fun bike to ride. I am a little jealous lol. For me, if I ever get another bike it will not be a sportsbike, why even bother when you could experience a Harley or cruiser, personally been looking at the Z900 and add a windscreen. To me the R7, zx6r, cbr650 are all similar and don’t want to spend the extra $ for such a similar experience as the 400. A Z900 looks like a comfortable beast I could get with in the city 😂

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Tracy

· #316 · 12 d ago

misnblu said:
Very true.
But with an ecu tune, full exhaust, and air filter upgrade 76hp has been obtained at the 15,200 rpm range and torque starting at 2,000 rpm all the way up to 14,900 at 26.1 ftlb.

In OEM trim the bike will rev to 15,200 but the power falls off at 56hp around 11,200 rpm.
For the beginner a person could keep the bike stock until they are comfortable with what it has and then do the upgrades to literally boost the power 50% and feel like they've just bought another bike to grow even more on.

This bike will be legendary. 🥰

Yes all that I read also. Like I said I hadn't been keeping up with it. With a little tuning it will be a rocket!

Reactions: 1

Pmack

· #317 · 12 d ago

Tracy said:
Yes all that I read also. Like I said I hadn't been keeping up with it. With a little tuning it will be a rocket!

We have a couple of street/track 400s, and I have a N400 race bike.
The ZX-4RR is going to be a better track bike than the best N400 builds.
It is a little rocket stock with the revs up above 9k or so, but falls on its face at about 11.5k due to restricted tuning.
The chassis, suspension, and brakes are much better out of the box than a Ninja 400.
It is rock steady in the corners compared to a Ninja 400, and turn in/line changes are very close.
My wife's ZX-4RR will be at roughly 80rwhp and 385lbs full of fuel by this weekend.

My street/track N400 has a tune, velocity stacks, airbox mod, full exhaust, Vesrah brake pads, rearsets, clip-ons, GSXR shock, Andreani carts, S22 tires, and full Norton clutch/shift upgrade kit.
It is likely a 55 HP bike, and I can run low 29s on it at Jennings.
I don't know about the race bike(60hp on dyno), because I crashed it before I timed a lap.

Here is a link to a de-restricted ZX-4RR on slicks running about 5 seconds faster than my best(intermediate group)lap at Jennings. No suspension, rearsets, etc. Just tires and de-restriction according to the OP.
Modded Aprillia RS660s are in the 1:20 range there.

This isn't me!

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seniorider

· #318 · 11 d ago

As with all the bikes I've owned, if I had any more power, I'd make use of it. Wheelies and more triple digit speed would be common. At my age I don't know how many riding years I have left. But that type of machine would likely lessen my life span, and definitely increase my insurance costs.

I'm quite happy with my 400 twin.

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Pmack

· #319 · 11 d ago

seniorider said:
As with all the bikes I've owned, if I had any more power, I'd make use of it. Wheelies and more triple digit speed would be common. At my age I don't know how many riding years I have left. But that type of machine would likely lessen my life span, and definitely increase my insurance costs.

I'm quite happy with my 400 twin.

I tend to let them eat too, I just do it on the track. Doing 3-4 track days a year gets it out of my system, and I ride much calmer on the street.
Insurance cost was less than $400 a year for full coverage with $1k deductible.

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Tracy

· #320 · 11 d ago

Pmack said:
I tend to let them eat too, I just do it on the track. Doing 3-4 track days a year gets it out of my system, and I ride much calmer on the street.
Insurance cost was less than $400 a year for full coverage with $1k deductible.

Hold on Pmack, we all saw that video of The Foothills Pkwy you posted coupla months ago. Talk about letting it eat!!
🐉

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