Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR
2027 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR: 399 cc inline-four supersport, 77 hp (80 with Ram Air), 189 kg, €9,699, A2-restrictable. Specs, press reviews, rivals.
At a glance
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR is a 399 cc inline-four supersport that makes 77 hp (80 hp with Ram Air) and revs beyond 15,000 rpm. Priced at €9,699 in France, €700 more than the ZX-4R, it adds an adjustable Showa BFRC-lite shock and a two-way quickshifter, and can be restricted for the A2 licence from 2027. Reviewers praise its chassis, brakes and the thrill of its high-revving engine, but regret weak low-down torque, a preload-only adjustable fork and a high price for a 400.
World press review
Meta-score
9 sources
Press ratings
Remarkable brake bite, great agility, quality suspension, a bike that does not tire you out over a track day; US version restricted between 11,000 and 15,000 rpm.
The most refined and exciting small sports bike of the moment; annoying dash buttons, no damping adjustment in the fork, power restricted on the US version.
Fun four-cylinder, precise quickshifter with blipper, balanced handling, sporty yet comfortable ergonomics, comprehensive electronics; engine must be kept on the boil, styling too close to the other Ninjas.
Welcoming position, well-judged chassis, exhilarating engine above 10,000 rpm; flat low down, quickshifter needs a firm foot, ABS sometimes intrusive on track.
Engine, brakes, dynamic effectiveness, two-way quickshifter and finish; electronics ergonomics could be better and limited room.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
The ZX-4RR has not changed technically since its launch: the reviews date from 2023, on the American 2023 or the European 2024 model year. MCN and BikeSocial rate it 4/5, Motorcycle.com 86/100 (US version, restricted at high revs) and Caradisiac 14.8/20. Cycle World, RevZilla, 1000PS, Moto.it and Le Repaire des Motards tested it without a numeric score.
What reviewers like: the unique thrill of a four-cylinder that revs beyond 15,000 rpm and its sound, a chassis and suspension rated above the class, powerful brakes, a bike that is easy and not tiring to ride, an effective two-way quickshifter and very comprehensive electronics for a 400. RevZilla calls it the most refined small sports bike on the market, Le Repaire des Motards a “small screamer” in a top-end chassis.
What they criticise: an engine that is flat below 10,000 to 12,000 rpm, a fork without damping adjustment, traction control that is sometimes imprecise (Caradisiac), dash controls that could be better, high fuel consumption when ridden hard (BikeSocial) and a high price for a 400. 1000PS finds its styling too close to the other Ninjas.
Key quotes
"For old crusties who fancy a slice of 90s pocket rocket nostalgia, or newer riders looking for their first step on the performance bike ladder the ZX-4RR delivers. There’s nothing quite like the undiluted joy of screaming a 400 to within an inch of its life."
"It’s great fun, loves to rev, is easy to ride and forgiving, too; new sports bike riders are going to love it just as much as old sports bike riders looking to remind themselves of what flat-out really means."
"From a performance standpoint, the Ninja ZX-4RR is an absolute blast on a racetrack, for sure it’s a shame that it had to be choked back by sound-emission regulations in the US market, but instead of holding that against Kawasaki, we’d prefer to give the green team kudos for reviving what was a long-lost formula to fun."
"Combined with the high-quality chassis and brake components, the result is a harmonious supersport bike that beginners and experienced riders alike will truly enjoy."
"It may not be the most effective overall, but what a pleasure it is to wring it out to the very last revs. It turns everyone back into a kid."
"Eagerly awaited, the ZX-4RR will delight young and not-so-young riders looking for a small screamer housed in a top-end chassis. The newcomer's overall effectiveness is remarkable and its running costs are lower than those of bigger bikes."
Pros
- 400 cc four-cylinder that revs beyond 15,000 rpm, unique sound
- Chassis and adjustable Showa BFRC-lite shock
- Powerful brakes
- Standard two-way quickshifter and comprehensive electronics
- Can be restricted for the A2 licence from 2027
- 4-year warranty
Cons
- Little torque low down and in the midrange
- Fork adjustable for preload only
- ABS not cornering-optimised
- Dash buttons and menus could be better
- High price for a 400
Our review
Which ZX-4RR in France and at what price?
Kawasaki France sells the 2027 Ninja ZX-4RR at €9,699, in three colours at the same price: Lime Green, Metallic Matte Carbon Gray / Metallic Spark Black and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Metallic Spark Black. The 2026 (€9,699) and 2025 (€9,599) model years remain in the range. For 2026, Kawasaki offered a €1,300 Performance Pack (carbon Akrapovič silencer, seat cowl, tank protection, smoked screen, screen protection film); the 2027 configurator only offers the Standard version.
The Ninja ZX-4R, at €8,999, shares the RR’s engine, frame and weight, but makes do with a preload-only adjustable shock (112 mm of travel instead of 124) and has no quickshifter. In the United States, the 2026 ZX-4RR is listed at $9,999 excluding destination.
What changes for 2027?
The novelty is A2 licence compatibility: Kawasaki says the ZX-4RR can now be supplied by the dealer as a 35 kW version. The cost of this restriction and the 35 kW version’s specifications have not been published. The 2027 spec sheet also gives peak torque at 13,600 rpm, against 13,000 rpm on the 2025 and 2026 sheets, with no other technical change.
How good is the engine?
The 399 cc inline-four (57 x 39.1 mm) makes 77 hp (57.0 kW) at 14,500 rpm, and 80 hp (58.7 kW) with the Ram Air effect, with 39.0 Nm of torque. The red line starts beyond 15,000 rpm. Kawasaki cites intake ports machined like the ZX-10R’s and forged camshafts. The throttle is electronic and the clutch is an assist and slipper unit.
All reviewers stress this engine’s character: it has to be revved. 1000PS notes that little happens below 12,000 rpm, Moto.it finds it flat low down and exhilarating above 10,000 rpm. BikeSocial praises the sound of four tiny pistons at 16,000 rpm. The American tests (Motorcycle.com, Cycle World, RevZilla) cover a version restricted at high revs to meet US noise regulations: their criticism of the power does not apply to the European version.
How does it ride?
The steel trellis frame uses geometry inspired by the World Superbike ZX-10RR, with a 1,380 mm wheelbase and 23.5° of rake. The 37 mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork is adjustable for preload only; the Showa BFRC-lite shock with a separate reservoir, similar in design to the ZX-10R’s, is adjustable for preload, compression and rebound. Front braking pairs twin 290 mm semi-floating discs with radial monobloc four-piston calipers.
MCN finds it agile and balanced, Motorcycle.com praises its chassis and suspension, Caradisiac rates it “above the rest of the 400s” and Cycle World notes brakes with remarkable bite. BikeSocial and RevZilla regret the lack of front damping adjustment, and Caradisiac finds the fork could do better for high-level riding. At 189 kg wet, it weighs the same as a Yamaha R7.
What electronics?
Equipment is rich for a 400: four riding modes (Sport, Road, Rain, Rider), three-level KTRC traction control that also limits wheelies, two power modes, a standard two-way quickshifter and a 4.3-inch colour TFT screen with a Circuit display and a lap timer. The ABS is not cornering-optimised and cannot be switched off; Moto.it finds it sometimes intrusive on track. There is no cruise control.
Who is it for?
According to MCN and BikeSocial, the ZX-4RR appeals as much to riders nostalgic for the small sports bikes of the 1990s as to newcomers to sports bikes; 1000PS finds it suits beginners and experienced riders alike, and Caradisiac finds it at home on road and track. From 2027, it is also open to A2 licence holders. Its riding position leans further forward than the Ninja 500’s.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
Kawasaki quotes 5.1 L/100 km, giving a range of about 295 km from the 15-litre tank; BikeSocial recorded about 5.8 L/100 km. The owner’s manual calls for an oil change every 12,000 km or every year and a valve clearance check at 24,000 km. The warranty is 4 years with unlimited mileage.
Recalls
A single recall affects this generation: in 2023, ZX-4RRs sold in the United States were recalled for a loose alternator rotor (NHTSA 23V-515). No recall has been published in Europe (Safety Gate, RappelConso).
Specifications
| Displacement | 399 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 77 hp (57.0 kW) @ 14,500 rpm — 80 hp (58.7 kW) with Ram Air |
| Torque | 39.0 Nm @ 13,600 rpm (2027 spec sheet; 13,000 rpm on the 2025 and 2026 sheets) |
| Weight | 189 kg (wet, tank over 90% full) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2.45 |
| Seat height | 800 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 15 L |
| Fuel consumption | 5.1 L/100 km — 120 g/km CO2 (Kawasaki figure) |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 12,000 km or 1 year — Valves: 24,000 km (Kawasaki 2026-2027 owner's manual) |
| Engine type | Inline four-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, 16 valves, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, assist and slipper clutch |
| License | AA2 Restrictable |
| MSRP | €9,699 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 57 x 39,1 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 12,3:1 |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection, 4 x 34 mm throttle bodies, ride-by-wire, Ram Air intake |
| Valve train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Max power RPM | 14500 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 13600 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | High-tensile steel trellis frame, welded rear subframe |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 23.5 ° |
| Trail | 97 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1380 mm |
| Ground clearance | 135 mm |
| Front suspension | 37 mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork, adjustable preload, 120 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal Back-Link Showa BFRC-lite monoshock with separate reservoir, adjustable preload, compression and rebound, 124 mm travel |
| Front brake | Dual 290 mm semi-floating discs, radial monobloc four-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | Single 220 mm disc, single-piston caliper |
| Front tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 160/60 ZR17 |
| ABS system | ABS (Nissin), not cornering-optimised, cannot be switched off |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Sport, Road, Rain, Rider |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Two-way, standard (KQS) |
| Cruise control | No |
| Dashboard | 4.3-inch colour TFT (Normal and Circuit displays, lap timer) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Kawasaki Rideology app |
| Other features | Three-level KTRC traction control, can be switched off, which also limits front wheel lift, 2 power modes (Full and Low), Ride-by-wire throttle, Assist and slipper clutch, Adjustable levers, Full LED lighting, USB socket as an accessory |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Sporty: clip-ons, pronounced forward lean |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | Full fairing, short screen |
| Payload | 180 kg |
The ZX-4RR has a sporty position, leaning further forward than the Ninja 500 according to Kawasaki, with clip-ons and an 800 mm seat. Motorcycle.com finds it the perfect size and not tiring, BikeSocial compact but roomy enough, and 1000PS sporty yet comfortable. Le Repaire des Motards finds the room limited, with the exhaust in the way of the right boot. The brake and clutch levers are adjustable. Maximum load is 180 kg, including rider, passenger and luggage.
Ownership & maintenance
~5.8 L/100 km (49 mpg recorded by Bennetts BikeSocial; over 6.3 L/100 km when ridden hard according to the same test)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~295 km (calculated from Kawasaki's figure: 15 L tank / 5.1 L/100 km)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 12,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 24,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 12,000 km |
| Chain | Wear checked every 12,000 km; tension and lubrication according to riding conditions |
Warranty
4 years / Unlimited mileage (2 years manufacturer + 2-year extension included)
Kawasaki’s owner’s manual for the 2026-2027 Ninja ZX-4R and ZX-4RR specifies a first oil change at 1,000 km, then an oil and filter change every 12,000 km or every year. Spark plugs and throttle body synchronisation come every 12,000 km, the air filter and valve clearance check at 24,000 km. Coolant is replaced every 3 years and brake fluid every 2 years; chain wear is checked every 12,000 km. The engine takes 3.0 litres of 10W-40 oil. Kawasaki France’s warranty is 4 years (2 years manufacturer plus a 2-year extension) with unlimited mileage.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR | €9,699 | 77 hp (57.0 kW) @ 14,500 rpm — 80 hp (58.7 kW) with Ram Air | 189 kg (wet, tank over 90% full) |
| Yamaha R72026 | €10,499 | 73.4 hp | 189 kg (wet) |
| Triumph Daytona 6602025 | €9,795 | 95 hp | 201 kg (wet) |
| Honda CBR650R E-Clutch2026 | €9,949 | 95 hp | 211 kg (kerb) |
| Aprilia RS 4572026 | €7,300 | 47.6 hp | 175 kg (kerb) |
| Kawasaki Ninja 5002027 | €6,599 | 45 hp | 171 kg (wet) |
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
Alternator rotor loosely fitted on the crankshaft, which may cause the engine to stall; only affects 2023 ZX-4RRs sold in the United States (rotor bolt inspected and tightened)
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