After a long period of rumors, Kawasaki has now unveiled the new ZX-4RR KRT edition for the Asian and American markets. Three versions of the ZX-4R will be released and the bike will also be available on the European market.
However, it will be some time before the models will be at the dealers. On the American market, the introduction is planned for fall, for Europe it will be presented only in the fall as a 2024 model.
Engine and performance data of the ZX-4R
An all-new, liquid-cooled 399cc inline-four four-stroke engine provides propulsion. Feedback from the Ninja Supersport machines is said to have gone into the development here, enabling direct throttle response, strong low and mid-range torque for city riding and top-end power for track use.
The DOHC inline-four with 16 valves has 399cc through a bore and stroke of 57.0 x 39.16 mm. Maximum power is reported at 77 hp and 42 Nm. It is not yet known at what rpm these values are reached. However, the red zone is supposed to start at 15,000 rpm. With Ram-Air, even 80 hp should be possible.
The control unit is very similar to that from the Z H2 and allows the use of the latest electronics. The electronic throttle bodies are 34 mm in size and are said to provide smooth and natural throttle response.
Chassis and suspension
The ZX4R is based on the ZX-25R, but it is only available in Asia and New Zealand. The chassis of the Ninja ZX-4 R, SE and RR is made of steel tubing for optimum weight distribution, high rigidity and sufficient flexibility. The engine was integrated into the frame as a load-bearing element.
The caster angle was based on the ZX-10RR from the World Superbike. The swingarm was made of steel and has an adjustment by which the weight distribution between front and rear wheel can be influenced to adjust the handling and ride.
Suspension
The ZX-4RR is equipped with a Showa 37 mm upside-down fork with separate function (Showa SFF-BP). The fork is similar to the one on the ZX-6R, but the spring rate and damping characteristics were developed specifically for the KRT Edition. This is the first use of an adjustable SFF-BP in the 400cc class. The fork is adjustable in the spring preload.
At the rear works a Showa BFRC (Balance Free Rear Cushion) shock similar to the example from the ZX-10R and also tuned specifically for the ZX-4RR. The shock can be adjusted for compression, rebound and spring preload.
Brakes
The two 290 mm brake discs at the front are semi-floating. The RR is also equipped with radially mounted 4-piston monobloc calipers. At the rear, the single 220 mm disc is captured by a single-piston caliper. The ABS is from Nissin, said to be the lightest ABS unit on the market.
Wheels
The wheels have a five-spoke design and were covered with 120/70 ZR17 front and 160/60 ZR17 rear tires.
Equipment of the ZX-4RR KRT Edition
The engine’s power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a six-speed transmission. When shifting through the gears, the Kawasaki Quick Shifter assists (when shifting up and down). Of course, a slipper clutch is not to be missed.
The traction control can be regulated in three stages. Optionally, it can also be completely deactivated. There are two modes for the engine’s power. In addition to full power, a limited maximum power and a milder throttle response can also be set. This is then combined via three different pre-configured and a freely configurable Riding Mode.
The settings can be made via the fully digital 4.3-inch (10.92 cm) TFT color instrument. In addition, it is equipped with a Circuit Mode, which can be used to measure lap times on the race track. Otherwise, there is a digital speedometer, digital bar tachometer, gear indicator, shift indicator by flashing tachometer, fuel gauge, odometer, two trip meters, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, trip time, coolant temperature, clock, smartphone connectivity and more.
Brake and clutch levers are adjustable in five positions. The weight of the Kawasaki ZX-4RR KRT Edition is specified fully fueled with 188 kg.
Optional accessories
Kawasaki will offer various optional accessories for the ZX-4RR, including a sport seat, USB outlet, pillion seat cover, frame protectors, fuel tank pads, radiator cover and more.
Difference of the Kawasaki ZX-4R, ZX-4RR and ZX-4R SE
In the media here are the wildest rumors about the equipment of the different models. Partly there is talk that the traction control will be adjustable up to 9 times, the suspension will not be adjustable or that the ZX-4R will have only a single brake disc at the front.
There is no reliable information on this yet and Kawasaki has not confirmed anything specific here either. However, the ZX-4RR KRT Edition that has now been presented is supposed to be the top model, so it can be assumed that the other models will be launched on the market somewhat slimmed down. Presumably, you have to do without the quickshifter and the traction control.
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