All-new 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R and ZX-4RR revealed

Kawasaki has revealed two all-new middleweight sportsbikes that feature a liquid-cooled 399cc inline four-cylinder engine.

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R and Ninja ZX4RR are expected to hit Australian shores later this year, but pricing is yet to be announced.

Kawasaki confirms the middleweight siblings will not be LAMS compliant, suggesting a power-to-weight ratio that exceeds the requirements for learner-friendly motorcycles in Australia – and a healthy dose of performance for each.

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Both bikes will feature a central Ram Air intake, a six-speed transmission paired with a slipper clutch, a lightweight steel trellis frame, dual 290mm front discs and a single 220 rear disc, and 15L fuel tanks. The pair will also share a 188kg wet weight, and an 800mm seat height.

In the electronics department, there will be four integrated riding modes with traction control settings, twin LED lights, a TFT display with circuit mode, and smartphone connectivity.

Separating the two models then is the up-spec RR’s Showa SFF-BP fork with adjustable preload and horizontal back-link suspension with a Showa BFRC lite shock. The R version also has Showa suspension, but no preload adjustment.

Also exclusive to the RR version is a quick shifter, and race-inspired KRT Edition graphics.

The newcomers will effectively revive a niche for the Australian motorcycle market: 400cc in-line four-cylinder sportsbikes. While several ‘grey import’ 400cc sports models have popped up in Australia over the years – like Honda’s V4-powered VFR400 or Yamaha’s inline four-cylinder FRZ400 – 400cc inline four-cylinder sportsbikes have largely remained the preserve of the European and Japanese markets, although the Suzuki GSX-R400 was available here as an official import in the mid to late 1980s.

Final specifications and pricing for both the Ninja ZX-4R and Ninja ZX-4RR will be revealed closer to the expected arrival date in the third quarter of 2023. Kawasaki is yet to reveal any power figures.

It is also unclear what this means for the existing Kawasaki Ninja 400, which is powered by a 399cc parallel-twin motor. Given that the Ninja 400 is LAMS-compliant, it is likely Kawasaki will retain it in its line-up.