Why the Kawasaki Ninja ZX4-RR is USeless 

I want this bike. Kawasaki is just flexing at this point. Not for power or performance figures or anything but we're entering an era where inline-4 bikes are being phased out just as the inline-6 was, but in favor of more emissions friendly twin-cylinder bikes. Literally everybody is retooling their four cylinder product lines for parallel-twins. Except Kawi (and to some degree Aprilia and Ducati but those V4s are less track toys and more like land based ICBMs)! They're doubling down because the muscle (read: money) behind Kawasaki Heavy Industries doesn't come from selling bikes but literally powering industry and infrastructure. This product is Kawasaki's fuck-you-money at work. It's a vulgar display of power and I'm here for it!

I've always liked small displacement 4 cylinders, I'm totally stoked about the ZX4-RR

I think this will be a nice alternative to using a ZX6R on the street. Better ergos, decent power, that inline 4 sound, decent suspension, and you can use more of the gears besides the first 3 without going to jail. I’m all for it. Oh…and it will be waaaaay more reliable than an Aprilia.

As a 10R owner, I've been waiting on this little gem to drop for almost 2 years now since they hinted at it. It seems the perfect little fun number that you can probably ride the everliving piss out of.

US also has a different motorcycle community/lifestyle. I dont think the zx25r was released in the US, it is super expensive for a 250 but it sold a lot here in the Philippines. Zx4r is high anticipated here as well. Inline 4 and expressway legal. (Philippine expressways/freeways has 400cc requirement for motorcycles)

To me this is the perfect bike. I’m in my late 30s and have ridden everything under the sun. Went to college to understand the full suite of engineering that goes into bikes and high perf engines. These days I love the sound of a high rev i4, but I don’t like that to hear the engine scream you need to destroy every speed limit in the country. This gives a nice chance to hear the engine scream while not guaranteeing a speeding ticket, or worse. “A race bike for the street” is a nice way to look at it. Plenty of performance, great for skinny guys like me, but won’t try to kill you just for thinking about the throttle. The track goodies are a nice touch because it means I won’t have to go spend another 5-10k in prep for a competent machine. Even if you never go to the track, this bike could be a dream ride for a LOT of people like me. Power is fun, speed is fun, but paying 30k for a bike you will never be able to wring out is just not fun. Sub $12k isn’t as bad as it sound when you factor the extras which would typically cost another $5k over the base bike when added aftermarket.

I think with the death of the traditional 600 this is a good thing. Someone has to be first. I would love to see this become a spec class type race bike.

Honestly the new kawasaki is a great bike. To me it would be a fun all around sportbike that's light and nimble but still fast. I've always admired the ninja 400 and the zx4r has just enough electronics to add and put it over the top.

Gotta encourage innovation like this, no need to hate! Props to Kawi! I put down my deposit today.

Well idk about anyone else in the US. But im sure as hell buying a zx4RR over the r7 and the rs660 for street and track use. The bike is perfect. God Bless Kawasaki and their engineers.

I've got a RS660 and a R3, I'm in the middle of setting the R3 up as a track only bike but the ZX4rr might take it's place.

Finally a 4 cylinder in the cheap insurance category. Other brands need to get on board with it.

This bike just released here in PH fews days ago. Seen some videos of slip ons and also removing catalytic without a check engine. Sounds freakin insane!!! This is gonna be a blast on the twisties!! You guys gonna love this little screamer!! Also the handle bars are a little bit lower compared to a Zx25r and seat height also a little bit taller.

Best thing about this bike is the pressure it places on the other manufacturers to make similar electronics available on all bikes below 1000cc.

Even though you could argue you might as well buy a used 600. Here in Norway where we can’t get new 600’s, and we have low and strictly enforced speed limits. I can see how the zx4 could be a good way to have fun and be able to enjoy the screaming engine here.

I am in the middle of building an RS660 race bike. If the zx4rr came out last fall, I probably would be building one of those instead. These look like they are going to be a blast, and kinda kicking myself!! That said I think the RS660 will be a better track bike in the end. Lighter, bigger rear tire, more HP and a lot more TQ. I am up in New England and race with NEMRR and they have a 400cc classes and I believe other organizations like CCS and WERA do also . Little fyi NEMRR is the group that is putting together the 100th running of the Loudon Classic with a $200,000 purse. That is a middleweight race though, but a bunch of heavy hitters have entered that race. Should be a crazy race.

These will sell well but I'm telling you that advanced riders are going to buy and appreciate this bike more than intermediates and noobs. Advanced riders tend to enjoy and appreciate the top end explosiveness of an I4 engine-- where as intermediates and lower complain about it usually and prefer the linear instant torque of a twin or 3-- with the 3 cyl being an interesting mix of the two-- next, it's usually intermediates and lower who have gotten "comfortable" on a 650 or less that now think it's time to upgrade to a liter bike so this 79 HP screamer isn't going to appeal to them at all. It's not going to be good for wheelie's and isn't going to be straight line insano fast and that's basically all the average rider once they're comfy with the basics. If you need any further proof see how 600s sell next to torque-y naked bikes that corner like shit and see how Suzuki GSX-S750 sold poorly compared to MT09's even tho they blow MT09's off the track--- the biggest complaints was "makes all it's power up top" lol--- yeah like an actual sport bike.... But for an advanced rider that does fast cornering and hits the track more than a few times a year.... oooo this is going to be fun..... wring that MF out to a high pitched screaming 15k rpm but laying down modest power = max fun for shredding it up. And as for comparatively why you'd buy this over a zx6.... this is going to be a bit more comfy obv like the Ninja 400 and see my sentence above. I have a GSXR600 in my stable and I'd still like to add a ZX4.

Anyone worried about the price is buying a used 600 or 1000, easily. This looks like a great step up from the cbr500 i got last year. Plenty fast and a solid package on top.

so friggin stoked for this. Pure character and fun. Just what the MC industry needs right now with all the endless triples and v-twins

I'd buy one. I live in Quebec, under 400cc pays the smaller registration of $480, rather than the obscene $1900 for most other supersports, or even $700 for anything not high risk over 400cc. Just under that threshhold, having the 4 cylinder sound, being able to actually rev it out without committing multiple felonies, and being able to actually afford to operate it without financial ruin is perfect for me.

Oh and I like both versions of your plan. Having something that is more street friendly, but capable of track days sounds brilliant to me. I sat in the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT yesterday at lunch and I honestly might like it more than the Tuono 660 and Triumph Street Triple 765 from a practicality and where and how I am really likely to ride frequently standpoint. I was really impressed. Lots of tech, comfy, but still plenty fast/exciting.

Dude, it’s not a beginner bike…. Kawasaki vs Aprillia is a NO brainer. It’s sad how many Americans just don’t get it. The new Kawasaki 400 is a gift!! I’m personally grateful one of the Japanese manufacturers have decided to bring us one of the small bikes they’ve always previously withheld from US shores probably because they knew most Americans just DONT GET IT…. Sad but true. The more of these videos I’ve seen about this bike just reinforce that

Id buy it still honestly. Especially for the sound. Its supposedly, supposed to be something similar to the zx25r in Indonesia, and if it sounds anything like the zx25r, that sound alone is worth it, especially for a beginner

Wait... 16K red line, 4 cylinders, auto blip down and quick shift up as a stock bike? Take my f*cking money 💰 💰💰

Love my zx4rr, best bike ive owned that brings the biggest smiles on my face riding through the hinterlands. Any who says youll be bored on this bike, cant corner

It’s almost the price of a Zx6r. I’d get it if I didn’t buy my ninja 400….

i can imagine this being the best begginner bike since the lack of torque at low revs means you have to rev it out to use it properly, people complain about bikes being gutless at low rpm but to me it makes the bike more fun and most importantly more engaging so i dont lose focus while riding

I know you were always just messing around and that’s cool but fwiw I notice and appreciate that you’ve cut out some of the old” insults” or whatever you’d call that. It’s just a vibe when you’re chill straight through without the one liners. Vibes are everything as I hit my 30’s I ain’t got time for ppl unless they pass the check. Subbed for passing the vibe check. 😂

The word useless isn't used in the video. This kind of clickbait is like an old tabloid magazine = cheap. Glad to see the summary come around favorably on the ZX-4, because evaluating it purely on objective merit misses the point when just about everything is gravitating to the 270 degree parallel twin. Part of motorcycling has always been about powerplant diversity, the small I4 has gone mostly silent for a while and the ZX-4R/RR will introduce a generation to the unique qualities of this configuration (incl crank and firing) before it's gone forever. Yeah they're pricey, but they have the parts and cost of a 600, or 1000, which is why 400s never caught on in the U.S. 30 years ago. 400s have never been about power per dollar. The ZX may become niche but it'll be appreciated.

Some people don't understand the potential and feelings on a small displacement inline four.....

Adobo you know you want one. Face it that kid or wife of yours is gonna love it 😀💕

The main problem is that it costs almost the same as the ninja 636.

I'm stoked as hell to see the return of the "hero class" mini 4 banger like the late 80's and early 90's. I think the '88-'89 FZR400 is the only other thing the US ever got like this. I'm way into it, but I admit I worked in a bike shop as a teenager, raced 2 stroke Italian GP and lived in the Alps in my 20's so I'm might not have typical 'Merican taste

When buying a motorcycle, your paying for the engine and its technology. That’s why it’s $10K.

The Zx4R is actually perfect for the European A2 Class. I ride a Zxr 400 right now and it's by far the most fun A2 bike out there because of the amazing sound you can get and the way you can throw it around on track

He right, price wise. Rs 660 has more tec than the zx4r.

In Southeast Asia i had a brand new 2021 Kawasaki ZX25R as my first bike ever. It's well equipped with 2 directional KQS, ok-level suspension front and back and few adjustable riding mode. Not a fast nor quick bike but it gave me confident and safety revs the sh*t out without scaring im over speed. Fun bike on both track and normal riding as i am a new rider. Planned to upgrade to ZX4R right after i heard the news but im bet i gotta wait for some discount

For the US, it may be a head scratcher, but here in Canada where they charge you so much premium for anything over 500cc and even more so over 750cc, this is like a GODSEND. the cost to run is more than double of what you would normally pay for once you get into usage cost over 3 years compared to a larger displacement bike. Besides, with the kind of roads we have here, and the lack of tracks this is quite pleasing.

Hello my friend, I love watching your videos. One of the reasons for this engine to come out is the unique rules of the countries. For example, I live in the Canadian province of Quebec. Here, if you want to buy Ninja zx6, you have to pay 1900 dollars per year as it is over 400cc and is in the risk category. When insurance and other expenses are added, it means an annual cost of about 2500 dollars. But if you buy an engine under 400cc, it costs about $450 per year and the insurance fee decreases. So you pay 2000 dollars less per year to the government and that's not a small amount of money.

You haven’t ridden my CB-1 yet - so you have actually no clue what this is about - again you’re not the target audience but I appreciate your take

I think the price is just right, I mean it's between the kawasaki 650 and the 636. And this is also the ZX4-RR which is the higher spec, which means that the lower specs are even cheaper! I'm excited and Kawi would not have spent so much R&D on this if they didn't think it would sell. I believe the "middleweight" sportbike segment is a potential goldmine for these manufacturers. I mean look at the RS660 and the R7, Kawi is carving their own spot with their offering, and I think the screaming I4 engine is a huge draw for many people who are tired of twins and also can't get a 600 and/or can't afford a 1000. Might pick one up in a year or so. Right now I'm trading my MT07 for a ZX6R!

Twins are boring. Screaming 4 cylinders are from a better era. Superb that kawasaki have taken this leap back into a fantastic platform.

Just got my order in today, wouldn't sleep on this one!

This is going to be a really fun bike to ride

Just put the first deposit down on one at my local dealer. Will have one in may/June. Excited for it, can't wait to hear it rev.

Been riding since I was 5 years old just bought the zx4 RR 40th anniversary buttery smooth handling and I've owned GSXR 750 great new bike to add to my collection already own a ZX6R

Pretty excited. My local retailer just took my deposit for the KRT ZX4-RR. I'm numero 1 on the waitlist for the 3 they are getting this year. 😬

This guy hates everything that isn't Aprilia

I was expecting to dislike your take because something we actually agree on lol. I am so used to my fellow riders in the U.S. to talk down on anything that is not a 1000 or 600 that I expected you to say something about not being powerful enough. I agree with your take on the track for sure and I actualy think this is the best option for swapping street/track if only the price was a little lower it would be perfect. Even with the cost I think this is definitely going to be my next bike especially since I no longer club race and only do track days. I appreciate your vid though and like and subscribed because rational riders aren't always easy to find haha. Take care.

It's the perfect bike for entry GPs in southeast asia. We still race 150cc underbones out here, the next up to that are the lightweight class. Shout out to Clyde Relativo who did track in the US and embarrassed liter bikes on a ninja 300.

We have it here in the PH, literally an engine beefed up ZX25R with additional bells and whistles. Much awaited 400cc with around 30 years gap from its previous release. I dunno there in the US, but here in PH there's a huge chunk of the motorcycle community going crazy about this bike because of the specs and price it has to offer. Good luck on your additional collection!

Where I live the Licensing for Motorcycles goes like this, M1, M2 then M. While you’re M2, you can not insure a SuperSport 600cc bike, if you want 600cc or more you have to go with a Sport Touring or Naked bike. So for me, this bike make all the sense in the world, and it’s only 2k higher MSRP than the regular old Ninja 400. I get why it wouldn’t make sense for a number of people, but for people like me, it’s a damn blessing LOL ✌🏻🤘🏻

This bike really catches my interest with the true track focused build. Question is would fitting a wider tire be suitable on this bike or should you not increase width size from a 160mm?

Kumusta ka! I just learned about it the other day and am SUPER excited. I miss the old days of the 400cc I4. Some of us prefer to have all the handling and agility, without the insane level of speed that comes with the bigger bikes. If I can find one to test drive, I will probably buy it. I just need to make sure it will still provide the fun factor to my old 230lb self! We will see!

Dude this will be a beast on the track, imagine how light that will be. Zx25r body with a 400cc inline-4 engine wtf man!

As with many things...the rest of the world think nothing of american consumers opinion. Zx4RR is going to be a legend

The only thing I care about is that engine screaming as I rev the s*** out of it. :D This thing is everything I ever wanted, a 4-cylinder that you can rev like crazy on the street and not land immediately in jail. And it is under 200 kg and it has up and down QS. chef´s kiss

I love this, I would have preferred the 250 and the analog dash but I love it

Finally someone who hit some real points about this bike

I'm picking up my new zx4rr this Tuesday! Can't wait for it.

This bike is not just for beginners. Its an enthusiast bike.

I think you’re discounting the Motorsport theater. For a weekend rider, you get to experience all of that race bike sound, feel, and feature set, at street speeds. And for the guy looking to get into track day riding, it’s a much more accessible entry point than a 600. Focus on honing rider skill rather than masking deficiencies with power.

This will be a true enthusiasts bike, no one else is going to pay the premium for the 400RR !

I think we are stoked on this

The thing is, most motorcycle schools (or at least the ones in my state) need less than 400. Its one CC under, so i could buy it and go get my motorcycle license using it in the school. I want that screamer, but I want to go get my license with it.

I live in the midwest, US. I've been walking into dealers with a literal tall stack in hand, plus some extra for TT&L and no one would take my money. And no one can tell me when to show up again. I'm ready to go and no dealer wants to make the first move.

Its the prefect bike for younger guys 18/25 that want a SS but cant afford insurance on a 600SS but don't want a twin.

do you know. US people ask that 400cc inline 4.😊 not everyone race everyday. ijust love the sounds.

This new ZX4RR should be a great bike on track and on your local super twisty backroads. Especially if your local ride out are roads like the Isle of Man tt, where it's twisty, undulating, hedgerows and farm traffic etc. (I'm from the North of England) The old ZXR400 L still has a fantastic following at club level. And is where most people learn to cut their teeth on track (or with an sv 650 in minitwins) to the point where (truly) non raced, good examples are very, very hard to find. Every can say about having the latest greatest litre bike, but onboard something like this, you will probably be safer, faster and have the opportunity to become a better rider, than the average mortal can do on the newest 200hp ICBM. If you think you're too good of a rider for 'only' 400cc, you probably need to get better & do more advanced tuition.

Think it was 2020 or 2021, I read about a rumored 496cc triple Kawi was developing, I really really wish that had come true.

I want one because uk we dont have 600cc anymore and we dont have roads for 1000cc to be used. I want inline 4 screaming in my ear on the road to work and i dont want a tourer i want a track bike for the road which this fits the bill the budget doesn’t really matter it has no competition in the uk

All facts man. Price way too high.

You would love the DRZ bro! You could go anywhere with it. I miss mines, I wouldn’t mine getting another one.

Honestly I think Kawasaki's biggest competitor that no one talks about, is them selves. Dont get me wrong, I love everything about the new zx4r but the price. at msrp roughly close to 10k, whats the point in getting that when you can spend another thousand and get a full on zx6r. I think the zx4r is overpriced for what it is. I think this bike would of been a killer if it was a thousand dollars cheaper than the r7. Just like the price difference on the ninja 400 and the r3. I dont know what Kawasaki is cooking up, but I hope this doesnt meant the end of the zx6r.

The ZX-6R makes sense for those that want a track-bike only sport bike.

That might be the a great bike in Philippines since it is 400cc expressway legal. Some are joking that they (zx25 owners) will sell the zx25r quickly once the zx4r was sold here.

At 10k and 80 hp … I just am not sure … I’m now 58 years old … and I’m 5ft 6in tall 165 lbs … this bike is 415 lbs … and that what I’ve been looking for… I love an in line 4 over a twin … but that’s me … can you imagine if this bike was 115 hp with 16k RPMs .. wow …. I’m going to do my research through 2023 / 2024 on aftermarket mods and see if I can push this bike to 115 hp without busting the bank to much … big bikes aren’t fun to move around for me anymore…. And I wouldn’t call myself a super race guy … so the bike bikes are outta my league… those bikes I have to admit are for bigger better guys … I just want to rip the interstate safe but fast … point a to be … I have a 24 mile drive and a nice interstate to fly on …. I would really love to have this bike … but I’m going to wait till April 2024 .that’s not to far away 🏆👍👍😁

The misunderstanding of "torque number" in the rider community makes me want to quit motorcycling

Myself and my brother from another mother got them coming. 😅 💜

I have a VFR400R, by far my favourite bike to ride... There's just something about ringing the neck out a small displacement

Thank you Kawasaki. Suzuki and Honda lost their balls long time ago.

That bike will rock the Isle of Man Mountain Course soon....on the lightweight class

The successor of the ZXR400 in line 4 screamer.....

I just want to hear that bike screaming at 15k+ rpm

Tuono 660 is the one for you. Has the uprights of the ZX but the fun of the RS. Just load it up with the QS. Or just get the factory.

I feel like the cbr650r is even better

I asked a Kawasaki rep recently about this bike, specifically “for the price what does the rr have the 6r doesn’t? besides the 4cyl” he went into the specs and said “well actually the 6r packs a couple more features 😅”. I’m happy the 4rr exists and I hope other manufacturers introduce 4cyl small bikes but the price makes it not for me. For context, on my nearest K dealership the 6r is just a couple hundred more than the 4rr.

Can't wait to have that ninja 400RR in my garage,I heard they're not making too many ,so I'm sure they'll worth money later. 😉

I own zx14, but i always like small bike. Better ride small bike fast in the corner rather than big bike but only fast in straight line.

An extra 1k and you get a ZX6R. This price is ridiculous.

This motorcycle makes a lot of sense in my province in Canada. A 399cc costs 1200$ less per year than a ZX-6R because it doesn't fall in the "high risk" class.

I really wanted this bike, but that's $4,000 more than I was expecting it to sell for. *I see this as the perfect blending of a little fun in town 300cc and an r6.* It's what I'd rather have from either of those bikes: more rev happy than a 300 and more power so you'll never be unable to hang, but more town fun than the r6. But at $12k?? I can get a pair of R6's for that. I could get an R6 and a dual sport, plus have hawaii kind of money leftover.

It depends on the country/region if were talking about the price, European auto are so expensive here in the Philippines. RS660 costs about 900k Php more or less here, its about 16300 Usd.

I went with street triple R. Awesome bike

Excellent analysis

In Canada they limited the bike to 11500 rpm for noise regulations, how cool is that 😂

Where did you read about the RR, R & SE? any info about the differences yet? Would love to get one for a track bike.

Y'all seem so excited about this bike, but here in the Philippines, it just looks like a ZX250R with a 400cc engine swap and I bet some of you don't know that ZX250R exists. A Filipino motovlogger did a video about the ZX400RR and it seemed like they just used the ZX25R platform then did some upgrades and engine swap. He compared it side by side and I can barely notice the difference. But nevertheless I can't complain knowing that there's another beautiful screaming I-4 added to the kawi line up. PS. ZX4R nalang bilihin mo kabayan na adobomoto hahaha

Only reason i would not go aprillia is the dealer net work and reliability since the rs660 is already cracking blocks

We all expected the ZX4-RR to cost almost as much as the ZX6R because of all of its features and a 399cc cost around as much as a 636 to build.