In February 2023, Kawasaki officially announced the Ninja ZX-4R series of Supersports equipped with a newly developed 399cc liquid-cooled, parallel four-cylinder engine. It was also announced that the model is being prepared for introduction in Japan in the fall of 2023. With the introduction of a full-fledged sports model after a long absence, the 400cc class, which has been stagnant except for a few models, may attract more attention than ever before!
The rumored new 4-cylinder 400cc model has finally been officially announced!
As reported on various websites, Kawasaki has officially announced the Ninja ZX-4R series of Supersports equipped with the new 400cc liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine in North America and Europe.
Based on the specifications and various image data, this model is believed to have been developed based on the Ninja ZX-25R chassis with a steel trellis frame. The engine is a completely new 399cc liquid-cooled, parallel DOHC 4-valve 4-cylinder with a maximum output of 77 hp for European specifications. There are many differences from the ZX-25R, such as double-disc front brakes, wider front and rear tires, and full-color gauges! The ZX-25R is a very lightweight, lightweight, and lightweight vehicle. The weight of the ZX-25R is only about 5 kg more than the ZX-25R. It definitely looks like it will run.
In the 2000s, the「400cc」class, which had developed as a unique class in Japan due to stricter environmental regulations and the globalization of motorcycle production, continued to see lineup reductions, and the CB400 SuperFour and SuperBoldor models of Honda will be discontinued in 2022. The four-cylinder models will disappear when production of the Honda CB400 SuperFour/SuperBordure ends in 2022. However, Kawasaki is about to usher in a new era by introducing a new model that complies with the latest emission regulations at this time.
Will the new Kawasaki 4-cylinder attract renewed interest in other models?
Kawasaki's new Ninja ZX-4R series is announced to have a maximum output of 77 hp (European specifications). This is the highest horsepower value ever announced for a 400cc class production model, far exceeding the 61 horsepower of the Suzuki GSR400, which received a minor change in 2009 after the removal of voluntary regulations. The current 400cc sports models use parallel two-cylinder or single-cylinder engine formats, and if horsepower alone is considered, the ZX-4R series wins hands down. It can be said that there are no rivals.
However, the ZX-4R is priced at $9699 in North America, which translates to about 1.26 million yen at 130 yen to the dollar. This is a high price that might make one hesitate to purchase it.
Nevertheless, as was the case when the ZX-25R was introduced in the 250cc class, the new ZX-4R should draw attention to this class. This is one place to recheck the current sports models in this class prior to the launch of the ZX-4R.
According to the 2021 edition of driver's license statistics published by the National Police Agency, there were 1,054,288 regular motorcycle license holders and 8,170,421 large motorcycle license holders. However, due to a former revision of the driver's license system, a large motorcycle license was automatically attached to those who held a driver's license other than a small special license or a motorized bicycle license by August 1965.
So, comparing the number of people under the age of 40, there are 2,464,249 owners of regular motorcycle licenses and 549,721 owners of large motorcycle licenses. Although motorcycles in the large motorcycle license class are highly popular in Japan today, a surprisingly large number of people are enjoying motorcycles limited to 400 cc or less.
So, check out the sport bikes in the maximum displacement range that can be ridden with a standard motorcycle license. This time, we picked up models that have already been discontinued as of February 2023, and models with displacements of 350 cc or less, which are smaller than the full-size 400 cc models.
Here's a sportbike in the largest displacement range you can ride with a regular motorcycle license!
HONDA CBR400R
Aggressive appearance and equipment
A 399cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 46 hp is mounted on a steel frame in this full-cowl supersport. From the 2022 model year, the front forks are inverted (Showa SFF-BP) and the front brakes are double disc with new Nissin radial-mount calipers, further improving the sportiness.
Weighing 192 kg, it is heavier than other sports models in this class, but its main attraction is that despite its aggressive looks, it also pursues friendly maneuverability. Unfortunately, in terms of performance based on specification comparisons, it is a step behind the Kawasaki Ninja 400, which has the same parallel-twin engine, but for Honda fans seeking a 400cc sports model, this is currently the only choice.
KAWASAKI Ninja 400
Attractive lightweight body shared with 250
The current model from the 2018 model year onward was developed at the same time as the Ninja 250 and uses a chassis with common basic parts. As a result, the Ninja 250 is equipped with a steel trellis frame and a 398 cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder engine (48 hp), yet weighs only 167 kg. The rear wheel is one size wider than that of the 250, and radial tires are chosen for both the front and rear.
Similar to the relationship between Ninja 250 and Ninja ZX-25R, Ninja 400 should be sold together even after Ninja ZX-4R is introduced to the market. The 2023 Ninja 400 will cost 759,000 yen, which is probably about 500,000 yen more than the ZX-4R, and may attract attention in terms of cost performance in addition to being about 20 kg lighter than the ZX-4R.
KAWASAKI Z400
Naked version with an even lower price and more flexibility
Based on the full-cowl supersport Ninja 400, the Z400 is a streetfighter made into a bar-handle naked model. It, too, is powered by a 398cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 48 hp. Weighing only 166 kg, 1 kg lighter than the Ninja 400, the Z400's bar-handle design gives it even greater flexibility.
Like the Ninja 400, it has basic equipment, such as an upright front fork and axial-type front brake caliper, but it also complies with the latest emission regulations and is priced at a relatively reasonable (approx.) 5220 USD. It is also suitable for riders with a standard motorcycle license who want to use the bike flexibly, from touring to daily use.
KTM-RC390
More attractive with a full charge for the 2022 model year.
This Indian-produced supersport by an Austrian manufacturer is equipped with a steel trellis frame and a 373cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 44 hp.
Fully remodeled for the 2022 model year, the new model features a redesigned frame that is approximately 1.5 kg lighter, improved engine mapping, and new color meters.
It features fully adjustable WP inverted front forks and WP rear mono-shock with adjustable preload and rebound damping. Traction control and ABS with a lean angle sensor that can be canceled only at the rear wheel are standard equipment, and a quick shifter that can be used in both directions is available as an option.
The 2023 model is priced at 850,000 yen (+9,000 yen for the GP color version).
Although it has a single-cylinder engine, it is an attractive "foreign vehicle" that can be ridden with a standard motorcycle license.
KTM 390 Duke
A standard model of a non-licensed vehicle for ordinary motorcycles
Like the full-cowl RC390, the 373cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 44 hp is mounted on a tubular steel trellis frame. It is armed with WP's inverted front fork and rear mono-shock, which belong to the same group. However, the 390 Duke's handlebars are bar-type. This allows the rider to swing the machine more freely on the street.
It is well equipped with a full-color display and ABS that can be canceled only on the rear side. Although the price of motorcycles continues to rise for both domestic and foreign brands, the 2023 model is still set at (approx.) 5670 USD, an increase of 225 USD over the previous year (the 2023 RC390 is (approx.) 6305 USD in standard color). Considering the price alone, this could be considered a realistic foreign motorcycle.
HUSQVARNA Wittpillen 401
Cafe racer type with agility
This is a classic modern café racer-style sports model, which means white arrow in the Swedish language where Husqvarna was born. Developed based on KTM's 390 Duke, which is now a group brand, it has a tubular steel trellis frame and a 373cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 44 hp.
The front and rear wheels are the classic wire-spoke type, while the front and rear suspension is made by WP and the front fork is an inverted type. The front brake calipers are radial-mounted by Brembo's Vibe brand. It is equipped with a quick shifter that can be used in both directions, and the handlebars are a separate type that clips onto the top bridge.
Like KTM's 390 series, it is a sports model that can be ridden with ease.
