2027 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R First Look: Everyday Power, Supersport Handling

Small-displacement inline-four motorcycles were popular in the 1980s and 1990s. As large-displacement models became more accessible and parallel twins became more efficient in the early 2000s, the small-bore inline-four segment fell out of favor, at least in the United States.

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With ever-tightening emissions norms and inline-four sportbikes becoming more expensive, Kawasaki wants to revive that segment with the Ninja ZX-4R, which returns to the US for 2027. This Kawi sportbike offers the thrill of a small, high-revving mill and sharp handling at a starting MSRP of $9,299.

The 2027 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Is A Miniature Supersport

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R (and the higher-spec ZX-4RR) is, as the company puts it, designed to combine real-world power with circuit-level handling. It does so with a high-revving inline-four powerplant, a compact chassis, and high-spec hardware, all wrapped in aggressive Ninja ZX styling inspired by larger models. The ZX-4R returns for 2027 unchanged.

High-Revving Inline-Four Engine

Kawasaki

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The Kawi mini-supersport maintains the 399cc inline-four engine with RAM air intake, producing 56 horsepower at 11,500 rpm and 26.5 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm. The manufacturer says this mill is quick-revving, with strong low- to mid-range for city riding and high-rpm performance for track riding. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a 6-speed transmission with an assist and slipper clutch. The Ninja ZX-4RR features a bidirectional quickshifter as standard.

Trellis Frame, Showa Suspension, And Monobloc Calipers

Kawasaki

The engine is held in a steel trellis frame, paired with Showa suspension. The base model features a 37mm Showa SFF-BP fork and a horizon back-link Showa monoshock with adjustable spring preload. The ZX-4RR upgrades to a higher-spec Showa fork with preload adjustment and a fully adjustable Showa BFRC Lite rear shock.

Braking comes from dual 290mm semi-floating discs with radial-mount 4-piston monobloc calipers up front and a single 220mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the rear. The 5-spoke cast wheels wear Dunlop GPR300 radial tires, designed for urban and light-spirited riding. The entire package weighs 414.5 pounds wet.

Supersport-Like Ergonomics, TFT Display, And Basic Rider Aids

Kawasaki

The Ninja ZX-4R features supersport-inspired ergonomics, with a 31.5-inch seat designed for sporty riding. For tech, it gets LED lighting and a 4.3-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity. Rider aids such as 3-level traction control, ABS, 3 power modes, and 4 riding modes, including 1 custom mode, help manage the bike’s performance.

2027 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R And ZX-4RR Price And Availability

The 2027 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R is available in Metallic Spark Black at an MSRP of $9,299, while the ZX-4RR has an MSRP of $9,999, available in Lime Green, Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Spark Black, and Metallic Matte Graphene Gray/Metallic Spark Black colorways. The ZX-4RR KRT Edition does not return for 2027. The Ninja ZX-4R models will be available at US dealerships later this month.

2027 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R And ZX-4RR Gallery

2027 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R And ZX-4RR Specifications

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