2024 Kawasaki ZX4RR | First Ride Review

[@rbmedia771]

Back in the deep, dark 1990's, I had a ZXR400 and a Honda NC30 and felt like an absolute god every single time I rode. Now I'm fat and no longer bendy, I couldn't even fit on this but I can dream! Thank you for doing what you do-keeping me young, at least in my head!

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

You were skinny, back in the 90's but now you're fat and not bendy? You might be my long lost twin brother.

[@MotoTourIreland]

Had a CBR400RR Triarm in the 90s. Yes, I could not get far on one now.

[@Teatimeted]

I had a 1990 grey import NC30 in the mid 2000's. Loved that bike, but it was so uncomfortable. Got laughed at by some neds in 'hot hatch' once for pretty much lying down on the tank while riding.... It was the only way to take all the weight off my spuds.

[@MotoTourIreland]

@@Teatimeted Mashed Spudz? I remember it well. Constant slide down into the tank.

[@vainparasite]

Was it the maroon or the blue metallic one? Loads of the lads I used to ride with had those colours of zxr400. I'm sure they must have done a race rep in some green outfit though too 👍👍

[@peterwilson8039]

As a 70 year old man, I like to be aggressive on a bike. I like to get on it a bit, but it doesn’t help if ‘getting on it a bit” means 150 mph. The most fun I ever had on a motorcycle was probably on the 350cc two stroke twin I owned fifty years ago.

[@MaverickAus]

RD350LC? Awesome bikes.

[@peterwilson8039]

@@MaverickAus Mine was more humble, an air cooled R5, but still a light and easy bike to handle, that could spin the back tire and simultaneously launch the front wheel skyward. At the time the RD350 was the hot bike for young guys, that and the three cylinder 350 cc two-stroke Kawasaki triples. That was an awesome bike too.

[@MaverickAus]

@@peterwilson8039 I had the 1982 GPz550 which was bloody awesome, but a mate had the LC which I loved riding. It really was good fun to ride and would easily wheelie especially when you hit powerband.

[@alant383]

It's a great little screamer but why does it weigh so much? 415lb is about 50lb more than my old gixxer k1 1000. They skimped on the frame design in my opinion, made of tubular steel vs alloy

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

That would have been so much fun. Im only just beginning in my mid 40's. Stay safe and enjoy life

[@markfranks1329]

A small capacity, 'Liquid cooled, 16 valve, inline-4'. Ah, lovely! Specifications that are indeed fading fast from the motorcycle lexicon. A breath of fresh air after what's become, '8 valve, parallel twin with, wait for it, .... a 270° crank' . This is wonderful, Kawasaki!

[@jaysoncrichton-stuart9727]

Subscribed! Best quote “absolutely screwing the knackers on it-so to speak” This is the first video I’ve seen of yours Kate and I have to say I’m hooked on the way you’ve reviewed this! This is the bike that made me want to do my direct access. I’ve got my Mod 2 in a week, then I’m getting my zx4rr anniversary. Cannot wait!

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

Flipping heck, what a bike to get after Mod2! Look far ahead, say what you see, vehicles, side roads, signage, other road furniture, say it to yourself. It will make your brain look farther ahead, and train your brain to plan ahead. This will give you more time, even though when you first start doing it it will feel too much :-) Road Craft police motorcycle book was good back in the day. She has a KZbin video of her doing her Advanced Test. Worth a look. Her overtakes are sweet. Planned, gear and engine position are right, road lane position, etc.

[@MadGingerCat]

Love to see you on track with this weapon Kate. And as a long time sub - you're getting really, really good at this, the scripting, the narrative, the content, the visuals, sound, editing. As a package, this is your best ever vid. No longer a youtuber - a motoring journalist on you tube. Keep 'em coming.

[@ozzyprogdomino8815]

In late 90s I had a zxr400 as my first big bike, purple and black. I absolutely loved it, the noise was addictive. Don’t take any notice of people who say you ride slowly, it’s nonessential. You ride fantastically and there is nothing wrong with riding to the conditions, it is what should be done. I wish I was younger again so I could have one of these.

[@Joseph-gp5ld]

What a hellraiser that motorcycle is! The song that that motorcycle sings going around a track has to be amazing. Like a symphony

[@HW-kf7hi]

That was a curlew at the end. Love the sound they make, unlike any other bird and just about on every tv background soundtrack of the countryside you ever hear. Will have to take a trip to that dealership as they will be my nearest ktm dealer I guess living in Leyland but never been.

[@AdamForeman]

This is a fantastic bike. I remember the 400cc Japanese import craze of the 90's when they brought in the mini Fireblades/RC30's VFR400R, YAMAHA FZR400RR, GSXR400 and the ZXR400's. To have the same with the latest technology, new frames, forks, suspension etc, all I can say is "Shut up and take my money!"

[@berttompkins9096]

We really enjoy the REAL world test ride. It shows this bike can GO Slow too. I live with many small roads like you rode on. And watching guys do 100 through stop lights and city driving is not what 50 percent of us will be doing. Your countryside is beautiful.Thanks from the USA.

[@UsernameKate]

So glad you enjoyed it Bert!

[@cliffwebber4703]

Ignore the people that say you don't ride the bikes to the max. Think you're a responsible rider, fast when you can but still carful on the road. Love to see them keep up with you on track. Keep up with your excellent videos.

[@SmittyAZ]

I'm sure that when she wrings these bikes out on city streets, she doesn't record / post the videos.

[@jhellnowh]

Nice one Kate. When you said about having to rev it, it reminded me of my old Yamaha 350 ypvs. I’m definitely getting one of them, when I can afford it.

[@gravyau]

Kate you’re not only a charmer but a great Moto salesman the dealers must love it when you review or them.

[@patricknorris4085]

ive had my 4rr since november 23 and i absolutly love it handles so well in corners etc glad i bought one got to say it handles even better than my ninja 400 it was a fantastic machine too,i find the 4rr seat more comfortable no numb backside after an hours riding,as im 6ftjust over its very easy to tuck into,kawasaki spot on for building it happy days

[@UsernameKate]

Love that for you Patrick! Happy riding!

[@robertmenzies3032]

Thanks for the review, much appreciated. Got to have a play on the ZX4 simulator at the motorbike show and felt so much like a ZX6, a really great riding position and what a track machine for a lower powered bike love it.

[@LickyDischarge]

You’d never think that was a 400 looking at it. Very cool machine and excellent video👍🏻

[@512460]

Well tyres and tank size is a giveaway

[@LickyDischarge]

@@512460 well yes, but at a glance it’s not immediately obvious

[@512460]

@@LickyDischarge yea true and especially for those who don't know

[@filippo6605]

Liar ( very cool machine btw i agree)

[@motorhi]

Tidy! Think I'll book a test ride based on this review. Cheers Kate 🙌

[@juliabarnes7528]

Thanks Kate , for letting us ride with you again. I think I would struggle, as i am shortie 4ft 11 . I ride a little bike 250 cc yamaha Virago. My feet can touch the ground. 😊

[@a.e.neumann8949]

Congrats! You are the First one whom introduce the Race Mode on this bike. Nice review too. Thank you! Have a save Ride!

[@Keridus]

Wow the Noise that makes is intoxicating 🤩, kind of glad I cant fit on bikes like this... I'd loose my licence in a day. TY KD Motorcycles & Kate for bringing us this review

[@UsernameKate]

It is quite an addictive sound for sure!!

[@JIMWSMITH]

What a cracking bike , i applaud kawasaki for building it.

[@essexboydave]

I think while Kawasaki are probably aiming this bike at the younger market I would think it’s probably going to sell more to people like me (middle aged) who grew up with and owning the 400s and two stroke race reps of the past I have absolutely no need for a bike like this and I could think of many other bikes I could buy for the same money BUT yet I still really want one 😊

[@peteg2424]

I am so happy that Kawasaki are keeping the inline four alive , after all Kawasaki really have made the inline four their engine of choice. Kate I would love to see you test ride the Z900RS SE next if possible, you won’t be disappointed stay safe Kate , Good review 👍

[@RobertWalker-l7e]

Thank you for this review, it has been incredibly helpful and informative which helped my decision being newly licensed in the motorcycle word. Thank you

[@thruxtonian5889]

I passed my test in 1991 and my first bike was a Suzuki Bandit 400 (in-line 4, liquid-cooled, 16 valves, the same engine as the Japan-only GSX-R 400RR) that was properly schizophrenic! You could bimble around all day and it was quite sane and civilised, but past 7-8,000 rpm it turned into a feisty two-stroke screamer. And bear in mind that in those days there weren't rider modes or traction control, so when the red mist came down you had to be careful, particularly that it had the same suspension, wheels, brakes (and tyres, if I recall correctly) as the humdrum but bombproof Suzuki GS500. It was a very pretty bike that as stock had a certain Harris Magnum/Moto Martin look to it, and was vastly entertaining to ride in the twisties. What's more, mine was the first one to be sold in France. I'd love to get my hands on one again (who just said mid-life crisis?)!

[@clique53]

Well Kate, we have ZX4RR too. And we absolutely love it!! It’s like you’re in a computer game! We have the Akra can too, but recently we’ve experienced the Scorpion can that I think looks a little better than the Akra can and maybe sound better too.

[@Sumpguard]

Great review Kate, I want one now. Preferably the 40th anniversary edition.

[@UsernameKate]

You and me both! sooo pretty

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

They only got to my dealer last week in Australia and the second i saw i knew that was my bike. I ended up buying total of three 40th bikes in days as i love the look. The 500 zx4rr zx6r all 40th but Mrs said she wants the 500 damn it as I can't get more 500 40th without $1300 interstate delivery added and 1 month wait for FK sake but the zx4rr and zx6r 40th i can get now 5 mins away. Who would say No to mrs riding with them (bucket list stuff there riding with the mrs and ill happily buy the 25 650 KRT next instead of the 500 from interstate)

[@stephenpotts8170]

What a screamer, ideal bike for a club race series, for budding racers to cut there teeth on without having to rob a bank, and good on you Kate for going at your own pace, especially with the state of our roads in the UK being the worst I've ever known them. Thank you.

[@Gingerbiker]

Kate you really enjoyed your time on the 400. Great looking screamers, sounds fantastic. Your a good rider who is riding as you should in the conditions present. Always a good review. My wife has an Sx 1000 kawasaki make great bikes😊

[@goodthiefphoto]

Ooh...I hope they start making more bikes like this. So much potential for mods too!

[@ispeed1971]

Love your channel , this ZX4RR for me makes the ZX6R null and void for me . its my next purchase

[@jimpanzer07]

Just got the watered down US model and love it even though its lacking twenty or so horsepower. Its very comfy for a sportbike and leaves me wondering why the ZX6 and ZX10 do not have similar ergos. Its also a bit porky at 415 lbs and is going on a diet of minus 20 lbs and plus twenty horsepower when tuned and then it will be the ultimate dragonslayer!

[@LiterFreedom]

She looks so fun! Would be a great addition for some weekend fun! Thanks for the video!

[@malcolmbrown7683]

You talking about the bike or Kate!

[@LiterFreedom]

@@malcolmbrown7683 I got a laugh out of that 😂

[@malcolmbrown7683]

@@LiterFreedom Well I thought it was funny, glad you did too!

[@Stingkevlar]

Another great review....I ride a Triumph 765rs at the moment, but remember my days on a VFR400...I would consider a Kwasaki 400 to relive those VFR days

[@yourepicbro1467]

Great video on the ZX-4! The only thing you forgot to show us is the start-up, which is by far the sexiest start-up sound I've ever heard from a motorcycle. I myself test-rode and purchased a 2024 ZX-6R this weekend, but the 4RR really is one of a kind nowadays.

[@EBthere]

Great review Kate.

[@trueheart78]

It’s a constant battle in my brain between the GSX-8R and the ZX-4RR. I love them both so much, and maybe I can make both happen eventually. Until then, I need to decide which I want to own first. 💜

[@vainparasite]

Wow that stoked some memories of frantic 400s Kate. Then you said the weight of 189kg and I thought my zx9r c2 is lighter than that 😳 and that has over 140bhp but obviously isn't constrained by any euro 5 regs or anything. I'm stuck on my GS until I decide/man up and have my knees replaced anyway so I doubt I'll be rushing out to buy one 😊👍👍

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

I'm loving my ZX4RR. Especially the quick shifter. You will be using it a lot. I don't know why she hasn't mentioned it. This bike fits me perfectly a 5'6".

[@calmdownwithbear6448]

She wrote the on screen. In post production of video. You had miss that .

[@suzyamerica4679]

Jealous .. my legs are too long for most bikes of this type. Even a VFR800 is kind of cramped :(

[@djoldschool]

Test ride one yesterday - reminded me of the 90s when I owned an NC21. Living in a fairly congested suburb in South East England it seemed like I could never get the best from it. You have to REALLY rev it to get some decent performance from the ZX4rr and this makes it hard work imo. I’m coming from an SV650 which obviously has a lot more low down power. If I had access to a track and a second, more all-round bike, this would be fabulous fun.

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

You done well. None of the dealer's here had any demo bikes

[@davidhill8163]

Thank you so much for this video. I’ve just ordered the non performance model of the zx6 in green. I really loved this review, your commentary was excellent.

[@asm4319]

The zx4rr review is great. The way you smile makes you look happy. The Akrapovic muffler also goes well with the bike. I'm planning to buy the zx4rr, and I read the reviews. It's safe and good at driving defensively, and you're even more virtuous and beautiful as a female rider. Have a happy life.

[@daenglishpatient]

"Screwing the knackers off it!" 🤣 I do miss the British sense of humor, spohkn bah a true nawthn lass! Great piece again, UNK.

[@Villani_AV]

I just love how special this bike is, most likely the last of its kind

[@stuartbrooks8040]

This is right up my street! Love it .... Can't wait for someone to reinvent the V4 next 😝

[@UsernameKate]

🙌🙌🙌

[@marcbrasse747]

Kawasaki V4? 🤭

[@HalfdeadRider]

@@marcbrasse747 No thanks!

[@marcbrasse747]

@@HalfdeadRider 🤣

[@kryst5062]

This is the video ive been waiting for!

[@paulfowler7618]

I passed my test in 1990 and me and my friends all had either 2 strokes or 4 stroke 400 screamers like this. I actually still own a TZR250. So this bike really appeals to me. However I also had sports 600s in the early 2000s and for the money this costs you could also get a low mileage R6 or GSXR600 with money left over which would be even better and faster for track days. I think I know where my money would go.

[@jesus2400]

Excellent review great video keep up the content,

[@defaultplayer2772]

Love the review sensible and answers all my questions.

[@michaelneve3223]

Another great vid Kate. I know you get a fair bit of grief from some types of people, is it getting worse or better? Must be very difficult to put up with - the content is fab so keep on going!

[@nickclarkuk]

The sound of that bike screaming sends shivers down my spine . I want !!

[@leftymadrid]

I would seriously consider this bike. Nice review!! Thx ❤

[@Brettall65]

Great to see you on the green side kate ,love the max wrist reference ,you tell um girl ,brilliant ,that bike is a throw back to olden day's, fun fun ,i see you've got a sx vlog coming up ,hope you get to the h2 sx se and the zh2 se ,this year ,keep up the brilliant work ,you guys are doing

[@grimloxx]

LOVE THIS DAMN BIKE

[@willfire777]

As you say a real world video we can all relate to . Good work 👍🍻🏁

[@andrewprice1189]

Great review Kate! I guess it's a bike you have to leave any preconceptions at home regarding the power & torque. Sounds amazing

[@Apollo949]

I used to have a ZX400G import and it went like the clappers so this modern incarnation must be even better especially with rider modes and ABS. I did find that ramming it around at warp speed and keeping up with 750s did cause engine problems eventually so from that point of view I think the CBR600RR would be a better buy for long-term ownership but as a Sunday afternoon fun bike this Kawasaki would be a scream. Literally. Nice review, Kate. Thanks.

[@IanBlackburn-j8e]

Great, Vlog Kate it looks Great very Simular to the 600 I once had it looks great and very much like the ZX10 keep up the Great. Vids your Doing take care, Enjoy

[@stevecompton7197]

As I have said before Kate I'm not biker I am more into cars but I do love to watch your bike content and I really like that kawasaki 👍

[@greengoblindave]

Nice. I like it. Love that colour. An all new modern pocket rocket 🚀 👍👍

[@davidnorris5675]

It’s actually the only new bike that has excited me enough to actually think about buying it

[@robvanduren761]

Im old and and fat and ride a Ninja 400. This is the only bike i would consider replacing it with

[@Fr0z0rz]

I love mine. Such a cool bike.

[@Kwikasfuki007]

It looks like you enjoyed that bike quite a bit. I enjoy your down to earth reviews of all the bikes I can't ride. I have a question though Kate; why did the chicken (lol) cross the road? ANS: To better hear Kate ripping through the neighbourhood on a screamin' green thing. LOL. Dad joke, but material supplied by this video. 😉 That was a good one, thank you Kate!

[@NooBiker]

It sounds amazing, Kate! I can't wait for my local dealership to get a demonstrator in... The trough of Bowland is smashing! BTW... did you see the news on Max Wrist going to jail?

[@itsmeagain1745]

Did you get to play with the quickshifter? I didn't see the indication that it was on.

[@UsernameKate]

It wasn't on unfortunately. I'm not familiar with Kawasakis so didn't realise there was a symbol. Told them it wasn't working when I got back and they switched it on. But I fake quickshift anyway just by shutting off for a split second. Trying the blipper would have been nice but plenty opportunity in the coming months 😊

[@blueyondermoto]

Hi Kate, nice video on a scrummy bike. I had a '92 CBR400RR Baby Blade which I loved. It was bought as a winter ride and ended up being ridden more than my S1000R it was that good. Point is I'd love one of these but I know my body now wouldn't (even though its roomier than my old 400). I don't think the bike needs all the electrickery that's on it, a rawer more basic offering as an option would be good. I'll have to try one, you've whetted my appetite 😋. Ttfn.

[@johnterry804]

Looks and sounds awesome good video 👍

[@JohnLongdin]

Great review and great looking bike. Glad it was quick enough to outrun the velociraptors 😂

[@robscherer]

Awesome review, would love to have the ZX4RR one day.

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Looking how things are going i don't believe they will be around in a few years

[@robscherer]

Engine issues?

[@StuntBike2000]

Great bike

[@marcbrasse747]

Just saw the outtakes! Hilarious! 🤣

[@trevjones1315]

Fair play for helping Darcy out too.

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

On the 40th anniversary zx4rr I didn't get any extras including no tank grips etc. My 40th anniversary SE 500 comes with heaps of extras. I am going to the dealership tomorrow to ask about performance options in Australia

[@cccamfam5808]

Wow username Kate that is a cool bike and btw I gave you that Cartz wheels sticker. Keep it up

[@joek81981]

I changed my wheels to green and master cylinder to Brembo + lines. I have you's guys's ecu now too, more or less. The green wheels transform it. There a 30 second video on my thing, I'm not kidding, its glorious.

[@joek81981]

God above, look at those roads!!! 16:17 etc.

[@TommieTrumper-TFC1200]

Hi Kate, nice vid as always and a sensible real world review from a sensible real world rider! An old biker, a long time ago, gave me 2 pieces of wisdom, so I am gonna pass them on…1) No matter the displacement it only ever goes as fast as you turn the throttle 2) There are almost no sh!t old riders as the sh!t ones are dead… see you out there and roll on summer!

[@janesaroma]

"oo chicken, oh no pheasant". not laughed so hard in ages at that.

[@rlw85]

Looks lovely like an early 2000s bike when I started riding. I bet a tuning company could get at least 100hp have you seen the 600 version that’s a stunning bike. Just wish I could sit on one of those bikes for more than a few seconds.

[@liveinplaya]

Hello, which glove are you using? Thank you.

[@dawndavies5785]

do you think this would be a suitable choice for a new rider to develop on who has ridden a 125 for a while?

[@Horsemanguy]

Hows hannah thise days?All good?Great vieo again kate

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Head down bum up with a screaming engine exactly opposite to what i can manage these days but if a was a kid now that would be different.

[@markjordan899]

imagine riding the 250/4 (zx25rr) which this bike is based on........now that would be great fun......

[@grays5112]

'Get 'em dun' love it ❤👍

[@Emiliouus]

How many miles or km can it do on full tank with normal riding ?

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

2 year warranty in Australia and that's only if Kawasaki does service or its 12 month warranty. Is that factory warranty or store warranty?

[@michaelarchangel1163]

One of the best induction notes since Suzuki's GSXR 750, which they're missing a trick in not restoring to their lineup. They still get it in America. So much for us leaving the EU !

[@nigel8499]

Great job Kwaka👍

[@guidok.9853]

Kate, hi, I really enjoy your vids, thanks a billion for them. A quick question (asked by sb. who' not a UK cititzen): What does "plus on the road" mean? It's been mentioned more than once and I guess it's got sth. to do with registration fees, etc. Best, Guido

[@UsernameKate]

OTR means 'ON The Road' which is the cost for tax and registration. Most prices I quote include it so say a BMW is £11990 on the website - that's including the OTR charges. Some dealers quote prices plus OTR (means because it's a variable that has the potential to change) i.e £3000 + OTR which would mean its more like £3,200 :)

[@guidok.9853]

Kate, thanks a lot. Best, Guido

[@DatOldeBiker]

Thanks Kate. I appreciate your easy to listen to reviews. This bike looks to be a little firecracker. I think high performance small/medium capacity is the way to go - all the fun less tears (hopefully) I'll have to take a look at one myself. Stay safe and continue what you're doing. :>)

[@rosssinclair8346]

Are they continuing the ZX4RR for 2024 and selling the 500 instead of the normal 400

[@stealth_yellow]

Great review. R7 or this?

[@christopherreed442]

It's great that it's being built/sold. I wouldn't say the weight is that low tbf. Would you reasonably choose this over the CBR600RR at a couple of grand more at £10.5k; I don't think I would.

[@UsernameKate]

Weight isn't low on paper but definitely feels more like 165/170KG in my opinion 😊

[@bfarm44]

I’m still holding out for a new cbr600 but this is really nice

[@robertpaisley7257]

Sounds awesome ide like one

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

Great honest review I like the look of that it’s not for me I’m to big and old I’ve always liked the zx10 nice in green and I prefer the modern bikes of today with all the modern tech gives you a lot of options to set it up to your preference I would think them 40th anniversary ones will get snapped up quick with only 3 is that per dealer not across the country surely if so I reckon a lot of riders will be ordering the parts to build there own wishing you well Kate take care

[@michaelmckinney9251]

Have you reviewed the Kawasaki ZH2 SE?

[@UsernameKate]

not yet Michael! Hopefully soon :)

[@m2menuiserie540]

No, Kate, at 26:48 those were _not_ pterodactyls from Jurassic Park. They were larks, little dots high in the sky. Beautiful counterpoint to the Kawa at 13.5k.

[@HW-kf7hi]

It was a Curlew making that sound at the end.

[@m2menuiserie540]

@@HW-kf7hi Listened again. You're quite right!

[@HW-kf7hi]

@@m2menuiserie540 Glad you agree. You do hear a lot of Skylarks too around the Trough up on the fells. I was in the Trough of Bowland on Good Friday in the general area Kate was and heard several Curlews and Skylarks (a few Wrens too).

[@md12318]

CA voted for it. Now live with it.

[@feizo]

This is my next bike.