Kawasaki ZX-4RR: Drool-worthy or fool-worthy? Ft Abhi Eswarappa from Iconic Motorbikes | HSLS S07E03

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Abhi Eswarappa from Iconic Motorbikes joins Zack and Spurg to chat about the new Kawasaki ZX-4RR. Is it the tiny supersport that riders have been clamoring for? Or will it just end up being a flop? Tell us your thoughts on the new ZX-4RR and whether you’re excited for it to finally see a high-revving small 4-cyl stateside.
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0:00 Intro
0:34 Our Sponsor Motul
1:10 Check out RPM
1:42 Not the News
5:46 Is the ZX-4RR worth it? Featuring Abi Eswarappa
1:16:21 The RevTrivia Engine Guessing Game!
1:26:09 T-Shirt Giveaway and Listener Comments!

[@RevZilla]

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[@whinstonwhoodle6373]

Love the show. Any chance we can get a slight heads-up as to when they’re getting posted? Ha, you’ve got me hooked now, I pretty much lost an morning refreshing KZbin yesterday fiending for my biweekly fix.

[@harshvardhankale1]

Hey guys I'm from India I always wanted the zx6r but the cost of that bike Is too high and I always wanted 4 cylinder bike plus the exhaust prices in India are too high and I think I'm going to use it as a high way crusing bike to explore India I like sports bike that's as crusing bike so that's why I want one

[@Steve-ts7fh]

21:03 - Kawasaki ZX-4RR talk begins

[@nicklaus___1501]

THANK YOUU

[@grimloxx]

Literally thank you

[@JETZcorp]

So, on the power thing. The NA market bikes are not rev limited, but there is something in the ECU that makes it hit a brick wall after 11,500. Graves Motorsports published a dyno chart showing how the power is basically flat from 11,5 to 16k, meaning the torque is losing the will to live starting there. With an ECU flash and a real obnoxious slip-on, the same bike pulled 75hp at the wheel, without ram-air. My opinion is, this is the coolest bike I've seen released in my memory, but I would consider the ECU flash mandatory. I also wish they offered a no-frills version with no fancy toys and an analog tach. Problem is I bet all the shiny features represent about $17 of manufacturing cost and they don't want to give up the gravy.

[@kkattrap]

Just a ECU flash? That's very appealing.

[@grandenauto3214]

In Canada, which doesn’t sell enough bikes to make a difference, we have to take what California will allow. You may want to blame Canada but I call BS. Southern California will sell 10x the number of bikes then all of Canada. No way Kawasaki will build a bike for North America based on Canada standards, that’s simple math.

[@Gofr5]

Ya, I found it odd that they mentioned it was based on our standards. We're not a large enough market to take in to account like that.

[@sehokim83]

Yo, you are damn right. I'm in Canada. Once I asked to dealership why is it so hard to get Kawasaki 4rr either 6r here and he said, "oh because, we like only receive American leftover. That's how Canadian market big is." and I couldn't say anything. Seriously, I came to one of the biggest dealerships here and they only have one ZX-4rr coming and no more order for this year. WTF

[@Africatwinrider1]

Marxism

[@benjamingray4465]

the original kawasaki ZXR400 (1992, blue) was my first bike (pictured in my profile photo)! I had it on my "A2" licence in the UK and it was an absolute hoot. While it's not the fastest or most powerful bike ever, it is more than sufficiently exciting to keep me entertained beyond my 'beginner' days, plenty fast enough to keep up with traffic and motorways too. Because the motor is so small in the beginning it was quite docile really because below 10k rpm there wasn't much going on so it never really scared me. Now i'm a bit further along in my biking career i'm finding it to be an excellent track weapon and has taught me a lot about corner speed! I absolutely love the bike and cannot see myself getting rid of it or selling it for anything.

[@MotoSensory]

ZXR400 was my first bike too and I still have it 18 years later. Adding the ZX-4RR has been great too. Similar but a bit more powerful engine, more compliant rider triangle, and of course all the modern bells and whistles. Quickshifter and brakes are of course outstanding features compared to the old ZXR.

[@dsofe4879]

The welded subframe is really bad for track use. Wish they hadn't cut costs there, especially on such an expensive bike.

[@Bams0n]

45 minutes in, ironically, and Abhi hit the nail on the head. The average US buyer on this is the middle to high income GenX'er who's either going to "collect the bike" or use it for the track.

[@babyfknblu]

gen z lunatic in singapore dumping my life savings into this stupid machine. couldn't be happier

[@jradish]

@@babyfknblu worth

[@emmettturner9452]

Homeless after a tornado that also crushed my car. I’m selling everything to get one.

[@MrHeyTHAR]

@@babyfknblu Nice ah bro, need to hear more inline fours on our roads to accompany the dying super four :)

[@babyfknblu]

@@emmettturner9452 you can live on a zx4rr just as easily as living in a car surely

[@TommyAngelo1337]

The niche audience of this bike will be people who are really fanatical about living in that 10k+ rpm rev range. On public roads, it's much easier to achieve that on this bike or the ZX-25RR compared to the ZX-6R. People say the 6 is better bang for the buck but that's only on papers. Numbers don't mean much when you rarely ever see that "bang". Now for track bike the 6 would make more sense. No speed limit and much better aftermarket support.

[@seth_iwant_toride]

Love Abhi as a guest! Excellent episode and enjoy the banter between the 3 of you😎. Also excellent w the flashing pics of the bikes you were talking about appreciate that a lot

[@jamzzzist]

Love that you did a whole episode on 400's! I had a 98' CB400 Vtech here in South Korea and it was a peach. Past 7200 (can't really remember) RPM the engine would scream! Believe it or not they used these bikes for food and parcel delivery lol

[@thumpertorque_]

It was nice seeing guests from similar culture as mine. I could relate to him how he got into motorcycles.

[@bencappello5324]

Omg Kawasaki please please implement a spec series and ramp up production. What a great way to get into racing. I love the idea of a bike that is objectively terrible but is built simply to stir the soul of the proper enthusiast!

[@Happycow567]

I have to say, in respect to new riders I would like to say that I am one of the outliers that will be getting this bike as my first bike. I saw this bike and fell in love with it.. the high rpm, the tech, and the lower displacement. It is a bike that I may never outgrow and I intend on doing track days after I'm comfortable on it. I have zero interest in going 150, 160+ mph. In addition, based on some of the videos out there I think the zx4rr will be able to keep up with the 600s. But please correct me if I'm wrong and if you really think based on this info if I'm making a mistake. Thank you for those who read this comment!

[@jerryglennie5375]

In my opinion this would be a fantastic choice as a beginner bike for those that possibly want the 600 base performance without the added cost. Financially it makes more sense than buying and modding a ninja 400 then trading for the zx6 or ninja 650. Also its going to be way more fun for the street without breaking felony limits. End of the day it would be a bike for enthusiasts who enjoy lower displacement things that can appreciate being able to make them as fast as some mid displacement toys you can't ring out as far

[@Happycow567]

@@jerryglennie5375 thanks for the response! Picked up the bike today, and couldn't be more excited to start my 2-wheel journey. Definitely going to respect the bike

[@dlhursey]

A year later. I'm a 5'6 female and been riding a year. I started learning how to ride from KZbin then took the MSF course. My 1st bike a zx400 then an mt03. I'm hobby fanatic. I love learning about motorcycles. April this year I wanted something different. I was looking at the Ninja 500 right when it came out, but they had the black xz4rr. I sat on it and it fit me like a glove. I love riding now more than ever. I don't highway ride much. I'm in the country part of Georgia where there's an abundance of back roads and twisties. It's so much fun even bone stock. I just bought and Akrapovic full exhaust and tuned ECU to be installed in the coming weeks. This video is very informative. Love the podcasts guys keep it up!

[@FeiraxIS350]

Wish Suzuki offered a high spec factory SV650-R….Or upgrade pack…. I know there are lots of emulators/shocks/options aftermarket but always feel like it takes time to dial in and get just right…and don’t have time or $ to waste. One can dream.

[@aluisious]

Was just thinking that last night. They should have a factory trim that puts GSXR suspension and brakes on it. I'd buy it.

[@FunniestFlicks]

This. I own a sv650s and wish they made a version of it currently that would be similar to the r7. If they made a mt07sp thats where my money would go though.

[@ajvidneuvid5254]

20 plus years of proof that people want a higher spec sv and Suzuki completely ignores it.

[@FunniestFlicks]

@@ajvidneuvid5254 ikr. The 8s is cool and all but i dont really care about technology on a bike. I like the raw feeling of no traction control or abs. If they put top shelf suspension, breaks, and wheels on a sv it would sell amazing.

[@iamsuperflush]

Business strategy people probably think a 650 specc'd like that would take away sales from the R7

[@TehFrenchy29]

You guys and this podcast are all terrific and I've listened to entirely too many episodes in the last few days after not following especially closely for some time. Bought my first bike summer 2022 (2021 Meteor 350, loved seeing it in the recent CTXP on "beginner bikes") and Highside / Lowside was definitely a factor in my ultimately deciding it seemed like the right choice for me and to just do it. Even took the expensive risk of buying the bike before even starting my learn-to-ride course and actually getting shown properly the step by step of what to do once I had it. I've not been a super consistent listener of the podcast (I'd do six or seven episodes in two or three days, then not watch or listen to one for months) but every time I do come back there's a wealth of great content to sit down with I know I'll like every time. I don't even have any real interest in sport bikes (of any engine size or arrangement) but listening to three people who do speak passionately about why in relation to this specific bike was still fascinating and immensely enjoyable.

[@Vicenev]

Zack, when you’re at the press launch, ask about a naked version of the zx4rr! It’s a shame you didn’t bring up the naked/upright versions of these 90s 400cc Japanese bikes, particularly the Honda CB400 Super Four, which was still in production up until last year! 53hp, 15000rpm limiter, fuel injection, and most importantly *VTEC*! I’ve been riding one for the last six months, and what a bike it is. Sounds like a little F1 car when I’m getting on it, but still gets 5L/100km. Zack or Spurgeon, if you’re ever in Australia, holler out and you can come ride mine - I’m sure you’d love it!

[@devonnobles1083]

If the other manufacturers do decide to get back into the 400 sportbike game, I really hope Honda made it a v4. I know its a pipe dream, but what a dream 😍

[@garrison2574]

that would easily be over $10k unfortunately

[@pmwaffle9348]

​@@garrison2574 4rr is like 11, a v4 will be no less than 13

[@garrison2574]

@@pmwaffle9348 4rr is a 9.6k msrp in the US idk what you're talking about

[@pmwaffle9348]

@@garrison2574 that's what it would cost otd once taxes and freight and destination are added

[@devonnobles1083]

@pmwaffle9348 I'd pay 13k

[@notinthehead]

DUDE.... love all the mix of guests! Keep up mashing up with content creators!

[@aboynamedkuno]

Time flies with these podcasts! Wish they were longer 🙌🙌🙌

[@dannyferguson9415]

My only bike is a 1990 FZR400 I have owned for 15 years and put >30k back road miles. It weighs the same as the ZX4RR but only has 40HP. It is no fun around town or on the highway but on a twisty back road it is so much fun! I would love to ride the ZX400RR. Fun is not about numbers.

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

I have a 1989 CBR400-RR NC23, I'm doing the final fettling before getting it MOT'd. Can't wait to have it on the road!

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

Spurge is spot on with the specs; 59hp, 14.5K red-line.

[@akmt9114]

Two great shout outs here. My former Honda CB-1 400, perfect learner bike and a mention of a trip to Alaska where I live. 😊 Great stuff guys!

[@BEEBEE58679]

Since C-19 isolation began I have been searching / wanting a mid (+/-) range bike with the high end components. I am a returning rider. I will be checking out this ZX 4rr, yet Kawasaki please asap bring on the Z400RS 4 cylinder. Thanks. Great discussion, &, great guest.

[@davidphillips7255]

We had a 400 Kaw four in Canada for a couple of years, expert level testers loved it and nobody bought it.

[@Pillokun]

The weight is the issue with the zx-4rr, it weight as much as a super sport 600 with almost half the power. My wish is that they could make this pocket rocket 160kg wet ie what an super sport is at when dry at least. The frame and chassis is pure craptastic budget.

[@mfennell70]

FWIW, Graves is showing a dynojet run with 77 to the wheels. Just a flash (to factory spec, I think) and a slip on.

[@TheMrCrimely]

Does anyone know when this was recorded? I just picked up my first bike yesterday from a Kawasaki dealer, and while I was there an old guy came in with a slip on for his new zx4rr that got delivered recently. It still needs to be unboxed and such, but it’s at the dealer

[@2wheelseparationanxietydis271]

Great job with the images of bikes on screen as they were mentioned!

[@richardwarsinske7064]

With a 414lb wet eight is the 400RR still going to feel like a light weight or just a high strung middle weight?

[@vagabondsoldier4353]

Middle-aged gen x-er here and I definitely picked one up. Wanted a new and reliable bike with a little nostalgia in the soundtrack. Damn fun around the corners.

[@babyfknblu]

although i am a diehard fan of this bike, preorder down, track days booked, mods ordered, trips planned - i will say, im in a group chat with all the people in singapore with a pre order down and there's literally just 8 of us. in a country with 142,000 motorcycles.

[@babyfknblu]

also I don't think i fit your description of the buyer of this thing. im young hot and stupid, a year's riding experience but addicted to the track. im going to eat the depreciation, track the shit out of it, and tour with it till theres 100k kms on the odo and then turn it into a kitchen table.

[@babyfknblu]

my main motivation for this thing is that it's likely to have just slightly more straight line oomph and significantly less engine braking than a ninja 400, which is my preference around a track. followed closely by the screams i intend to bellow into the malaysian highlands every weekend

[@blackline66]

Superb video. Great gents. Keep them coming. 😊

[@baymoto553]

Great discussion. Mid may 2023 update from Houston Tx.....these are flying off the shelf best I can tell (although the numbers at each dealership is very small AFAIK).

[@squarewheel142]

I owned 2 1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport bikes back in the late '70's and early '80's and really loved those 399cc 4 Cyl. super sport machines, they were a total blast to ride, and the sound with a Kerker exhaust was awesome. Those bikes had Cafe bars & rear set pegs from the factory and I think red-line on those was 10k RPM. ('77's had different handlebars, not sure if they still had rear sets in 1977) If my memory serves me correctly you could get a new one for $1200.00 back in the day.(I paid $800.00 for my first one in mint condition with 4k miles on it from the orig. owner who literally kept it in his living room, back in 1979). Honda only sold those for 3 years in the U.S.. It makes me want to grab a ZX-4RR.

[@jonasenoksen7084]

Very cool guest! I love iconic, such a cool instagram channel and company.

[@mayankbaunthiyal]

I am really waiting for rumored R9. That will be a rad bike for the street.

[@vcweeb7416]

It’s coming, yamaha trademarked “R9” but they are taking too damn long, lol.

[@vcweeb7416]

It’s coming, yamaha trademarked “R9” but they are taking too damn long, lol.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Tenere T7 took longer than anyone wanted. But it's been a high seller.

[@hokogan]

The R9 and Tenere 900 would be wonderful to see.

[@ferociousfrankie]

I'd like my royalty payment for suggesting Abhi as a guest donated to charity, thank you very much.

[@MaximilianFischer]

Can we wish for something as simple as the return of the 05-08 ZX6R Jumper mod to unlock full power?

[@beborodner930]

Great Episode, great crew! Love when yA'll do these sorta comparisons. For me it's a tossup between the ninja or the crf!

[@bradk8694]

I just watched this and I'm sure someone has already mentioned it, but the gear drive of the mystery engine is what told me it was a V4! After talking about them during the podcast I'm so surprised you guys completely missed it! Finally, while I did recognize it as a V4, it didn't quite sound like my VFR which was going to be my guess. I was close, but no cigar.

[@mikepersia5362]

I owned a 1992 Suzuki GSF-400 Bandit. Not a race bike but it was fun and quick on the street. I’m old and ride big lumbering HD’s now, lol.

[@Theseanbei]

Due to the tiered licensing, bikes such as the Honda CB400 is huge in Singapore. Honda has also introduced the CB400X, a smaller brother to the CB500X. You can search up more on how motorcycle licenses work in Singapore and how it affects the bike market!

[@geoffre5]

The 90s we're amazing for Japanese transportation in general. Motorcycles and cars as well. Everything they produced for about a decade was fantastic.

[@SSS-mp8th]

I was intere4sted in the ZX-4RR when it was announced as I already had a 1200cc bike but then I was able to pick up a new Z H2 SE for $17,500 so no 4RR for me. DOA in the US at 50hp.

[@joshuabush3870]

I've been anticipating this topic on zx4rr. My thoughts are as most who is this bike targeted for ? I assumed track rats😊 but again power/weight ratio and price and purpose. I still like the idea but I'm a practical rider. I just couldn't justify the price vs a zx6r.. awesome podcast gentleman!

[@csposir]

Small displacement bike with all the best “good stuff” is a great concept. Love my Tuono 660 Factory. On the street it has all and more than it takes to carry an exciting pace.

[@sukhoiromantic1718]

The Zx4rr appeals to me as someone who has been riding for about 11 years on a variety of stuff, as a road ride. I used to have an 01 cbr600f4i and I loved the turbine smoothness and sound of its inline 4 but tended to speed a bit. Having something with similar jewel like components to Wang around town sounds great. My current bike it's a Yamaha nmax 155 scooter, which replaced a 2010 ninja zx 1000 sports tourer so fun comes in all shapes and sizes.

[@kmpaton]

How long ago did you all record this? I got my Ninja 4RR on Wednesday in the Eastern US. In my 40s, and I have two high HP bikes, but riding a slow bike fast is a lot of fun.

[@JStoner21]

Got mine on Saturday as well. I have a V4 Tuono and so far I really like my ZX4RR too. Just traded in a Ninja 400 and what a difference.

[@SuperReview]

The question of which 400cc bike you'd take is a great one. I am, however, surprised that Zack also picked the older Honda. As a fellow wrench-phobic rider, the new Ninja ZX-4RR is the one I'd take. The primary reason I don't own the other bikes is that I can't take care of them. I assume the ZX-4RR will have longer maintenance intervals and won't need to be towed to a shop for at least 10 years. For me, that makes it viable where the others are sadly not.

[@aluisious]

Longer maint intervals are a scam. My Multi blew the engine before the second Desmo service. That's pointless.

[@SuperReview]

@@aluisious Is... is that one data point from which you've extrapolated this sweeping conclusion?

[@keithkamps77]

1st time on your podcast, loved it see you on the next one

[@douglasshouganai2516]

30 years old and gonna look at the zx4rr as my first bike. My brother in law has a fz06. He said he doesn't need to exit 1st in the city, 2nd around town, and 3rd on the freeway. He had a ninja 400 before and would ride on the freeway in 5th by comparison. The zx4rr is gonna be perfect. Whether I flash the ecu to copy the euro tune or not

[@ArashAryana]

I've owned my ZX-4RR for half a week and it is head and shoulders above the NC30, NC35, and FZR400's that I've ridden. The 52 HP isn't great, but Graves Motorsports has the fox for that. This thing is going to hurt a lot of feelings on the street. 🤣

[@Cthooligan]

I would love the ZX-4RR as a track training tool, but I find it hard to justify that price point with the 636 right around the corner for only slightly more.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

It would be easier to justify if it weighed in the middle 300 pound curb weight, but it's about like a 600 supersport with an aftermarket exhaust in terms of weight. Dynamically it won't feel the same due to a less bulky engine with lightweight crankshaft and flywheel and all the rest, but still, it shouldn't be that much north of a Ninja 400 in weight, especially at the price point. Sure, new engines cost millions to develop. But at this price, haven't they spent money on engineering weight reduction?

[@mylordass8120]

So, there is a video on the US/Canadian version of the ZX4-RR and it still revs all the way to 16,000 RPM it's just the power drop off is steep at just over 11,000 to 16,000 RPM. This will most likely be able to be Tuned out in the ECU. Also take a look at (Scouts Out) KZbin channel he has just purchased one from the dealership in the US. Also touching on people saying they want one but not actually buying, here's the thing... People like myself really want one. I'm in my 40's now and 600cc bikes are just too much for me now due to injuries so this is a perfect bike for the likes of myself. Also, I go to the odd track day with my R3 and LOVE IT! but I really want all the bells and whistles and that 4cyl song. The thing is there no way in hell I can afford the ZX4-RR right off the batt. I'm an avid saver for things I truly want but it takes me more than a year to save up for a big purchase like this. Also I have other things right now that I'm saving for, which will take a few months so it'll be towards the end of this year before I can start saving for the ZX4-RR. Keep up the news guys but would be good if you could touch on Aus & NZ as well in terms of new bikes coming to the market. Ours is apparently going to be the full blown 79 HP in New Zealand. We are expecting arrival of the ZX4-RR in Oct/Nov I would say at approximately $19,000 NZD. The ZX6R is $22,500 - $24,499 NZD

[@chrishart8548]

In the uk most of my friends got in trouble with the police and falling off was on a 125cc. Its often the case of when ridding a 125cc people often carry to much speed into a corner because they know they dont have the power to get going againg so they keep it pinned

[@shadowred1980]

The model hasn't just been built for sale now, it's been in the Asian market for a while. The reason it exists is a very high tax jump when going to bigger cc's in that market.

[@barbarousrelic4591]

Literally right on the Kawasaki Canada website, under the ZX4RR picture: "The Ninja ZX-4R and Ninja ZX-4RR reach max power at 11,500 rpm in Canada due to noise regulations."

[@shadowred1980]

@@barbarousrelic4591 That's been updates since I looked. I will edit the first post then.

[@patrickagan1071]

Final comment was so good it should be an episode all itself

[@NateTheGarbage]

Mods rarely increase value for a bike. I’d rather pay more for a bike that has components out the door than install mods that I can’t get any resale value on.

[@mklite]

First ride videos of the bike are coming out from the US consumers. Doesn't look like there is a 11.5k rpm limiter for the US version.

[@RiderXp]

2 of my friends already have it ordered. If I had 10k to spare & I wasn’t already too invested in my Zx6r, I would’ve been on that ZX4RR waitlist too. In my humble opinion, it is going to be a lot of fun for trackdays, maybe even some canyon carving and experienced riders would appreciate it a lot more than newer or intermediate riders. From a money perspective and even power delivery standpoint, the bike does not make sense for everyday street riding applications.

[@DailyDrivenBikes_1]

The nc30 is such a cool bike and same with rvf. In the 2000s a lot of them got turned into street fighters.

[@FunniestFlicks]

that bike is my computer background. dream bike material

[@casarek]

The ZX4RR is the only 4 cylinder bike I see myself ever buying. I dream of going to the track, but right now have no money to do so. My next bike is probably going to be a Ninja 400 and I plan to teach my gf to ride on it, and maaaybe if my situation allows it, start to go on the track with it. But when I think about bigger displacements, all I want is some nice torquey engines to enjoy on the street and to travel.

[@KellerFkinRyan]

check out the z900, inline 4 sound but "only" 110ish hp at the wheel and 60ish ftlbs of torque. however, if youre strictly looking at supersports, then yeah, the zx4rr would be a good bet. maybe an fz6 from Yamaha.

[@BlakesPipes]

Love this podcast. Made my Saturday morning pleasurable as I did home maintenance.

[@CaffeinatedCruiser]

Spurgeon v4 hand signs was accurate lol I have an 87’ magna and I do that every time I explain it 😂

[@theprodigalstranger5259]

Interesting, I always thought Jay Leno was Canadian. With the reduction in horsepower and, presumably performance, the ZX-4RR might not be worth it. Might be more feasible to release it as a track ready and non-street legal bike so the noise an other restrictions wouldn't apply. You guys should try to get Michael Mann and Simon Hartley from Bennetts Bike Social on HS/LS that would be an epic podcast! Not sure I would want to own the ZX-4RR but I really want to take one out on a demo day! Not a clue on that one, started off almost sounding like a Harley until it revved up. Maybe a triple but can't really tell. Is this maybe some kind of 70s inline 4 from Honda or Suzuki? Well, on the right track with the 4 banger but still 0-3 this season. A Rebel 500 is a great starter bike it may be a bit of a disappointment for Ben in the performance department, but if that's his dream bike it's a very solid choice.

[@kleinbottled79]

"If you go with the ram air kit." ...Something tells me Sperg doesn't understand what ram air is on a sport bike.

[@michaeltrivette1728]

Better research more then.

[@Remymoto]

IRT the power reduction, unless they do it in some way that a user can't reverse it, that won't last long for most buyers. The market for this machine is not going to worry about the factory gimp mode as long as it's not fixable.

[@gafishinglife1184]

I believe the ZX4RR will be purchased by experienced riders but also newer riders wanting a “cool sport bike”. So I think it will be a good thing it comes with only 55hp for the newer riders who then can have it flashed for more power when they have the experience to handle it. But as experienced track riders, would you rather buy a ninja 400 for $5500 and mod it for $3-$4000 and still only have 45-50 hp or buy the ZX4RR which already has the upgrades that you can flash for more horsepower?

[@nick4506]

imagine this thing in twins cup. yea not a twin but hp and weight is just about right. might be cool to have bikes with completely different strategies in track together.

[@douglasshouganai2516]

If anyone is curious btw, RVF400 (nc35) is around 13k with low miles.

[@DiagolonRider]

such a sweet little screamer! I'd love to have one!

[@wlt3585]

I think the ideal case is a person who absolutely wants an inline 4/track bike, but is sensible and/or perfectionist enough that they want something they feel they can better master, as compared to the 600s and 750s that most people who touch never get anywhere close to their full potential, let alone 1000. Unfortunately though, that isnt really a notable category in the US market

[@ThatGermanFella]

I like that you guys looked at it from the bolt on point of view concerning the price of the 4RR, but the elephant in the room is still the 6R for me at only a few bucks more,

[@hokogan]

That’s definitely a consideration. Ultimately it comes down to the love affair with the 400/4.

[@danam0228]

Clearly will appeal to those not interested in medium and large displacement sport bikes, but want something better than something akin to a Ninja 400 and like to or are interested in doing track days

[@ckidphotography1318]

This would be a riot on a track! With how many 400s sell in the states… I think this would sell well

[@robertadams4415]

As always great show guys

[@irfarf201]

Quick note, some channel (like scouts out) already got their us zx4rr and the redline is the same as the euro spec one

[@Fehr270]

How quickly does a new owner unrestrict it? Could be a blast on the track but it might not have many classes you could race it in and for track days there will be better options.

[@nonexistant2k3]

I want it for a low powered screamer. Not practical for daily riding but I want to scream to work.

[@hokogan]

Dumb revs at neighborhood speeds are ridiculously fun.

[@coryk.9025]

So you have to void the warranty, wait to get to ecu flashed, and spend more money, and STILL be less powerful than a zx6r after all that for nearly the same price, no thanks. All the powers up top and to have it restricted to 11.5k rpms it’s a pretty pointless bike tbh.

[@FunniestFlicks]

Ummmm it's only restricted to 11.5k in canada I believe. Its for some emission regulations they have that the US and other contries. The 600's do give better preformace for the cost but i imagine this 400 would be more fun on the street. Think about mt07 vs r6, mt07 has a lot more usable power for the street.

[@coryk.9025]

@@FunniestFlicks nah, don’t think so, I think it’ll be terrible for the street, no torque down low, most of the fun is up top.

[@FunniestFlicks]

@@coryk.9025 being able to ringout the bike top will be the fun part though. You can't really use all the power of a 600 on the street so i think a 400 would be a blast to push to the limit on. I own a sv650s and the torque is fun but the high rpms on my ninja 250 is also fun in its own way. Ive riden a lot of bikes and always find that the spec sheets arent really all that important, it will be interesting to see what people who actually ride the bike think about it.

[@blazebox71]

​@FunniestFlicks I agree with most of what you've said here however my thing is if you want a fun little street bike to wring out on the street I feel like a ninja 300 or 400 will give the same feeling as the new zx4rr just for alot cheaper. If the new zx4rr gets a class made around it that'll be where it really shines

[@LewdDarling]

I don't think they are right that it will be restricted to 11.5k in America. Every 600cc sport bike revs to 14k or higher with no problem. I figure a smaller engine would make less noise and emissions, not more.

[@chrissinclair8705]

Patrick Garvin might have used Motul for his 150 horsepower Harley. But I just drained the oil out of my Dad's dead 1978 Pinto in the back 40 and popped it into my 1978 RD400 and it ran like a champ.

[@72garibay]

Well guys to be honest people that drive ninja 400 love the 400 but always say it just needs a little more power .. so the ninja 4rr is that bike .. is it a beginner bike yes cause you have everything in one .. no need to upgrade it’s a perfect motorcycle… it’s the best motorcycle in every way posible … you buy a ninja 400 let’s say 6,000 then you spend 10,000 on your upgrade of a motorcycle… so you buy the 4rr no need to upgrade you pay only one time for one motorcycle ..

[@PwnstarUK]

This is someone 5th bike. Sports bikes are 7% of sales. The zx4rr will be like 1% of that so whilst I would be very excited to see and hear one but I wouldn't buy one and neither would anyone else when they see how much more bike they can buy for the same money. Its the same price in the UK as an 890 Duke GP! The only person who has one of these already had loads of bikes even several track bikes. Its just going to be a garage queen that sees a track twice a year.

[@Dirtbillys]

Im more of a beginner but i want both. Street and a track day to become a great rider!

[@Konformation07]

I cant wait to snatch one of these up.

[@twnt7]

I've seen the ZX-4RR in showrooms in the US this past week, with sold signs.

[@iamsuperflush]

Kind of a hot take, but the internet has killed the idea of a "cult classic". Through the proliferation of online forums and marketplaces, anything that is good or has something special about it gets pretty immediate recognition and the associated price hike thar comes with that

[@dejongeblondegod]

I'm very interested in buying this bike. I'm a 41 year old sports bike enthusiast but after a whole range of bikes in the past, the combination of a smaller bike with the gusto of a big bike, is very attractive. Full on liter bikes are too much for me on the street and this tickles all my sports bike triggers. Also in Belgium, you can't get 600 cc or 750 cc sports bikes any more. Only race spec versions that aren't allowed on the road.

[@michaelkrenzer3296]

CB400F/CB-1/NC27, Bandit 400 were a ton of fun back in the day (never rode the FZR400). They also used to spank me and the other folks racing EX500's on the track if the rider was at least as good and small enough. The guys on RZ350's could wax us all if the rider had big enough...err, talent. It was funny that were all in the same class in local racing series' (251-500cc).

[@chrishart8548]

4/400 definitely had the edge over a 2/500 I've had friends with cbr400rr and vfr400r those bikes are much faster than anyone would believe its either weight or how easy they to throw around.

[@michaelkrenzer3296]

@@chrishart8548 It was a combination of faster reving, shorter wheelbase and usually higher end components stock...my EX was far from stock but they had almost 35mm on me in wheelbase and more adventageous rake. Even in third gear, they were 5500 rpms to redline almost as fast as they could shift.

[@CaptainChristianZ1818]

It's a strategy to introduce a 400cc sport bike at 10k and then 600cc at 12k-13k. A ploy to increase price.

[@dualsportdadz]

you guys forgot to mention the most interesting bike in the Super Hooligan class - Eva Ribelle. Forza Energica baby!!

[@aeromotive2]

from the near future - don't think this is a flash in the pan... i dunno if its a trend that last many years, but def. a few years, and I believe other manuf.s are gonna get in the game. It's 600's that are on the decline nowadays

[@gunarslodzins]

I'd love to hear that Kawa at 15k with nice muffler :) Future classic!

[@jodygreen5653]

My first dirt bike wad a Mx 80 yellow Indian and it was brand new two stroke amd I could out run all of the xT 76 and 126 Hondas my friends had

[@honeyforce996]

I wanted the zx25r :/

[@dejuanmills77]

I agree with you guys, I mean realistically, it’s nothing but a souped up version of the Ninja 400, but with better suspension, and an inline 4. I say this as a 41 year old guy. So, I honestly think it’s more subjective than i”it’s just a race bike.” Take for instance in our good Ole’ USA, most people get a 600 or a higher CC bike as their first bike. Honestly, I think the 4RR-uh is perfect, I mean, folks are going to upgrade parts on the basic 400 anyway, so it’s going to cost the same to upgrade the suspension etc, whereas you have all the “bigger bike features” in the ZX4RR. I think it’s worth the price for what you get. But, I see your point.

[@VTECH650]

i think the future of small bore sportbikes will be the 270 degree crank 400 class machines like the new cf moto 450ss the 270 crank transforms a boring inline twin into something very exciting. picture a ninja 450 with a 270 degree crank that still weighs around 360 pounds

[@Exage304]

I lean fool-worthy on the ZX-4RR. Dyno has shown US bikes neutered to some 52whp. Flash is able to unlock the full potential of 70whp but I think you have to bleed Kawa green or have a serious 400cc 4 cyl fetish to choose it at the price point. I see this as a streetbike you'd hit up every available open trackday. A Yamaha YZF-R7 w/QS is going to stomp it for exactly the same price and mod for mod. Flash for Flash comparably using 2 Wheel DynoWorks: The R7 develops double the peak torque in it's mid, same peak power up top, and develops over 60whp for a longer rpm top end range. They weigh the same but the R7 has larger brakes front and rear and a wider rear tire. The Kawa doesn't have a weight advantage to make up for the torque deficit nor anything special in terms of other hardware like shocks or brakes. The low end torque deficit is significant enough that the lowly ZX-4R develops 5ft-lb more all the way until 8000rpm. Disagree you on the demographic. Guys come on, it's a 70whp bike at its best... You don't have to be an expert rider to rip this thing. Put 3000mi or more on first season with a 250, 300, reg 400cc and that rider could whip this second season if they wanted. This will the upgrade second bike for young street riders under 35 (early to mid 20's), just like the 600RR class was. I doubt the demographic of olds riding street is going to put up with that small peaky engine. RR riders are going to be in for a shock the first time they demo a 650cc [R7, SV650, RS660] and it has double the punch seemingly everywhere or the more intense wind up from a 600 [ZX-6R, GSX-R600]. They'll feel how much quicker it is on the street compared to the RR.

[@N3ilCrox]

its sad that as soon as Kawi announced the ZX4RR Honda killed the CB400SF the most street worthy 400 4-cyl from Honda in 2022