The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR is the BEST beginner bike - Here's why...

[@jamespreacherbeck4306]

Agree! Because of the steps a beginner can go through on this bike makes this a done deal. Three different power modes with various stages of traction control. Start off in Rain, and work can work their way up to Sport. The ability to go from manual shift to learning to use the KQS. Suspension, which is probably the most overlooked category when it comes learning to ride. To my knowledge, the only small displacement with fully adjustable suspension is the KTM. So even though the front on this is only preload adjustable, the rear is full, giving a beginner just another category you can check off. Lastly, for when you (as a beginner) are ready for more power, to only have to spend between $250-350 for 50% more power is what puts the ZX4RR miles ahead of any other bike in this category. ESPECIALLY FOR BEGINNERS. And before anyone gets all silly about the Aprilia RS 457... quick shifter you have to get as an accessory, only preload adjustable front and rear, and takes a massive dump in 2nd gear.

[@midlife-crysis]

75horse power is the same as my 1200cc triumph bobber! Lots of fun

[@aesoundforge]

I actually have both bikes! Totally different power delivery, very different bikes. At first I thought the triumph was faster but im not so sure now that im used to the zx...

[@fj5434]

​@@aesoundforge maybe because at higher speeds, the aero of the zx makes it better

[@cvflyboy]

Love the video. This will be my first bike. Mid 30s with a CDL and driving stick my whole life, so i think i should be ok to handle a fun machine like this, lol. Sick of trading in the sports cars every year because the ones in my price range really aren't that exciting for me anymore. I think this and the Suv should be more then enough for a family man. (Maybe the new Celica in a few years also 😈)

[@KirkKreifels]

Take the MSF. Buy and read proficient motorcycling book. You'll be set. This will be more fun than any car you've driven. Be safe mate!

[@jgrc73]

you should also buy a dirtbike at the same time any old dirtbike and learn to ride off road it'll teach you incredibly important skills for the street. I would take the course again and I didn't really need to do it the first time

[@bobbarrett7748]

I’ve had my motorcycle license for 40 years and I just got my 40th edition 2 weeks ago. I’m loving it and I appreciate your input. I’m looking forward to more of your videos

[@FCT8306onTwoWheels]

Love to see it! That rip at the beginning reminded me of my Kymco Venox 250cc, could rev to 10,000rpm and still be under the speed limit but sounded so good. And it was a carbureted bike, anyways. Way to go with the motorcycle content, ride safe and ride alot. Google or the internet is after my interest since I looked at a Ninja500 this afternoon, trying to get me into another machine.

[@FCT8306onTwoWheels]

To add, my Kymco was a carbureted bike and I also took the baffle out of the exhaust and it kinda overheated so I had to put it back in there cause I didnt re-tune the carburetor it had but gosh it was a fun machine. Maybe it was out of balance or something with the baffle taken out. Slow but just darn good fun to get around.

[@deanzaZZR]

We all make our own choices. My last sports bike was a 2003 Kawasaki ZX-9R (simply awesome in so many ways) that came with a Yoshimura slip on. I dumped it to go back to a 49 state titanium OEM pipe which was much quieter. That bike with 125hp (minimum) at the rear wheel obviously still had plenty of go.

[@temur72]

I loved my 98 YZF R1, took it up to 155 mph

[@jermaineogarro2124]

Still got my 98 zx9 need to get it running

[@byhsu6140]

The Ninja name for me is iconic, back when Kawasaki first came out with a Sports Bike with the name Ninja, I've always looked at the Ninja bikes as the coolest sport bikes. I think for me the Ninja 500 would be more of a beginner bike, it's cheaper and lighter than the ZX4rr which is more expensive, but obviously awesome with that 4 cylinder engine.

[@kevincrockett5155]

I still remember the Ninja commercials. The Ninja 600 and Hurricane 600 were iconic in the late eighties/early nineties

[@roadboat9216]

My first bike was a 20010 Kowi Vulcan 500. Had the Ninja 500 engine. Ok first bike. Plenty of power for a beginner. After a couple of yrs bought an Indian Scout. That was a nice machine, and fast. 0-60 in 3.8 and top speed of faster than I ever needed to go. Easy to blow off a lot of Harleys. Only paid 8K for it like now condition. 5 yrs and 13K miles more and sold it for the same price. Yeah a street bike but a nice one. I like a lower seat and upright position. I took the baffles out of that too. Nice!

[@Offensively-normal]

After our second child was born. My wife begged me one day after coming home on my motorcycle to sell it. She had tears in her eyes when she said. " I can't raise these babies alone". I was pretty mad about it. Her fears were not unfounded. What does a man do?

[@KirkKreifels]

Tough spot man... Maybe when they're a bit older? Also women are way tougher than men, she could raise them alone ... But ideally not . Ride safe be safe and blessings to your family.

[@DasJaegar]

Tell her you’re gonna ride the bike like a cop, worked for me. Because cops rarely have motorcycle accidents

[@hailthedead]

my first bike at 40 yo. its so fun

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

I was 43. Tomorrow I'm 44 and living my dreams now (5 40th anniversary bikes and bought another home last week, my Mrs got her licence fortnight ago and now has 500 40th). Only way it could get better is lottery but riding with Mrs was bucket list stuff and that will do. I really hope you get to live your dreams out in the exact same way that I am. 💚 From Australia brother

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Sorry now it's x4 40th as sold a 500 due to wanting a 25 650l KRT. (Stickers coming off same day as I really don't like yellow striping

[@midlife-crysis]

Visceral. That’s what this bike is all about. A visceral experience!

[@jedadiahtucker2132]

price aside i think its a fantastic beginner bike. as you're starting off you keep the rpm down and get more comfortable a skilled. as you're skill goes you run more RPM. as you learn and make a mistake and goose it by acedent nothings gonna happen. it takes off super easy, everything works very well.

[@davidlowe4093]

your front forks might be just right but changing the fork oil (got to be a KZbinr) to a heavier weight is a first upgrade. I changed my stock pipe too first thing on my 82 CBX! I know what you mean about never getting tired of the sound. As Erick Von Zipper always said, "LET's RIDE!"

[@aesoundforge]

Definitely agree it could be a beginner bike but you would still have to be pretty careful with it. especially the brakes. If you panic brake it could get you in trouble (brakes are strong). It is almost 2 bikes it one. Very tame below 10krpm but pretty lively and fun above that (mine is flashed).

[@KirkKreifels]

The brakes are good but they have little bite. My MT09 had more aggressive brakes with big bite... I liked the feel of the Yamaha brakes better

[@jgrc73]

i just love this bike in this livery

[@purpledude5526]

Thank you for being on point, well spoken and clear(no little girl screams and squirrels). You earned a sub! Anyone reading this can answer! Question 1) Compared to an Aprilia are these Kaws easier to get parts for? Question 2) If I get one of these and want the ecu flashed to unlock it( it has stock exhaust) , do I have to re flash it when I'm ready to get a new exhaust?

[@mrgurulittle7000]

Kawasaki is da best!

[@temur72]

I haven't had a bike for many years but i mourn the loss of high reving 4 cylinder bikes at the lower end of the market. The sounds and fun of being at 10 000 rpm is great.

[@mrdarryljones1]

You love it! I love how the rear cleans up! ❤️

[@toyotrustPR]

Great video thanks. Is all about the sound, feel and fun. I am really liking this zx4rr. I had no issues going from a hayabusa to a Z125pro because is so much fun riding that little bike always on the red limiter. I wish the R1 would go back to the inline 4 just for the sound.

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

My insurance was cheaper the the MT07 that I traded in. Frame sliders are a must. I got the same tail light. I will get the front led lights this winter. I will also get the CPU flashed. I do like the fuel milage right now. I have shorter legs so I dropped the rear by about an inch because I did drop it at a stand still. I got the frame sliders as soon as I got the bike and was very glad I did. They saved my plastics. I also got the radiator guard. I use a long tang cramp buster, positioned on the inside of the throttle, so I can control my speed with my thumb and sit straight up, while using one hand. So much more comfortable on straight aways. Handy in Florida. All I have ever seen on videos is 138 to 140 mph.

[@The280zkid]

How did you drop the rear? With the adjustable suspension? Or did you buy a lowering kit?

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

@@The280zkid Lowering kit. Some of the lowering brackets show that they fit the ZX4RR but they don't. Be careful and make sure you get the right brackets.

[@The280zkid]

@@lovingmylifeasIage6741 do you have a link to the one you got?

[@kevsimoes]

just crashed my zx4 its a sad day today, i hope you enjoy it,its been such a fun bike to ride . ( i do plan of fixing it if its salvageable)

[@KirkKreifels]

Terrible to hear mate. Hope you can get back on two wheels. Ride safely!

[@kevsimoes]

@KirkKreifels you too, take it easy and enjoy that bike

[@Myrussell67]

There is a 2024 40th anniversary with pipe, flash with 1500 miles for 9k near me. Real tempted!!

[@AERoVALKYRiE]

The fact it costs $10k makes it a terrible beginner bike. A beginner will drop the bike. A used ninja 400 is the perfect beginner bike, you can pick one up for around $4k. Edit: I also think quick shifter is not ideal for beginners because beginners should learn and master the basics of shifting gears. Quick shifter would make beginners lazier and dumber.

[@jire9831]

Agreed. It’s a great second bike. I’d still go for a dual sport for a first bike to learn what you’re into.

[@KirkKreifels]

If you watched, I said the 4R is even better because of no QS for beginners

[@gregkramer5588]

I agree, and this is for all time!! I think the 70s CB125 fills the bill!

[@jgrc73]

300/400 beginner bike is 5-7000 then a bunch of bolt on junk from RZ, and you still have nothing like this. great video. will be my next bike..

[@typesredline]

First off, not all beginners will drop a bike. Also some people don’t like used. And $10k also is pretty cheap for some. From there, having a QS is perfect for a beginner. You don’t have to use it. You can still master the basics. But it’s there as a fail safe, if you are in a bind, being a new rider.

[@dougmaverick3287]

I don't think it's a good beginner bike, for anyone's first bike it should be cheap and used. I do believe the ZX-4RR is the best first "Supersport" motorcycle 🏍 because the riding Dynamics are not as Extreme as the ZX6R or 10r so the riding position is quite comfortable, and the power is very manageable for a first-time Super Sport Rider. Kirk you hit the nail on the head my friend. The sound of a motorcycle to me us just as important as the looks, and this motorcycle sounds and looks amazing, which is why I would never get the ninja 400 or 500 they don't sound good at all. Secondly, I like the fact that this motorcycle does not have huge amounts of power because that would either get me arrested or killed or both. I love the fact that you can ride this and experience the bike, going up and down the gears and revving it out while doing legal speed limits. Enjoy.

[@Part-TimePro]

In complete agreement if you can afford it, just be sure to swap out the fairings for some cheap Chinese ones, add some frame sliders, and prepare to drop it. But the inline 4 with most its power in the top end is going to make for a much more forgiving beginner experience.

[@abracing199]

They nailed the aesthetics on that bike

[@binaryanticommunist1882]

I hope you get a more traditional exhaust canister on there, like a Yoshimura. It almost looks a little too clean back there with the stubby slip on.

[@jp28491]

I really wish I had waited for the zx4rr or rs457 instead of getting the cosmic yellow striple like I did. I got locked into the dream bike idea and forgot I only had a few thousand miles of riding experience. Definitely will be looking at one of these or the 457 if I can bring myself to ride again once i recover and have my family be okay with the idea of it.

[@icyGrip666]

I would say no it's not a good begginer bike simply for the price. This bike in general doesn't make very much sense to me. But I completely agree with you in the US (I'm in florida too) they really a luxury and are emotional. So if it makes you happy I'm happy you got it.

[@Adv-caveman]

Haha...yes the RR is flexible. I can get almost 60mpg cruising back roads. The price and insurance is high for the hp. But the grin factor is very high. I would not doubt owners have long term plans. Or for older riders a last sportbike for decades to come. The 500 does feel much lighter. And I want a 500. The zx4rr is alot of fun at lower revs and is very tame. It is like two bikes in one. I am sure the 500 is close to the same without the great 4 cylinder sound. I still think the 500 would win for touring.

[@KirkKreifels]

60mpg is quite good. I'm seeing mid forties on my first tank so far. N500 is very tempting for the price!

[@Adv-caveman]

@@KirkKreifels average is 50mpg. If you toggle to real time mpg you can get a glimpse of what is going on with those throttle bodies. Crazy how much data logging this bike does. My average speed is still low from the 2 miles of dealer parking lot maneuvering. Back to back I speed way more on my klr. The little 400 is just a nice kit. And like the klr slightly misunderstood on potential and the high points of ownership. Ha....this makes for a great bike for content. Probably in the top ten of all time. I have read so many responses it is slow. I can pull 6th gear smooth from 30mph! Like any great 4 cylinder and some thumpers. I rate the 400 engine as a 11 out of ten. A much needed design in the adv world where twins are marketed into great engines. Keep ripping the videos...heck do a tour video. That would be epic!

[@davidnguyen6541]

This isn’t a beginner bike, it’s a great bike for a true enthusiast and ppl that have money to play around with

[@steveh545]

Not sure if that bike has self-canceling indicators, but there are gizmo's out there that will do that for you. maybe ST2? They also sell a brake light gizmo that will activate the brake lights based on changes in inertia (engine braking). If you're being a hooligan, might not want that one, but handy (safety) otherwise.

[@MiguelRPD]

I have a Ninja 400 and i love my "slow" bike. Because i can rev up to 12k. And still appear to be following traffic laws 😂. Im in for a good time not a fast time !

[@MiguelRPD]

Also for 10k the ZX4R is a terrible value. At just 12k I could find me a Ninja 1000sx (my dream bike). I know that's a different displacement but damn the 4R is overpriced for something that requires a retune.

[@KirkKreifels]

N1000 is a good bike! Hope you get one and love it!

[@chriscook7219]

I would definitely agree this is the perfect starter bike for most. It has everything quick shifter, auto blip, 4 cylinder engine, high rev. The only issue I think for alot of people would of course be the price point it's definitely a little pricey for what it is however if you consider what you're getting such as everything I stated at the beginning it's not that bad.

[@caskstrength7629]

I think it’s Nice and a lot of tech.👌

[@FariyanPvt]

That things beautiful for sure

[@mgpBLARG]

Remember people, not every beginner is poor.

[@DRocRSS2012]

Hey bud. Have you done the Flash to ZX4rr yet? Can't wait for that video.

[@KirkKreifels]

In progress!

[@SmplyTCRS8.0]

Hm interesting I'll consider the Ninja. I'm also thinking about dual sport bikes like the Honda XR150L.

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

I also have an XT250. Great all around bike.

[@tototronic2]

I've been watching your videos, and while the ZX-4RR is nice, I would have picked the GSX-8R as your "perfect" bike based on the things you like and those boring Florida roads!

[@netxzero3993]

My end game dream bike

[@sanderanocic]

There we go!!

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

I don't think Australia has zx4r only rr (quick shifter vs not having quick shifter and not sure what else its missing). I think all 40th anniversary are zx4rr with ABS. Another weird thing was Australia didn't get a SE version 500 unless you bought the 40th anniversary version (by law new bikes have to be ABS but enduro bikes get away with the rules for now). 2025 bikes arrived and so far still no 500 SE available. Stay safe boys and keep living the dream

[@hollydillion1315]

Flashing video next!

[@kirkrader2956]

Try a Moto Guzzi if you want a heart over head experience!

[@IndyMotoRider]

Yeah man, sound is huge factor in riding enjoyment, I get ya 100% And you're really making me want to pick this up as a 2nd bike. Not cool man lol.

[@American_Devil]

The I-4 just sounds way better than the 500 and I heard the 500 had some issues

[@hetori9918]

the BEST beginner motorcycle is an used,entry level one with some torque. Beginners always have no idea which option is better,advocating them to get a heavy 4 piston hi revving bike doesn’t make sense to me.of course if the beginner has prior experience with riding different kinds of bike,and he is good at it, maybe he could go all in one go and buy the 600

[@KirkKreifels]

Great point!

[@Stephan77645]

Is it the 52 hp Version for usa or flashed Like the european Version with 77/80 hp ? Looks Like the non flashed whem i See the acceleration ?

[@jacobbendah6735]

7:00

[@rightlanehog3151]

Kirk, How do the modifications affect the warranty? 🤔

[@KirkKreifels]

Very little.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@KirkKreifels Good to know.

[@AERoVALKYRiE]

Depends. any mod that changes your engine performance, like full exhaust, and tune, will most likely void your factory warranty.

[@helgejohan3604]

Better first bike then Mt09 😎

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Nice

[@kugangles9860]

There's a reason why these small displacement i4s never caught on in the US. If you gotta do any highway travel this bike can be exhausting. This pretty much a track tool or weekend backroads only bike.

[@KirkKreifels]

It's far better on highway than my MT09 was

[@helgejohan3604]

Duke 390 are great first bike✊🔥

[@cyde01]

Motorcycle people call it “character.” Ticking all the boxes in the spec sheet doesn’t mean it has character. Some people like the character of air cooled v twins. Some like screaming high redline in-line 4’s. Regardless, it’s never a rational decision. It’s what moves your soul

[@ak-47821]

how much is the bike including insurance?

[@Myrussell67]

Flash it flash it flash it!!!!!

[@dannyferguson9415]

Great 2nd. bike.

[@KirkKreifels]

That's what my Grom says haha

[@DRocRSS2012]

The zx4rr has a slipper clutch yeh?

[@darellrobinson5340]

This is faster than the 500

[@KirkKreifels]

Especially when unlocked

[@MrOscar5690]

Where’s the bmw video ??

[@KirkKreifels]

It'll be up tomorrow. Their wasn't audio for some reason. Had to re-upload.

[@DB-sd3cw]

Almost Mt09 weight and price with less power, less torque, less comfort. Give it one month and you'll be kicking yourself for such a goofy decision

[@KirkKreifels]

This is way more comfortable. I have zero regrets and will own this for a long time.

[@ravenstylea2]

Would rather get a used 600 cc for 10k.

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Australia you can't ride it as a beginner bike! Zx4rr cost $15000 40th anniversary zx6r $18000 40th (3years you can't ride a bike not on the LAMS list so 650l biggest for 3years). I own zx4rr zx6r plus few 500's (all 40TH anniversary) for the legal aspects. I can't legally take zx bikes out for another 3 years. Im 44urs old and have been riding since I was a teen. I don't even have a car licence being straight up nor have I ever had one. (Hoon legislation has changed life but I still haven't had a machine crushed yet. I think im on last chance. I'll get zx10r after i have anything crushed. I can't follow rules upheld by the people protecting child abusers, not in this lifetime anyway 💯)

[@caskstrength7629]

How tall are You?

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

I got a notice but when I clicked on it, it said private. 😳

[@KirkKreifels]

Yep. My BMW CE04 video went private. It had no audio. It'll be up tomorrow with audio.

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

@@KirkKreifels. Cool

[@darkmxhishot7475]

How many miles do u have on it?

[@KirkKreifels]

I'm close to 90 miles now

[@tototronic2]

@@KirkKreifels Should you be revving the engine so high before your first oil change?

[@jeffreyerickson6766]

I worry about your safety on that bike Kirk.

[@KirkKreifels]

Don't.

[@KirkKreifels]

XR150L is a good second or third bike in USA. It's like an off-road Grom. Good for around 50 MPH roads, but can offroad when you want. Also it has a carb which isn't good for elevation and cold weather.

[@ironzombi]

This is not the best beginner bike lol when you have ninja400/500, r3's etc

[@KirkKreifels]

A used bike of that tier is great! However most people will want to move on from them. If you start on this, you might just stay here. Lots of upgrades. Unlock the 78 HP, etc

[@ironzombi]

@@KirkKreifels that may be true but zx4r is definitely not a great beginner bike although a great second bike imo. was my second. In Australia we have certain bikes that have specific power to weight ratios that are allowed to be ridden by new riders, the zx4r is not actually allowed to be ridden by new riders here. 75hp is more than enough for me though.

[@TalonTSI95]

Oh man we dont see eye to eye. 90% of your "pros" are cons in my view lol

[@KirkKreifels]

Beautiful! That's why there's many bike types for different personalities. Cheers 🥂

[@TalonTSI95]

@@KirkKreifels yessir!

[@user-wu6rp4zg6u]

Dude, this is absolutely not a safe beginner bike.

[@KirkKreifels]

Depends on the person! Ride safely.

[@abracing199]

At 50hp it is absolutely a great beginner bike. Specifically a great beginner track bike.