We ride the $26,000 Graves Motorsports Kawasaki ZX-4RR! - Cycle News

We go for a ride on what is probably the hottest Kawasaki ZX-4RR anywhere in the world thanks to Graves Motorsports/Graves Racing Services.
This thing is an absolute beast!
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Check the links below for more information:
gravesracingservices.com/
Graves Motorsports:
www.gravesport.com/
#CycleNews #Kawasaki #ZX4RR

[@JDeezle21]

This would honestly be a better buy for 90% of the people who buy R1M's & V4S's

[@Braselton21]

But an R1 & V4 are just so damn sexy 0_o it's like owing a Ferrari :D

[@cyclenews]

Sometimes it's better to go around the outside of a Ferrari in a Miata...

[@irondiet6831]

Agree

[@jasontodd9302]

Let’s keep it real. $26k for a 400rr…not sure if anybody would get respect. Probably laughed at.

[@jasontodd9302]

I’m going to assume you meant buying a regular 400rr though 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Braselton21]

Now that's how a small bike is suppose to sound :D

[@deanzaZZR]

This made me smile. Well done Team Green & Graves Racing.

[@RickyJr46]

Kudos to Chuck for building it, then letting Rennie out for a right good flog!

[@infinitypt3415]

My god, best lookin Zx4RR ive ever seen!

[@Taste_Budz]

A full exhaust and ecu flash is a must on new Kawasaki sport bikes if you want your moneys worth - most of the Kawasaki sportbikes come with a 15% power restriction

[@corneliusblackwood9014]

Graves is a great company, they built my race bikes in the early 2000’s. I miss my days racing, that’s for sure.

[@ragerider6283]

Nice vid, very cool. In terms of pure fun, this ZX4RR appeals to me so much more than a 1000cc supersport bike (which I have owned previously). You can actually use most of it most of the time instead of tiptoeing about on it or hanging on for dear life.

[@cyclenews]

Absolutely. Couldn't agree more

[@Aladinscave]

That’s why I ride the big bikes.. because I have to hang on for dear life 😂

[@jamesharrelson4172]

I have an R1 and a zx4rr and I freakin love this thing

[@ST-kq9py]

@@jamesharrelson4172 I have a ‘22 R1 and want one of these, is it as much fun as the litre bike?

[@jamesharrelson4172]

@ST-kq9py on the street it's way more fun. My R1 killed street riding for me but on the zx4rr it's like I can get a little taste of the track on the street again. And it's more comfortable.

[@LMActionsports]

Wow the grave’s race bike sounds MEAN!! looks like a blast to ride

[@protator]

Reminds me of my test ride with a ZXR-400 twenty years ago. Didn't have the midrange to be a proper daily driver so I ended up with a 7RR and a RGV 250 for hooning around. Still a nice little bike. The airbox had a resonance at 8k and close to redline that gave you chills

[@tw1st3d35]

Can confirm. I have a 1995 ZXR 400, restricted for european A2 license. Low range and mid range there is basically nothing but still plenty to get around our smaller european cities. Never had an issue. Above 8k-10k RPM that thing starts to scream and pull like crazy. I‘ve been in able to keep up with some better riders on bigger bikes on some real twisty roads. I‘m currently looking into doing a full rebuild and refresh of the bike. Looking to squeeze close to 90hp out of that tiny engine.

[@protator]

@@tw1st3d35 Not so sure that hp figure is realistic. An acquaintance back in the day specialized in prepping RGV/RS 250 as well as ZXR and FZR 400s for track use. According to what he told back then: 75Hp if you want some form of reliability - and that's already going to cost you a ton of money - , 80 if you don't mind rebuilding the engine after every track event, and anything beyond that if you like sitting on a time bomb. I'd go for a 65 to 70-ish Hp street tune. The money necessary for that is going to be out of proportion already. Also, less weight trumps more hp. Give it a nice lightweight alu rear subframe, Kevlar bodywork etc and you'll have a mighty fine racer. I drove one of his fully prep'd RS250 race bikes in Oschersleben (ger) ... 70-somthing horses, practically weightless ... when that thing got serious at higher revs, my brain didn't know if I should feel like Rossi or shit my pants. Drove home on my 2-ton 7R. Thought it was broken at first^^.

[@vxe6vxe6]

I wanted a ZX4, but could not find one local at a price I was willing to pay. I ended up with a 23 ZX10R. Silly fun bike! I have bought a few Go Fast parts from Graves for it. Rick has been awesome! My local dealer received a new 23 ZX4 (dealer swap), I was able to sit on it. There's a lot more room on the ZX4 than the ZX10. It actually feels more like the Z900RS in the seating position. If I could get a ZX4 I would set it up like Chuck's bike. I'll bet that thing is fun running up and down Encinal, Bouquet, Hwy 33... Awesome video. One thing, the metal throttle tube makes the ZX10 feel like a different bike! On the ZX10 the forward motion on the throttle shuts off the cruise control. I can live without that off-mode, you still have the brakes, clutch and shutting off the cruise control to turn off the cruise control. Thanks to Chuck Graves/Graves Racing and Cycle News!

[@TheQuirby]

You had that thing screaming. It sounded amazing

[@OgamiItto70]

The inline four 400cc supersport is back? Welcome, I say.

[@theonlyredspecial]

Absolutely brilliant fun !

[@ArtstradaMagazine]

amazing track-tion on this bike

[@tsharabi4]

man i love my zx4rr

[@CYAN25]

love the bike!

[@johnmcgarry9519]

Graves. The Kindig of bikes!

[@thomasbechter1761]

Oh Wow … nice work !!

[@JESUSISCALLINGYOU7]

These are the first ZX-4RRs I've ever heard that on the upper rev range have growly, low harmonic overtones pitched a few octaves lower, reminding me of the Ducati Panigale V4 engines.😅 Sounds addictive. In person it has to be sensational!

[@adzmitch]

I have a few 90s 400s and it sounds the same, it's awesome that they're making 4cyl 400s again!

[@ferociousfrankie]

Cool bikes, nice riding.

[@Bra_Hundfoder]

Great package and Bike 🙌

[@jap7856]

I remember riding my buddy's 1990 FZR400R for the first time on the Big track at Willow Springs, one of the best handling bike's of it's time. All of the Japanese manufacturers need to bring 400cc SuperSport bike back to the USA.

[@uploader235]

CB-1 owner here. 400/4s rock!

[@billallen4793]

That little genesis engine would rev to the moon! I was riding a 75 Z1-900, 87 FZR1000. At the time!..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 👋🤠 14,500-15,000rpm

[@truthxposed8975]

They do, I'm 5 feet tall and 120 pound female and I hate how uncomfortable I feel on a 600. I have to lower it and it totally screws up the handling for track days. I just hate it.

[@A.Musa76]

400 is already here in the state. I already looked at the Ninja 400. I think I made up my mind on the ZX-4RR 40th Anniversary Edition (bring back the 1990s) for my lady for her first bike.. I had a ZX-7R as my first bike back in the 90s (I'm 5'-10" with a inseam 30"). I already have my mind set on a MV Agusta F3RC. Then I will add Aprilia to my fleet in the future.

[@A.Musa76]

@@truthxposed8975 Look at the Ninja 400 (30.9" seat height) and the Yamaha R3 (30.7" seat height). I think you be able to flat foot it.

[@christophl838]

I don't know how often I watched this video but this is the benchmark zx4rr for sure.

[@cyclenews]

Cheers mate!

[@explodingducati1087]

I agree!

[@RT22-pb2pp]

Listen to tht little 400 four scream I love it had a 400 four honda 1975 with yosh 4 into one loved the small bike sound with a pipe.

[@RT22-pb2pp]

OH MY GOD the second bike the race bike was crazy quick. I want to see it ridden at IOMTT

[@andrewg4412]

i got an 899 panigale, Fiance has a '91 MC22 and we're both excited to see a zx4rr around for sure

[@jameshisself9324]

Wow I haven't seen Chucky since I think Formula USA days at Willow. We have aged.

[@donaldleonhardt8771]

You were cooking with gas, Rennie!! I wish I could ride that well!

[@ihsanulkamil1999]

SUPER AWESOME

[@KingJerbear]

That thing sounds unbelievable. I'd argue riding that thing at 340lbs has got to be one of the most rewarding experiences on a track Thanks for sharing, brilliant stuff from the Graves team

[@CookJunkie]

Nice riding. When you hear scrape scrape. You really leaned that bike

[@CurtisBrandt]

That bike looks and sounds great. I’m sure it’s “easy” to ride but it sure looked like it made things happen pretty quickly on the streets course!

[@RT22-pb2pp]

Easy to ride normal but to push it takes super skills.

[@CurtisBrandt]

@@RT22-pb2pp #ridinglife! 🤣

[@jorjorbinks89]

I honestly love seeing everyone talking about power yet I dont believe any of those would be able to push this bike to the limit on a track.

[@ThomasDoubting5]

So much fun id hope so

[@kawi704racing]

Graves make some great parts.

[@pistolpete6321]

Wowzer!

[@cyclenews]

She's a beast

[@nninjayou]

Espetáculo 💚✌️💪

[@scottmurray2239]

Beautiful bike. I wish i was 30 years younger

[@GreggsonWong]

13:41 the experience 😎

[@hottotty13]

I’ve had the pleasure of being passed by Chuck often in open practice at Willow circa 2000-2003.

[@anthonymckinnon7037]

blast from the past. of course i know Graves has been making motorcycle parts for years. its just that i have not seen him on camera since he was riding Big Papa. time flies!

[@Yuhisern]

Man I want those individual parts 😊

[@oOKAMAKAYAOo]

4:00 yea a stock one makes 77PS in NZ market. American one is dulled down a lot for emissions I believe.

[@morri03]

He’s talking about at the wheel

[@lamefart]

​​​​@@morri03 Stock is 60 PS in US and Canada with the emissions/sound restrictions vs 77PS from EU/Asia/Oceania etc.. 60 isn't off the wheel or the 77. Take it at face value. NA owners just flash the ECU with an EU ones and they're basically *_unlocked_* ...

[@Apollo-Computers]

I want one of these. And I own an '18 r1m.

[@IrnMaiden304]

So the one with all the bells and whistles only makes 1 hp more then the one with just the flash / pipe / air filter ?. I get all the weight savings, I'm curious how the hp / tq curves in the map compare between the two in where it has shifted it's power band.

[@steve23464]

What's that, like 2k over MSRP? Of course I jest, great video.

[@jerichom11x]

Shame the subframe isnt replaceable

[@richardsewell8657]

They make in the 70,s hp stock everywhere but the US so hes got about 5 extra hp with the pipe, air filter and flash.

[@PhysiqueSteve]

I heard about the throttle not fully shutting off when you close the throttle, like you mentioned. I wonder if there’s a way to fix that because that would mess you up at advance pace

[@RedBud315]

I remember Chuck Graves long before he was famous for Yamaha when he raced in A.R.R.A. at Willow Springs in the 80's.

[@cyclenews]

Classic!

[@WilliamAndrewPhilipBodie]

This year it will come out here in Germany. but what i don't understand is. stock will be 57 kW {77 PS} and with RAM air 58,7 kW {80 PS}. and in this video they have to tune to get that ???

[@youremydaddy]

Wish they would sell the ZX25RR in the States. 20k rpm ripper!

[@willywar01]

and Europe!

[@raptorsean1464]

Damn I bet that little sucker is a track weapon. Probably even beat a 1000 around that track. Although I believe that new M1000RR competition is only very slightly heavier!

[@drsrsv8884]

Doubt it.

[@drdpetizo]

Wow, impressive! How much for the street build? Similar? I would love that bike

[@cyclenews]

Not sure, you'd have to ask Chuck. Not much less, I think.

[@bpt386]

Why is it 26 grand

[@MrH250]

ZXR400 from the 90s with 5k spent on it would keep with this??

[@chriswest2290]

Oh its is a race bike. Its being deleolped to race in a 400c class. Bet that would be amzing fun. And not as expensive to run a season as the 1000cc. Cheaper tyres

[@user-lj1rr4tg6j]

Was he scraping the bike on those two turns in the back section? And almost left the track before the bowl on the last lap before the bowl. And not sure he hit an apex. Took away from the video bc I was so worried about him crashing. Sick bike tho, we are building one now too, there is a swingarm from Graves for it now!

[@MotoRipperZ]

He scraped it more than two times in the section you are referring to if you turn up the volume

[@jamesstacey529]

Now if the manufacturers had any balls they'd make Direct injected two-stroke inline 4-cylinder❤

[@GreggsonWong]

I would like to see a Kawasaki Z400 Graves fully done up $26K version💯😁

[@CaptainPetrolburner]

I’d love to go test it out. How much room is there for bore and stroke increase? My local club allows a 500cc 4 cylinder in middleweight.

[@burtonporter8437]

It’s going to shit on any 500cc bike out there already isn’t it?

[@tw1st3d35]

500cc 4 cyl bikes are rare unless you got the rare FZR500 from the 90s. The bigger problem is finding somebody to manufacture the pistons and rods. My guess you can increase the bore for another 2mm, maybe 2.5mm max. That gets you close to 450cc. 450cc, full exhaust and a reflash will leave any 500cc bike in the dust.

[@clutchpack1969]

I wan to see Chuck ride that thing.

[@spotthedogg]

Amazing bike, it would be cool if dollars didn’t mean anything, I think I’d buy a RS660 Trofeo

[@gabryalmalakyah8013]

How can i contact to builder to upgrade my rr?

[@phillisblkdck193]

Looks great sounds great but 26k not today😂

[@ST-kq9py]

Hey Rennie, did you prefer this over the latest ZX636R? Is it more fun to ride? Great review bro! 😁

[@cyclenews]

Cheers... Honestly, I'd go the 636 but if money was no question I'd have one of these for sure. $26k is far too rich for my money for a 400 but the thing is so much fun that if I could easily afford it, there'd be no question

[@ST-kq9py]

@@cyclenews thanks for the reply Rennie, I value your opinion and feedback on these bikes. I have a ‘22 R1 and I am going to get a new ZX4RR or ZX6R for the road and occasional trackday, cheers. 👍

[@dunko3835]

Did you mention to him about the bike running on a bit in the corners? any feedback about that from him?

[@cyclenews]

Yeah, it was a mapping issue. They've got it sorted now.

[@adarshkeswani2319]

How much will labour cost

[@pointblankracer6274]

Me wants it, me needs it, me must have's it, lol.

[@throttletube]

For that money you can buy a ZX-10RR and call it a day

[@Taste_Budz]

You can them for 16k with a flash and full exhaust (80hp) - ZX10RR is almost 2x

[@robertdavis4761]

Can you order some of these parts from Graves? Is there a link to their website?

[@cyclenews]

Yes, link is in the video description

[@bioni76]

Why only 60hp stock in the US. Im in Norway and here they are 75HP stock. What's up with that?

[@cyclenews]

Emissions fun police got their hands on it and neutered it.

[@fatbongripz4207]

26k, when you could buy a track-ready 600cc for $12k...........

[@Crimson_Strider]

Did they go bigger tires on the rear?

[@ohkey2999]

nah, imagine wearing bigger shoes.

[@joshuaespinoza6331]

If i buy the same bike can i ship to you to upgrade for me exactly like this?

[@cyclenews]

You'll have to take that up with Graves Motorsports mate.

[@paullazarro4295]

That is a steering DAMPER.

[@backho12]

Surprised to hear a knowledgeable guy calling it a dampener. A dampener is a wet rag.

[@operator0]

He says 79hp. Is that at the crank, or the wheel?. I ask because this bike makes 76hp at the crank in Europe. 79 at the wheels could be as much as 93 at the crank, which seems like a crazy amount just from a flash, exhaust and airbox mods. Also, it seems to me to be a little much to pull the motor off the bike and do an engine dyno with such minor mods. I'm not saying they didn't do it, but neither did he. Normally when giving wheel HP numbers, a tuner is reluctant to do the math for crank HP because it can very. So, this 79hp number he gives is confusing to me.

[@BfaltS1K]

My s1k was new when u bought it and cheaper

[@sophonchan4402]

Proves u don’t need a whole lot of hp

[@M_Duhamel17]

All that money to get no better specific output per liter than the 1000s. A real 400cc modern screamer 4 would redline and make peak power 2-3000 rpm higher than any zx10 and be well above 200 hp per liter

[@tkohout87]

Still will buy rs660 trofeo 🙈

[@SJW82]

How the hell are these bikes 400cc? 😳🤯🤷‍♂️

[@Hyperion.X]

Lol. All that money and mine does the same stock in japan.ahahaaa

[@joek81981]

So they made that cartridge system just for him? Like, I can't buy it no matter what? That's bonkers. I'd have it no matter the price.

[@tkohout87]

You should be able to in near future

[@anonymous-tn6ij]

Watch Yammy noobs review on this they said the double R isn’t much more than the straight 400

[@belligerent-irony]

$1000 per hp!

[@TROdesigns]

$65,000/liter to get the bike that should've come from the factory

[@thomaschandler4831]

80 hp bummer … man I would love to get it up to 110 hp or 130

[@xani666]

Ok but taking out fuel sensor is one of the most pointless "mods" there is.

[@ritchiethorup]

It was done to accommodate fuel cell foam .

[@cartertwowheels3358]

I don't understand why these new 250 and 400cc bikes are almost twice the price of the 600cc Supersports that are superior due too an aluminum frame... Sure it's a fun bike, just not as good as the 600s we've had for the last 15 years.

[@czierwo]

Oh! Beautiful machine! I knew this will be a mad rocket when sorted. I street ride zx10r, and track zx6r, but this really appeals to me. No doubt this would be a blast on the track.

[@anonymous-tn6ij]

Did everybody drink Bud Light before they rode this bike?

[@eoinkenny3188]

It's in the desert so yes I'd assume they were drinking water.

[@anonymous-tn6ij]

So you don’t even understand the Bud Light reference to this bike wow SMH

[@eoinkenny3188]

@@anonymous-tn6ij?

[@gavin-ey4vb]

yh he propa nutts if he think he getting 26grand lol my m8s ows him 10 grand flashed an tuned up with his same full pipe on an he in the high 70 bhp so were is the other 16 grand going loldont make sense to me i no he got suspension aswell an a couple other things but still thats to much

[@VEChaplin]

However, an unmodified RR in Canadian dollars is indicated at $11,000. Not $26,000! To judge the value of the bike with the modifications for the track you have to try it. Otherwise, to compare with other bikes you have to take the price at the dealership to make a good comparison with the others...

[@t0k4m4k7]

That's 26.000$?

[@t0k4m4k7]

The road one or the track one?

[@RT22-pb2pp]

To anyone calling it a neginners bike bahahahahahha you nuts this is a race weapon

[@RT22-pb2pp]

beginners damn typos

[@3089280288]

Why the hell is anyone spending 26 grand on a 400?

[@Topnikko]

Need a turbo kit for it.

[@michaelschuler7397]

Lol tip over

[@michaelj.kastner5165]

Buy a ZX-10-RR for $30,000, and it will weigh less and 215-HP will full exhaust/ram air

[@boredvideos1]

Unless I misheard him the zx10 is over 100 lbs heavier. At 4:58 I'm pretty sure he says its 341lbs, that's 70lbs off from the factory zx4 which seems wrong but maybe all the mods add up to that? but either way a stock zx4 is 414lbs and zx10 is 456

[@NudaMan]

But you’ll get the guys that are like “you’ll never use all that power blah blah blah” who cares people buy what they like and ima be honest I 100% would ride tf out of a Zx10R every season lol

[@KingJerbear]

Yeah buy one of those and you'll get blown by in the corners

[@jasontodd9302]

@@stevenjackson5541true. But we aren’t professionals and you’re in the street A LOT more than the track. Keep it real fellas. I admit the 4RR is a great track bike. But people seem to forget you gotta dish out at least $100 or more for each track session. Add that into the expenses

[@hby7768]

@@jasontodd9302 a skill rider will out ride 90% of all riders on the street with the z4rr vs any 1k bike. On the freeway pass 65mph, this bike will be useless against the liter bikes if that's what you mean by "street".