Kawasaki has listed the 2027 Ninja ZX-4R ABS and Ninja ZX-4RR ABS on its official United States website, with starting prices of $9,299 and $9,999, respectively. Both supersport motorcycles feature a 399cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine, a six-speed transmission and dual front disc brakes with standard ABS.
The Ninja ZX-4RR ABS sits above the standard ZX-4R ABS in the lineup, adding a higher-specification rear suspension, adjustable front fork settings and a bidirectional Kawasaki Quick Shifter. Both models also feature a 4.3-inch full-colour TFT instrument display and smartphone connectivity through RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE.
2027 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R ABS and ZX-4RR ABS: US Prices
Kawasaki lists the 2027 Ninja ZX-4R ABS at $9,299, excluding a $650 destination charge. The Ninja ZX-4RR ABS costs $9,999 before the same destination charge. This brings the respective prices, including destination, to $9,949 and $10,649, before taxes, title, registration and dealer fees.
| Specification | Ninja ZX-4R ABS | Ninja ZX-4RR ABS |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2027 | 2027 |
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, four-stroke inline-four, DOHC, 16-valve | Liquid-cooled, four-stroke inline-four, DOHC, 16-valve |
| Displacement | 399cc | 399cc |
| Maximum power | 56.0 hp at 11,500 rpm | 56.0 hp at 11,500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 26.5 lb-ft at 11,000 rpm | 26.5 lb-ft at 11,000 rpm |
| Fuel system | Digital fuel injection with four 34mm throttle valves | Digital fuel injection with four 34mm throttle valves |
| Transmission | Six-speed, return shift | Six-speed, return shift |
| Quick shifter | Not listed as standard | Bidirectional Kawasaki Quick Shifter |
| Front suspension | 37mm inverted Showa fork with SFF-BP internals | 37mm inverted Showa fork with SFF-BP internals and adjustable spring preload |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal back-link system with Showa shock and adjustable spring preload | Horizontal back-link system with Showa BFRC Lite gas-charged shock and piggyback reservoir |
| Front brakes | Dual 290mm discs with radial-mount four-piston monobloc calipers and ABS | Dual 290mm discs with radial-mount four-piston monobloc calipers and ABS |
| Rear brake | 220mm disc with single-piston caliper and ABS | 220mm disc with single-piston caliper and ABS |
| Electronic rider aids | Kawasaki Traction Control, selectable power modes and ABS | Kawasaki Traction Control, selectable power modes and ABS |
| Instrument display | 4.3-inch full-colour TFT | 4.3-inch full-colour TFT |
| Seat height | 31.5 inches | 31.5 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 4.0 US gallons | 4.0 US gallons |
| Starting MSRP | $9,299 | $9,999 |
| Destination charge | $650 | $650 |
| MSRP including destination | $9,949 | $10,649 |
| Colour options | Metallic Spark Black | Lime Green, Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Spark Black, Galaxy Silver |
399cc Inline-Four Engine and High-RPM Performance
Both 2027 Ninja ZX-4 models use a 399cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke inline-four engine with double overhead camshafts and 16 valves. Kawasaki lists maximum power at 56.0 hp at 11,500 rpm and peak torque of 26.5 lb-ft at 11,000 rpm. The manufacturer measures horsepower according to ISO 4106, a standard that can produce different figures from the SAE standards used for many cars.
The engine uses digital fuel injection with four 34mm throttle valves and is paired with a six-speed return-shift transmission. A ram-air intake system forms part of the engine package, while the high-revving four-cylinder layout distinguishes the ZX-4 series from smaller-capacity sportbikes that use single-cylinder or parallel-twin engines.
Both variants include an Assist & Slipper clutch. The assist mechanism helps reduce clutch lever effort, while the slipper function helps manage rear-wheel hop associated with aggressive downshifting. Kawasaki Traction Control and selectable power modes are also included to let riders adjust the motorcycle's response to riding conditions and personal preference.
Ninja ZX-4RR ABS Gets Upgraded Suspension
The principal mechanical distinction between the two motorcycles is their suspension equipment. The standard Ninja ZX-4R ABS uses a 37mm inverted Showa fork with Separate Function Fork-Big Piston (SFF-BP) internals. At the rear, it gets a horizontal back-link suspension system with a Showa shock absorber and adjustable spring preload.
The Ninja ZX-4RR ABS upgrades to a Showa BFRC Lite gas-charged rear shock with a piggyback reservoir. The rear suspension offers adjustment for compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload. The RR also features adjustable spring preload on its front fork, giving riders more scope to tailor the suspension setup.
Kawasaki lists rear wheel travel of 4.4 inches for the ZX-4R ABS and 4.9 inches for the ZX-4RR ABS. Both motorcycles share a high-tensile steel trellis frame, a 54.3-inch wheelbase and a 31.5-inch seat height.
Bidirectional Quick Shifter Exclusive to the ZX-4RR
The Ninja ZX-4RR ABS comes equipped with Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), which supports clutchless upshifts and downshifts under suitable operating conditions. This feature allows riders to change gears without operating the clutch lever for each shift, making it particularly useful during spirited riding and track sessions.
The standard Ninja ZX-4R ABS does not list the quick shifter as standard equipment in its published specification sheet. Buyers comparing the two motorcycles should therefore consider the RR's additional shifting convenience alongside its upgraded suspension when evaluating the price difference.
Braking Hardware and Electronic Features
Both motorcycles use dual 290mm semi-floating front brake discs with radial-mounted four-piston monobloc calipers. A single 220mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper handles rear braking. ABS is standard on both versions.
The electronic package includes Kawasaki Traction Control, selectable power modes and an Economical Riding Indicator. The traction control system offers three modes, providing different levels of intervention to help manage rear-wheel traction.
Both models also feature a 4.3-inch full-colour TFT instrument panel and smartphone connectivity through RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE. The connected system can display compatible phone notifications and provide access to supported motorcycle information and settings. Available functions may depend on the motorcycle, smartphone compatibility and application features.
Dimensions, Weight and Colour Options
The 2027 Ninja ZX-4R ABS and ZX-4RR ABS share an overall length of 78.3 inches, a width of 30.1 inches and a height of 43.7 inches. Ground clearance is listed at 5.3 inches, while the fuel tank holds 4.0 US gallons.
Kawasaki lists the curb weight of both variants at 414.5 lb. Curb weight includes the fluids needed for operation, a fuel tank filled to more than 90% capacity and the tool kit, where supplied. California evaporative emissions equipment adds approximately 2.2 lb when fitted.
The standard ZX-4R ABS is listed in Metallic Spark Black. The ZX-4RR ABS offers three colour choices: Lime Green, Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Spark Black and Galaxy Silver.
US Pricing and Availability
The 2027 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R ABS starts at $9,299 in the United States, while the ZX-4RR ABS starts at $9,999. Both carry a $650 destination charge, resulting in prices of $9,949 and $10,649, respectively, before other applicable costs.
Kawasaki states that pricing and specifications are subject to change. Its online listings do not establish a specific dealership arrival date, so buyers should contact an authorised Kawasaki dealer for local inventory and delivery information. These prices and specifications apply to the US-market models and should not be assumed to represent availability or pricing in other countries.
AkulRide Verdict
The 2027 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R ABS and ZX-4RR ABS combine a 399cc inline-four engine with a compact supersport chassis and modern electronic features. Both produce a listed 56.0 hp and share the same fundamental engine, braking layout and rider-assistance systems.
The standard ZX-4R ABS offers the core package at a lower price, while the ZX-4RR ABS adds a more adjustable Showa BFRC Lite rear shock, front fork preload adjustment and a bidirectional quick shifter. With a $700 difference in starting MSRP, the decision comes down to whether riders value the RR's additional suspension adjustability and shifting equipment. Both remain distinctive options for riders seeking a small-displacement supersport with a high-revving four-cylinder engine.
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