2025 Kawasaki ZX-4R Specs & Review

Kawasaki’s 400-class screamer returns with a true inline-four, built for riders who love big revs, precise handling, and compact supersport ergonomics. In this Kawasaki ZX-4R review, we break down the 2025 Kawasaki ZX-4R specs and translate the numbers into real-world riding insight.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Displacement: 399 cm³
• Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, in-line four
• Power: 57.0 kW (77 PS) at 14,500 rpm; 58.7 kW (80 PS) with ram air at 14,500 rpm
• Torque: 39.0 N•m (28.77 lb-ft) at 13,000 rpm
• Kawasaki ZX-4R weight (curb): 189 kg (416.67 lbs)
• Kawasaki ZX-4R seat height: 800 mm (31.50 in)

Engine & Performance

The 399 cm³, DOHC 16-valve inline-four is the heart of the ZX-4R’s appeal. With a 12.3:1 compression ratio and an oversquare bore and stroke (57.0 mm x 39.1 mm), it loves to spin. Peak output is 57.0 kW (77 PS) at 14,500 rpm, rising to 58.7 kW (80 PS) with ram air at the same revs. Maximum torque is 39.0 N•m (28.77 lb-ft) at 13,000 rpm, so the motor rewards riders who keep it in the upper half of the tach.

Fuel injection (34 mm x 4) and digital ignition deliver crisp response, while the 6-speed, return-shift gearbox and sealed chain final drive (final reduction ratio 3.429) keep power delivery clean and predictable. Around town, you’ll find the gearbox well spaced for short shifts, yet it happily stretches its legs on the highway where the high-rev focus makes passing quick and drama-free. For spirited rides, the free-breathing top end and close gearing encourage you to chase that 14,500 rpm power peak. Efficiency is solid too, with a claimed 5.1 l/100km (46.1 mpg) and CO₂ emissions at 120 g/km.

Handling, Comfort & Kawasaki ZX-4R Seat Height

Built around a trellis high-tensile steel frame with a 1,380 mm (54.33 in) wheelbase and 97 mm (3.82 in) trail, the ZX-4R feels planted yet agile. Up front is a Ø 37 mm inverted Separate Function fork (SFF-BP) with top-out springs and 120 mm (4.72 in) of travel; out back, a Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock offers spring preload adjustability with 112 mm (4.41 in) of travel.

The Kawasaki ZX-4R seat height is 800 mm (31.50 in), a middle-ground that gives good leverage in corners. Combined with the Kawasaki ZX-4R weight of 189 kg (416.67 lbs) curb, low-speed maneuvering is manageable, and once rolling the chassis feels light on its feet. Ground clearance is 135 mm (5.31 in) and steering angle is 35°/35°. Tire sizes are sport-ready: 120/70 ZR17 (58W) front and 160/60 ZR17 (69W) rear, offering predictable turn-in and solid edge grip.

Equipment & Features

Braking hardware is confidence-inspiring: dual semi-floating Ø 290 mm front discs clamped by radial-mount, monobloc, opposed 4-piston calipers, plus a rear Ø 220 mm single disc with a single-piston caliper. The wet, multi-disc clutch and electric start make daily use easy, while the trellis chassis communicates feel clearly.

Practical touches include a 15.0-litre (3.96 gal) fuel tank and compact dimensions of 1,990 mm x 765 mm x 1,110 mm (78.35 in x 30.12 in x 43.70 in). The final drive is a durable sealed chain, and the gearbox uses well-chosen ratios from a short 1st (2.929) to a relaxed 6th (1.037). MSRP (US) is $8,999.

Who Is the 2025 Kawasaki ZX-4R For?

Riders stepping up from small twins who want a genuine inline-four experience will love the ZX-4R’s high-revving character. Its 800 mm seat height and 189 kg curb mass suit a wide range of riders, while the smooth 6-speed transmission and 15.0-litre tank make it practical for commuting. Weekend canyon runs and track days are where it shines, rewarding precise inputs and committed cornering.

Torquepedia Verdict

The ZX-4R stands out by delivering a true four-cylinder experience in the 400 class: screaming top-end power (up to 58.7 kW/80 PS with ram air), strong braking components, and a communicative trellis chassis. Suspension travel and geometry strike a sweet balance between stability and agility.

Its high-rev focus means it’s happiest when ridden assertively, and the 800 mm seat height may feel tall to some shorter riders. But if you want a compact sportbike that feels special every time you chase the redline, the ZX-4R is a compelling pick in its segment.

FAQ

• Is the 2025 Kawasaki ZX-4R good for beginners?

  • It’s a sport-focused machine with peak power at 14,500 rpm and a curb mass of 189 kg (416.67 lbs). Confident newer riders may manage it, but it’s best suited to riders comfortable with sportbike ergonomics and rev-happy engines.

• What is the seat height of the 2025 Kawasaki ZX-4R?

  • The Kawasaki ZX-4R seat height is 800 mm (31.50 in).

• How heavy is the 2025 Kawasaki ZX-4R?

  • The Kawasaki ZX-4R weight (curb) is 189 kg (416.67 lbs).

• What are the power and torque figures?

  • Maximum power is 57.0 kW (77 PS) at 14,500 rpm, or 58.7 kW (80 PS) with ram air at 14,500 rpm. Maximum torque is 39.0 N•m (28.77 lb-ft) at 13,000 rpm.

• What’s the fuel economy and tank size?

  • Claimed fuel consumption is 5.1 l/100km (46.1 mpg), and fuel capacity is 15.0 litres (3.96 gal).