Kawasaki takes 400cc engine performance to a new level, achieving an unprecedented level of power. The howl of the engine as it revs beyond 15,000 rpm adds to rider exhilaration. A quick-revving nature and direct throttle response are complemented by a flexible character that offers strong low- to mid-range torque for city riding, as well as screaming high- rpm power ideal for sport or track riding.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R ABS: SHARP AND NIMBLE.
Introducing the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R ABS…
Into a category filled with 400cc sport models, Kawasaki introduces a revolutionary Supersport model. The Ninja ZX-4R mounts a 400cc In-Line Four engine with class-leading performance in a compact chassis. On the track or on the street, experiencing the exhilaration of the Ninja ZX-4R’s unprecedented power, thrilling high-rpm wail, and its sharp, nimble handing will surely awaken the dormant Supersport within you.
2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- 399cc IN-LINE 4-CYLINDER DOHC ENGINE
- RAM AIR DUCT INTAKE SYSTEM
- WORLDSBK-INSPIRED CHASSIS
- ALL-LED LIGHTING
- KAWASAKI TRACTION CONTROL (KTRC)
- SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY VIA RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE
ADDITIONAL VEHICLE FEATURES:
- Assist & Slipper Clutch
- Dual front disc brakes
- Integrated Riding Modes
- Power Mode Selection
- TFT color instrumentation with circuit mode
AVAILABLE COLOURS
Metallic Spark Black
Ten new colours across six 2026 Ninja models
As a core brand family in the Kawasaki motorcycle portfolio, the announcement of new colourways for Ninja range models is always a sign that the new season is coming closer… and for 2026 across the six models just announced there are set to be an impressive ten new colour options.
As the base model for Kawasaki’s WorldSSP racing team in the hands of rider, Jeremy Alcoba, the 636cc Ninja ZX-6R gains two new colours for a fresh sales season comprising Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Metallic Spark Black/Lime Green as a new livery plus an updated variation on the fan favourite Lime Green livery.
Sharing a similar engine capacity but configured as a parallel twin engine rather than the four cylinder ZX machine, the highly praised Ninja 650 will be offered in three new colour options in the upcoming range. Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Flat Spark Black plus Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Carbon Gray and also a Lime Green version will be available for the European A2 licence friendly machine that is also a “go to” for experienced riders looking for performance, maneuverability and compact dimensions.
Proudly featuring Kawasaki’s recently developed mid-capacity, water-cooled, twin-cylinder engine, the Ninja 500 and its special edition, SE sibling have been essential parts of the Kawasaki range of late (along with their Z equivalents) offering an easy plus fun-to-ride package that are just as simple to precisely place in the cut and thrust of city traffic as it they are when weekend riding on twisty roads. The Ninja 500 has one new colour in Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black, while the SE model will be available in Lime Green and Metallic Matte Twilight Blue/Candy Persimmon Red.
In this pre-release of livery options for 2026 that leaves the high-revving and visceral Ninja ZX-4R as the final part of the initial pack. While the ZX-4R continues into 2026 with the same high impact colour and graphic treatment, the diminutive ZX-4RR will be in dealer showrooms in two brand new colorways for the 2026 model year, these being Lime Green and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Spark Black.
For such evocative machines as Ninja models are, the release of information relating to some fresh colour ways will be welcomed by fans eager to be part of Kawasaki’s constantly evolving Ninja story.
2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Class-Leading Engine Performance
Kawasaki takes 400cc engine performance to a new level, achieving an unprecedented 57 kW (77 PS) of power. The howl of the engine as it revs beyond 15,000 min-1 adds to rider exhilaration. A quick-revving nature and direct throttle response are complemented by a flexible character that offers strong low- to mid-range torque for city riding, as well as screaming high- rpm power ideal for sport or track riding.
Ultra-Compact Nimble Supersport Chassis
A hallmark of the ZX series is razor-sharp handling with excellent feedback that inspires confidence, and the Ninja ZX-4R is no exception. This stems directly from Kawasaki’s WorldSBK racing efforts, and their work in developing the Ninja ZX-10R and Ninja ZX-6R. As a result, the Ninja ZX-4R offers a handling character similar to its siblings.
Premium Components and Features
Style meets substance with the Ninja ZX-4R’s high-class styling and high-grade package. Aggressive looks are complemented by premium features like TFT colour instrumentation providing clear information, integrated Riding Modes that link traction control and power modes for easy machine setup, and on the Ninja ZX-4R SE and ZX-4RR a quick shifter for fast, simple gear changes.
World Superbike Inspired Chassis Design
Key chassis dimensions (centre of gravity position, swingarm pivot position, engine axis positions, caster angle, etc) were inspired by Kawasaki’s World Superbike Ninja ZX-10RR racer, bringing WorldSBK chassis design thinking to the 400cc class.
Ram Air Intake
Complementing the centrally positioned Ram Air intake, the side Ram Air duct, designed with feedback from the Ninja H2, routes air to the air cleaner box and contributes to stellar performance. Its aggressive look and intake sound add to the screaming In-Line Four experience, and visually identify the bike as one of Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX models
Smartphone Connectivity
Bluetooth technology built into the instrument panel allows connection to smartphones via the “RIDEOLOGY THE APP” smartphone application, enabling ridersto access instrument functions for an enhanced motorcycling experience .
Akrapovič Carbon Sports Exhaust
Give your Kawasaki bike a more sporty look and sound with this Akrapovič slip-on system. EC/ECE type approved and fully road legal. This lightweight system offers great performance. (Euro 5)
Quick Shifter
Dual-direction (up-down) Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) enables clutchless upshifts and downshifts for seamless acceleration and quick and easy deceleration. (Standard on Ninja ZX-4RR)
Requires dealer support with KVCI tool to enable quickshifter in bike ECU. Please ask your local dealer.
Akrapovič Full System Racing Exhaust
Akrapovic full racing exhaust system with stainless steel headers, collectors and link pipe and carbon fibre muffler. Contains 2 holes for front and rear oxygen sensors and adapters to allow fitment of original M12 small of aftermarket big oxygen sensors. Plug is supplied to seal of one of the holes. Compact carbon fiber muffler with slash-cut carbon endcap. Including removable stainless steel noise reduction insert. (± 105dB<->±107dB) Power +1.6 kW (2.1 hp) at 14500 rpm. Torque +2.2 Nm at 7000 rpm Weight -5.2 kg Should only be used in combination with fuel injection tuning to prevent engine damage and achieve maximum performance. (Not for street use) Ti EU5+ (double O2 sensor)
Single Seat Cover
Stylish seat cover to enhance the sporting appearance of the bike. Includes rubber pad. Available in almost all factory standard colours. Replaces the passenger seat of the Ninja ZX-4R.
One-Key System Helmet Lock
Lock your helmet securely and conveniently when you’re off the road
KTRC (3-mode)
3-Mode KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control), Kawasaki’s most advanced traction control system, offers a selection of modes to suit a variety of riding situations, from sport riding to touring.
Assist & Slipper Clutch
Based on racing technology, the Assist & Slipper Clutch acts as both a back-torque limiter and a self-servo mechanism that enables a lighter clutch lever pull.
Electronic Throttle Valves
Electronic Throttle Valves allow the ECU to deliver the ideal amount of fuel and air to the engine.
Smartphone Connectivity
Smartphone connectivity contributes to an enhanced motorcycling experience by enabling riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly.
Power Modes
Power Mode selection allows engine power delivery to be changed to suit the riding situation.
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension arranges its shock unit horizontally, greatly contributing to efficient use of space and mass centralisation.
Economical Riding Indicator
The Economical Riding Indicator is a mark appearing on the instrument panel to indicate favourable fuel consumption, encouraging fuel efficient riding.
ABS
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ensures stable braking performance by preventing wheel lock during braking.
2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $9,299 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ TBA CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ TBA (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
POWER
| POWER | |
| Engine | 4-stroke, in-line 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 399cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 57.0 x 39.1mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.3:1 |
| Maximum Horsepower | 56.0 hp¹ @ 11,500 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 26.5 lb-ft @ 11,000 rpm |
| Fuel System | DFI® with 34mm throttle valves (4) |
| Ignition | TCBI with Digital Advance |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return shift |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Electronic Rider Aids | Economical Riding Indicator, Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) (3-mode), Power Modes, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) |
PERFORMANCE
| PERFORMANCE | |
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel | 37mm inverted Showa fork with SFF-BP internals/4.7 in |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel | Horizontal back-link, Showa shock w/ adjustable spring preload/4.4 in |
| Front Tire | 110/70-17 |
| Rear Tire | 160/60-17 |
| Front Brakes | Dual 290mm semi-floating discs with radial-mount 4-piston monobloc caliper and ABS |
| Rear Brakes | Single 220mm disc with single-piston caliper and ABS |
DETAILS
| DETAILS | |
| Frame Type | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Rake/Trail | 23.5°/3.8 in |
| Overall Length | 78.3 in |
| Overall Width | 30.1 in |
| Overall Height | 43.7 in |
| Ground Clearance | 5.3 in |
| Seat Height | 31.5 in |
| Estimated Dry Weight | 383.7 lb** |
| Curb Weight | 414.5 lb* |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.0 gal |
| Wheelbase | 54.3 in |
| Special Features | 4.3″ Full-color TFT Instrumentation, Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP |
| Color Choices | Metallic Spark Black |
2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
TBA
2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, in-line four |
| Compression ratio | 12.3:1 |
| Valve system | DOHC, 16 valves |
| Bore x stroke | 57.0 x 39.1 mm |
| Displacement | 399 cm³ |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection: 34 mm x 4 |
| Lubrication | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Ignition system | Digital |
Performance & Transmission
| Maximum power | 57.0 kW {77 PS} / 14,500 rpm |
| Maximum power with RAM Air | 58,7 kW {80 PS} / 14.500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 39.0 N•m {4.0 kgf•m} / 13,000 rpm |
| CO2 emission | 120 g/km |
| Fuel consumption | 5.1 l/100km |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return shift |
| Clutch | Wet, multi disc |
| Primary reduction ratio | 2.029 (69/34) |
| Gear ratios 1st | 2.929 (41/14) |
| Gear ratios 2nd | 2.056 (37/18) |
| Gear ratios 3rd | 1.619 (34/21) |
| Gear ratios 4th | 1.333 (32/24) |
| Gear ratios 5th | 1.154 (30/26) |
| Gear ratios 6th | 1.037 (28/27) |
| Final drive | Sealed chain |
| Final reduction ratio | 3.429 (48/14) |
Frame & Dimensions
| Frame type | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Trail | 97 mm |
| Wheel travel front | 120 mm |
| Wheel travel rear | 112 mm |
| Tyre, front | 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) |
| Tyre, rear | 160/60 ZR17 M/C (69W) |
| L x W x H | 1,990 x 765 x 1,110 mm |
| Steering angle L/R | 35° / 35° |
| Wheel base | 1,380 mm |
| Ground clearance | 135 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 15.0 litres |
| Seat height | 800 mm |
| Curb mass | 189 kg |
Brakes & Suspension
| Front brake type | Dual semi-floating discs |
| Front brake diameter | Ø 290 mm |
| Front brake caliper type | Radial-mount, monobloc, opposed 4-piston |
| Rear brake type | Single disc |
| Rear brake diameter | Ø 220 mm |
| Rear brake caliper type | Single-piston |
| Front suspension type | Inverted Separate Function fork (SFF-BP) with top-out springs |
| Front suspension diameter | Ø 37 mm |
| Rear suspension type | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock with spring preload adjustability |
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
Posted on September 20, 2025 by Michael Le Pard
