The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R SE is one of the most exciting motorcycles in the middleweight sportbike segment. Kawasaki has designed it for riders who want the thrill of a superbike but in a smaller, more practical package. With its aggressive styling, high-revving engine, and advanced features, the ZX-4R SE is attracting attention worldwide. In India too, bike lovers are eagerly waiting for its arrival. Let’s explore what makes the Ninja ZX-4R SE so special.
Design Language – A Mini ZX-10R
The ZX-4R SE carries design inspiration from Kawasaki’s flagship superbike, the Ninja ZX-10R. It has sharp bodywork, twin LED headlamps, and aerodynamic fairings that make it look like a proper race machine. The aggressive stance, muscular fuel tank, and sharp tail section give it a superbike-like personality. Even though it’s a 400cc bike, visually it looks like a much bigger machine. Kawasaki has made sure that riders feel they are sitting on a premium supersport.
Engine Specifications
At the heart of the Ninja ZX-4R SE lies a 399cc inline-four engine, which is extremely rare in this segment. This engine revs up to 15,000 RPM, delivering a thrilling performance similar to big superbikes. It produces around 77 hp (with Ram Air effect) and 39 Nm torque, making it one of the most powerful motorcycles in its category. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox and quick-shifter, the engine offers smooth acceleration, strong mid-range, and an addictive top-end performance.
Performance and Riding Experience
The ZX-4R SE is built for riders who love speed and excitement. With a top speed close to 180+ km/h and a lightweight chassis, it delivers a true supersport experience. The high-revving nature of the engine means riders get to enjoy screaming acceleration, especially at higher RPMs. The quick-shifter allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts, making track riding and highway cruising effortless. Overall, the bike provides a thrilling yet manageable experience for both new superbike riders and experienced enthusiasts.
Special Edition (SE) Features
The SE version of the Ninja ZX-4R comes with several upgrades compared to the standard model. These include:
- Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS)
- TFT digital display with Bluetooth connectivity
- Multiple riding modes (Sport, Rain, Road, Rider)
- Traction control system
- Premium graphics and paint schemes
These added features make the ZX-4R SE stand out as a premium offering in the middleweight sports category.
Suspension and Handling
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R SE uses a trellis steel frame designed for stability and agility. Suspension setup includes USD front forks and a rear monoshock, both tuned for sporty riding. The lightweight frame combined with aggressive geometry makes the bike very flickable in corners. Whether on city roads, twisty mountain curves, or even on the racetrack, the handling is sharp and confidence-inspiring. Riders get the feel of a big bike in a compact package.
Braking and Safety
For braking, the ZX-4R SE comes equipped with dual 290mm front discs with radial calipers and a single rear disc. Dual-channel ABS ensures safety even under hard braking. Kawasaki’s electronic rider aids, such as traction control and riding modes, add extra confidence. These systems make the bike suitable for both beginners stepping into sportbikes and advanced riders looking for fun on the track.
Digital Instrument Cluster
The bike features a 4.3-inch full-color TFT screen that displays all riding information such as speed, RPM, fuel, gear position, ride mode, and traction control settings. With Kawasaki Rideology app, riders can connect their smartphones for notifications, ride logs, and bike data. This modern connectivity feature gives the ZX-4R SE a premium edge compared to traditional 400cc motorcycles.
Exhaust Note – The Inline-Four Magic
One of the biggest highlights of the Ninja ZX-4R SE is its exhaust sound. The inline-four engine produces a high-pitched scream similar to superbikes like the ZX-6R and ZX-10R. This unique exhaust note makes it stand out from other bikes in the 400cc segment, which usually have parallel-twin or single-cylinder engines. For enthusiasts, this sound itself is a big reason to buy the ZX-4R SE.
Comfort and Ergonomics
While the ZX-4R SE is a sportbike, Kawasaki has balanced comfort with aggressiveness. The seating posture is slightly forward-leaning, giving it a sporty feel, but it is not as extreme as a full supersport. The seat height is 800mm, making it accessible to most riders. Pillion comfort is limited, as expected from a supersport, but for solo riders, it is manageable for both city commutes and weekend highway rides.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Being a performance-oriented inline-four, the ZX-4R SE is not the most fuel-efficient. It delivers around 18–20 km/l, which is decent for a supersport. With a 15-liter fuel tank, riders can expect a range of about 250–280 km on a full tank. For those who are buying this bike, fuel economy won’t be the main priority—it’s all about the performance and thrill.
Rivals and Competition
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R SE stands in a unique position because very few bikes in this category offer an inline-four engine. Its closest rivals are Yamaha R7, Honda CBR500R, and KTM RC 390. However, none of them provide the same high-revving four-cylinder experience. This makes the ZX-4R SE a unique offering that blends performance, sound, and exclusivity.
Expected Price in India
Globally, the ZX-4R SE is priced around $9,000. In India, due to taxes and import duties, the price is expected to be around ₹9–10.5 lakh (ex-showroom). This makes it an expensive option compared to KTM RC 390 or Ninja 400, but given its features and engine configuration, enthusiasts will be willing to pay the premium.
Who Should Buy the ZX-4R SE?
The ZX-4R SE is perfect for riders who want a mini-superbike experience without jumping directly into 600cc or 1000cc machines. It is best for young enthusiasts, track-day riders, and those who value sound, technology, and handling more than raw top speed. If you are upgrading from a KTM RC 390, Yamaha R3, or Kawasaki Ninja 400, this bike will feel like a huge step up in performance and thrill.
Pros of Kawasaki ZX-4R SE
- High-revving inline-four engine
- Premium features like TFT, traction control, quick-shifter
- Superb handling and aggressive looks
- Unique exhaust note
- Lightweight and easy to handle compared to superbikes
Cons of Kawasaki ZX-4R SE
- Expensive pricing in India
- Limited mileage
- Pillion seat not very comfortable
- Availability could be limited due to high demand
Final Verdict
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R SE is not just another 400cc motorcycle—it’s a pocket superbike. With its rare inline-four engine, aggressive design, premium features, and thrilling performance, it offers an experience unmatched in its segment. For riders who want a unique machine that looks, feels, and sounds like a superbike but is still manageable, the ZX-4R SE is the perfect choice.
