Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Launched at Rs 8.49 Lakh; Pricier Than Versys 650

Kawasaki has officially launched the highly anticipated Ninja ZX-4R in India at a price of Rs 8.49 lakh (ex-showroom) and this launch follows our earlier report breaking the news about Kawasaki's plans to introduce the Ninja ZX-4R to the Indian market. Priced even higher than the Versys 650 adventure tourer, the Ninja ZX-4R is only Rs 71,000 less than the larger Z900 street naked, emphasizing its premium positioning.

Under the hood, the Ninja ZX-4R is powered by a robust 399cc liquid-cooled inline-four motor, delivering an impressive 80hp (with ram air assistance, 77hp without). Notably, its peak power is achieved at a high 14,500rpm requiring riders to engage with the engine to maximize performance. The torque figure stands at 39Nm, comparable to the newly launched KTM 390 Duke and this engine's unique characteristic is its reliance on RPMs for power rather than torque.

In terms of underpinnings, the base variant of the Ninja ZX-4R features a trellis frame, supported by an upside-down fork (SFF-BP unit from Showa) and a preload-adjustable mono-shock. The braking system includes twin 290mm discs at the front and a single 220mm unit at the rear, with standard dual-channel ABS. The tyre sizes (120/70-ZR17 front and 160/60-ZR17 rear) are akin to the larger Ninja 650.

The Ninja ZX-4R comes equipped with advanced features which makes it a technologically sophisticated sportbike. Its control center is a 4.3-inch Bluetooth-equipped color TFT dash, offering turn-by-turn navigation and notification alerts. The dash also includes a dedicated Track layout and provides access to four preset riding modes: Sport, Road, Rain, and a customizable Rider mode allowing riders to adjust traction control and power modes according to their preferences.

Despite the high price tag, the Ninja ZX-4R caters to enthusiasts seeking a premium and technologically advanced inline-four sportbike in the Indian market. The absence of its higher-spec SE variant and the ZX-4RR in the Indian launch suggests that Kawasaki has positioned this model strategically focusing on delivering a compelling offering to riders who prioritize performance and advanced features.