The California Air Sources Board has issued an government order for Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R, clearing the way in which for the long-rumored sportbike to be bought within the state.
The chief order was issued on Dec. 21, 2022, certifying a Kawasaki mannequin going by the code “ZX400SP”. As we had been the primary to report final August, Kawasaki had submitted Automobile Identification Quantity information for a ZX400SP and a ZX400PP with the U.S. Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration, figuring out it as being powered by a 399cc four-cylinder engine.
Kawasaki makes use of the ZX designation for all its Ninja ZX sportbikes, such because the ZX-6R (ZX636), ZX-10R (ZX1002) and ZX-14R (ZX1400), so it’s straightforward to conclude “ZX400” would symbolize a Ninja ZX-4R. The ZX-4R is anticipated to be primarily based on the Ninja ZX-25R (pictured at prime) supplied in Asian markets, and it goes by the code ZX250.
The ZX400 can be distinct from the present Ninja 400 and Z400 fashions as they’ve completely different mannequin codes (EX400 and ER400, respectively), and had been already individually licensed by CARB.
Apparently, the CARB government orders present the ZX-4R truly releases decrease emissions than the twin-cylinder fashions, regardless of providing what is anticipated to be superior efficiency. The Z400 and Ninja 400 are licensed to supply 0.3 g/km of hydrocarbons and 4 g/km of carbon monoxide, whereas the ZX-4R is licensed at 0.1 g/km of hydrocarbons and 0.4 g/km of carbon monoxide.
In Indonesia, Kawasaki presents each a ZX-25R and a ZX-25RR. The double-R provides larger high quality Showa suspension and a particular KRT graphic scheme.
Whereas the CARB order lists the ZX400SP, there’s no point out of the ZX400PP model. It’s necessary to notice the “SP” doesn’t essentially denote a better finish mannequin. In Kawasaki’s nomenclature, the “P” on the finish stands for the 2023 mannequin yr and the letter earlier than that merely marks a distinct mannequin variant.
In Indonesia, the ZX-25R is joined by a ZX-25RR that provides extra premium Showa suspension and a Kawasaki Racing Crew livery, however we don’t imagine a ZX-4RR might be supplied within the U.S. It’s extra seemingly Kawasaki will solely provide the ZX-4R with or with out ABS, simply because it does for it’s different ZX fashions.
Discovering the proper worth for the ZX-4R might be very important. In Japan, the ZX-25R is priced at 847,000 yen (US$6,600), with particular version colours pushing it to 935,000 yen (US$7,300). The Ninja 650, by comparability, is priced at 913,000 yen (US$7,100). A ZX-4R must be even pricier.
The timing of the CARB government order makes the ZX-4R a candidate to be one of many two fashions Kawasaki is teasing for a reveal on Feb. 1, seemingly alongside an up to date Ninja H2 SX SE which has additionally been licensed by CARB however has but to be introduced for 2023.
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