- In-line four-cylinder engine teased
- Could get cylinder deactivation
- India launch soon
Kawasaki India has posted a new teaser on its social media handles, hinting at an imminent motorcycle launch. The image shows an inline four-cylinder engine with probable cylinder deactivation too. According to our sources, the Japanese brand is set to bring in the Ninja ZX-4R as well as the ZX-6R to India. So, here’s what you should know about these bikes.
Both, the Ninja ZX-6R and the Ninja ZX-4R get a thoroughbred supersport stance. The clip-on handles are low, rider footpegs are rear-set, and you can sit in a crouched position. Both bikes get a split LED headlight topped by a transparent visor but the ZX-6R gets a slightly different fascia than the ZX-4R. Kawasaki India had the ZX-6R on sale a few years back but it was later discontinued post the implementation of new and stringent emission norms. However, the middleweight supersport is now set to make a comeback in its latest trim alongside the Ninja ZX-4R. The latter will be offered for the first time on our shores.
Powering the Ninja ZX-4R is a 399cc, in-line, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that makes 80bhp at 14,500rpm and 39Nm at 13,000rpm. It’s linked to a six-speed gearbox and benefits from a quickshifter too. Meanwhile, the ZX-6R uses a 636cc, in-line, four-cylinder motor with an output rated 129bhp at 13,000rpm and 69Nm at 10,800rpm. It, too, gets a six-speed gearbox and a quickshifter for clutchless upshifts and downshifts.
Kawasaki has equipped both offerings with smartphone connectivity, ride modes (Sport, Road, Rain or Rider), LED illumination, traction control, and a full TFT screen.
Both bikes ride on USD Separate Function forks (SFF-BP) at the front and a gas-charged rear shock. The 6R gets rebound and compression damping and spring preload adjustability as well. The braking hardware for 4R includes twin 290mm front and 220mm rear discs with dual-channel ABS. Meanwhile, the ZX-6R gets larger, 310mm dual front discs and a single 220mm rear disc. Both bikes ride on 17-inch wheels with a 120/70 front tyre. However, the rear tyre on the Ninja ZX-4R measures 160/60, whereas the ZX-6R comes with a 180/55 rear tyre.
Kawasaki is likely to bring both bikes very soon, but the order of their debut is yet to be known. The previously known price of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R in India was around Rs. 11 lakh (ex-showroom). So, the updated model is expected to cost slightly more than that. Meanwhile, the ZX-4R could cost north of Rs. 7 lakh (ex-showroom).
