ZX-4R: Easy for Beginners, Fun for Experts [Webike My Bike Pickup]

This feature highlights a bike from the Webike Community that caught our editorial team's attention. This time, we're featuring the KAWASAKI "ZX-4R," owned by "Hagacho.".

ZX-4R (399cc) Owner: Hagacho

The KAWASAKI "ZX-4R" is a supersport model equipped with a parallel four-cylinder engine, marking a long-awaited return to the 400cc class. Amidst strict environmental regulations, its packaging, which fuses the feel of a four-cylinder engine that can be enjoyed at high RPMs with the latest electronic control technology, has generated significant buzz. It offers a wide range of capabilities, from sporty circuit riding to everyday touring, and is gathering keen interest from many riders as a machine that performs beyond its class.

Owner Hagacho decided to switch to the ZX-4R after feeling that the liter-class MT-10SP was too much for them during circuit riding. They currently use it mainly for circuit riding events and touring. Their approach of choosing the optimal displacement according to their own skills and intended use, thereby enriching their motorcycle life, is likely a reference for many riders.

<From MY BIKE Comments>

■Reason for Purchase, Usage, Compared Models

Reason for Purchase: Switched to this bike because I felt the MT-10SP was too much for me during circuit riding.
Usage: Mainly circuit riding events, touring
Compared Models: None

■Pros

Riding it in the city, on the highway, and on mountain passes, I found the ride feel to be just right for each situation. I think it's a bike that is easy for beginners to handle and enjoyable for experienced riders.

■Cons

The side stand is short, so the bike leans significantly, and I feel the weight when lifting it up.
(I changed the side stand to a longer one, and the bike's lean angle became just right, so I no longer feel the weight when lifting it.)

Since I have long arms, my preferred seating position is towards the rear of the seat. However, the seat shape is tilted forward, so my seating position gradually shifts forward while riding. This makes the position feel cramped, and I had to readjust my position repeatedly, which was bothersome.
(After changing the seat shape to be closer to flat, my seating position no longer shifts forward, and the bothersomeness has been resolved.)

■Advice for Future Buyers

This is advice from the dealership: in past cases, when a bike with genuine sliders installed falls, the slider mounting points have been known to deform the frame. Furthermore, if the frame deforms, it significantly impacts the resale value. As a countermeasure, they strongly recommended installing aftermarket sliders with an aluminum base that is weaker than the frame. The reason for frame deformation is that genuine sliders are stronger than the frame; therefore, when a strong impact occurs during a fall, the genuine slider does not deform, and the frame deforms instead.

■Future Customization Plans

I plan to customize the suspension and brake parts as soon as they arrive.

Check ZX-4R User Reviews Too

If you're curious about other owners' opinions and evaluations of the ZX-4R, please check the posts published on the Webike Community.

Check ZX-4R User Reviews

It seems Hagacho is very happy with this bike!