Which would you rather buy, the Ninja 400 or Ninja 250? The ZX-4RR/ZX-4R and ZX-25R are similar choices to the ZX-4RR/ZX-4R and ZX-25R. They are almost identical in body size and equipment but differ significantly in displacement and power. The availability of vehicle inspections is also troubling. I would like to learn the differences between the two vehicles before comparing the actual vehicles at the motorcycle show.
The 400 is more painful to drive than the 250, and the Ninja 400 was a success in this regard.
While I thought that there would be no more parallel four-cylinder models that can be ridden with a regular motorcycle license, in 2023, there will be two supersport models to choose from. As already announced, the ZX-25R will be followed by the ZX-4R/ZX-4RR in Japan in the fall, which is expected to be unveiled for the first time at a motorcycle show.
The question is whether to choose the ZX-25R or the ZX-4R/ZX-4RR. I would like to make a thorough comparison of the differences in specifications and equipment. First, let's start with the positioning of the 25R and 4R. They are basically the same model, as they have the same frame and engine. In fact, the differences between them are rather minor.
In recent years, common platforms have become the norm, and Kawasaki has developed the Ninja 250 and Ninja 400 using the same method. The Ninja is almost indistinguishable from the Ninja in appearance, but there is a 150cc difference in displacement between the 248cc and 398cc models, and a 13PS difference in maximum output between the 35PS and 48PS models. In contrast, there is only a 1 kg difference in weight.
The 250 has the advantage of not having to undergo an inspection every two years. The 400, on the other hand, has a power-to-weight ratio that exceeds that of the 250, giving it a painful ride. This is the reason why the Ninja 400 has been the bestseller in the 400cc class for three years in a row since its debut in 2018. Let's see if the 4R/4RR can replicate this!
ZX-4RR (foreground) and ZX-25R. The 25R is a 2023 model with a larger silencer. Therefore, the only difference in appearance is the double-disc or single-disc front.
Ninja 400 [KAWASAKI] Fully remodeled in 2018, the Ninja 400 is now on a common platform with the 250. Despite its Galapagos displacement, the 400 is also sold in Europe and the United States and is going global.
[Style] Exact match! Distinguished by the number of front discs and exhaust system length
When the ZX-4R was first rumored, there were expectations that the ZX-4R would be differentiated in style from the ZX-25R. However, when the 2023 models are compared with each other, the appearance is a perfect match. As you can see from the photos of the two cars below, at a glance they are indistinguishable.
The most different part is that the 4R has a double disc. And the smallest detail is that the length of the silencer is different. Furthermore, the tires are different, with the 25R having a size 110 front/150 rear and the 4R having a size 120 front/160 rear, but the difference is not so great as to be visually noticeable.
ZX-4R SE [KAWASAKI] An advanced version of the 4R to be released in Europe in the fall. It will be equipped with a smoked screen, engine guard, and quick shifter.
ZX-25R [KASAWASKI] The photo shows the 2023 Thai version with the same equipment as the 4R SE. The 25R has been changed to a separate silencer from the 2023 model year, and the Japanese version will also look like this.
ZX-4R SE [KAWASAKI] Since the debut of the 25R, there had been talking about the boss section for the disc fixing screw on the left side of the front wheel, and the brake disc was installed accordingly.
ZX-25R [KASAWASKI] 2023 Thailand spec. The left side of the cowl has the same graphics on the side of the cowl, so it is difficult to distinguish between the two. If you observe closely, the number of teeth on the rear sprocket is different.
【Engine】The cylinder head is different, what will be the power difference with 25R?
In 2020, the ZX-25R will be launched with a 4-cylinder 250cc engine for the first time in many years, boasting a maximum output of 45 PS, the highest in its class for the current domestic model, and 46 PS when ram air is pressurized. The 2023 model is expected to be released in Japan around the summer, but the specifications may be changed to comply with the 2020 emission regulations.
On the other hand, the ZX-4R/ZX-4RR has been announced as having 77 PS for European specifications and 80 PS when ram air is pressurized, and it is highly likely that the same specifications will be released in Japan, where standards are harmonized with the Euro 5 exhaust gas regulations in Europe. Compared to the current 25R, there is a huge difference between 32 PS and 34 PS with ram air pressurization.
As for the engines, the crankcases are indistinguishable in appearance and the gear ratios of the 6-speed transmission are identical, but the clutch capacity of the 4R/4RR would have been increased considering the power difference. The 4R/4RR also has a different crankshaft because the stroke is 7.3 mm longer.
The 4R/4RR also has a 7mm larger bore diameter, and the cylinder head has been changed to a different one, which can be seen from the outside. The displacement has been increased by 150cc from 249 to 399cc, and the throttle diameter has been increased to 34mm compared to 30mm on the 25R.
ZX-4R/ZX-4RR engine. The right side cam chain system has increased the height of the cylinder head. The surface pattern is also different from that of the 25R. Electronic throttle control is used for intake.
This is the first generation ZX-25R engine. The standard crankcase with a crank, counter and main shaft in a straight line can be seen following the 4R/4RR as well.
On the left is the first-generation ZX-25R engine and on the right is the 4R/4RR. They match as if looking for a mistake, but if you look closely, you will see that the height of the cylinder sections is different. Both engines have 4-2-1 180-degree exhaust pipes.
Cylinder head of the first generation ZX-25R. 4R/4RR also uses the same DOHC 4-valve head, but the valve diameters have been increased from 18.9 to 22.1 mm for the intake and 15.9 to 19 mm for the exhaust.
Ram air structure of the first generation ZX-25R. In the 4R/4RR, this effect was increased from 1 to 3 PS.
