The year 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the birth of the first Ninja. To commemorate this anniversary, a series of new colors were released. Here are some photos of the 40th anniversary editions of the Ninja 1000SX, ZX-10R, ZX-6R, and ZX-4RR for the Japanese market!
Traditional colors are available as regular models in four models.
The year 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the first Ninja = GPZ900R, which was introduced in 1984. To celebrate, the 40th Anniversary Edition has been set for the Ninja 1000SX, ZX-10R, ZX-6R, and ZX-4RR.
The ZX-10R and 4RR were announced at the Japan Mobility Show last fall, and the other models at shows overseas. All went on sale on December 23, 2023. In addition to the commemorative colors, they feature exclusive emblems and a logo that reproduces the design of the time. They will be sold year-round as regular models, not limited editions.
It is easier to purchase than the limited edition.
The commemorative colors can be broadly classified into two patterns.
Red and black, used for the GPZ900R, and lime, white, and navy blue, given to the ZXR series.
The former is set for the Ninja 1000SX. The coloring is not based on the first 1984 model but on the A2 color of the second year and the red and black set on the '84 GPZ750R (G1).
This is the so-called "Top Gun" color, which was inspired by the GPZ driven by Tom Cruise in the movie Top Gun and its sequel, Top Gun Maverick. It is one of the symbolic colors of Ninja.
Ninja 1000SX 40th Anniversary Edition (approx. 10839 USD, Kawasaki Care model).
The price is approx. 219 USD higher than the standard model.
The silver stripe on the border between firecracker red and ebony is also faithful to the models of yesteryear.
A commemorative sticker celebrating Ninja's 40th anniversary is placed on the top of the tank. It is decorated with a laurel crown and looks like a champion's mark.
The Kawasaki logo on the tank is trimmed in white. This is also a tribute to those days.
The Ninja logo in brushstroke style reproduces the GPZ900R logo, and the Liquid Cooled on the cowl side is also unique to the commemorative edition.
Aluminum cutting wheels were used on the GPZ and were common in the 80's. The Ninja 1000 uses silver rim tape to replicate this. The Ninja 1000 replicates this with silver rim tape.
Incidentally, no announcement has been made regarding the "1000" on the undercowl, but it is believed to be an homage to the 900R used on the European-spec GPZ900R.
[Original Story] Motif of A2 and G1 made famous by Top Gun
The GPZ900R, the original model, was the most advanced sport bike of its time.
It featured Kawasaki's first DOHC liquid-cooled four-cylinder with four valves, a compact chassis, and a cowl with excellent aerodynamic performance, and achieved a top speed of 250 km/h, which was overwhelmingly fast for its time.
Eventually, its successor appeared and gradually transitioned to the role of a sports tourer. The modern Ninja 1000SX combines an easygoing attitude and sportiness and is close.
The red and black color was available on the 1985 North American-spec GPZ900R (A2). The world's fastest machine at the time, the liquid-cooled straight-4 produced 115 hp. It became very popular, partly due to the hit movie "Top Gun," which was released in 1986.
The GPZ750R is a GPZ900R detuned to 750 for the Japan market. The red and black color set for the 1984 model (G1) is the closest to the Top Gun color.
Faithful reproduction of the ZXR color, a replica of the Irigon of yesteryear.
The 40th Anniversary Edition, available for the supersport Ninja ZX-10R, Ninja ZX-6R, and Ninja ZX-4RR, is clad in lime green and pearl crystal white.
This is the color representing the 4-stroke racer replica ZXR750/400/250 introduced in 1989. Strictly speaking, the original ZXR series was not Ninja, but Ninja came to be used as a pet name for supersport series in later years, and is now well established.
In addition, all models have the vehicle name logo on the tail cowl arranged in the style of the ZXR of yesteryear. While the standard frame and swingarm are finished in black, they are painted silver to reflect the ZXR of that era.
In addition, each model has lime green wheels, just like the ZXR.
The ZX-6R is the only commemorative model to undergo mechanical changes for the 2024 model year. The exterior was designed in the image of the ZX-10R, and aerodynamic performance was improved from front to tail. In addition to the winglets, the ZX-6R also features a full-color 4.3-inch LCD meter.
Ninja ZX-10R 40th Anniversary Edition
Ninja ZX-10R 40th Anniversary Edition (approx. 15967 USD, Kawasaki Care model). The know-how of the machine that won the Superbike World Championship for six consecutive years, the longest winning streak in history, comes to life. The base of the current model was introduced in the 2021 model year.
The Kawasaki logo on the side panel is truly ZXR-like. The 10R features a larger area of lime than the other commemorative models. In addition, the aluminum twin-spar frame and swingarm are extremely thick, and the silver paint is particularly noticeable.
The Ninja logo is in the traditional brushstroke style. The commemorative sticker on the tank is in the style of the champion logo, reminiscent of the racing scene of the time, and is lime against the black background of the Ninja 1000SX.
The motorcycle name logo on the tail cowl is also in the style of the 1989 ZXR series.
The 10R and 6R have black outer forks in the style of the ZXR of yesteryear → gold finish.
Ninja ZX-6R 40th Anniversary Edition
Ninja ZX-6R 40th Anniversary Edition (approx. 10618 USD, Kawasaki Care model). The 2024 model underwent a MyChange, with a new exterior and new features such as an integrated 4-mode riding mode.
The 636cc straight-4 engine complies with the latest emission regulations by changing the cam profile and intake funnel shape. The vehicle weight is 199 kg, up 2 kg from the previous model, and maximum output is 122 ps, down 4 ps.
A catalyst was added to the exhaust. A slit was added to the silencer.
Like the other motorcycles, it will have blue and white lines on both sides of the face. Newly adopted projector LED lights, a spoiler at the bottom, and winglets on the left and right sides.
A commemorative emblem is affixed to the front of the fuel lid. A full-color 4.3 LCD meter with smartphone connectivity was adopted in contrast to the conventional analog tachometer.
Tail cowl logo. Embossed Ninja logo on the seat stopper, as on the standard version.
Ninja ZX-4RR 40th Anniversary Edition
Ninja ZX-4RR 40th Anniversary Edition (1,177,000 yen). It is the only supersport in the current 400cc class to be powered by a straight-four, and the base model just debuted in the summer of 2023. Its high power output of 80ps when ram air is pressurized is the talk of the town.
The Kawasaki logo on the side is optimized for the cowling size. The way the logo is placed and the color scheme is similar to that of the ZXR400.
The 4RR commemorative emblem is in this position.
The 4RR is equipped with Showa's BFRC lite in the rear, similar to the ZX-10R. The rear spring is also the only one in this commemorative model in lime.
The ZXR-style logo still features the letter R.
[Original Story] Not FamilyMart! Familiar with Shin-Etsu Chemical Color
The ZXR series, which was the original model of the ZXR, was Kawasaki's fullest effort at the end of the replica boom period. The 250 and 400 models boasted a high level of fighting power, featuring the first inverted F forks on a mass-produced motorcycle, an ultra high-revving 4-stroke straight-4 engine, an aluminum frame, air ducts on the tank, and other luxurious equipment. The 250 even featured ram air!
The purpose of the hose on the tank is to introduce running air into the cylinder head.
This color combination may remind some people of the Family Mart convenience store.
But for old men, it brings back memories. The Works ZXR that competed in the 1990 8 Hours Endurance Race also wore these colors, and many people must remember them as the colors of Shin-Etsu Chemical, the main sponsor of the race.
1989 ZXR750. It appeared as a replica of the works machine ZXR-7. This model was designed to compete in Superbike.
1989 ZXR400R. As the last 4-stroke replica in its class, it was loaded with the latest equipment and boasted overwhelming speed. It brought Kawasaki its first victory in the 1990 All-Japan F3 Championship.
1989 ZXR250. Like the 400, it is powered by a completely newly designed straight-4 mounted on an aluminum E-box frame. Equipped with the same features as the 400, it was designed for serious speed.