The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R is the new base model in the 399cc inline-4 sportbike family. It offers an easier path to ownership than the ZX-4RR, with an MSRP of $9399, $500 less than its up-spec sibling.
The ZX-4R simplifies the feature list with two changes: fixed-damping suspension and no up/down quickshifter. The 37mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork is non-adjustable, and the linkage-assisted Showa shock adjusts only for spring preload. The ZX-4RR has a preload-adjustable fork and a fully adjustable shock.
Everything else is identical, including the steel trellis frame, steel swingarm, engine, electronics (other than the quickshifter), and bodywork.
The short-stroke inline-4 is built to rev, with a redline above 15,000 rpm and four 34mm throttle bodies. Power delivery is linear and smooth, something intermediate riders can embrace and experienced riders will enjoy running to the top of the tach. In US trim, power tapers off above 11,500 rpm to meet noise-emission regulations. The 6-speed transmission has Positive Neutral Finder, and the clutch has assist-and-slipper functions.
The electronics package includes a 4.3-inch TFT display, ride-by-wire throttle, ABS, and 3-level traction control. Sport, Road, Rain, and a customizable Rider mode primarily adjust traction control, and Full and Low power modes are available.
A 54.3-inch wheelbase and 23.5-degree rake make the chassis eager to flick onto its side. Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 tires are standard, and radially mounted 4-piston monobloc calipers grip twin 290mm petal discs.
The riding position is a few shades sportier than the Ninja 400’s without going to supersport extremes. Seat height is 31.5 inches, fuel capacity is 4 gallons, and curb weight is 415 pounds. Kawasaki offers the ZX-4R in Metallic Spark Black.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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