Kawasaki ZX-4R has been rumored to be in development for a while now, as an adaptation of the Asia-only ZX-25R for the western markets. Thanks to some spotted patent filings, the ZX-4R is now unofficially confirmed to be in development.
An interesting insight from the patents suggests that the ZX-4R was first in development, but its development process paused to prioritize the ZX-25. This makes sense, as the ZX-25 was the model for Kawasaki’s main Asian market.
It also makes sense for Kawasaki to have the ZX-4R next in their development pipeline. As Europe is tightening down on its emission standards, it could use a lightweight, race-friendly sports bike that is a bit more powerful than Kawasaki Ninja 400. The US market could also benefit from this bike, even though they don’t have such strict emission standards yet.
Right now, the mid-displacement sports bike class is a bit uncertain. The ZX-4R could be the bike that could rival the recent Aprilia RS 660. It could also serve as a replacement for the ZX-6R, a bike with a high possibility for discontinuation.
All in all, we are quite excited to see when will the ZX-4R get an official reveal. Also, if Kawasaki aims to follow Yamaha’s approach, maybe a ZX-7R is in order too!
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Source: Visor Down
