After the official unveiling and generating significant interest, the Kawasaki ZX-4R has sparked a possible trend for sub-series following the Neo-Classic direction, as seen with the Z400RS, which features a four-cylinder engine just like its sibling, the Z400RS.
Kawasaki Z900RS Current Version
The current Kawasaki Z900RS model brought back the nostalgia of legendary JDM motorcycles like ZI and ZII, blending it with modern platform elements from the Z900. It was introduced in 2017 and gained popularity both in Japan and internationally, especially among enthusiasts who were captivated by JDM-styled motorcycles. The bike's powerful four-cylinder engine and advanced riding technologies contributed to its success.
Kawasaki Z650RS current model
Following the strong momentum, Kawasaki decided to release the Z650RS in 2020, aiming to capitalize on the trend. However, some of the distinctive features were removed, and the platform switched to the Z650's two-cylinder engine, a sportier offering from the company. While the bike was designed to align with the RS series, certain compromises resulted in a higher price compared to the base Z650, and its overall performance did not match the expectations, leading to modest sales both in Japan and international markets.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R
The highly anticipated Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R with its high-performance inline-four engine failed to ignite the desired enthusiasm for the RS series, mainly due to its expensive price tag. If Kawasaki were to transform the ZX-25R into a Z250RS, the cost would increase significantly, potentially deterring buyers, despite the machine's powerful and capable nature. This situation resembles the earlier release of the Z650RS, highlighting the challenges of striking the right balance between features and affordability.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R SE
The release of the ZX-4R once again fueled excitement for the RS series, particularly in the JDM 400cc class, which had seen the end of production for Honda's CB400SF and CB400SB models in 2022 due to stricter emission regulations. The ZX-4R is expected to deliver an impressive 77 PS, which can increase to 80 PS with the Ram Air system. However, if the engine were to be used in a Z400RS, power would need to be adjusted to match the daily commuting focus, potentially reaching around 65-70 PS, still surpassing the CB400SF/CB400SB models.
Kawasaki Z400RS
Japanese media, such as have speculated on this matter and even created a rendered image of what the Z400RS could look like, referencing elements from the classic Zephyr series that was popular in the early '90s. However, whether this speculation turns into a reality remains uncertain, and only time will tell if such a bike will indeed be produced.
