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Kawasaki Ninja Showdown: Ninja 650 Vs Zx4r – Which Middleweight Reigns Supreme?

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his...

What To Know

  • The Ninja 650 is a great choice for everyday riding, while the ZX-4R is a better choice for track days and aggressive riding.
  • The Ninja 650 is more comfortable for long rides because it has a more upright riding position and a plusher seat.

When it comes to choosing a sportbike, two of the most popular options are the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the ZX-4R. Both bikes offer excellent performance, handling, and styling, but they also have some key differences. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs. ZX-4R and help you decide which bike is right for you.

Engine and Performance

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 68 horsepower and 49 lb-ft of torque. The ZX-4R, on the other hand, is powered by a 399cc inline-four engine that produces 78 horsepower and 37 lb-ft of torque.

On paper, the ZX-4R has a clear advantage in terms of power and torque. However, the Ninja 650’s parallel-twin engine is known for its smooth power delivery and low-end grunt, which makes it a great choice for everyday riding.

Handling and Suspension

Both the Ninja 650 and the ZX-4R offer excellent handling and suspension. The Ninja 650 has a more upright riding position, which makes it more comfortable for long rides. The ZX-4R has a more aggressive riding position, which gives it better handling at the track.

The Ninja 650 has a 41mm inverted fork and a monoshock rear suspension. The ZX-4R has a 37mm inverted fork and a monoshock rear suspension with adjustable preload and rebound damping.

Brakes

Both the Ninja 650 and the ZX-4R have excellent brakes. The Ninja 650 has dual 300mm front discs and a single 220mm rear disc. The ZX-4R has dual 290mm front discs and a single 220mm rear disc.

Features

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the ZX-4R both come with a variety of features, including:

  • Digital instrument panel
  • ABS brakes
  • Traction control
  • LED headlights
  • USB charging port

The ZX-4R also comes with a quickshifter, which allows you to shift gears without using the clutch.

Price

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 has a starting price of $7,999. The ZX-4R has a starting price of $9,999.

Which Bike is Right for You?

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the ZX-4R are both excellent sportbikes. The Ninja 650 is a great choice for everyday riding, while the ZX-4R is a better choice for track days and aggressive riding.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. That way, you can get a feel for their performance, handling, and comfort firsthand.

In a nutshell: The Ultimate Sportbike Showdown

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the ZX-4R are two of the most popular sportbikes on the market. They both offer excellent performance, handling, and styling, but they also have some key differences.

The Ninja 650 is a great choice for everyday riding, while the ZX-4R is a better choice for track days and aggressive riding. Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them.

What People Want to Know

Q: Which bike is faster, the Ninja 650 or the ZX-4R?
A: The ZX-4R is faster than the Ninja 650. It has a more powerful engine and a better power-to-weight ratio.

Q: Which bike is better for track days?
A: The ZX-4R is better for track days because it has a more aggressive riding position and better handling.

Q: Which bike is more comfortable for long rides?
A: The Ninja 650 is more comfortable for long rides because it has a more upright riding position and a plusher seat.

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Matthew

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his current Yamaha FZ6, Matthew enjoys tinkering with and upgrading his bikes. He has a keen interest in bike mechanics and regularly shares tips on maintenance and repairs with his readers. Matthew also provides gear and equipment reviews, helping other riders choose the best kit for weekend rides or longer touring trips. Beyond talking motorbikes, Matthew's blog gives readers an insight into his life. He shares stories and photos from motorcycle trips around the UK as well as further afield in Europe. Readers often describe Matthew's writing as both entertaining and inspirational; he aims to fuel the wanderlust of other bikers. Through his passion for two-wheel adventures on all types of roads, Matthew explores the freedom that motorcycling brings. He looks forward to many more years of thrills on two wheels and chronicling his experiences on matthewbikelog.
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