The long-rumoured Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R is one step closer to hitting the streets of California, according to an executive order issued by the state’s Air Resources Board (CARB). The ruling, issued on December 21, 2022, validates a Kawasaki model with the model number “ZX400SP.” As previously reported, Kawasaki has filed Vehicle Identification Number information for a ZX400SP and a ZX400PP to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, describing both as having a 399cc four-cylinder engine.
Because Kawasaki utilises the ZX designation for all of its Ninja ZX sportbikes, including the ZX-6R, ZX-10R, and ZX-14R, it’s simple to assume that “ZX400” refers to a Ninja ZX-4R. The ZX-4R is likely to be based on the Ninja ZX-25R, known as the ZX250 in Asian countries. The ZX400 differs from the existing Ninja 400 and Z400 versions in that they have independent model codes (EX400 and ER400, respectively) and have previously been CARB approved individually.
