Beginner riders who love sportbikes are in luck as there are now more accessible yet performance-oriented models available. Kawasaki is one brand that offers a good selection of these models, including the popular Ninja 400 and Ninja 650. In 2023, Kawasaki introduced the Ninja ZX-4RR, a small but powerful inline-four sportbike.

In 2024, Kawasaki is expanding its lineup with the addition of the Ninja ZX-4R. The ZX-4R shares many qualities with its double-R sibling, but it is slightly more affordable as it doesn’t include some of the premium features found on the ZX-4RR. The platform has proven to be a great balance of real-world enjoyment and track potential due to its manageable size and weight.

Both ZX-4 models are powered by the same 399cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, inline-four cylinder engine, producing 76 horsepower and 27.7 pound-feet of torque. While these figures may not seem impressive on paper, the sound of the high-revving motor is enough to turn heads both on the street and on the track. The ZX-4RR offers additional technology including a bi-directional quick shifter and premium adjustable Showa front suspension as standard. It comes with a price tag of $10,099 in KRT trim and $9,899 in standard trim. The ZX-4R is priced at $9,399.

For riders looking for a sportbike to cover long distances, while still keeping the Ninja name, Kawasaki offers the Ninja 1000 SX for the 2024 model-year. This model has been around for a while and comes with a comprehensive set of touring-focused technologies, including Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), cruise control, and Kawasaki Intelligent ABS (KIBS). It also features a full-color TFT display with smartphone integration through the Rideology app.

The Ninja 1000 SX is powered by the reliable 1,043cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, inline-four cylinder engine that’s also found in the Versys 1000 and Z1000 naked bike. It delivers 140 horsepower and 81.7 pound-feet of torque, providing a confident power delivery on both highways and twisty roads. The 2024 model comes in Metallic Matte Graphite Gray / Metallic Diablo Black and has an MSRP of $13,699.