Kawasaki ZXR400: The Slow-Burning Pocket Rocket

Launched in the late 1980s, Kawasaki's ZXR400 emerged amidst a flood of high-revving 250cc and 400cc Supersport machines, designed primarily for Japan's thriving market. The sheer technical complexity and performance of these bikes was mind-blowing, as manufacturers raced to keep up with demand for the latest models.

kawasaki zxr400 green racing

Unlike Honda and Yamaha, Kawasaki took a more measured approach, opting to keep the ZXR400 in their lineup for an impressive sixteen years, with only minor updates along the way.

With its almost two-stroke-like power delivery, the 399cc engine didn't offer much below 8,000 rpm, but once it hit that mark, the ZXR400 came alive, screaming all the way up to 16,000 rpm. It felt like a shrunken ZXR750, built for riders who loved to chase the redline.

Featuring an aluminum twin-spar frame and Kawasaki's signature (if somewhat gimmicky) "Hoover tube" air intakes, the ZXR400 quickly found favor with club racers and even saw action in top-tier events like the Isle of Man TT. Even today, hobby racers across Europe are campaigning long in the tooth ZXR400's which – given that it made a claimed 60 horsepower as standard – can be persuaded to make even more reliable and strong ponies.

Though it never achieved "poster bike" status – perhaps because it lacked an extra "R" in its name – the ZXR400 remains a joy to ride, even today. As riders shift away from heavier sportbikes, there is a strong demand for clean or immaculate examples.

With extensive parts interchangeability between models, restoring a ZXR400 is an excellent entry point into the rebuild scene. CMSNL offers a wide selection of genuine parts to keep your ZXR on the road. So, if your pocket rocket has gone bang, let us help you get back into orbit and enjoy what this crazy little Supersport has to offer!