It will be real interesting though if such a rumour is true, This might knock some sales out of the 2-cylinder bikes out there like the smaller 250's to maybe even the 400's. Don't think it would affect the 2 cylinder Ninja 650 though...

Is Honda still making the CB400 Super 4 brand new? If yes then you're right, a 300cc or 400cc 4-cylinder could make sense but that would put it out of reach of the B2 riders

Yup, can't expect it to be cheaper in any way. 2 more cylinders doesn't end there. There's technology to be added on to make it all work and there is a development cost as well...

Will definitely be good news if Kawa is considering such an engine. I totally agree with you that the 2-cylinder market is getting too crowded and hopefully, Kawa product planners see this too. An entry level in-line 4 with 400cc wiill really be a nice stepping stone but then, how would that affect the Ninja 650 (2-cylinder)? Unless, the in-line 4 400cc is made to be for a different line, ZX4R perhaps and the next step up would be the ZX636... then it would be an SS (super sport) instead of a Sport Tourer. If it were to go along those lines, it might have a good chance imho

What's your flavour? ZX250R or ZX4R? Assuming that Kawa really did a smaller in-line 4

A few questions...would it match the performance of the old 90's version now that it has to comply with EURO emission regulations? and the key questions which all want to know the answers are, the price and finally, will it even be sold here[B]...

This post has been edited by lowpro: Mar 29 2020, 11:28 AM

If autumn, that's like somewhere from Sep to maybe Nov...

Well said!

Here's the thing, if it is affordable, it will stamp Kawasaki's superiority over all other brands here in the 250cc and above class in terms of market share. This will lead to many people who will have an affinity for the Kawasaki brand which will make it easier to upgrade to bigger Kawa models later on. Classic business tactic.

BUT, if it is going to be priced like a collector's item, the value will only come years from now IF OR when it will be worth the same as its purchase price or more. Case in point the original Toyota Trueno AE86. RM50k when new in 84 and RM50k and above for pristine examples today. The 250 will only work as a halo model which sells the cheaper Kawa models like the 250SL or the 250 twin or the 400. The 650 could still be priced higher or it could be on par. Hard to tell now. Mere speculation based on my experience in the auto industry.

This post has been edited by lowpro: Apr 10 2020, 12:23 PM

However, if it does actually come up to the price of the CBR650R or is even 5k to 10k off the CBR's price, it is not going to be worth it in my humble opinion. But, there may be enthusiasts who would just buy it for novelty status and perhaps future value.

The last I spoke to someone from Modenas, that was the plan but the bike wouldn't be cheap either. I don't think they will assemble it here. Slightly cheaper perhaps but not by a super lot.

Or, they can sell 2 specifications at 2 different price ranges to attract different crowds.

Or, they can sell 2 specifications at 2 different price ranges to attract different crowds.

ABS should be the bare minimum. I agree with this.

While waiting for this super 1/4 litre to arrive, here's a little video to whet your appetite.

https://www.rushlane.com/kawasaki-ninja-zx-...d-12369737.html

RM10k might be seriously too much a stretch for many. For some, even stretching the loan by RM5k is too much already. So, yes, there will still be a market for it and for thm, it would really be worth it. And you're right about the entry level income bikers not wanting to take the B license - more money needed to take the course and get the license. Plus, who knows, this bike may hold its value well as it is the only 4-cylinder 250cc sport bike in the market (not a sport tourer) and could be a collector's item one day.