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Edition:
Kawasaki ZX-4 F3 - [1988]
This edition of the Kawasaki ZX-4 F3 is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1988. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1989 Suzuki GS 500 E and the 1988 Suzuki TV 250 Wolf.This particular Kawasaki ZX-4 has a 399cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Transverse engine, Sport style motorbike includes the Norton Superlight SS - [2020]
The 1988 ZX-4 shares its Transverse engine and Sport style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Norton Superlight SS and the 2019 Norton Superlight Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the ZX-4's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1995 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin | 1995cc.1994 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin | 1994cc.
Weighing in at 177 kgs (390 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki ZX-4 F3 in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally or the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Triple, give or take 50kg.
The 1988 Kawasaki ZX-4 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]
In terms of power the 399cc 16 valve Transverse 4 cylinder engine produces 59 bhp (43 kW) @ 12000 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 26.0 lb-ft (35.2 Nm) @ 10500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [50.0 lb-ft (67.7 Nm) @ 6500 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki ZX-4 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 2013 Honda CB 1100 cc has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1988 Kawasaki ZX-4 F3.
The 1988 Kawasaki ZX-4 F3 has a Power to weight ratio of 333.3 bhp per ton and 146.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1988 ZX-4 competing with the 2013 Honda CB 1100 cc [358.2 bhp\ton] and the 2015 Honda CB 1100 cc [358.2 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki ZX-4 generating around 146.8 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2009 Suzuki Boulevard - Intruder C 50 T [171.8 lb-ft per ton] and the 2005 Suzuki Boulevard - Intruder C 50 T [171.8 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 11.1 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 11.3 secs, this makes the Kawasaki ZX-4 F3 similar in acceleration to the 2024 Norton Commando 961 125th Anniversary (11.1 secs) and the 2023 Norton Commando 961 CR SP (11.1 secs). This Kawasaki ZX-4 F3 also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1988 Kawasaki ZX-4 F3 and the 1997 Honda NX 500 Dominator
When talking about the performance of the 1988 Kawasaki ZX-4 F3 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1997 Honda NX 500 Dominator (0 secs) and the 2004 Honda GLX 1800 Gold Wing (0 secs).
The 1988 version of the Kawasaki ZX-4 F3 has a maximum speed of 0mph.
Top Speed of the 1988 ZX-4 equals the 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1988 Kawasaki ZX-4 F3 then how about a 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph) and the 2002 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph).
