Kawasaki's new Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition sport bike: Speed and style for under $10K

The formula to build speed in a car is simple: Find a decent platform, add power, brakes, and suspension, and hit the road. But this can cost a lot of money. Motorcycles, specifically road-legal sport bikes, are insanely quick and usually come that way from the factory. The new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition offers mind-bending speed and outlandish styling for a modest starting price of $9,699.

The Kawasaki brings a host of go-fast goodies that should catch your eye if you’re looking for cheap speed. It’s powered by a 399cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke inline-four with a 16,000-rpm redline, though the company hasn’t shared exact output numbers yet. It’s paired with several race-inspired technologies, including an assist and slipper clutch, which can force the clutch hub and operating plate apart during intense engine braking to prevent the rear wheel from skidding. The bike’s traction control also allows the rider to dial in the desired assistance. Kawasaki said its software judges position relative to the road or track surface instead of a horizontal plane to provide more accurate traction settings during cornering.