We rode the Kawasaki’s entry level Ninja- the Ninja 300. Sporty, responsive, ergonomically designed, technologically advanced, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 is one of the best motorcycles in its class. The Ninja 300 is an ideal bike for novice riders, track-day enthusiasts, commuters and riders of all sizes.
At a glance
Make: Kawasaki
Model: Ninja 300
Tech specs:
- Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
- Displacement: 296 cc
- Max Power: 39 PS @ 11,000 rpm
- Torque: 27.0 NM @ 10,000 rpm
- Fuel System Fuel injection: ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin), with dual throttle valves
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Cooling System: Liquid Cooled
- Fuel Capacity: 17 Litres
- Kerb Weight : 172 kg
Ride Quality
- Handling is predictable
- The Kawasaki Ninja 300 is easier to hold on a line in faster corners
- Brakes are good. Large-diameter, 290mm front petal-type disc and a balanced action two-piston caliper offer excellent performance. Dual-piston caliper grips the 220mm rear petal disc
- The Ninja 300 offers comfortable ergonomics- a good seat height, fits a wide variety of rider’s body types. The Ninja 300 is accessible to most riders.
- It is a great commuter too.
- The Assist & Slipper Clutch design makes it easy to modulate and helps reduce the effect of back-torque for reduced wheel hopping and skidding when downshifting
The Powertrain
- Compact parallel-twin design
- Delivers smooth power, excellent mid-range and high-RPM power for effective highway performance
- Revving to redline in third and fourth gears is the kind of experience
- The 6-speed transmission is smooth and precise, making easy work of the frequent shifts required to keep the bike moving.
Build Quality
- The build quality is superb.
- Thanks to the vibe-damping front engine mounts.
- The suspension offered better damping.
Assist and Slipper Clutch
The Assist & Slipper Clutch on the Ninja 300 uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.
Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, which translates to a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.
When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and help prevent the rear tyre from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.
How much to pay:
For a new bike: Rs 3.7 lakh (ex-Pune)*
For a used bike: Rs 2.2-2.5 lakh*
Insurance: Rs 9000/-* per year
Servicing: Rs 3000/- *
(* The prices are indicative)
Technical Specifications:
- Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
- Displacement: 296 cc
- Max Power: 39 PS @ 11,000 rpm
- Torque: 27.0 NM @ 10,000 rpm
- Bore X Stroke: 62.0 x 49.0 mm
- Compression Ratio: 10.6:1
- Fuel System Fuel injection: ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin),with dual throttle valves
- Fuel Type / Minimum Octane Rating: Unleaded petrol / RON 91
- Ignition: Digital
- Transmission: 6-speed, Return
- Final Drive: Sealed chain
- Cooling System: Liquid Cooled
- Frame Type: Tube diamond, steel
- Rake / Trail: 27 / 93 mm
- Front Tyre: Size 110/ 70-17 M/C (54W)
- Rear Tyre: Size 140 / 70 – 17 M / C (66S)
- Wheelbase: 1405 mm
- Ground Clearance: 140 mm
- Front Suspension /Wheel Travel: 37 mm Telescopic Fork
- Rear Suspension /Wheel Travel Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload
- Front Brakes: Single 290 mm petal disc with single balanced actuation dual-piston
- Rear Brakes: Single 220 mm petal disc with Dual-piston
- Fuel Capacity: 17 Litres
- Seat Height: 785 mm
- Kerb Weight : 172 kg
- Overall Dimensions L x W x H: 2,015 mm x 715 mm x 1110mm
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