The Kawasaki Z300 is the Naked version of Ninja 300... The Ninja 300 used to be 250cc, but grew for 2013.
Don’t confuse them with Kawasaki’s recent naked & faired, Kawasaki Z250SL & Ninja 250SL – they are singles, whereas the naked and faired 300s are twins. Like the 250s, the Kawasaki Z300 are compatible with the A2 licence, offering a rung below full-power bikes for the under-24s. Like the 250s, the 300s come in sporty-styled faired Ninja and Z800/1000-styled street-fightery naked.
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| ABS come as standard |
Other differences between the 250s and 300s, aside from the extra cylinder in the engine, concern an increase in chassis dimensions, better brakes and suspension, a bigger fuel tank, and an unfortunate increase in price too. The upshot is a bike that’s engaging, fun and big enough for a full-grown adult. Riding it back-to-back with both 250s, the Kawasaki Z300 is more comfortable and less strained. Its cruising speed is about 10mph higher than on the Z250 – a big difference when you’re doing 75mph rather than 65mph. Suspension has much better damping too.
The Kawasaki Z300 engine can feel a little awkward and juddery at town speeds, but get it up above 8000 RPM – in search of peak power at 11.000 RPM – and it all comes together nicely. It responds well, changes gear slickly and even sounds good ! The price does, however, seem rather steep. The A2-licensing system is confusing enough, and when you’re being asked to spend a couple of years on a small, low-powered bike that costs more than four grand, it’s hard to imagine many takers. A good bike, lost in the labyrinth of our licensing system.
Kawasaki Z300 Specs
Engine : 296cc, Parallel Twin, DOHC 4-Valve per Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled
Power : 39 HP @ 11.000 RPM
Torque : 20 lb.ft @ 10.000RPM
Transmission / Drive : 6-Speed / Chain
Chassis : Steel Diamond
Front Suspension : 37mm Telescopic Forks, 120mm Travel
Rear Suspension : Monoshock, Adjustment Preload
Front Brake : 290 mm Disc, 2-Piston Caliper
Rear Brake : 220 mm Disc, 2-Piston Caliper
Front Tyre : 110/70-17
Rear Tyre : 140/70-17
Wheelbase : 1.405 mm
Rake / Trail : 26° / 82 mm
Seat Height : 785 mm
Kerb Weight : 170 Kg
Fuel Capacity : 17 Litres
Price : £4442