Ninja 300

Ninja 300

 

Kawasaki has unveiled their spanking new Ninja 300 abroad, bigger, faster and far meaner than the outgoing 250cc model it is set to replace. What the world thought would be the new Ninja 250R is really the Ninja 300, slated for launch across various markets very shortly.

Cosmetically, the 300 comes with ZX-10R inspired dual headlamps, a floating visor, revised instruments, larger fairing vents and a radiator fan cowl that dissipates heat effectively and away from the rider.

 

The Ninja 300 houses a four-stroke, parallel-twin and liquid-cooled, 296cc engine. Fuel injection is standard, with Kawasaki claiming new throttle valves have worked to improve mid range grunt, and engine response. The latest Ninja is expected to output 39bhp at 11000rpm, with peak torque of 2.8kgm built up at 10000rpm. And that’s not all; Kawasaki has sunk much effort into perfecting the 300, its engine optimized with flatter piston crowns, sleeveless die-cast cylinders and a cylinder that accommodates 7.8mm longer stroke. Both intake ports are wider, and seat larger dia valves. Power is directed to the road via a 6-speed gearbox, as aggressive downshifts are taken care of with a slipper clutch system usually only seen on larger capacity motorcycles.

 

A rigid, diamond type, steel frame is used on the Ninja 300, along with 37mm telescopic front suspension, a linked rear monoshock and Nissin discs front (290mm) and rear (220mm). A compact ABS system is offered as optional. Expect the Ninja 300 to be Kawasaki and Bajaj’s upgrade to the current 250R in India, which gives Ninja enthusiasts here loads to look forward to in months to come.