Kawasaki Ninja 300 review, test ride and video

Our tests confirm the Ninja 300 is about half a second quicker than the 250R to 60kph, and over a full second faster to 100kph, which is impressive. Look out for more details, and fuel efficiency in our full test report coming up soon. Top speed is now a genuine 168kph in top gear as measured by us on our data logging equipment, and 150kph flat out in fifth gear.

The Ninja 300 weighs in at 172kg and is held together by a reworked rigid, diamond type, steel frame. The main tubes use high tensile steel sections for improved rigidity. 37mm telescopic forks are standard kit, with a linked 5-way preload adjustable monoshock at rear, now with softer spring rates. We found ride quality has become a touch more plush on the 300, relative to the 250R. The 300’s riding position still makes its rider lean into the handlebars as on a sportsbike, that pushes much rider weight forward, but there’s a slight improvement due to higher handlebars, making the 300 a tad more rider friendly. The seat is narrower, which makes the 300 more accommodating for shorter riders. The 300 uses IRC rubber that provided ample grip during our rigorous testing, and a broader tyre worked at rear to give us enhanced traction. The Ninja 300 comes equipped with a 290mm front disc brake and 220mm unit at rear, both combining to provide strong stopping power. ABS is missed.

The Kawasaki Ninja 300 is already available across Bajaj’s vast Probiking sales network (71 dealerships, growing to 80 in the near future) in a choice of Kawasaki green or then white, at Rs 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Ninja 300 is a premium motorcycle, that offers style, top class fit-finish and build quality and best-in-class performance in India. The Ninja 300 is premium priced for its class, but this twin makes a serious sportsbike that proves a class above the quarter litre pack if you can afford it. Full story coming up soon in the May 2013 issue of Autocar India.