“All-New” Kawasaki Ninja 300 Launched With No Significant Mechanical Changes
Kawasaki has launched the Ninja 300. For 2025, the Ninja 300 continues to be powered by the same engine, but no significant mechanical changes. This launch is special due to the 42nd anniversary of the Ninja series, bringing a few updates to the entry-level sportbike. However, it appears that the launch of this Ninja 300 is a strange way to celebrate this milestone.
Styling
In terms of styling, the Ninja 300 retains the silhouette which debuted 13 years ago. The Ninja 300 appears substantial at the front and minimal at the rear. The sportbike gets notable highlights like the sharp fairings, longer floating windscreen and aluminium footpegs.
The Ninja 300 is available in 3 colours: Lime Green, Candy Lime Green and Metallic Moondust Grey. The only cosmetic enhancements include a longer floating windscreen, inspired by the ZX10R and dual-projector headlights, from the ZX6R.
Engine
Kawasaki has given the same 296cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine to the Ninja 300. It produces 39 HP at 11,000 RPM and 26.1 Nm of torque at 10,000 RPM. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch.
It will continue with its parallel twin smoothness but some extra punch would have been appreciated.
Suspension
The Ninja 300 also retains the same suspension setup as the outgoing model. This consists of 37 mm telescopic forks in the front and a Bottom-link Uni-Trak gas-charged monoshock setup with 5-step adjustable preload in the rear.
The bike offers 120 mm front wheel travel and 132 mm rear wheel travel. The tyres receive a new pattern to increase grip and confidence in the bike. The addition of Upside-Down forks may have been a radical concept.
Outlook
Kawasaki discontinued the Ninja 300 in most markets in 2018 and India remains one of the few markets where it is available. The Ninja 400 replaced it internationally, but there still exists a significant gap between the two bikes. The updated Ninja 300 could have filled this gap.
There could’ve been upgrades like Upside-Down forks or added performance but Kawasaki has not brought any innovation to the platform. We feel this is a missed opportunity. There is an adage that says, “If it ain’t broke, why fix it?”
However, this approach is appalling when utilised for more than a decade. For Rs. 3.43 Lakh (ex-showroom), bikes like the TVS Apache RR 310, KTM RC 390 offer a more thrilling experience with a single-cylinder engine as well as a better value-for-money proposition. The brand is currently offering a discount of Rs. 25,000, which brings the price down to Rs. 3.18 Lakh (ex-showroom).
