Re: Kawasaki Ninja 300 Ownership Experience

This was exactly what I was thinking, I mean why couldn't they price it like this from day one or why din't they try localizing within 1-2years of initial launch back in 2013, they would have killed the competition and been a market leader rather than having to wait all these years after 4years when nearing it's end of life and now after it's replacement the Ninja 400 being launched. We all know that this engine will be dropped after BS6/Euro6, so why put all these effort now to localize things.

Maybe they had left with extra inventory that they couldn't sell and sold it as a limited thinge here to clear the extra inventory in the name of localization, only IKM knows the real reason.
They are still doing this with Z250, the twin cylinder engine from the original Ninja 250R has been discontinued from all big international markets except for few countries like India where it's still on sale right in form of Z250. Maybe they will drag these 300 and 250cc engines until they can't convert them to BS6/Euro6 post 2019.

Looks of 2019 R3 are subjective, as long I don't see it in person I wouldn't be judging it, even with Kawasaki when the new Ninja 400 and 2019 ZX6R launched I absolutely hated those designs when compared to the Ninja 300 which looked more sleek and compact.

And yes they changed the riding posture to be more committed, but you have to agree that the old R3 it never did justice to the "R" racing track DNA badge with it's not so "supersport" upright riding posture.
So nothing wrong with Yamaha pulling the R3 back to it's supersport DNA and giving it a more aggressive riding stance.

Re: Kawasaki Ninja 300 Ownership Experience

The old R3 was a much better machine in terms of asthetics and posture. It actually the closest to a proper sports tourer according to me.

Now they have made it into something which quite frankly, I don't agree with.

Re: Kawasaki Ninja 300 Ownership Experience

I want to add a few things here. Me and a friend @icarious were discussing on Ninja300 and the R3. Initially Ninja300 seemed very suitable due to the price drop but we started to wonder why the price dropped suddenly, why did it switch to localization and why was it only a limited time thing.

We realized that BS6 kicks in from 2020. Internationally Ninja300 has been discontinued due to Euro6. Which simply results in the fact that Ninja300 will be discontinued post 2019.

We also realized the fact that not all parts in the bike are localized which led us to believe that there might be inventory issues associated with spare parts.

So Ninja300 plan was scraped. We moved onto R3. But once again we couldn't ignore the fact that BS4 to BS6 transition is a problem in itself with regards to registration, resale and spareparts.

Updated R3 will definitely come to India in 2019 because R3s are imported as CKD, they are not made here hence they dont have any Inventory here. (atleast thats what I believe, correct me if I am wrong)

Re: Kawasaki Ninja 300 Ownership Experience

True. Off late even the sales experience has been going down. Or was it already bad and people are reporting it now coz of awareness.

I don't remember if I paid for it or not as I bought it when Kawasaki and KTM were on their last leg of the tie-up.

I wonder with all this complaining going on till Kawasaki Japan, what and how are they handling IKM from their side.

Re: Kawasaki Ninja 300 Ownership Experience

I am late to this topic, but I wanted to add in my experience with this regard. This is going to be long rant.

I was looking for a upgrade to twin-pot 300cc bike or a bigger capacity bike, it was not a must and should need but I was open to find a good deal on new bike with some good discounts or a mint used one with some good accessories.
Back in Jul when Kawasaki announced with it's killer price I was really keen on making a move. R3 was ruled out since was getting 2019 update internationally and I knew it was not coming here as Yamaha India had updated it here recently. I registered my interest on the Kawasaki website for the 300 after the launch.

I got a call after 2 days from Kawasaki Bangalore (Rideventur), after some Q&A about booking procedure and delivery they just gave me a final sum with the price. I asked them to give a breakdown sum for which they said they haven't received it fully and will update me on mail or via call and took down my details.

I waited for 2 weeks still no response, decided to drop down to the showroom(with a feeling that they din't take me for a serious buyer over the phone and thought I was just another time passer), after visiting the showroom it was the same thing, at first the executive said the breakdown is not available for the RTO stuff.

When I asked them for a test ride, they again informed me that bike hadn't completed RTO procedure, you can't take the bike out etc etc. They asked me if am willing to put down some advance, then they can take the risk of giving a small test ride around the showroom backroad for 1km even without RTO, to which I agreed to pay some advance and demanded to get breakdown if am paying anything, they guy slowly blabbered the breakdown with some random things, funnily when I asked him the RTO charges was so high, he replied GST charges is 28% for RTO to which I started to laugh(I was aware they were trying hiding the handling charges in that). I replied saying RTO tax is 18% + 11% cess on tax for CKD and told him directly don't take me for a fool.

He told me that that's how much they have got instructions to charge and that they have already taken 40 bookings in 2weeks and all have paid that much, final blow was when he said(translated to English) "Sir, slots are getting over, even this price is limited time only and it is going to go up even higher, if you want you can go ahead with the booking price or else your wish"

I lost my cool with frustration and said "Thank you" and moved out of the showroom, I did gave him a rev-bomb from my RC390 though while I was leaving to relieve my frustration a bit . After all this I wanted to fight and escalate this issue, but after I came home and went through all the posts on xBhp and Team-Bhp, also my had enthusiasm had already dropped about buying the Ninja 300 after the dealership experience, so I decided not to go forward, also I saw that there was no response to all others customers who are trying to fight it out with dealerships and Kawasaki India.

Finally decided to drop the upgrade plan to twin cylinder completely since R3 was ruled out and all this happened with Ninja 300 (maybe start over later on if 2019 R3 gets launched here or Ninja 300 pricing issue gets sorted out).

Honestly felt bad with how Kawasaki is treating their customers, even though they have beautiful products they are getting ruined by bad dealership experiences. If all this was just with the initial buying experience, I can't wrap my head around and not very confidence inspiring how the after sales experience is going to be with the SVC.

Re: Kawasaki Ninja 300 Ownership Experience

Sorry for barging in late....but I just finished editing the 2019 Ninja 300 ABS vlog....I did ride the bike and i think it's worth the price....it feels premium, has a very refined engine and has loads of torque in the mid and high range...but in the lows...there is absolutely nothing.

Here's the link to my video!!

Re: Kawasaki Ninja 300 Ownership Experience

Since it's a new bike and covered under warranty, you should get this problem resolved by the Company SVC. By process of elimination, first Check the tyres for uneven construction and installation, uneven rim, bearings, T-cone, fork damage.

Re: Kawasaki Ninja 300 Ownership Experience

Hi All, I'm from Chennai. I've been following this forum for quite a long time. Thanks for all the valuable inputs. Recently I've bought the Beautiful Green machine N300 2019. I'm facing the same wobbling problem like many owners at speeds of 60-70 kmph. While trying to purchase bearings from "All balls racing" it went out of stock. Please suggest me a solution along with the best mechanic at Chennai who is aware of this issue & can able to fix it. Preferably a mechanic who has already sorted out this issue. Thanks in advance.

Re: Kawasaki Ninja 300 Ownership Experience

Reply on their site. They will get back for sure. I did the same.

As for frame sliders, I am running without them.

Re: Kawasaki Ninja 300 Ownership Experience

Hey, I just did an inquiry thru Motorcycle & Engine Company | Kawasaki Heavy Indurstires, Ltd.. However, I'm unable to find Kawasaki Japan's mail ID. Please provide if you have one.

Also, Please let me know a good frame slider and the price as well.

Re: Kawasaki Ninja 300 Ownership Experience

Drop a mail to Kawasaki Japan. They are uber responsive and bring hail down on IKM.

I have been there albet a different reason but the approach remained the same.

Re: Kawasaki Ninja 300 Ownership Experience

Looks like these dealers have forgotten the SNK fiasco from a couple of years ago. Greed, bad business practices are not the receipes to build a long term business and relationships. Kawasaki please wake up before it's too late again.

Re: Kawasaki Ninja 300 Ownership Experience

I'm glad that you got your money back. This dealer is irresponsible.Yesterday(10-18-2018) I made a call to Kawasaki toll free and complained but I guess it's wise to mail IKMwith evidence. May I ask the recipient mail addresses that you used for sending as I'm unable to find most of them. Please share if it's fine with you!

I paid 53440 excluding Ex-showroom.
Registration fees 24490 All inclusive.
They're cheating me with the rest of the money (53440-24490) i.e 28950.

I wish there's some channel where it's just a phone call away to complaint such practices.

Re: Kawasaki Ninja 300 Ownership Experience

Initially I got no receipt for 30k.When I demanded receiept, they said they will include it as registration charges and hence I didnt pay the registration charges! Time flew by, Neither the registration was done nor I received my money back! After some useless arguments with the dealer, I telephoned IKM on their tollfree number! No prompt action was taken! And then I left a single mail cc to dealer, IKM, Kawasaki Japan, Regional manager of IKM, manager of Orange Kawasaki ,clearly stating my issue. Regional manager of IKM responded and collected my recorded statement too! There after IKM put peer pressure on the dealer and the registration was done!

Re: Kawasaki Ninja 300 Ownership Experience

Its very pathetic experience with Indian Kawasaki dealers! They quoted 2000₹ for extended warranty! I denied to pay that amount only Upon verifying it on the official website I got to know that extended warranty is for free! Kawasaki dealers in India are looters! Somehow or the other, they loot! be cautious and commendable!