I think they could have offered ABS but left it out due to cost and I think it would have definitely added another 25k extra. With both front and rear disc brakes the braking is going to be very very good but of course will not help during emergency. I should say this, though ABS is a safety feature it is not a guarantee that it will save you in emergency, what it will help is prevent locking of brakes. I feel if one is so much relying on ABS for safety they should think again about riding motorcycles.

@ajaysthinkin - please think again - you mean to say Ninja's brakes are so good that its doesn't need ABS

In all fairness Ninja accelerates better,speeds better and brakes better and is a better product unless you compare prices. So if it does everything better why should it be better not safe. And please take into consideration you can buy 2 CBR ABS with the speculated price of Ninja300(without ABS). Irony is even Duke 390 will come in ABS (rumored).

You have to understand - effective brakes and ABS are 2 mutually exclusive things. Would you say BMW bikes had in-effective brakes now that they are trying to make ABS as standard in all their bikes?

While I agree that ABS is fast becoming a mandatory equipment on most bikes, I am not convinced about the CBR having any performance parity with the Ninja..old or new.

What most people forget while comparing prices for the Ninja and CBR is that the CBR is a machine that is manufactured here in India while the Ninja is essentially a CKD. The Ninja attracts duties and taxes which the CBR does not. On top of it, the Ninja is a parallel twin as opposed to the single cylinder engine on the CBR. The costs are obviously going to be high. I will not venture into the quality aspect of the CBR as I feel it lacks in quality when compared with the Ninja (again my personal experience).

This is just OT - If you compare the estimated/rumored cost of the yet to be launched Duke 390, it not only betters the CBR in terms of performance but is also a better price bargain (provided it offers ABS).

BTW..not many know that the EU has enforced a legislation which makes it a mandatory requirement to fit antilock braking system (ABS) to all motorcycles that have an engine displacement greater than 125cc. Although the rule comes in place in 2016, it is very much there. Sad to see lack of legislative support here in India.

Bro how much difference did you see comparing Ninja and CBR side by side in performance ?
How much top speed difference did you see ? Infact CBR has more better city power compare to Ninja.(New Ninja is been said to be remapped ecu for same)
Merely a difference of 5% -7% in all.

Does Ninja specify that extra 1.3L approx over CBR STD ?

Bro, Who has money he will buy Ninja or Ducati, but a passionate rider with practical investment will buy the product by it's actual weightage comparing with other.
Hardly an average earning person will buy a product which is superior than something by few % and invest double the other.

Just think if CBR would have been with dual piston then ? there would have been a different color!
This is something over statement Bro. Lets keep this out of it, so it doesn't become a battle ground/ debate pages , etc..

I don't need a Debate bro....

But the bottom line is when you spending approx Rs 4L then it should have ABS, which is anytime better than normal braking system!
I have seen the bike and really it looks more appealing then previous with that broader tyres and split headlights! WOW! BUTTTTTTT..... no ABS!!

Yeah. I really don't understand in what way it would hurt them by providing an ABS option. It was the same case with 650...

I don't get it why that here in India, we do not get stuff like the ABS even as they are launched as an option in other countries. I for one am disappointed, and the lack of ABS might force me to go for the CBR instead of the ninja. Ninja's brakes maybe confidence inspiring, but still the lack of ABS can lead to trouble in panic braking and may lead to accidents. ABS really helps a lot, especially when riding in a country like India. I'm still going to wait till 2014 to see if there is any chance they are sending the SE version of the N300 with ABS. If its not available by then, I guess I'll have to settle for a CBR

I disagree somen,

In my opinion it's the sheer performance and fun after the 6000rpm mark that the ninja had, that made it sell rather than a nameplate.

And having ridden one for sometime I can assure you even without abs, the confidence that the ninja's brakes offers is far better than what You feel on the cbr abs

I don't get why Ninja is not in ABS mode ??? What crap!! OTR 4L apprx and no ABS !! This is real SHit, But looks/Style and Ninja name will make it sell still!

Very subjective !!

Some people feel green dull and some feel white dull...
Even in green there are no graphics and looking same..

So graphic should have been done more better!!


Heard from showroom manager Kawasaki is deploying a plant to make and assemble the bikes below 800cc in india. how much is this true ??

I was lucky enough to test ride the N300 and I must say the biggest change compared to the previous N250R was the low end torque. This model has loads of power in low revs and it makes riding it in city that much more easier.

Clutch feel first felt the same as previous model however when you ride the bike and do those sudden downshifts you'll realise why you pay the extra money

To sum it up, all the cons in the previous model has been rectified in this model - Digital speedometer, wider rear tire, better looks, increased engine capacity, etc etc.

The bike in white looks very plain and lack of any decal or graphic makes it look dull.

And if people have not come across this before, this is what Kawasaki says how the new 300 differs from the 250 . This probably answers questions (I did ask too) on why the new 300 costs 60k more that the 250R.

IntroductionDetails & Features
What’s New New 296cc Engine
• Compact parallel-twin design offers good mass centralization for nimble handling
• Tuned to deliver smooth, step-free power with excellent mid-range and high-rpm power for effective highway performance
• New intake ports taper from 1mm wider at the throttle body to .5mm wider at the valve seats
• New 23.6mm intake valves are 1mm larger than last year
• New cam chain design reduces friction for increased power and efficiency
• Revised 10.6:1 compression ratio allows the use of regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline and helps reduce operating temperatures
• New lighter pistons reduce reciprocating weight and feature a hard anodized coating for reduced friction and increased performance at every rpm
• Revised piston bottoms efficiently route cooling oil across underside of piston
• New lighter piston pins reduce reciprocating weight and help preserve a high redline
• New shorter connecting rods offset new longer crank throws
• New sleeveless “open-deck” die-cast aluminum cylinders are 800 grams lighter and feature a friction-reducing “T-treatment” plating
• New thicker crankshaft balancer webs help offset the new longer crank throws
• New crank journal bearings are made from a stronger alloy for increased durability
• New crank cases feature improved oil passages
• New large-volume 2.4 liter oil pan features cooling fins and better ground clearance
• New easy-to-access cartridge type spin-on oil filter helps simplify maintenance


New Exhaust System
• New curved 2-into-1 header design contributes to the Ninja 300’s low and mid-range torque and smooth, step-free power curve
• New complex geometry silencer design offers modern styling and meets all regulations without compromising engine performance
• New large brushed-finish metal silencer guard boosts noise reduction and helps protect passenger from exhaust heat
• Meets strict Euro 3 emission standards with a single catalyzer in the collector section


Liquid Cooling with KAMS
• Kawasaki Air Management System (KAMS) uses a special deflector to redirect hot air from the radiator fan, so it exits the bottom of the motorcycle instead of being blown onto the rider
• Lightweight Denso radiator offers effective engine cooling with minimal space and weight
• Fan design uses a quiet-running motor that also saves space
• Fins on the lower side of the crankcase provide additional engine cooling
Six-speed Transmission with New F.C.C. Assist Clutch
• New F.C.C. clutch with assist and slipper functions is able to handle more power and requires significantly less lever effort to operate. Design also makes clutch easier to modulate and helps reduce the effect of back-torque to reduce wheel hop when downshifting
• Revised six-speed transmission features a new roller-type shift drum for smoother actuation and stronger gears for maximum durability. It also offers wide selection of ratios to match varied riding conditions and its positive neutral finder makes it much easier to find neutral when stopped
• Involute splines reduce friction and backlash between gears and shafts for easier gear meshing and smooth shifting under power


Petal-type Disc Brakes
• Large-diameter, 290mm front petal disc and a balanced action two-piston caliper offer excellent braking performance and a natural, direct feeling at the lever
• Two-piston caliper grips the rear 220mm petal disc


New Chassis
• New frame uses main pipes made from high-tensile steel tubing that is 150% more rigid than the tubes in the previous Ninja 250R’s frame. The added rigidity provides much better chassis response and improved steering precision and feel
• Frame design and chassis tuning offer confidence-inspiring stability at both high and low speeds
• Beefy swingarm bracket contributes to the frame’s rigidity and helps achieve an optimal balance of chassis stiffness
• Square-beam swingarm compliments the new frame’s rigidity


Updated Suspension New Wheels & Tires New High-Tech Instrumentation
• Large easy-to-read analog tachometer
• Multifunction digital display features an easy-to-read speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, digital clock and warning lights
• Economical riding indicator (ECO) illuminates to let the rider know when they are operating the Ninja 300 in a manner that will maximize fuel economy

New Aerodynamic Bodywork
• All-new bodywork features an aggressive and edgy design with strong Ninja family DNA that sets the Ninja 300 apart from its lightweight sportbike competitors
• New floating windscreen design helps reduce turbulence and rider fatigue
• Aggressive dual-lamp headlight design, minimalist tail section and separate seats further enhance the aggressive visual impact
• Two helmet holders conveniently located under the rear seat
• New two-stage under-seat storage compartment can hold a U-lock or similar device and is hinged for easy access to the tool kit located beneath the storage tray
• Two hooks under the tail, plus two behind the rear passenger pegs provide anchor points for securing items to the rear of the bike

Ergonomics
• New rider’s seat design is narrower near its front section, making it easier for riders to reach the ground
• New passenger seat features a flatter design which makes it easier to secure cargo or soft luggage
• Slightly forward-slanting seat and wide, slightly raised handlebars give the Ninja 300 a naturally comfortable riding position


New Genuine Kawasaki Accessories
• All accessories designed and engineered by Kawasaki
• New Color Matched Seat Cowl is factory designed with integrated styling cues and molded pad perfectly color matched to your Ninja 300
• New Tank Bag and Soft Top Case custom designed tank bag made exclusively for the Ninja 300. Can be installed or removed quickly, multiple storage areas for your gear expandable for carrying larger items
• New “Tall” Windscreen factory designed for easy installation 3” taller bubble design adds wind protection. Features an optically correct 3-D curvature
• New Fuel Tank Pad features matching graphics and helps protect the paint on the fuel tank. A touch of personalization to enhance its sportbike styling
• New Engine Guards factory designed for easy installation helps reduce the possibility of bodywork damage in case of tip over

And here is a quick walkaround video of the Kawasaki Ninja 300

Pardon the camerawork- was recorded from my phone



@moderators- Please help. Video is not visible!

Green. Definitely green!

Saw pics of the white one and it seems lacklustre. This is the authentic Kawasaki lime green shade (not the metallic green on the N650) and gives the bike fantastic presence.

Yes, showroom manager categorically said no ABS on the horizon. And that the Duke 390 will come in ABS-only guise!

Personally I don't prefer the Duke for multiple reasons ranging from my 6 ft+ frame to the exhaust note, though the value it offers is unbeatable!
But the choice between a CBR and Duke is a tough one to call- 2 very very different bikes and positioning there!

So the 4L figure is for the non abs version? Anyways going to wait till 10th for further confirmation.
But its a naked bike, I'm worried about rider comfort and stability at high speeds. I'm having the CBR on my mind right now, but don't know whether its worth to put 2l for that or shell out some more for a D390.