All about the new Ninja 300

2013 Kawasaki Ninja
Since its inception on the motorcycle market in 1983, the Kawasaki Ninja 250 has dominated the entry-level sportbike category.
The bike remained relatively unchanged until a major revision in 2008, which added modern sportbike styling and the additional "R" added to the name across all world-wide markets.
But as more and more competition arrived from other manufacturers, such as Honda and its CBR 250 R, Kawasaki decided it was time for a complete overhaul of its Ninja 250.
The outcome? The 2013 Ninja 300, the big arriving as Kawasaki celebrates the 30th anniversary of the quarter-liter sportbike.
This new motorcycle features all of the entry-level specifics of the Ninja 250 R - lightweight, agility, optimal fuel mileage - but with bigger displacement (296cc vs. 249cc), digital fuel injection, a new F.C.C. clutch with assist and slipper functions, and an option for ABS.
The all-new 296cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin is tuned for smooth power delivery, and enhanced with the new digital fuel injection (DFI) system that "provides improved cold starting, crisper throttle response and better fuel economy than last year's bike."
Kawasaki says: "This new engine has nearly 50-percent of its parts upgraded from the previous model. In addition to its new long-stroke 296cc displacement, other engine upgrades include: new intake ports that taper from 1mm wider at the throttle body to .5mm wider at the valve seat, new 23.6mm intake valves that are 1mm larger than last year, a new cam chain that offers reduced friction, a revised 10.6:1 compression ratio that allows the use of regular gasoline and lowers operating temperatures, and new lighter pistons that feature a hard anodized coating for reduced friction and increased performance at all rpms.
"The underside of the pistons was also revised to more efficiently route cooling oil across their surface. Further highlighting changes for this model, it features new, lighter piston pins to further reduce reciprocating weight and help preserve a high redline, new shorter connecting rods to offset new longer crank throws, and new sleeveless 'open-deck' die-cast aluminum cylinders that are 800 grams lighter and feature a friction-reducing 'T-treatment' plating.
"Additional improvements include new thicker crankshaft balancer webs to offset the new longer crank throws, new crank journal bearings made from a stronger alloy for increased durability, new crank cases that feature improved oil passages, a new large-volume 2.4 liter oil pan with cooling fins and more ground clearance than the previous model. Topping-off the changes, a new easy-to-access cartridge type spin-on oil filter helps simplify maintenance."
With the new engine arrives a revised, six-speed transmission with thicker gears for the added torque. Also new is the F.C.C. clutch, which features assist and slipper functions.
Kawasaki says:" This new clutch reduces lever effort by up to 25%, while increasing the clutch's ability to handle the extra torque generated by the 300's more powerful engine. The new clutch's slipper design also helps reduce rear wheel-hop that can be caused by aggressive downshifting."
The 2013 Ninja 300 arrives with a revised frame that uses high-tensile steel main tubes, which Kawasaki claims provides 150 percent more rigidity than last year's 250R model. Though rigidity is better for handling, Kawasaki made sure the smoothness remains by designing new rubber front engine mounts.
As for suspension, the 300 features a 37mm telescopic front fork up front, with Uni-Trak rear suspension linkage out back with a rear shock that has a five-way adjustable preload to manage rider height based on load (passenger or no passenger). The chassis rolls on 17-inch, 10-spoke wheels (140/70 tire out back, 110/70 tire up front).
Stopping the Ninja 300 is a single 290mm petal-type disc squeezed by a two-piston hydraulic caliper up front, and a 220mm petal-type disc squeezed by a two-piston hydraulic caliper out back. Optional is the Nissin ABS system, which uses the "smallest ABS unit of any production motorcycle in the world." The ABS is only offered in Lime Green / Ebony with Special Edition Graphics.
The Ninja 300 also features more aggressive bodywork for better heat management and aerodynamics, and a new "floating windscreen design" that minimizes buffeting. Also new is an easy-to-read instrument panelt with analog tachometer and digital multifunction display with speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, and digital clock functions. The instrument panel also incorporates an economical riding indicator (ECO) that "illuminates to alert riders when they are operating the Ninja 300 in a manner that will maximize fuel economy. "



Following are the highlights, specs, for the 2013 Ninja 300.
2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Highlights:
Key Features:

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

Digital Fuel Injection (DFI):

• Dual 32mm Keihin throttle bodies and a digital ECU offer easy starting, superior throttle response, and help provide low fuel consumption
• DFI makes the Ninja 300 cleaner and more fuel efficient than last year's 250, even though it now makes significantly more power

New ABS Disc Brakes with Petal-type Rotors:

• New ABS brakes feature the world's smallest production motorcycle ABS unit. Made by Nissin, the entire antilock system adds less than 4.5 lbs.
• 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:

• Revised tuning on the 37mm telescopic front fork compliments the new more rigid frame and wider rear tire
• Uni-Trak rear suspension linkage helps provide predictable sportbike handling and good ride comfort
• Rear shock features 5-way adjustable preload to help manage rear ride height whether riding solo or with a passenger

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 this sportbike's aggressive appearance
• 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

2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Specs:

@Shibadip

A very nice detailed to the very basics review... but man where are the power figures??? Let us know this....

Just posting info. from the data collected for personal records -

Height - 1110
Width - 715
Length - 2015
Wheelbase - 1405
Gears - 6
Bhp - 39 @ 11000
Torque - 29 @ 10000
Weight - 174

39 BHP is good enough, though i thought it will be 40+.

Ok, I think this is the first proper video review. Atleast the highlights and some great camera angles!

***UPDATE***

Not sure if someone has already updated this here. The Ninja 300 is being launched @ Times Square New York last Thursday.

Details and pics are available on the following link:

Kawasaki's Ninja Times Square Takeover Goes Big | Rider Magazine

Wish this bike comes to India soon. Fingers Crossed

nice video review there, i am so in love with this machine...

Kawasaki, is very keen, bringing back it's old foothold of smaller CC bikes and it's good to see some refreshed specs on the Neenja 300. Just, the perimeter frame is missing, rather than the good old diamond frame, but I guess that should do justice for this babe.

Cheers!
VJ

Official Video for Ninja 300 in Europe:

The Kawasaki 2013 Ninja 300 Introduction Video - The Rush is Addictive

Seems my judgement was correct after all... *GLOAT GLOAT*


Kawasaki Ninja 300R Being Tested in India. Diwali Launch

Just a few days back, we reported in detail about popular Japanese bike maker Kawasaki revealing the all new Ninja 300R. The latest in the Ninja brand of bikes was earlier rumoured to be a replacement for the 250R in many markets. However, the new 300R and the 250R, which are identical in appearance, will sell alongside each other.
First impressions are that the 300R is nothing more than a slightly more powerful version of the 250R. Powering the Ninja 300R is a 296cc, parallel twin, fuel injected engine with dual throttle valves. The new motor pumps out a peak power output of 39 PS@11000 RPM and churns out 27 Nm of max torque @10,000 RPM. Power is transmitted to rear wheels using a 6-speed gearbox and the options list includes ABS . The 300R wears 110 section tyre up front and 140 section tyre at the rear.


The news has set us excited and Indian biking aficionados are surely in for a treat in near future. The 300R will open gates to an all new segment in Indian bike market and is targeted at those who want that wee bit extra from their entry level sportsbike. The new Ninja is expected to command a premium of about INR 50000-60000 over the Ninja 250R.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS-
Engine- 296cc, fuel injected, parallel twin
Max Power- 39PS@11000 RPM
Max Torque- 27Nm@10000 RPM
Transmission- 6 Speed Manual
Source

I doubt motoroids is the best source for such news. They have been wrong in the past! Anyway, we can't really say until the bike is actually launched!

In the meantime, let's do some hypothetical number crunching. Current Ninja 250R costs 3 Lakhs in India. Let's take the example of the price in USA. The 2012 Ninja 250R (carbed version) cost $4199. The 2013 Ninja 300 will cost $4799 for standard trim and $5499 for the ABS version. a 700$ increase means 17%! Also to be noted is the 10% price increase of the 2013 Ninja 250 in Asian markets (where already launched). So, if the price increases by the same percentage in India, the Ninja 300 might cost between 3.3 Lakhs to 3.5 Lakhs. That's quite a price increase for an already expensive bike. Not to forget further potential increase if the tax laws or regulations are different for 300cc bikes.

They are quite accurate on the contrary... Still... Let's wait and watch... I wish its the 300... My money is ready... Well almostt....