Sports Cycle

The Kawasaki Z300 is the Naked version of Ninja 300... The Ninja 300 used to be 250cc, but grew for 2013.

Don’t confuse them with Kawasaki’s recent naked & faired, Kawasaki Z250SL & Ninja 250SL – they are singles, whereas the naked and faired 300s are twins. Like the 250s, the Kawasaki Z300 are compatible with the A2 licence, offering a rung below full-power bikes for the under-24s. Like the 250s, the 300s come in sporty-styled faired Ninja and Z800/1000-styled street-fightery naked.

ABS come as standard

Other differences between the 250s and 300s, aside from the extra cylinder in the engine, concern an increase in chassis dimensions, better brakes and suspension, a bigger fuel tank, and an unfortunate increase in price too. The upshot is a bike that’s engaging, fun and big enough for a full-grown adult. Riding it back-to-back with both 250s, the Kawasaki Z300 is more comfortable and less strained. Its cruising speed is about 10mph higher than on the Z250 – a big difference when you’re doing 75mph rather than 65mph. Suspension has much better damping too.




The Kawasaki Z300 engine can feel a little awkward and juddery at town speeds, but get it up above 8000 RPM – in search of peak power at 11.000 RPM – and it all comes together nicely. It responds well, changes gear slickly and even sounds good ! The price does, however, seem rather steep. The A2-licensing system is confusing enough, and when you’re being asked to spend a couple of years on a small, low-powered bike that costs more than four grand, it’s hard to imagine many takers. A good bike, lost in the labyrinth of our licensing system.

Kawasaki Z300 Specs

Engine : 296cc, Parallel Twin, DOHC 4-Valve per Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled
Power : 39 HP @ 11.000 RPM
Torque : 20 lb.ft @ 10.000RPM
Transmission / Drive : 6-Speed / Chain

Chassis : Steel Diamond
Front Suspension : 37mm Telescopic Forks, 120mm Travel
Rear Suspension : Monoshock, Adjustment Preload
Front Brake : 290 mm Disc, 2-Piston Caliper
Rear Brake : 220 mm Disc, 2-Piston Caliper
Front Tyre : 110/70-17
Rear Tyre : 140/70-17
Wheelbase : 1.405 mm
Rake / Trail : 26° / 82 mm
Seat Height : 785 mm
Kerb Weight : 170 Kg
Fuel Capacity : 17 Litres


Price : £4442