“2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300: A delightful entry level sport bike”
Destined to dominate the lightweight sportbike category
Not content with leading the pack in unchallenged performance for several years with their best-selling Ninja® 250R, the team at Kawasaki decided that it would be far better to dominate the lightweight sportbike field, so a new bike was developed. The 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 is the result, set to totally dominate the class in terms of not only performance, but raising the bar for the competition in refinement and riding ease along with a higher degree of practicality.
The 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 benefits from: a new 296cc, DOHC, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, parallel twin design with outstanding acceleration capability, featuring new digital fuel injection, utilizing dual 32mm throttle bodies that provide both improved fuel economy and cleaner emissions over last year’s 250 model; an available ABS brake system for the first time on a lightweight sportbike; a new F.C.C. clutch with assist and slipper functions for better handling of power with less effort; all-new, aggressive and edgy bodywork that doesn’t sacrifice any Ninja family DNA; a new frame that uses high-tensile steel main tubes, offering 150% greater rigidity, for better feel and agility; new 5-split-“Y”-spoke (10)17-inch (1/2-inch wider) alloy wheels, with a 140-section rear tire; a revised six-speed transmission with a new roller-type shift drum and stronger gears along with a wide gear ratio and positive neutral finder; and finally, Kawasaki’s Air Management System that utilizes a unique deflector for channeling hot air from the radiator to exit from the bottom of the bike, rather than blowing onto the rider.
The Ninja 300’s exhaust is also new, with a curved 2-into1-header design that meets strict Euro 3 emission standards.
Suspension tuning has been revised on the 37mm telescopic front forks, complementing the more rigid frame and wider rear rubber. The rear Uni-Trak suspension linkage delivers predictable handling and ride comfort, while the rear shock features 5-way adjustable preload, allowing rear ride height management, whether riding solo or two up. The IRC RX-01 tires were developed with Kawasaki for optimum riding dynamics.
Instrumentation includes a large, easy-to-read analog tachometer, a multifunction digital display with speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, digital clock and warning lights. In addition, there’s an Economical riding indicator that notifies the rider when operating the bike in the most efficient manner for fuel economy maximization.
The styling of the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 was inspired by the Ninja ZX-10R superbike, and features all-new body components, a new floating windscreen, an aggressive dual lamp headlamp design, a compact tail section. Two helmet holders are located under the rear seat, as well as a new two-stage under-seat storage compartment that’s hinged for easy tool kit access, which is below the storage tray. Two hooks are provided under the tail, plus two behind the rear passenger pegs for securing items in transport.
In terms of riding ergonomics, the rider’s seat slants slightly forward, is of a flatter design, narrowed near the front for easier touch-down when stopped, and the handlebars are wide and slightly raised, providing a more natural and comfortable riding position.
My Special Edition 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 test bike sported a traditional exterior finish in Lime Green and Ebony. The base price was set at $4,799 while the final tally came to an estimated $4,999 after dealer prep and handling. The ABS-equipped version costs $700 more ($5,499).
SUMMARY: While the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 makes for an ideal entry level sportbike, it can also be equally enjoyable for the more experienced rider. For one thing, older riders like myself, will welcome the more comfortable riding position – no laying over the tank with upper body weight on your wrists, while trying to hold your head up is required with the Ninja 300.
Some advanced riders might shy away from admitting to riding a small displacement bike, but the Ninja 300 displays the look of a full-scale sportbike, making no apologies necessary. At first glance, and at 6’4”, it appeared that it might be too small for me, but it proved to comfortable, and it is certainly no slouch in the performance department. Despite its performance capabilities and size, the Ninja 300 presents itself as being just right in terms of size, power and manageability. It is well balanced, highly maneuverable and because of its easy handling characteristics, it is less likely to get a novice rider into trouble.
The price of the Ninja 300 is nearly as attractive as the bike itself, even when equipped with the optional ABS, which is virtually unheard of in the lightweight sportbike category. So, in the final analysis, the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 is a keeper for a fun, comfortable, stress-free riding experience.
On The Fast Lane Car’s rating scale of:
• Buy It.
• Rent It
• Lease It.
• Forget It.
Buy It for an ideal entry level sport bike or a relaxed ride for experienced riders.
Base Price: $4,799 / Price as Tested: $ 4,999 * est – dealer prep and handling costs vary.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Special Edition
Base Price: $4,799.
Price as Tested: $4,999.
Engine Type and Size: 296 cc DOHC, four-stroke, liquid-cooled parallel
twin.
Transmission: Six-speed sequential manual.
Drive Train: Final drive – Chain.
Suspension: Front – Hydraulic 37 mm telescopic forks with 4.7-
inches of travel.
Rear – Uni-Trak® with 5-way adjustable pre-load and
5.2-inches of travel.
Brakes: Single 290mm petal-type disc with two-piston caliper
front / Single 220mm petal-type disc with two-piston
caliper rear.
Tires: IRS KX01F Road Winner 110/70 17 M/C front /
IRS KX01R Road Winner 140/ 70 17 M/C rear
mounted on 5-split-(10)spoke “Y” swirl alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 55.3 inches
Length Overall: 79.3 inches
Width: 28.1 inches
Height: 43.7 inches
Curb Weight: 379.3 lbs. (dry)
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons.
Seat height: 30.9 inches
0 – 60 mph: Not tested.
Review by Arv Voss, Auto Impressions