The Kawasaki Z300 serves as the entry-level model in the brand’s Indian Z lineup, and is priced at Rs 3.24 lakh (ex-showroom, India). It is based on the same platform as the Ninja 300, with design cues from the Z900.
- Powered by the 296cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine
- Gets a reverse LCD display
- Follows Sugomi styling like the Z900
It competes against the sport-nakeds from KTM and TVS
At the heart of the Z300 is the same 296cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine as the Ninja 300, which produces 39hp at 11,000rpm and 26.1Nm of torque at 10,000rpm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Visually, the Z300 borrows its “Sugomi” styling cues from its larger sibling the Z900. In keeping with its streetfighter design ethos the Z300 features a wide, upright single-piece handlebar and engaging yet comfortable ergonomics. On the feature front, it gets dual-channel ABS and reverse LCD instrument cluster, a unit similar to the one on the Ninja 500. The motorcycle is offered in two colour options: Lime Green and Black.
Underneath the naked bodywork, the Z300 uses the same tubular frame as the Ninja 300. Suspension duties are handled by a 37mm right way up telescopic fork at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. The cycle parts are also seemingly carried forward directly from the Ninja 300, meaning we are likely to see the same 17-inch alloy wheels and the same braking hardware, featuring a 290mm petal disc at the front and 220mm petal disc at the rear.
Currently, the Z300’s chief rivals are the 350cc KTM 390 Duke (Rs 2.85 lakh) and TVS Apache RTR 310 (Rs 2.30 lakh). Both are single-cylinder motorcycles with more performance-oriented chassis setups, although the Z300’s parallel-twin engine should give it an edge in refinement. The Z300 might not match them in terms of outright performance, but the Kawasaki badge and twin-cylinder engine give it a distinct proposition in the segment
All prices are ex-showroom.
