On 20 July, India
Kawasaki Motors launched the new Ninja 300 with heavy localization, priced at
INR 2.98 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). We have now got hold of new images of the
Kawasaki Ninja 300, showcasing the new colours and changes.
As part of the
update, the new Kawasaki Ninja 300 now features dual-channel ABS (Anti-Lock
Braking System) as standard. The motorcycle is available in two new paint
schemes, which are Candy Plasma Blue and Lime Green/Ebony, with new body graphics.
The locally made Ninja 300 receives heavily localized parts, which has resulted
in a massive price cut of INR 62,000. Interestingly, the Ninja 300 undercuts
the recently launched BMW G 310 R by INR 1,000, despite being a CKD unit from
Thailand.
On the other hand,
the BMW G 310 R is locally manufactured in India by TVS Motor Company at its
Hosur factory. The Kawasaki Ninja 300 features localized body panels, MRF
Zapper tires in place of IRC tires and alloy wheels. That said, the ground
clearance of the bike has gone down to 140 mm from the earlier 145 mm, while
the kerb weight is 179 kg, up 7 kg from the previous 173 kg. It could be
because of the added mass of tires and the introduction of the ABS unit.
Kawasaki is
offering early bird customers with a “3 years unlimited mileage warranty” for a
limited period. The Kawasaki Ninja 300 is now the most affordable parallel-twin
motorcycle in India and rivals the likes of Yamaha YZF-R3, Benelli 302R, KTM RC
390 and the TVS Apache RR 310. The latter two cost INR 2.37 lakh and INR 2.23
lakh respectively (all prices are ex-showroom Delhi).
The Kawasaki Ninja
300 sources power from a 296 cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve, parallel-twin
engine with liquid cooling, which is tuned to produce a maximum power of 39 PS
at 11,000 rpm while developing a peak torque of 27 Nm at 10,000 rpm. The engine
transfers drive to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox with final chain
drive, while a slipper clutch is standard. Suspension components include 41 mm
telescopic forks at the front along with bottom-link Uni-track mono-shock with
pre-load adjustability.
