2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review (2024)

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2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 on www.Totalmotorcycle.com

The Premium Lightweight Sportbike Offers Power And Agility…

The well-respected and highly capable Kawasaki Ninja® 300 ABS returns for 2015 with new colors, graphics and sporty Dunlop tires. The lightweight sportbike also continues to offer the ideal entry point for novice riders, track-day enthusiasts, commuters and riders of all sizes.

At first glance, it might appear to be a larger capacity sportbike, and its diminutive engine size certainly packs a mighty punch in terms of its spec sheet. The Ninja 300 ABS boasts many of the features found on the larger Ninja models, such as a Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®), an FCC clutch with assist and slipper functions as well as an ABS braking system.

Not only is the Ninja 300 ABS regarded as the best lightweight sportbike in the range, it is more than capable of surprising competitors with higher displacement in tight, technical corners.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2015 KAWASAKI NINJA 300 ABS
•296cc parallel-twin engine with Digital Fuel Injection for power and economy
•ABS brakes increase rider confidence (Ninja 300 ABS models only)
•Low, tapered seat accommodates riders of all sizes
•Ninja sportbike DNA apparent in bodywork design, performance and agility
•New Dunlop TT900 GP tires for 2015
•Updated colors and graphics for 2015
•Special SE colors also available (non-ABS model only)

ENGINE

The heart of the Ninja 300 is its liquid-cooled 296cc parallel-twin engine that is tuned to deliver strong low- and mid-range torque for crisp city responses as well as excellent high-RPM power on the open road.

Much of its prowess can be attributed to its advanced Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®), which helps manage cold starting, while providing excellent throttle response and good fuel efficiency.

In addition to its long-stroke engine configuration, the Ninja 300 features a low-friction cam chain, lightweight pistons with a hard anodized coating for low-friction, as well as a 10.6:1 compression ratio to allow the use of regular-grade gasoline.

The high-tech pistons are cooled by an oil spray across the bottom surface. Lightweight piston pins also help reduce reciprocating weight without sacrificing the high redline, and the sleeveless “open-deck” die-cast aluminum cylinders feature a friction-reducing “T-treatment” plating for maximum durability.

The large-volume, 2.4-liter oil pan has cooling fins to keep operating temperatures in check, and is shaped to allow maximum ground clearance. An easy-to-access cartridge-type spin-on oil filter simplifies maintenance.

TRANSMISSION & BRAKES

To assist newer riders, the six-speed sequential transmission features Kawasaki’s positive neutral finder to make finding neutral a cinch when stopped. A premium FCC clutch with assist and slipper functions has an assist function that reduces lever effort by up to 25% to reduce fatigue on long rides. It also has a race-style “slipper” design to reduce rear-wheel “hop” that can be associated with high-RPM downshifting, giving the rider greater control on the track or the street.

The petal-type 290mm front and 220mm rear brake discs utilize a lightweight Nissin ABS system on the Ninja 300 ABS model, offering some riders peace of mind when road conditions change. The discs are gripped by powerful two-piston calipers and, like all Ninja models, the 300 is equipped with components that were developed by professional riders to help ensure class-leading performance for even the most advanced riders.

CHASSIS & BODYWORK

Wide main frame pipes under the fuel tank are made from high-tensile steel. They have extra gusseting to enhance torsional rigidity for improved sportbike handling. Kawasaki engineers designed the front engine mounts to tame vibration and these help make the Ninja 300 to feel noticeably smooth, despite the power produced by its 296cc engine.

The suspension was tuned to complement the rigid frame, so its spring rates provide a comfortable ride on city streets without compromising its legendary sportbike handling that confirms it is a true Ninja motorcycle.

The aggressive bodywork features an edgy design that is superbly aerodynamic, and effective at managing engine heat. To help keep the ride comfortable, Kawasaki Air Management System (KAMS) uses a special deflector to channel hot air from the back of the radiator so it exits from the bottom of the motorcycle, instead of being blown onto the rider.

The Ninja 300 also has a modern, floating windscreen design that helps minimize airflow buffeting around the rider’s helmet.

For 2015, the Ninja 300 and 300 ABS are available in two different colors: Lime Green and Pearl Stardust White. Customers can also specify the Ninja 300 SE in Metallic Moondust Gray / Ebony, which offers even more graphic design elements than the standard models.

A combination of digital and analog instruments feature a large, easy-to-read analog tachometer coupled with a digital multi-function display including a speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge and digital clock. The digital screen also incorporates an Economical Riding Indicator (ECO) that alerts the rider when they are operating the Ninja 300 in a style that maximizes fuel economy.

A natural riding position and comfortable ergonomics combine with lightweight handling and nimble responses to deliver a pleasurable ride on city streets and highways, twisty backroads and racetracks.

The full-size, 17”, ten-spoke wheels contribute to this great handling package and, for 2015 the Ninja 300 will be equipped with Dunlop TT900 GP tires to improve the riding experience. These remain the same 110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear sizes as before.

Lightweight and agile, the Ninja 300 delivers low ownership costs coupled with class-leading sportbike performance!

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 www.Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

ABS brakes increase rider confidence on the Ninja 300 ABS model

Low 30.9″ seat height and tapered seat boosts confidence with easier reach to the ground

296cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine design offers superior highway passing ability and acceleration compared to other single-cylinder lightweight sportbikes

Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®) system uses dual 32mm throttle bodies to provide outstanding throttle response and superb fuel economy

FCC clutch with Assist and Slipper functions provides excellent power handling capabilities and the Assist function provides a light lever feel. The Slipper function reduces the effect of back-torque to minimize wheel “hop” when downshifting

Sportbike bodywork features an aggressive, edgy design with strong Ninja® family DNA that sets the Ninja 300 apart from its lightweight sportbike competitors

High-tensile frame provides optimum rigidity for superior feel and agility compared to the competition

Ten-spoke 17″ sportbike wheels look great and are fitted with Dunlop TT900 GP sportbike tires for optimum handling

Six-speed transmission features a roller-type shift drum for smooth actuation. It also has strong gears for maximum durability and a positive neutral finder makes it easy to find neutral when stopped

Kawasaki Air Management System (KAMS) uses a special deflector to channel hot air from the back of the radiator, so it exits from the bottom of the motorcycle, instead of being blown onto the rider when the fan is activated

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 www.Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 – www.Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $5,399 CDN

ENGINE
Type 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Displacement 296cc
Bore and stroke 62.0 x 49.0 mm
Compression ratio 10.6:1
Valve system DOHC, 8 valves
Fuel system Fuel Injection: 32mm x 2 (Keihin)
Ignition Digital
Lubrication Forced Lubrication, wet sump
Cooling Liquid-cooled
BRAKES
Front: type Single 290 mm petal disc
Front: calipers Single balanced actuation dual-piston
Rear: type Single 220mm petal disc
Rear: calipers Dual-piston
DIMENSIONS
Overall length 2,015mm
Overall width 715mm
Overall height 1,110mm
Wheelbase 1,405mm
Seat height 785mm
Curb mass** 172kg
Fuel capacity 17 litres
Ground clearance 140mm
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed, return
Final drive Seeled chain
Primary reduction ratio 3.087 (71/23)
Gear ratio: 1st 2.714 (38/14)
Gear ratio: 2nd 1.789 (34/19)
Gear ratio: 3rd 1.409 (31/22)
Gear ratio: 4th 1.160 (29/25)
Gear ratio: 5th 1.000 (27/27)
Gear ratio: 6th .857 (24/28)
Final reduction ratio 3.000 (42/14)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
FRAME
Type Tube diamond,steel
Wheel travel: front 120mm
Wheel travel: rear 132mm
Tire: front 110/70-17 M/C 54S
Tire: rear 140/70-17 M/C 66S
Caster (rake) 27°
Trail 93mm
Steering angle (left/right) 35° / 35°
PERFORMANCE
Maximum Power‡ 29.0 kW {39PS} / 11,000
Maximum Torque‡ 27.0 N·m {2.8 kgf·m} / 10,000 rpm
SUSPENSION
Suspension, front 37mm telescopic fork
Suspension, rear Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload

* The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price does not include freight, pre-delivery inspection or applicable taxes. The final price is at the discretion of the dealer. Prices and Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. The amount indicated as “Your price” may include an optional instant Mega Cash credit that is deducted from the manufacturer’s suggested retail price before taxes. This promotion is time limited and certain conditions will apply. See your dealer for complete details. Offer not available on financed purchases and cannot be combined with any other special offers. The final price is at the discretion of the dealer. Prices and Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

** Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied)

‡ Power / Torque figures measured at the crankshaft.