Kawasaki Ninja 300

Kawasaki Ninja 300

RIDING IMPRESSION

Kawi's counterpunch

THE COMBINATION OF a stagnant economy and high prices at the pump has driven demand for affordable, fuel-efficient motorcycles. Kawasaki’s Ninja 250 sportbike has been a leader in the segment for decades, only recently coming under fire from Honda’s CBR250R. Team Green has answered Big Red’s challenge and reshaped the class with an allnew Ninja 300.

A 47cc bump in displacement to 296cc has boosted torque output across the entry-level Ninja’s 13,000rpm rev range, and an additional 10 ponies bumps peak horsepower to 35. Taller final gearing (42-tooth rear sprocket, three down from the 250R) combined with a taller internal top-gear ratio allows the six-speed 300 to

match the cruising velocity of its predecessor while turning far fewer revs, making the bike feel more relaxed at freeway speeds.

A vastly more rigid, semidouble-cradle steel frame plays a key role in the 300’s improved performance, as well. Even with rubberized front engine mounts, which significantly reduce vibration when compared to the 2 5 OR, the handling has improved.

Fuel-injection mapping is spot-on, with no lag or stumbles, and shifting is silky smooth and light. The addition of a Japanese F.C.C.brand slipper clutch removes any concern about matching engine revs with rear-wheel speed during downshifts. The “assist” feature of the clutch performs as advertised, yielding pinky-finger-light lever effort. Smooth takeoffs from a stop are easily achieved with little throttle application or clutch slip.

Novice riders will find the Ninja 300’s 30.6-inch

seat height and 354-lb. dry weight unintimidating, while the more experienced sportminded pilot is certain to revel in some serious apex strafing. The new chassis has neutral steering, with no trace of the sensation of falling into corners that we've experienced while riding the 25OR and Ninja 500. We were also pleased with the enhanced sense of grip and stability offered by the 140/70-17 IRC rear tire, which is 10mm wider than the 250R’s 130/70-17. Front tire size remains 110/70-17.

The 37mm conventional fork offers lighter damping for improved ride comfort, but the oil level is higher to increase resistance to bottoming under hard brak-

ing or over sharp bumps. The shock has firmer damping and a more-useful range of spring-preload adjustability to better accommodate a greater span of rider weights.

Kawasaki offers the base Ninja 300 (without ABS) in Ebony or Pearl Stardust White for $4799; add $200 for Lime Green/Ebony with SE graphics (pictured). If you can swing the $700 premium, the 300 SE ABS is equipped with an anti-lock system that functions as well as those fitted to bikes costing far more than this Kawasaki.

Just as the competition had begun to close in, Kawasaki countered right on cue. In every sense, the Ninja 300 is a worthy successor to the best-selling Ninja 250R. □

Performance leader in its class

Novice-friendly 30.6-Inch seat height

Looks like Its liter-class sibling

Thirstier than the CBR250R No ABS option with base colors

ZX-10R styling fools the cops, too

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