2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 ABS Review
2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 ABS
Quick, Strong, and Easy… The Ultimate Lightweight Sportbike
After years of unchallenged domination, the best-selling Ninja® 250R
sportbike had finally begun to see competition from other manufacturers. Make
no mistake, it still outperformed the challengers by a significant margin
on the open road, but why simply outperform them, when you can totally dominate?
The new 2013 Ninja 300 thoroughly dominates its lightweight sportbike competition
on the performance front, and it also significantly ups the ante for refinement,
ease of use and overall practicality. Thanks to a new digital fuel injection
system, a new F.C.C. clutch with assist and slipper functions, and the world's
smallest and lightest motorcycle ABS brake system, this new 300 is the best
lightweight sportbike, by far, when it comes to street riding and overall
usability.
The new Ninja 300 sportbike is powered by a larger 296cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin that's tuned to deliver smooth and predictable power around town, plus excellent high-rpm performance on the highway. This upgraded engine offers significantly more performance than the old 250, while its new digital fuel injection (DFI®) system provides improved cold starting, crisp throttle response and better fuel economy than last year's bike.
This new engine has nearly 50% of its parts upgraded from the previous model. In addition to its new long-stroke 296cc displacement, other engine upgrades include: new intake ports that taper from 1mm wider at the throttle body to .5mm wider at the valve seat, new 23.6mm intake valves that are 1mm larger than last year, a new cam chain that offers reduced friction, a revised 10.6:1 compression ratio that allows the use of regular gasoline and lowers operating temperatures, and new lighter pistons that feature a hard anodized coating for reduced friction and increased performance at all rpms. The underside of the pistons was also revised to more efficiently route cooling oil across their surface. Further highlighting changes for this model, it features new, lighter piston pins to further reduce reciprocating weight and help preserve a high redline, new shorter connecting rods to offset new longer crank throws, new sleeveless "open-deck" die-cast aluminum cylinders that are 800 grams lighter and feature a friction-reducing "T-treatment" plating. It also has new thicker crankshaft balancer webs to offset the new longer crank throws, new crank journal bearings made from a stronger alloy for increased durability, new crank cases that feature improved oil passages, a new large-volume 2.4 liter oil pan with cooling fins and more ground clearance than the previous model. Topping-off the changes, a new easy-to-access cartridge type spin-on oil filter helps simplify maintenance.
A revised six-speed transmission features thicker gears to help cope with the extra torque from the 300's new engine. The transmission also features Kawasaki's positive neutral finder to make finding neutral a cinch when stopped. This efficient engine and transmission help the Ninja 300 provide plenty of enjoyment from the initial learning curve, all the way through advanced sport riding, track days, and club racing.
Operating that transmission is now easier than ever, thanks to a new F.C.C. clutch with assist and slipper functions. This new clutch reduces lever effort by up to 25%, while increasing the clutch's ability to handle the extra torque generated by the 300's more powerful engine. The new clutch's slipper design also helps reduce rear wheel-hop that can be caused by aggressive downshifting.
The Ninja 300's extra "go" is complimented by the extra stopping power offered by its anti-lock front and rear disc brakes equipped with a lightweight Nissin ABS system for extra piece of mind when road conditions are questionable. This new system uses the smallest ABS unit of any production motorcycle in the world! Its 290mm front and 220mm petal-type rear brake rotors are gripped by powerful two-piston hydraulic calipers. Like all Kawasaki Ninjas, the new 300 is equipped with high-quality components and was tuned using feedback from professional riders at Atopolis raceway, to help ensure class-leading performance and an entertaining ride for even the most advanced riders.
The Ninja 250 was always known as one of the best handling sportbikes on the market. To uphold the family honor, the 2013 Ninja 300 features a new frame that uses new high-tensile steel main tubes that are 150% more rigid than the tubes in last year's model. Revised tube shapes and additional gusseting also help provide better longitudinal stiffness for better feel during extreme sport riding. Though the main frame is more rigid for better handling, not all rigidity is positive; that's why Kawasaki engineers designed new rubber front engine mounts that help make this model noticeably more smooth, despite the extra power produced by its new 296cc engine.
Front and rear suspension tuning has been adjusted to compliment the new, more-rigid frame. Softer spring rates provide a more comfortable ride on rough city streets, without compromising sport handling characteristics.
New bodywork inspired by the Ninja ZX-10R superbike, provides cutting-edge styling, as well as effective heat management and superb aerodynamics. The Ninja 300 not only looks great, but also features a new floating windscreen design to help minimize buffeting and provide a smoother airflow around the rider's helmet.
The Ninja 300's all-new instrument panel features a large easy-to-read analog tachometer and a digital multifunction display with speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, and digital clock functions. The new instrument panel also features indicator lights, while the digital screen incorporates a handy economical riding indicator (ECO) that illuminates to alert riders when they are operating the Ninja 300 in a manner that will maximize fuel economy.
A natural riding position and comfortable ergonomics combine with lightweight handling and nimble response to deliver pure pleasure everywhere from city streets and highways, to twisty backroads and even racetracks. Contributing to this great handling package are the new full-size, 17-inch, 10-spoke wheels.
Lightweight and agile, the Ninja 300 delivers low ownership costs coupled with effortless class-leading performance!
An extensive range of Genuine Kawasaki Accessories are available through authorized Kawasaki dealers.
The new Ninja 300 sportbike is powered by a larger 296cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin that's tuned to deliver smooth and predictable power around town, plus excellent high-rpm performance on the highway. This upgraded engine offers significantly more performance than the old 250, while its new digital fuel injection (DFI®) system provides improved cold starting, crisp throttle response and better fuel economy than last year's bike.
This new engine has nearly 50% of its parts upgraded from the previous model. In addition to its new long-stroke 296cc displacement, other engine upgrades include: new intake ports that taper from 1mm wider at the throttle body to .5mm wider at the valve seat, new 23.6mm intake valves that are 1mm larger than last year, a new cam chain that offers reduced friction, a revised 10.6:1 compression ratio that allows the use of regular gasoline and lowers operating temperatures, and new lighter pistons that feature a hard anodized coating for reduced friction and increased performance at all rpms. The underside of the pistons was also revised to more efficiently route cooling oil across their surface. Further highlighting changes for this model, it features new, lighter piston pins to further reduce reciprocating weight and help preserve a high redline, new shorter connecting rods to offset new longer crank throws, new sleeveless "open-deck" die-cast aluminum cylinders that are 800 grams lighter and feature a friction-reducing "T-treatment" plating. It also has new thicker crankshaft balancer webs to offset the new longer crank throws, new crank journal bearings made from a stronger alloy for increased durability, new crank cases that feature improved oil passages, a new large-volume 2.4 liter oil pan with cooling fins and more ground clearance than the previous model. Topping-off the changes, a new easy-to-access cartridge type spin-on oil filter helps simplify maintenance.
A revised six-speed transmission features thicker gears to help cope with the extra torque from the 300's new engine. The transmission also features Kawasaki's positive neutral finder to make finding neutral a cinch when stopped. This efficient engine and transmission help the Ninja 300 provide plenty of enjoyment from the initial learning curve, all the way through advanced sport riding, track days, and club racing.
Operating that transmission is now easier than ever, thanks to a new F.C.C. clutch with assist and slipper functions. This new clutch reduces lever effort by up to 25%, while increasing the clutch's ability to handle the extra torque generated by the 300's more powerful engine. The new clutch's slipper design also helps reduce rear wheel-hop that can be caused by aggressive downshifting.
The Ninja 300's extra "go" is complimented by the extra stopping power offered by its anti-lock front and rear disc brakes equipped with a lightweight Nissin ABS system for extra piece of mind when road conditions are questionable. This new system uses the smallest ABS unit of any production motorcycle in the world! Its 290mm front and 220mm petal-type rear brake rotors are gripped by powerful two-piston hydraulic calipers. Like all Kawasaki Ninjas, the new 300 is equipped with high-quality components and was tuned using feedback from professional riders at Atopolis raceway, to help ensure class-leading performance and an entertaining ride for even the most advanced riders.
The Ninja 250 was always known as one of the best handling sportbikes on the market. To uphold the family honor, the 2013 Ninja 300 features a new frame that uses new high-tensile steel main tubes that are 150% more rigid than the tubes in last year's model. Revised tube shapes and additional gusseting also help provide better longitudinal stiffness for better feel during extreme sport riding. Though the main frame is more rigid for better handling, not all rigidity is positive; that's why Kawasaki engineers designed new rubber front engine mounts that help make this model noticeably more smooth, despite the extra power produced by its new 296cc engine.
Front and rear suspension tuning has been adjusted to compliment the new, more-rigid frame. Softer spring rates provide a more comfortable ride on rough city streets, without compromising sport handling characteristics.
New bodywork inspired by the Ninja ZX-10R superbike, provides cutting-edge styling, as well as effective heat management and superb aerodynamics. The Ninja 300 not only looks great, but also features a new floating windscreen design to help minimize buffeting and provide a smoother airflow around the rider's helmet.
The Ninja 300's all-new instrument panel features a large easy-to-read analog tachometer and a digital multifunction display with speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, and digital clock functions. The new instrument panel also features indicator lights, while the digital screen incorporates a handy economical riding indicator (ECO) that illuminates to alert riders when they are operating the Ninja 300 in a manner that will maximize fuel economy.
A natural riding position and comfortable ergonomics combine with lightweight handling and nimble response to deliver pure pleasure everywhere from city streets and highways, to twisty backroads and even racetracks. Contributing to this great handling package are the new full-size, 17-inch, 10-spoke wheels.
Lightweight and agile, the Ninja 300 delivers low ownership costs coupled with effortless class-leading performance!
An extensive range of Genuine Kawasaki Accessories are available through authorized Kawasaki dealers.
Youth movement. ABS standard.
Our newest Ninja offers the style, performance and technology to overshadow
all bikes in its class. Race inspired clutch technology plus genuine big bike
looks and handling are underpinned by a powerful and hard pulling 296cc fuel-injected
engine. Make your move and make it on a Ninja 300 ABS. Designed to overshadow
all other bikes in its class, the new Ninja 300 ABS offers increased performance
and riding excitement, stunning new styling, and ride quality and comfort
that eclipse the 250-class.
The all-new, most-powerul-in-class, Ninja 300 ABS packs the style and personality
of a litre-class superbike into a learner-legal package that is amazingly
easy to ride. It is THE perfect entry level bike, delivering incredible fuel
economy, Class-leading safety features and a low seat height for added confidence.
Buy it because it’s practical. Own it because it’s awesome.
Stunning new Ninja 300 eclipses the competition
Whether referring to engine or chassis performance, or the latest available
technology, the name “Ninja” implies the very best sporting performance
that Kawasaki has to offer.
In the case of the all-new Ninja 300, it means a larger-displacement 296 cm3 engine with the power and torque to eclipse everything in its class, racetrack-level chassis stability, and race-derived clutch technology offering a supersport-style back-torque limiter and increased ride feel.
In the case of the all-new Ninja 300, it means a larger-displacement 296 cm3 engine with the power and torque to eclipse everything in its class, racetrack-level chassis stability, and race-derived clutch technology offering a supersport-style back-torque limiter and increased ride feel.
Reduced vibration and new heat management technology result in the high-quality
ride feel and comfort level one would expect from a much larger machine.
With its large-volume bodywork, the Ninja 300 can easily be mistaken for
a larger machine – an image reinforced by numerous styling cues from
our flagship Ninja models. From its aggressive new dual headlights to its
sharp, minimalist tail cowl, every surface of new Ninja was painstakingly
sculpted to ensure a high level of fit and finish, impressive silhouette and
undeniable Ninja presence.
Designed to outshine all other bikes in its class, the new Ninja 300 delivers
increased performance and riding excitement, stunning new styling, and ride
quality and comfort that exceed that of the 250-class.
Thanks to : totalmotorcycle.com
