Kawasaki Z300 ABS

The Z300 is essentially based on Kawasaki’s previous generation of its ‘Sugomi’ design language, which has been well known for its aggression to the fullest. 

At the front, the Z300 shares a lot of its personality and fascia with the now-globally defunct Z800. The dual headlamp setup makes it look like the eyes of Spiderman, with the main headlamp surrounded in the black plastic cladding, which then is surrounded by the colored bikini fairing. The piano black finished tinted visor atop the headlamp looks quite cool, however, it is just not enough in restricting wind blasts.

Kawasaki has lifted off the fuel tank as well as a wide tailpiece from the Ninja 300, which makes the bike look quite big in isolation. The most highlighting aspect of the motorcycle is the large Z-shaped fuel tank extensions, which go all the way down towards the bottom of the engine, thus partially hiding the engine.

Apart from the wide tailpiece with split seats and small LED tail lamp at the back, the Z300 also shares the multi-spoke alloy wheels, 2-into-1 exhaust pipe and tail fender with the Ninja 300. Another aspect which the Z300 shares with the Ninja 300 is the part-digital instrument console. While it is quite informative with the analogue tachometer and LCD screen with speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge and clock on display, the overall layout is a bit dated in appeal.

It is just not the engine and partial styling which the Z300 shares with the Ninja 300. Even the basic chassis setup has been shared between both the bikes. This means that the Kawasaki Z300 has been equipped with 37 mm telescopic forks at front and 5-way adjustable gas-charged monoshock at the rear. The overall suspension has been set on a stiffer side to make it feel precise on all conditions. However, this precision does come at a small price of overall ride comfort, which is a bit stiff in feel. Kawasaki has equipped the Z300 with single disc brake setup at both the ends.

Under the skin, the Kawasaki Z300 is powered by the same four-stroke, parallel twin, liquid-cooled, 296 cc motor, which powers the Ninja 300 as well. This twin cylinder engine is good enough to produce a maximum power output of 39 PS and a maximum torque output of 27 Nm. However, the 6-speed gearbox comes with revised gear ratios, which are shorter to make the power delivery eager and more responsive performance in urban conditions. The engine is quite impressive with the amount of power it has on offer in the low-end and midrange, while at the same time, the refinement levels from the engine too is unquestionable.

For the Z300, Kawasaki has introduced the basic safety essentials which make it a good beginner’s bike in performance territory. The presence of dual channel ABS as well as slip and assist clutch makes sure that the Z300 is one of the safest entry level quarter litre roadsters on offer right now.

The Kawasaki Z300 is right out there in the market for quite some time now. However, despite this fact, the Z300 doesn’t feel dated at all, and much of its credit goes to the sharp and aggressive design language which it follows. The Z800 inspired styling makes sure that the bike gets noticed wherever it goes, and the scaled down proportions do make it quite a city friendly as well. In terms of performance and riding dynamics as well, the Z300 impresses with the levels of maturity it has on display, which is equally likeable by both amateur and seasoned riders at the same time.