The new launch of the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 promotes it as being the “ultimate lightweight sportbike” and truth is they might be right. In what follows we’ll take a look at what makes this bike so special and what are its great innovations. While this bike, just like most before her, is built using the same basic guidelines as its predecessors, especially the 250, there are many changes that make it different and, why not say it, better. First of all we notice the 7.8 mm increase in stroke, which may not look like much, but in practice it makes all the difference.
Like we said, the basic configuration of the engine has stayed the same, but, as we’ll see, the modifications were essential in setting apart the performance of the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300. Besides the stroke, the Ninja 300 gave up on carburetors and replaced them with electronic fuel injection; it is also fitted with 32 mm throttle bodies and a new crankshaft. Manufacturers were really interested in maintaining the 13,000 rpm redline, so they added lighter pistons and they reworked the counterbalance.
All these improvements make the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 much easier to handle. A great example is the light clutch, whose handle was improved by adding softer springs. Test drives have shown that you can easily and smoothly feel the Ninja’s power at as low as 3000 rpm, whereas when you reach 5000 rpm you really start to feel the bike’s smooth force. Nevertheless, the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 is at its best when you ride it somewhere between 9000 rpm and 12,000 rpm and that’s when everything works at maximum capacity and gives the rider a weightless feeling.
The chassis has seen some minor modifications as well, but it mainly feels the same as with previous models. For example, you may notice the 37 mm conventional fork has an altered damping, though nothing too visible. Manufacturers declared that the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 only weighs 379 pounds, but that is 22 pounds heavier that the 250 version. However, riders will not be made to feel this difference, on the contrary, the bike feel lighter thanks to its impressive engine. The rider will also enjoy a compact riding position and a great steering response from the bike. The basic Ninja 3000 will cost some $4799, but more expensive special editions will also be available.
2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Pictures Gallery
