There’s a lot to like of Kawasaki’s Ninja 300. With styling heavily inspired by Kawasaki’s ZX-6R, 10R and 12R, it certainly looks the goods. With an updated long-stroke, 296cc parallel-twin, fuel-injected engine, it is a big improvement from previous incarnations of the little Ninja by way of performance and economy.

The chassis is sharp and precise, in true sportsbike style. And, to top it all off, the price can’t be argued with when you look at the competition in its class and the quality your dollar buys. These are each reasons as to why the Kawasaki Ninja 300 continues to be Australia’s best-selling roadbike.

Image: Alex Gobert.

Introduced last year as a model update with relatively big improvements, the increase in capacity to 296cc has seen the Ninja become the most powerful machine in its class. The update also focused on the Ninja’s chassis and, as a result, it’s a marked improvement over the previous model.

The engine is the highlight of the 300 and, in a smaller machine, engine is everything. The capacity increase over the previous model sees the Ninja gap the other bikes in its class thanks to a slightly longer stroke. The increase in volume sees more power and torque right the way through the rev range, but particularly at high rpm.

Kawasaki has a done a lot of development work to get more efficient combustion from the engine. By focusing on developing the airflow in the top-end and lowering reciprocating weight and friction in the engine, they have got a clean, crisp throttle response.

Image: Alex Gobert.

Fuelled by dual throttle valve EFI, the fuelling on the Ninja 300 is flawless. There’s no flat spots or lagging anywhere through the rev range. While the throttle response is good from a standstill, it is at its best higher up in the rev range. This characteristic makes an engine that is docile and useable down low – great for riders starting out – and a bit more fun at speed for riders that have more experience and can keep the tacho needle nearer the 13,000rpm redline.

The chassis is the best handling I have experienced in a motorcycle at the Ninja’s price-point. Applying a similar sort of development process as the bigger Ninja’s get, the rigidity balance of the frame has been changed to cater for the new engine’s demands and there are less vibes felt by the rider through a combination of rubber front engine mounts and higher tensile steel down tubes.

The suspension works well in a variety of conditions, and is more than good enough to cope with the demands of any Aussie road. Damping and spring rates are tuned for suppleness at slow speed and control at high-speed. The Ninja 300 errs on the side of sporty, over comfort, and the only time you get a feel of this imbalance is the speed of the front forks in stop-start conditions. It’s not detrimental to the handling in any way, just a reflection of the Ninja’s intended focus as a sportsbike rather than a ‘do-it-all’ learner machine.

Image: Alex Gobert.

The steering is light and fast. Revised damping and spring rates, a 140-section rear tyre on wider rear rim and redesigned frame were the main updates on the Ninja 300 last year. And while it might not sound like much, there wasn’t much needed to make a significant gain in this respect.

The slipper clutch is something worth noting on the Ninja. More than useful for a talented racer on the track, it’s a handy thing to have on an entry-level motorcycle where accidental downshifts in tricky situations can end in tears. Same too with the Nissin ABS. It’s an excellent system that compliments the basic-looking, good performing brake system.

A very narrow standover height makes the 785mm seat height feel a bit smaller than that but it is still a relatively high bike in the saddle. The ’bars are reasonably wide and the ’pegs set low, for a sportsbike. But it’s definitely a sportier riding position than it is a comfortable one.

Image: Alex Gobert.

The multifunction dash that is so ZX-10R, has an Eco indicator that shows you that the gear and throttle opening you have selected are making for good fuel economy. While it wasn’t too hard to keep it reading Eco, more power and torque is there to use higher in the rev range where excellent fuel consumption becomes good – a range of 3.4 to 4.4L/100km depending on the conditions. With a 17 litre tank, that’s a 380km plus range any day of the week.

Now Kawasaki has raised the stakes in terms of entry-level capacity, the other manufacturers are set to follow. Honda’s CBR300R is due to hit our shores any day soon and there’s word that Honda are in the process of finalizing a CBR300R-derived nakedbike. Yamaha’s R25 is due to be launched this year, and will be 300cc in European and, hopefully, Australian markets.

Even Kawasaki is set to release a Z250L nakedbike – and based on the progression of the Ninja 250 to 300 for Oz – we could see in the guise of Z300L with any luck. The shift in capacity was a bold one, and it’s paid off for Kawasaki in terms of sales and performance; it’s no wonder other manufacturers are making the move.

Image: Alex Gobert.

The Ninja 300 is fast for a learner bike, and would make a great bike to take your first steps into the sportsbike world of track days on. It’s proven to also be a good way to get into racing. The Kawasaki Insurances Ninja Cup race series – a Ninja 300 race class on lightly modified machines in conjunction with the Australasian Superbike Championship – is a really affordable way to get into racing on somewhat-equal machinery.

There are two models of Ninja 300 and both are available with or without ABS. The Ninja 300 retails at $6199, $500 more with ABS. The Ninja 300SE that we’re testing retails for $6399, and is also $500 more with ABS.

There’s a lot of value to be had with the Ninja 300. It’s got sharp little engine, a sporty handling chassis, excellent safety features and quality of build at a great price. The Ninja 300 makes for a great first foray into sportsbikes or motorcycles for that matter.

Specifications

Capacity: 296cc
Power: 29kW at 11,000rpm
Torque: 27Nm at 10,000rpm
Wet weight: 174kg
Seat height: 785mm
Price: $6899+orc (SE ABS version)
Further information: www.kawasaki.com.au/motorcycles/sport/2014-ninja-300