All Tests – Test Kawasaki Ninja 300: the right caliber? – Even more fun!

Posted on by admin

Kawasaki Ninja 300 test: the right caliber ?

All Tests - Test Kawasaki Ninja 300: the right caliber? - Even more fun!

By upgrading its little Ninja from 250 to 300 cc, Kawasaki takes the opportunity to modify it in depth, both aesthetically and technically. Testing of the first new Kawasaki 2013 under the German sun !

Even more fun !

Released with its head held high from urban and highway events, Kawasaki’s first novelty 2013 tackles the last part of the test without too much worry: light and easy to place, the Ninja 300 does not have to worry a priori. as the small forest roads of the northern Frankfurt region reach out to us !

Already because it is better motorized than its predecessor: while the 250 remains "taped" under the first half of the tachometer, the new resumes correctly from 5000 rpm. And that changes everything when entering – and especially when leaving! – series of turns.

In sporty driving, however, staying between 7,000 and 13,000 rpm is still strongly recommended: it is also only from 11,000 rpm that the 39.4 canassons all respond..

Above 10,000 rpm, the small parallel twin howls like a fury, which contributes to the pleasure of driving. Indeed, even if we do not necessarily drive very fast in absolute terms, we have the impression of being thoroughly! The anti-dribble does its job remarkably and smoothly.

Properly suspended, the Ninja 300 is a real toy and allows a sustained sporting rhythm in expert hands: enough to disgust large cubes badly handled! Admittedly, the original low-cost pneumatic assembly – the IRC Road Winner – is not extraordinary, but it performs well enough in the dry. It will undoubtedly be different this winter on wet paving stones…

Nevertheless, under its sporting guise, we must not forget that the Ninja is a small entry-level roadster. As lively and rigorous as it is, its limits are not easily reached: at high speed on bumpy surfaces, the 37 mm fork loses precision and the bike tends to split up. Nothing dangerous, but this is enough to encourage relief from gas.

Likewise, the Ninja 300 brakes correctly but nothing more. Pure power is there at the front, but the feeling can be improved. The lever is a bit spongy and the front caliper lacks bite. The situation does not improve over time, as the original hose tends to expand after several hard braking. The more athletic will quickly replace it with a braided element.

Conversely, the rear element brakes very well, almost too much since it tends to lock up quickly. The ABS option only seems more suitable for novice bikers … and others for that matter !

Verdict: much better for the same price !

The Kawasaki Ninja 300 is therefore really moving in the right direction compared to the Ninja 250 R. And good news never comes alone, Kawasaki is showing it at the same price: € 4,999 (€ 5,599 with ABS). But will they sell more for all that? ?

Maybe in Asia and South America, where a 300cc motorcycle is considered big displacement. In Europe, on the other hand, nothing is less certain … And yet, the Ninja 300 is ideal for those looking for a second "utility-not-ugly-and-not-sad" type motorcycle..

It will also make an excellent first companion for the young motorcyclist who will appreciate to "air his classes without spending money on insurance, maintenance and gasoline. It remains to convince him to move towards a less efficient motorcycle and not much cheaper than that. with which he spent his expensive A license…

Related articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *