Kawasaki Ninja 300 test: the right caliber ?

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 !

New engine, new breath !

The eight-valve parallel twin makes significant progress on this new Ninja 300, both in pure performance and driveability. Its additional 47 cc (296 cc) save it 6 hp (or 39 hp at 11,000 rpm) and nearly 0.6 mkg of torque (or 2.8 mkg at 10,000 rpm).

But Kawasaki didn’t stop there. There is a new gearbox that is much smoother and more precise, as well as an equally successful new clutch. The icing on the cake: the latter receives the assistance of an anti-dribble device. To this mechanism worthy of a racing motorcycle, some would no doubt have preferred shorter service intervals (oil change and valve clearance every 12,000 km), but hey…

If one element particularly illustrates the metamorphosis of our Ninja 300, it is its dashboard. Gone are the archaic analog counters of the 250: make way for a nice tachometer accompanied by a clear and readable digital window. On the other hand, the indication of the engine temperature is abandoned, however in favor of a practical fuel gauge. Too bad that a warning command and a gear indicator have been forgotten…

Despite its sporty face, the Ninja 300 does not neglect the practical aspects. It offers sufficient space under the passenger seat to store a "U" lock and rain pants. This compartment is divided into two parts: a hatch gives access to the "sub-box" where the tool kit is located. Under the rear shell, there are also hooks for attaching a bag as well as integrated passenger handles, so perfectly discreet.

Easy as a guten tag

We are immediately well on the handlebars of this little Ninja. The bike is still just as light because it takes only three small kilos despite its increase in displacement: 172 kg all full and 174 kg for the version with ABS (+ 600 €). The seat height of 785 mm climbs by one centimeter, but is still sufficiently contained to remain accessible to the greatest number.

However, this increase does not make much sense for a machine intended for, among others, young ladies and beginners. The heel of the right foot also comes to rest naturally … on the thermal protection of the exhaust! It’s not really intended for, but it’s not a big deal or a problem.

This contact begins with a short stroll … in the traffic jams of Frankfurt (Germany). Fortunately, the Ninja 300 may have the look of a sports bike, but not its discomfort and radicalism! The driving position is comfortable thanks to the fastening of the straps largely above the triple tree: the support which results from this on the wrists is very reasonable, as is the inclination of the bust.

In town, the little Ninja is piloted with the tips of the gloves between the cars, well helped a very correct turning radius (35 ° on each side), by the agility conferred by its featherweight – identical to that of a GT scooter 125 cc – and its narrow pneumatic mounting: 110 mm at the front and 140 mm at the rear.

Stuck in traffic, the efficiency of the new deflectors is appreciated: these appendages channel hot air from the fan down the fairing, away from the legs and feet. On the other hand, if the sharp mirrors are relatively effective, the elbows still occupy a good half of them….

Much more torque than the 250 (rather hollow under 7000 rpm), the Ninja 300 no longer forces its pilot to constantly knit the selector. It is now possible to move smoothly in third or fourth, even at low revs. The reminders are then not dazzling but are sufficient – most of the time – to squeeze effectively through the traffic.

Get rid of traffic jams, head for the famous Autobhan, those portions of German motorways on which the speed is free. Yes, sir: free! Obviously, the temptation to go big is immediate and the Ninja 300, despite its modest 39 hp, answers the call! Without too much effort, the Kawa ‘"catches" 180 km / h on the odometer and even exceeds 190 km / h lying on the tank at the aspiration of the lead pilot !

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