Kawasaki introduces the ‘Naked Ninja’ – Z300
By Michael Mann
BikeSocial Managing Editor. Content man - reviewer, road tester, video presenter, interviewer, commissioner, organiser. First ride was a 1979 Honda ST70 in the back garden aged 6. Not too shabby on track, loves a sportsbike, worries about helmet hair, occasionally plays golf and squash but enjoys being a father to a 7-year old the most.
04.11.2014
Taking the clothes off a popular model is usually reserved for our wildest dreams but Kawasaki has made that a reality with the introduction of what they claim to be the world’s first 300cc supernaked. The de-robed version of the Ninja 300 is called the ‘Z300’ and the entry level Kawasaki has been unveiled at the Milan motorcycle show.
Using the same chassis and fuel-injected, parallel twin, four stroke engine from the Ninja 300 yet with a more upright riding position and wider handlebars as well as inspiration from the current Z800 and Z1000, this looks like a superb option for those with A2 licences.
A 2-into-1 exhaust, multi-function LED instrument display, some top quality styling, 38.5 bhp and a very healthy 17 litre fuel tank all add to the Naked Ninja’s attractiveness. The seat height is a manageable 785mm and because the seat narrows at the front it could be an ideal bike for the shorter rider.
The bike’s suspension has a 5-step pre-load to adjust for stiffness and ride height, handy for when you’re not carrying a pillion which is also when you might need the single seat cowl – an optional extra. The Z300 will be available in two colour combinations: or Metallic Raw Graystone / Metallic Flat Spark Black.
ABS is an option on the Z300 and even though the prices have yet to be confirmed, this increases the price by £400 on the fully-faired Ninja propelling it to just over £5k.
KAWASAKI Z300 - TECH SPECS
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