Canadian Kawasaki Motors has just announced that the new Ninja 300 will be coming to Canada.
The baby Ninja isn’t much of a baby anymore, and has grown in displacement to 296 cc from 249 cc. The increase comes through a longer 49 mm stroke (from 41.2 mm), which should boost torque throughout the rev range. Also new is the addition of fuel injection, which was formerly available on the Ninja 250R but only in other markets. The engine is claimed to produce 39 hp at 11,000 rpm and 20 lb-ft of torque at 10,000 rpm.
As on the previous model, the engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox, but power now transfers through a slipper clutch with a servo mechanism, both unique features in this segment. The engine is partially rubber mounted to reduce vibes.
The engine is mounted in a new steel diamond frame that is more rigid longitudinally, and a wider, 140 mm rear tire is used. Suspension settings have been altered for improved cornering, though as before, only rear preload is adjustable.
Styling has been completely revised, and the Ninja 300 has adopted a sportier penchant than the outgoing 250R. The bike is physically larger than before, and styling is clearly influenced by Kawasaki’s larger supersport machines.
An ABS model will be available for the first time on the smallest Ninja.
There’s no doubt that with the revised styling, firmer chassis and more powerful engine Kawasaki has focused the new Ninja 300 towards the sportier end of the entry-level segment. Pricing has not yet been determined.
