2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Test
Five years after the launch of Ninja 250R, Kawasaki has revamped its small-displacement sport raising it to 300 cc, with a supersport image and better finishes.
There’s a first time for everything. Since 2008 with 250, Kawasaki offers the ability to access a small sport bike as initiation step needed to develop properly in the motorcycle world. Many people go directly from small frames to other large displacement (a supersport for example), forgetting that for effective learning is best to go step by step.
For 2013, the firm has changed the name Akashi model (now Ninja 300), building redesign along the lines of the ZX-6R 636, boost 6 hp (has 39 hp), including anti-clutch rebound and vary the exchange ratio (1st shorter, 6th longest). The ABS (signed by Nissin) remains optional (now with a more compact control unit) and the rear tire width gains (now 140 mm, 130 mm before).
Just get on it, appreciate what is petite (785 mm Seat to floor). You always get the feeling of going very integrated into the bike thanks in part to new more ergonomic fuel tank, the tapered seat in the front and lower sills. Handlebars with anchor over the stem and its open angle allow a relaxed driving charging little weight on the wrists. Its narrow body (designed to divert the heat of the engine that came to the driver) and the wide turning radius allow drive between the urban traffic without effort and enjoy the city.
In a winding road is very comfortable and fun, with a dome right to being a sport. It is very agile direction changes. The point is that if you want the copper engine “good atmosphere” and notes the 39 hp declared, will have to raise it above 8,000 rpm and play fairly with the six-speed of change. For great truth should lead it as a 2T. Only then will change the sound and give you the best gradually falling from the 11,000 rpm. The new clutch lock facilitates reductions outrageous. Reaching 170 km/ h marker is not unreasonable for this Ninja.
Another aspect is that, due to the development of Keihin electronic fuel injection, a long stroke and low compression 296 cc two-cylinder, consumption is optimized. The 17 liters of your deposit can be saying hello with 300 km of autonomy when driving legally.
The chassis has been retouched slightly to increase its rigidity, but it continues to rely on a diamond type structure of steel with that achieved excellent handling of the whole.
The braking is still the same for the 250. Entrusted to a single front disc lobed enough at low speed but falls short when we go “to a note” on the road, having to act decisively on the handle. The suspension, with a 37 mm telescopic fork, no regulation but neither will miss something stiffer. For its part, the shock absorber has regulation in preload to modify it when driving with passenger.