Kawasaki India has shown the Z300 to its dealers, and bookings open across the country on October 19. The bike is a naked version of the Ninja 300 and is expected to become the most affordable Z-series model on sale in India. Price, variants and full specifications are due on October 20.
What Kawasaki Has Shown
The Z300 was displayed at a private dealer event in Bengaluru. Dealers in Mumbai and Pune see it on October 18. Kawasaki has not yet issued a formal price, so the figure below is an expectation.
The Z300 keeps the Ninja 300's 296cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, which makes 39hp and 26.1Nm, with a six-speed gearbox. Reports say it gets a wide, upright one-piece handlebar for a relaxed riding position, and its styling follows the larger Z900 under Kawasaki's Sugomi design language.
How It Differs From the Ninja 300
- No fairing. It is a naked streetfighter, so it drops the Ninja's bodywork.
- A TFT instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity, replacing the Ninja's semi-digital unit.
- A more upright seating position.
- Two colours: green and black.
One report also lists dual-channel ABS, but another does not mention brakes at all, so treat that as unconfirmed until Kawasaki's specification sheet arrives. Weight, seat height and tyre sizes have also not been published.
Price Expectation
Nothing is official. Industry estimates point to around Rs 3 lakh, and one report suggests a figure just under it. The Ninja 300 is listed at Rs 3.34 lakh (ex-showroom), which gives a reference point: a naked version without a fairing would be expected to cost less.
Who It Is Aimed At
The Z300 would take on the KTM 390 Duke and the TVS Apache RTR 310. Its twin-cylinder engine sets it apart, since both of those bikes use a single cylinder. Reports say it is likely to offer smoother power and refinement but not to match either rival in outright performance or chassis specification.
Why It Matters
A 300cc twin from a premium Japanese brand at around Rs 3 lakh would widen the choice for riders stepping up from 150 to 250cc bikes. The deciding factors will be the final price and how Kawasaki's dealer network handles service. Wait for the October 20 announcement before paying a booking amount, and check the brand's own listing on Kawasaki India's website for the confirmed numbers.
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