Bajaj launches Kawasaki Ninja 300 in India

The Kawasaki Ninja 250R holds a special place in our hearts as it was the model that introduced us Indians to the concept of ‘affordable sports biking’. Though the Honda CBR 250R, the KTM Duke 200 and the Hyosung GT250R came later and stole some thunder from the Kawasaki, the Ninja 250R managed to retain its appeal amongst the competition and achieved a fair amount of success in India.

The Kawasaki Ninja 300, that was launched by Bajaj Auto on Wednesday (Apr 10, 2013), hopes to carry this legacy forward. Priced at INR 3.5 Lakhs ex-showroom Delhi, the Ninja 300 is significantly more expensive than the 250R that it replaces.

Trying to justify the price hike is the Ninja 300's thoroughly modern styling that draws a lot of inspiration from the flagship higher-displacement Ninjas. Featuring a 'mass-forward, minimalist-tail' design concept, the Ninja 300 stuns with its dual headlamps, flush-fitted indicators, floating windscreen, thin taillight, skyward-sloping silencer and a sporty, stepped up pillion seat. The 5-spoke alloy wheels look great. Apart from the dual-tone body panels, the engine and the frame of the Ninja 300 are also finished in black. Unlike the dated instrument panel of the 250R, the Ninja 300 sports an analog tachometer and a digital speedometer that also houses an odometer, dual trip meters, clock and an economy indicator.

Powered by a 4-stroke, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, 296-cc engine, the Ninja 300 boasts a maximum power output of 38.5 bhp at 11000 rpm and a peak torque of 2.8 kgm at 10000 rpm. Red-lined at 13000 rpm, this twin-cylinder engine sports a host of technologies including a slipper clutch system that is usually found on bigger-displacement race bikes. Built on a steel-tube diamond frame that offers high strength and durability, the Ninja 300 has a telescopic fork up front and a bottom-link Uni-Trak gas-charged shocks at the rear with a 5-way adjustable preload. Equipped with dual-piston petal discs in both the wheels, the Ninja 300 has the go to match its show. But, the absence of Antilock Braking System (ABS) is a shocker.

There are around 3000 Ninjas running on Indian roads since the 250R and the 650R made its debut in 2009 and 2011 respectively. To add to that, the Ninja 300 is all set to paint Indian roads green. Are you ready to 'go green', fellas? If yes, head straight to the nearest Bajaj Probiking dealership.

Image Courtesy: Ninja 300 India Facebook Page