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First launched in 2013 in India, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 has been around more or less unchanged for all these years with the only differences being compliance with increasing safety and emissions norms. While this bike has long been discontinued overseas, Kawasaki India has now given it a visual update and re-launched it in India for 2025. Twelve years on, is this bike still worth your consideration? Let’s take a look at the points you should consider, starting with the reasons to buy one.
1. Twin cylinder engine
Screamer 2-cylinder engine thrills like no single can
Kawasaki’s 296cc parallel-twin is still a gem of an engine that loves to scream all the way up to 13,000rpm. With 39hp, it’s quite quick too, but not overwhelmingly so which means you can enjoy revving the engine without things getting too crazy. The motor is beautifully smooth and makes a sweet sound, all of which adds up to a riding experience that no single cylinder engine can match. That being said, it’s not just about high-rev thrills and the Ninja 300’s engine is also very tractable and easy to ride within city traffic.
2. Still a stylish sportbike
Now with new ZX-6R style headlight
The Ninja 300 has always been a handsome bike and the passage of time hasn’t diluted that fact. In fact, for 2025, Kawasaki has given the bike a new set of projector LED headlamps that are visually similar to a previous-gen ZX-6R, which has freshened up the appearance.
3. Comfy to ride
Relaxed riding position and a low seat
The Ninja 300 might have the looks of a sportbike, but the riding position is quite upright and comfortable. There is a lean forward towards the high-set clip-on handlebars, but it’s not at all extreme and the riding position is comfy enough for regular use. The seat height is set at a low 785mm, which makes this bike accessible for shorter riders, although tall folks may find it cramped. Finally, the large 17-litre fuel tank adds practicality if you are into long distance touring.
4. Most affordable twin cylinder sportbike
Its price is not far from the KTM RC 390
Fun fact – when the Kawasaki Ninja 300 was launched in India in 2013, it was priced at Rs 3.5 lakh ex-showroom. Today, the bike costs Rs 3.43 lakh ex-showroom. That is the result of Kawasaki having localised multiple components in India. The main benefit is that the asking price is only about Rs 20,000 more than the KTM RC 390 and about Rs 20,000 less than the Yamaha R3 which recently saw a huge price cut. That makes it the most affordable twin cylinder sportbike in India, but it also means that spare parts costs which used to be a big issue have come down significantly, That being said, the Ninja 300’s service costs are still higher than KTM’s and that’s a good way to switch over to
the two reasons not to buy this bike.
1. A thirteen year old motorcycle
The competition has moved on
While the Kawasaki Ninja 300 still has appeal, there is no doubt that the competition has left it behind. This is not just in terms of features like TFT displays, traction control and quickshifters, but also when it comes to simple, outright performance. While Kawasaki’s Ninja 500 poses a much stronger fight against the likes of the Aprilia RS 457, Yamaha R3 and KTM RC 390, its Rs 5.29 lakh ex-showroom price is too expensive for most folks and that’s where the Ninja 300 comes in.
2. The Yamaha R3
A newer, faster Japanese bike for a similar price
The Yamaha R3 itself is quite an old motorcycle now, but it has received more updates than the Kawasaki over the years and it is a quicker motorcycle. For those looking out for a quick twin-cylinder Japanese motorcycle, the Yamaha R3’s recently slashed price tag of Rs 3.6 lakh ex-showroom will probably be too tempting to ignore.
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