Bajaj has launched the Kawasaki Ninja 300 with a price tag of Rs. 3.5 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).
The small capacity sportsbike packs in more performance and better looks than the Ninja 250R. Powered by a 296cc oil cooled parallel twin engine, the Ninja 300 puts out a respectable 39 bhp and 27 Nm of torque (about 20% more than the Ninja 250R). The engine is connected to a 6-speed gearbox via a slipper clutch.\
The long stroke 8-valve DOHC engine is fed via a dual-throttle body electronic fuel injection system. The semi double-cradle chassis made up of high tensile steel has main tubes that are 150% more rigid than the 250R and employs square beam swing arm.
Stopping power comes from a 290 mm petal disc up front and a 220 mm petal disc at the rear. However, the India spec motorcycle doesn't offer ABS. The front suspension is a traditional telescopic fork while the rear suspension adopts a 5 way adjustable mono shock.
The 17" 10 spoke alloy wheels are shod with 110/70 R-17 up front and 140/70 R-17 at the rear. The bike measures 2,015mm in length, 715 mm in width and 1,110 mm in height. The wheels are set apart by 1,405 mm.
The Ninja 300 sports an analog tachometer and a multifunctional digital display which incorporates speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, digital clock and the usual tell tale lights. There is an economical riding indicator (ECO) which helps maximize the fuel economy.
The Ninja 300 tips the scale at 172 kg making it much heavier than the KTM Duke 390, one of its perceived rivals in the Indian market. The fuel tank can hold 17 litres. The motorcycle is available in two color option - Pearl Stardust While and Lime Green.
Pointers from the press conference:
- Kawasaki has sold around 3,000 units of the Ninja in India (both 250R and 650R combined)
- The Ninja 300 will be available across all the Bajaj Pro biking showrooms from tomorrow
- The focus is on the quality of bikes rather than sales numbers as the former plays an important role in brand building
While the Kawasaki Ninja 300 comes out as a vastly improved package compared to the 250R, it is heavier, less powerful and more expensive that the upcoming KTM Duke 390 naked bike. However, there is a definitive brand pull and fan following for the Ninja which the company hopes to leverage.
