Unveiled at EICMA: 2015 Kawasaki Z300

Kawasaki seems bullish on the sub-500cc category as it unveiled a street-fighter version of the Ninja 300. Christened the Z300, the street-bike carries over the existing mechanicals from the Ninja 300, making it the naked version of the Ninja.

The Z300 gets the same 296cc parallel twin engine that puts out 39bhp at 11,000rpm and 27Nm of torque at 10,000rpm, mated to a six-speed box. For the streetfighter look, the Z300 loses the fairing and in its place, is a bikini fairing that has the same design values of the Z800. The engine is partially covered, while the belly-pan from the Ninja 300 is retained. The clip-ons give way to a straight handlebar that should aid rider comfort. Cycle parts are carried over, and with the kerb weight pegged at 168kg — an overall reduction of 4kg should marginally enhance the handling and acceleration.

What needs to be seen is how well the bikini fairing provides resistance against windblast at high speed. The Ninja 300’s floating screen was perfect when it came to high speed wind deflection. As desirable as it may look, sadly this bike will not be coming our way anytime soon thanks to the recent launch of the Z 250 in India.