Known by many as the “Baby Ninja,” the Kawasaki Ninja 300 has made a name for itself in the Indian motorcycle industry. This entry-level sports bike, which debuted in 2013, enthralled riders with aggressive styling, easy ergonomics for beginners, and lively performance. Therefore, the question remains: can the Ninja 300 still be competitive in 2024 India, even as more recent competitors appear?
The Ninja 300 exudes an assertive attitude, dual headlamps, and sharp fairing that quickly screams “Ninja.” While it might not draw attention as much as its larger siblings, the sleek design and athletic silhouette are always impressive. The Ninja 300 has three color options: Metallic Moondust Grey, Candy Lime Green, and Lime Green.
Performance
The Ninja 300’s 296cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine is its heart. Although the 39 bhp and 26.1 Nm torque numbers may not appear impressive, the power delivery is linear and smooth, making it ideal for interstate excursions and city commuting. Smooth and accurate, the six-speed gearbox provides smooth gear changes. Riders can confidently face corners because of the lightweight trellis frame’s agile handling. Even though it is a little stiffer than usual, the suspension system offers outstanding feedback and stability, especially on Indian roads.
Easy Access
The Ninja 300’s ease of use for beginners is one of its greatest assets. Even novice riders may easily navigate the world of sports bikes thanks to its comfortable riding position, approachable 780mm seat height, and user-friendly controls. Control and confidence are increased by the assist and slipper clutches, which lessen lever effort and avoid rear wheel lock-up. Additionally, navigating heavy traffic is a breeze due to the reasonable weight of 179 kg.
Price
The Ninja 300 is more costly than some of its rivals, with a starting price of Rs. 3.43 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Although the superior build quality and Kawasaki brand name are valuable, customers on a tight budget may find the price difference to be unconscionable. Furthermore, the Ninja 300 has available equipment like ABS and a fully digital instrument cluster, which are standard on other competitors.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Its Competitors
Nonetheless, the Indian motorcycle market is a dynamic battlefield. Competitors like the KTM RC 390 and TVS Apache RR 310 seriously threaten the Ninja 300. While the TVS delivers remarkable value for money with its feature-rich package, the KTM offers more power and aggressive handling.
1. KTM RC 390
To compete with bikes like the TVS Apache RR 310 and the Kawasaki Ninja 300, the KTM RC390 has been introduced to the Indian market. The modern 373cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC engine with two overhead camshafts, four valves, and electronic fuel injection complies with BS6 mechanical criteria. The new model gets a 40% larger airbox and revised engine mapping to improve torque and rideability. Rated output power and torque are 42.9 bhp and 35 Nm, respectively.
| ENGINE | 373.27 cc |
| POWER | 42.9 bhp @9000 rpm |
| TORQUE | 37 Nm @7000 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 170 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 13.7L |
| PRICE | Rs. 3,16,163/- |
2. TVS Apache RR310
In the Indian market, TVS Motor Company has introduced the new Apache RR 310. The motorcycle’s most recent version offers several improvements over the previous model. These consist of several standard updates and add-ons.
A wave bite key, which is supposed to provide improved security and function as an in-hand adjuster for damping adjustments, is included in the list of standard enhancements. The color TFT display on the new model has also been modified to incorporate an over-speed warning, a day trip meter, an engine rpm limit indicator, and the ability to store and display digital documents.
| ENGINE | 312.2 cc |
| POWER | 33.5 bhp @9700 rpm |
| TORQUE | 27.3 Nm @7700 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 170 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 11L |
| PRICE | Rs. 2,71,926/- |
3. Aprilia RS 457
Aprilia’s newest supersport motorcycle for the Indian market is the RS 457. It draws inspiration for its design from the Aprilia RS660. The RS457 has an aggressive posture and an overall sleek and modern style.
The RS457 from Aprilia Bikes comes with a 457cc parallel-twin cylinder engine. It produces 43.5 Nm and 47.6 horsepower. Together with a slipper clutch, the engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox. The Aprilia RS457 has three riding modes, traction control, ABS, an anti-roll system, complete LED illumination, and a five-inch TFT to cycle among rider aids like engine maps.
| ENGINE | 457 cc |
| POWER | 46.9 bhp @9400 rpm |
| TORQUE | 43.5 Nm @6700 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 170 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 13L |
| PRICE | Rs. 4,10,012/- |
4. Zontes 350R
The 350R was introduced by Zontes India to compete with vehicles such as the BMW G 310 R and the KTM 390 Duke. The motorcycle has three color options: blue, black, and white. It is offered in a single model. The pricing of this naked roadster is influenced by the available colors.
Sharp-looking headlights, a muscular fuel tank, a step-up seat, twin-barrel exhaust, turn indicators, and a number plate positioned on the hugger at the back are some of the style features. The motorcycle’s sleek and angular look is enhanced by contemporary amenities, including full-LED lighting, a five-inch LCD, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and keyless control.
| ENGINE | 348 cc |
| POWER | 38.2 bhp @9500 rpm |
| TORQUE | 32.8 Nm @7500 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 150 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 15L |
| PRICE | Rs. 2,79,000/- |
5. BMW G310 GS
New color schemes for the adventure-tourist 2022 BMW G 310 GS have updated the vehicle’s appearance. Three colors are offered for the most recent version of the motorcycle: Racing Blue Metallic, Style Rallye Kalamata Metallic Matte, and Cosmic Black 3.
The only modifications are aesthetic ones, including fresh colors and updated artwork. The hardware, design, and specifications are all still the same in the BMW G310 GS. The single-pod headlight with integrated LED DRL, the semi-fairing, the beak-style front, the flyscreen, the step-up seat, the alloy wheels, and the side-slung exhaust are hence the styling cues.
| ENGINE | 313 cc |
| POWER | 33.52 bhp @9250 rpm |
| TORQUE | 28 Nm @7500 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 143 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 11.5L |
| PRICE | Rs. 3,29,991/- |
Conclusion
Despite its shortcomings, the Ninja 300 is still an excellent choice for riders looking for a fashionable, easy-to-use, and quick sportbike. A thrilling riding experience is provided by its powerful engine, agile handling, and cozy ergonomics. However, careful evaluation is necessary given its higher price tag and lack of several features compared to its competitors.
