2018 Kawasaki Ninja 300 ABS Launched; Now ₹ 62000 Cheaper

New Delhi: India Kawasaki Motor (IKM) has launched the new 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 300 with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) in India at a more affordable price tag of ₹ 2.98 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It is now around ₹ 62000 cheaper than the older version as it is now locally assembled, unlike the previous one which was being completely imported.

The Ninja 300 gets new graphics and paint options such as Candy Plasma blue and the flagship Lime Green.

Kawasaki India – Managing Director, Yutaka Yamashita said, “We just started localizing for Ninja 300 ABS as a part of our expansion plan. Initiatives like “Make In India” have also been encouraging factors in increasing localisation. The localization gives us a benefit to set a very competitive price, because of which we can offer many new customers an opportunity to enjoy our product and also start experiencing fun of supersports riding.”

“As per Kawasaki’s product portfolio Ninja 300 is entry level sports bike. We have observed that customers start with Ninja 300 and then upgrade to the next class. Therefore, Ninja 300 happens to be our bestselling product in India because of its affordability,” he added.

Among the locally sourced components are MRF tyres and Endurance brakes. The updated model has a 5mm lower ride height and weighs 7 kg more than its predecessor and now has a kerb weight of 179 kg.

The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 300 ABS is powered by the same 296 cc parallel-twin cylinder, 8 Valve, DOHC engine that produces 38 bhp at 11,000 rpm and 27 Nm of peak torque at 10,000 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed transmission and slipper clutch with assist is standard. Front forks are 37 mm telescopic and there is a monoshock at the rear. The brakes are 290 mm petal disc brakes up front with dual piston callipers and a 220 mm petal disc at the rear with dual-channel ABS as standard.

Kawasaki is offering a 3 years unlimited kilometres warranty as a launch offer. The Ninja 300 ABS is the most affordable twin-cylinder motorcycle in the country and will face competition from the BMW G 310 R and the G 310 GS which were launched on Tuesday. The G 310 R is single cylindered and is priced at ₹ 2.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Yamaha’s YZF-R3 (ABS) has 2 cylinders and is priced at ₹ 3.48 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).