If you’re hunting for a naked bike that feels like a twin but won’t break the bank, the new Kawasaki Z300 hits the market at ₹3.24 lakh ex‑showroom—just ₹10,000 cheaper than the Ninja 300 yet a full ₹38,664 above the KTM 390 Duke.
Under the hood sits the 296‑cc Ninja twin, churning out 39.4 bhp at 11,000 rpm and 26.3 Nm at 10,000 rpm. Those peaks come high in the rev‑range, so the bike rewards riders who keep the throttle open rather than those who prefer low‑end torque.
The Z300 shares its tubular frame, 17‑inch alloy wheels, 290‑mm front and 220‑mm rear discs, and dual‑channel ABS with the Ninja, but it drops the fairing for a more upright, naked stance. Its 785‑mm seat and 175‑kg curb weight keep it approachable, while its 17‑litre tank gives a modest range before a pit‑stop.
When you stack it against the Ninja 300, the only real difference is the fairing: you trade a full‑body for a slick naked look at the same price point. Compared to the KTM 390 Duke, the Z300’s twin offers smoother power delivery but at a premium; the Duke, meanwhile, boasts a richer electronics package for a lower price.
So who ends up buying this bike? If you crave the smooth, high‑rev twin character that Kawasaki delivers and are willing to trade a few extra features for that feel, the Z300 is a solid choice. For budget‑conscious riders who want the best bang per rupee, a single‑cylinder rival might still edge out.
The Z300 is already on Indian roads, with dealerships across major metros. Keep an eye on future variants—Kawasaki may layer in a TFT display or a higher‑output engine later in the year.