As anticipated, Kawasaki announced today that the 2013 Ninja 300 will be sold at U.S. dealerships. The price for the non-ABS model will be an MSRP of $4,799. The ABS model will be priced at $5,499 in the U.S. market.
The fuel injected 296cc parallel twin engine should provide a very large increase in performance over the outgoing carburetedNinja 250R. Not only does the entirely new model receive a 20% increase in displacement, the modern fuel injection process and other engine tweaks have led to a bike that should easily exceed 110 mph. By contrast, Honda’s CRB250R struggles to reach 90 mph and the outgoing Ninja 250R, although already significantly more powerful than the Honda with its twin cylinder engine, struggles to reach 100 mph. Clearly, cruising at freeway speeds will be no issue whatsoever for the new bike, which should hold significant acceleration in reserve at freeway speeds. Kawasaki has even added a slipper clutch to the new model, and clutch pull is extremely light (something I have already verified while sitting on a production unit in New York).
MD will be testing the new Ninja 300 here in California early next week, so tune in for our in-depth impressions.
Inspecting the bike in the flesh here in New York, the fit and finish seems superb for this class, and the new instrumentation is well designed and legible. The new, larger 140 section rear tire makes the bike look like a real sportbike, and the wider rim should accept even larger rubber for racers and track enthusiasts (make sure you check the tire manufacturer’s recommended rim width).
Somehow, the bike seems even smaller and lighter than its predecessor when rocking it side-to-side, although I know the curb weight has increased slightly. An even lower seat height, and seemingly narrower chassis, undoubtedly contribute to this impression. Riders who are short of stature will absolutely love this bike.
Kawasaki claims the big performance boost is coupled with improved fuel economy, which is something we will be sure to test when we get a long-term unit. The fuel economy of the outgoing model is already impressive, so the new bike should be a highly efficient commuter.
From the sophisticated styling to the significantly boosted performance, the 2013 Ninja 300 appears, on paper at least, to be perhaps the ultimate fun, yet highly practical sportbike. Kawasaki has wisely continued with the upright, comfortable ergonomics of the outgoing model.
The following is a thorough rundown by Kawasaki of the new 2013 Ninja 300 features and benefits, followed by the specifications for this new model:
Features and Benefits
What’s New
- 296cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin design offers far superior highway passing power and clearly dominant acceleration compared to other lightweight sportbikes
- New Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®) system uses dual 32mm throttle bodies and provides both improved fuel economy and cleaner emissions compared to last year’s 250
- New F.C.C. clutch with assist and slipper functions provides more power handling capability with significantly less effort. Design also makes clutch easier to modulate and helps reduce the effect of back-torque to reduce wheel hop when downshifting
- New supersport bodywork takes its cues from the Ninja® ZX™-10R superbike and raises lightweight sportbike styling to the next level
- New frame uses high-tensile steel main tubes that are 150% more rigid and provide superior feel and agility compared to last year’s 250
- New 10-spoke 17-inch wheels look great and the rear rim has grown ½” wider, allowing the use of a larger 140-section rear tire for 2013
- Revised six-speed transmission features a new roller-type shift drum for smoother actuation and stronger gears for maximum durability. It also offers wide selection of ratios to match varied riding conditions and its positive neutral finder makes it much easier to find neutral when stopped
- Kawasaki Air Management System (KAMS) uses a special deflector to channel hot air from the back of the radiator, so that it exits the bottom of the motorcycle, instead of being blown onto the rider
- Low 30.9-inch seat height and tapered seat boosts confidence for smaller riders
New 296cc Engine
- Compact parallel-twin design offers good mass centralization for nimble handling
- Tuned to deliver smooth, step-free power with excellent mid-range and high-rpm power for effective highway performance
- New intake ports taper from 1mm wider at the throttle body to .5mm wider at the valve seats
- New 23.6mm intake valves are 1mm larger than last year
- New cam chain design reduces friction for increased power and efficiency
- Revised 10.6:1 compression ratio allows the use of regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline and helps reduce operating temperatures
- New lighter pistons reduce reciprocating weight and feature a hard anodized coating for reduced friction and increased performance at every rpm
- Revised piston bottoms efficiently route cooling oil across underside of piston
- New lighter piston pins reduce reciprocating weight and help preserve a high redline
- New shorter connecting rods offset new longer crank throws
- New sleeveless “open-deck” die-cast aluminum cylinders are 800 grams lighter and feature a friction-reducing “T-treatment” plating
- New thicker crankshaft balancer webs help offset the new longer crank throws
- New crank journal bearings are made from a stronger alloy for increased durability
- New crank cases feature improved oil passages
- New large-volume 2.4 liter oil pan features cooling fins and better ground clearance
- New easy-to-access cartridge type spin-on oil filter helps simplify maintenance
New Exhaust System
- New curved 2-into-1 header design contributes to the Ninja 300’s low- and mid-range torque and smooth, step-free power curve
- New complex geometry silencer design offers modern styling and meets all regulations without compromising engine performance
- New large brushed-finish metal silencer guard boosts noise reduction and helps protect passenger from exhaust heat
- Meets strict Euro 3 emission standards with a single catalyzer in the collector section
Liquid Cooling with KAMS
- Kawasaki Air Management System (KAMS) uses a special deflector to redirect hot air from the radiator fan, so it exits the bottom of the motorcycle instead of being blown onto the rider
- Lightweight Denso radiator offers effective engine cooling with minimal space and weight
- Fan design uses a quiet-running motor that also saves space
- Fins on the lower side of the crankcase provide additional engine cooling
Six-speed Transmission with New F.C.C. Assist Clutch
- New F.C.C. clutch with assist and slipper functions is able to handle more power and requires significantly less lever effort to operate. Design also makes clutch easier to modulate and helps reduce the effect of back-torque to reduce wheel hop when downshifting
- Revised six-speed transmission features a new roller-type shift drum for smoother actuation and stronger gears for maximum durability. It also offers wide selection of ratios to match varied riding conditions and its positive neutral finder makes it much easier to find neutral when stopped
- Involute splines reduce friction and backlash between gears and shafts for easier gear meshing and smooth shifting under power
Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®)
- Dual 32mm Keihin throttle bodies and a digital ECU offer easy starting, superior throttle response, and help provide low fuel consumption
- DFI® makes the Ninja 300 cleaner and more fuel efficient than last year’s 250, even though it now makes significantly more power
Petal-type Disc Brakes
- Large-diameter, 290mm front petal disc and a balanced action two-piston caliper offer excellent braking performance and a natural, direct feeling at the lever
- Two-piston caliper grips the rear 220mm petal disc
New Chassis
- New frame uses main pipes made from high-tensile steel tubing that is 150% more rigid than the tubes in the previous Ninja 250R’s frame. The added rigidity provides much better chassis response and improved steering precision and feel
- Frame design and chassis tuning offer confidence-inspiring stability at both high and low speeds
- Beefy swingarm bracket contributes to the frame’s rigidity and helps achieve an optimal balance of chassis stiffness
- Square-beam swingarm compliments the new frame’s rigidity
Updated Suspension
- Revised tuning on the 37mm telescopic front fork compliments the new more rigid frame and wider rear tire
- Uni-Trak® rear suspension linkage helps provide predictable sportbike handling and good ride comfort
- Rear shock features 5-way adjustable preload to help manage rear ride height whether riding solo or with a passenger
New Wheels & Tires
- New 17-inch 10-spoke wheel design has a more modern appearance
- New 4” wide rear rim is ½” wider than the old Ninja 250R’s back wheel
- New rear tire is 10mm wider than the tire on last year’s Ninja 250R, for increased stability and improved sportbike handling
- New IRC RX-01R tires were developed in conjunction with Kawasaki and are a perfect match for the improved dynamics of the 2013 Ninja 300. They also provide better wet weather performance than the Ninja 250R’s tires
New High-Tech Instrumentation
- Large easy-to-read analog tachometer
- Multifunction digital display features an easy-to-read speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, digital clock and warning lights
- Economical riding indicator (ECO) illuminates to let the rider know when they are operating the Ninja 300 in a manner that will maximize fuel economy
New Aerodynamic Bodywork
- All-New bodywork features styling inspired by the Ninja ZX-10R superbike
- New floating windscreen design helps reduce turbulence and rider fatigue
- Aggressive dual-lamp headlight design, minimalist tail section and separate seats further enhance the aggressive visual impact
- Two helmet holders conveniently located under the rear seat
- New two-stage under-seat storage compartment can hold a U-lock or similar device and is hinged for easy access to the tool kit located beneath the storage tray
- Two hooks under the tail, plus two behind the rear passenger pegs provide anchor points for securing items to the rear of the bike
Ergonomics
- New rider’s seat design is narrower near its front section, making it easier for riders to reach the ground
- New passenger seat features a flatter design which makes it easier to secure cargo or soft luggage
- Slightly forward-slanting seat and wide, slightly raised handlebars give the Ninja 300 a naturally comfortable riding position
New Genuine Kawasaki Accessories
- All accessories designed and engineered by Kawasaki
- New Color Matched Seat Cowl is factory designed with integrated styling cues and molded pad perfectly color matched to your Ninja 300
- New Tank Bag and Soft Top Case custom designed tank bag made exclusively for the Ninja 300. Can be installed or removed quickly, multiple storage areas for your gear expandable for carrying larger items
- New “Tall” Windscreen factory designed for easy installation 3” taller bubble design adds wind protection. Features an optically correct 3-D curvature
- New Fuel Tank Pad features matching graphics and helps protect the paint on the fuel tank. A touch of personalization to enhance its sportbike styling
- New Engine Guards factory designed for easy installation helps reduce the possibility of bodywork damage in case of tip over
No comments:
Post a Comment