Kawasaki has launched the Z300 in India at Rs 3.24 lakh (ex-showroom). It is a naked streetfighter built on the Ninja 300, using the same 296cc parallel-twin engine, frame, brakes and fuel tank, and DriveSpark describes it as the most affordable bike in Kawasaki’s Z line-up in India. The catch: it costs noticeably more than its single-cylinder rivals, the KTM 390 Duke and TVS Apache RTR 310. Here is what you get, how it compares, and who it makes sense for.
Prices and specs below are as reported by Autocar India and DriveSpark in October 2026. Neither source names the city for the ex-showroom price, and on-road prices vary by state because of road tax and insurance.
Kawasaki Z300 price
The Z300 is priced at Rs 3.24 lakh, ex-showroom. DriveSpark reported the launch on 22 October 2026. Two colours are offered, both with black (ebony) accents: Candy Lime Green and Metallic Carbon Grey. Neither report mentions booking amounts or delivery timelines, so check with your nearest Kawasaki dealer.
Engine and performance
The engine is the 296cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin from the Ninja 300, paired with a six-speed gearbox. DriveSpark says a slip-and-assist clutch is standard, which makes downshifts smoother and the clutch lever lighter in traffic.
The two sources give slightly different power figures. Autocar India lists 40hp at 11,000rpm, while DriveSpark lists 39.4bhp at 11,000rpm. Both agree on torque of 26.3Nm at 10,000rpm. Autocar India says this is about 1hp and 0.2Nm more than the Ninja 300, so treat the bikes as practically identical in performance. Kawasaki has not been quoted on fuel efficiency in either report, so we have left mileage out.
Chassis, brakes and features
- Frame: tubular frame carried over from the Ninja 300.
- Suspension: 37mm telescopic fork at the front; preload-adjustable Uni-Trak monoshock at the rear.
- Wheels and tyres: 17-inch alloys with a 110-section front and 140-section rear tyre (Autocar India).
- Brakes: 290mm front and 220mm rear petal discs with dual-channel ABS as standard.
- Instruments: a reverse LCD console, similar to the Ninja 500’s, showing speed, revs, fuel, clock, odometer, two trip meters, a service indicator and coolant temperature. There is no smartphone connectivity.
- Riding position: a wide, upright one-piece handlebar, with styling inspired by the bigger Z900.
Key specifications
| Specification | Kawasaki Z300 |
|---|---|
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 3.24 lakh |
| Engine | 296cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin |
| Power | 40hp (Autocar India) / 39.4bhp (DriveSpark) at 11,000rpm |
| Torque | 26.3Nm at 10,000rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed, slip-and-assist clutch |
| Seat height | 785mm |
| Ground clearance | 140mm |
| Kerb weight | 175kg (4kg lighter than the Ninja 300, per Autocar India) |
| Fuel tank | 17 litres |
| Brakes | 290mm / 220mm petal discs, dual-channel ABS |
Z300 vs KTM 390 Duke vs TVS Apache RTR 310
Both reports name the same two rivals. Here is how they line up on the facts the sources give:
| Kawasaki Z300 | KTM 390 Duke | TVS Apache RTR 310 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | Rs 3.24 lakh | Rs 2.85 lakh | Rs 2.30 lakh |
| Engine layout | Parallel-twin | Single-cylinder | Single-cylinder |
| Price gap vs Z300 | — | Rs 39,000 cheaper | Rs 94,000 cheaper |
On paper, the Z300 is the most expensive of the three by a clear margin. Autocar India notes that the two rivals have sharper chassis setups, while the Z300’s twin-cylinder engine should feel more refined. In plain terms: the KTM and TVS cost less and, per Autocar India, have sharper handling, while the Kawasaki’s appeal is a smoother twin-cylinder engine, a proven Ninja 300 base, and the brand.
Who should consider the Z300?
- Good fit: riders who want a smooth twin-cylinder engine in an upright naked bike, especially if they like the Ninja 300 but want a more relaxed riding position. The 785mm seat height should suit many riders.
- Think twice: if you want app connectivity on the dash or the lowest price, as the cheaper rivals are worth riding first.
- City riders: 140mm of ground clearance is on the lower side for bad speed breakers, so check it with a loaded test ride on roads you use.
How to choose: what to do before you book
- Ask the dealer for a full on-road price breakdown (ex-showroom, RTO, insurance, accessories) for your city.
- Test ride the Z300 back-to-back with the KTM 390 Duke and TVS Apache RTR 310 on the same day.
- Check service centre distance and the cost and interval of the first few services.
- Ask about waiting periods, as neither launch report mentions delivery dates.
- Compare insurance quotes from more than one insurer rather than taking the dealer’s default.
- Budget for safety gear: a certified helmet, riding jacket and gloves.
New owners might also like our guide to regular vs premium petrol in India and motorcycle riding tips. If you want a way for people to contact you about your parked bike without sharing your number, see EaseTag, our privacy-safe vehicle QR sticker.
FAQ
What is the Kawasaki Z300 price in India?
Rs 3.24 lakh, ex-showroom, as reported in October 2026. On-road prices will be higher and vary by state.
Is the Z300 the same as the Ninja 300?
Mechanically, mostly yes. It shares the engine, frame, suspension, wheels, brakes and fuel tank. It drops the fairing for naked styling and an upright handlebar, and is about 4kg lighter, according to Autocar India.
Does the Z300 have Bluetooth connectivity?
No. Both reports say the reverse LCD console does not offer smartphone connectivity.
Bottom line
The Kawasaki Z300 is essentially a Ninja 300 without the fairing, with a refined twin-cylinder engine, dual-channel ABS and a slip-and-assist clutch. At Rs 3.24 lakh ex-showroom it costs more than the KTM 390 Duke and TVS Apache RTR 310, so it makes most sense for buyers who value smoothness and the Kawasaki name. Test ride all three before you decide.
Sources
- Autocar India: Kawasaki Z300 launched at Rs 3.24 lakh (October 2026)
- DriveSpark: Kawasaki Z300 launched in India at Rs 3.24 lakh (22 October 2026)
