Sportbikes

2013Kawasaki Ninja 300 Special Edition

33 fields on record

The 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Special Edition is an entry-level sport bike designed for beginner and novice riders seeking an accessible introduction to sportbike riding. Powered by a nimble 296cc liquid-cooled twin engine producing 39 horsepower, it offers lightweight agility and manageable performance. Best known for combining genuine sport styling with forgiving, confidence-inspiring handling that makes it ideal for learning fundamental motorcycle skills.

Capacity: 296.0 ccm
Engine: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 172.1 kg
Seat height: 785 mm
Power: 38.9 HP (28.6 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering80%

City riding78%

Daily riding70%

Touring40%

Two-up35%

Track55%

Best for: It's built primarily for learning sporty riding, commuting, and weekend fun in the twisties rather than outright speed or long-distance hauling.
Built for: It rewards a smooth, revvy riding style, encouraging riders to keep the small twin spinning near its higher rpm range to extract meaningful performance.
Not ideal for: It is not well suited for riders seeking high-speed touring comfort, serious passenger duties, or any kind of off-road use.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 785mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Special Edition, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 296.0 ccm
Power: 38.9 HP (28.6 kW)
Torque: 27.0 Nm (2.8 kgf-m) @ 10000 RPM
Engine type: Parallel Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2260 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 62.0 x 49.0 mm
Compression: 10.6:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1405 mm
Overall length: 2014 mm
Overall width: 714 mm
Overall height: 1110 mm
Seat height: 785 mm
Wet weight: 172.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.00 litres
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel tubular diamond
Front suspension: 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension: Uni-Trak with 5-way adjustable preload / 5.2 in.
Rake (fork angle): 27.0°
Trail: 93 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. Petal-type disc with two-piston hydraulic caliper
Front brakes diameter: 290 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Petal-type disc with two-piston hydraulic caliper
Rear brakes diameter: 220 mm
Front tyre: 110/70-17
Rear tyre: 140/70-17

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 open recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJul 2013 · 13V328000

Kawasaki Motors Corp. is recalling certain model year 2013 Ninja 300 and 300 ABS motorcycles manufactured July 16, 2012, through April 27, 2013. Due to an improper setting in the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), the motorcycle may stall under deceleration.

Risk: A stall under deceleration increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kawasaki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECU. The recall began on August 5, 2013. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-866-802-9381.

Source: NHTSA. View all Kawasaki recalls →