2025 The 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 300: A Relic of the Past Charging Premium Prices for Yesterday’s Tech
Kawasaki has launched the 2025 Ninja 300 in India, but it’s still stuck in 2013. From the lack of a gear position indicator to halogen lamps and a Rs 3.17 lakh price tag, find out why this veteran is struggling to justify its existence against modern rivals.
Priced at Rs 3.17 lakh (ex-showroom), the Ninja 300 remains the cheapest way to own a twin-cylinder motorcycle in India. We took a closer look to see if this veteran still has enough "josh" left to take on modern rivals like the KTM RC 390 and the Aprilia RS 457.
The "New" 2025 Update: What’s Actually Different?
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. Calling this a "new" model is a bit of a stretch. The bodywork is the same chiseled design from 2013, which, to be fair, hasn't aged badly. It still looks like a proper supersport with its layered fairing and aggressive stance.For 2025, Kawasaki has thrown in some new paint schemes and graphics to keep things interesting. You also get projector headlamps now, though they are still halogen bulbs, a bit of a letdown when even 100cc commuters are moving to LEDs. The most controversial bit remains the massive, chunky grab rail at the back. It looks like a piece of plumbing that someone bolted on as an afterthought, completely clashing with the bike’s sporty tail section.
However, where Kawasaki wins is in build quality. The paint is thick, the panels don’t rattle, and the buttons on the handle feel like they’ll last another twenty years. It feels like a premium product, even if the design is old-school.
That Parallel-Twin Magic
The real reason anyone buys this bike is the engine. It’s a 296cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin motor that puts out 39 BHP and 26.1 Nm of torque.If you’re used to the "thump-thump" of a Royal Enfield or the "single-cylinder buzz" of a Duke, this engine will feel like silk. It is incredibly refined. At low speeds, it’s quiet and easy to handle in heavy city traffic. But once you hit the highway and the needle crosses 6,000 RPM, the bike wakes up. It screams all the way to a 13,000 RPM redline with a howl that no single-cylinder bike can match.
It’s a "rev-happy" machine. It doesn't have a lot of punch at the bottom end, so you’ll find yourself shifting gears a lot in the city. But on an open road, the way it builds power is addictive and smooth, with almost zero vibrations felt in the seat or bars.
Comfort Over Everything
Most sportbikes are literal back-breakers. The Ninja 300 is the exception. Kawasaki has nailed the ergonomics here. The seat is low, meaning even shorter riders won't struggle to park it.The handlebars are raised just enough so you aren't leaning forward too aggressively. You can ride this bike to work every day without needing a physiotherapist. Yet, the footpegs are high and set back, so if you want to tuck in and go fast around a corner, the bike lets you do that too. It’s a "best of both worlds" setup that makes it a great entry-level tourer.
Rality Check: Where it Falls Short
This is where the news gets a bit grim. If you love gadgets, look away.The 2025 Ninja 300 has almost no modern features. While the competition is offering full-color TFT screens, Bluetooth, Traction Control, and Quick-shifters, the Ninja gives you... a clock. The instrument cluster is an old-school semi-digital unit. It doesn't even have a gear position indicator, which is a basic necessity these days.
The brakes are another area that could use a boost. While the dual-channel ABS works fine, the front brake feels a bit "spongy." It stops the bike, but it doesn't have that sharp, bitey feeling you’d want during a panic stop. Also, the stock tires are great on dry roads but can feel a bit "skittish" when it starts raining.
Practicality: A 500km Range?
One thing the Ninja 300 is great at is going the distance. In our city tests, it returned a decent 29.87 kmpl. Combined with a massive 17-litre fuel tank, you can potentially ride for over 500 kilometers before needing to find a petrol pump. That makes it a much better touring option than many of its rivals that come with tiny 10 or 12-litre tanks.The Big Question: Who Should Buy It?
So, why does this motorcycle still exist in 2025?It exists because there is a specific type of rider who doesn't care about screens or "modes." If you want a smooth, reliable, Japanese twin-cylinder bike that feels "big" and sounds "expensive," the Ninja 300 is still a solid choice. It’s easy to live with, cheap to run (for a twin), and has a massive fan following in India.
However, if you are looking for the fastest bike for your money, or if you want the latest technology to show off to your friends, you’ll probably find better value elsewhere. The Ninja 300 isn't a rational choice - it’s an emotional one for someone who wants that iconic green fairing and a screaming engine without spending 6 or 7 lakhs.
It’s an old warrior, but it’s not done yet.
Quick Specs
Engine: 296cc Parallel-TwinPower: 39 BHP @ 11,000 RPM
Torque: 26.1 Nm @ 10,000 RPM
Tank Capacity: 17 Litres
Price: Rs 3.17 Lakh (Ex-showroom)