The Kawasaki Ninja 300 has been on sale in India since 2013, and the 2025 update brought a fresh paint scheme, updated graphics, and a revised headlamp setup. At its price point, the Ninja 300 remains one of the most affordable twin-cylinder sportbikes in the country. If you're considering buying one, here are three reasons it's worth considering, and two reasons it might not be the motorcycle for you.
Reasons to buy the 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 300
High-revving parallel-twin engine
The 296cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine on the Ninja 300 produces 39hp at 11,000rpm and 26Nm at 10,000rpm. The motor loves to rev and gets to the 13,000rpm redline smoothly, offering a unique appeal for riders who enjoy wringing out an engine. The throttle calibration is spot on for both spirited riding and calm low speeds, and the 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch works flawlessly.
Balanced chassis and composed handling
One area where the Ninja 300 continues to shine is its balanced chassis and predictable handling. While it won't match the agility of a proper supersport, its composed nature makes it particularly accessible for newer riders stepping up to their first sports motorcycle. The riding position strikes a good balance between sportiness and comfort, with a seat that won't punish you on longer rides and clip-ons that won’t punish your wrists.
Timeless full-faired design
Over a decade since its launch, the Ninja 300 styling hasn't aged poorly. The full fairing still looks sharp, particularly in the eye-catching Lime Green paint scheme. Kawasaki has upgraded the headlight to a projector unit for better illumination, but it remains halogen. Yes, you miss out on fancy TFT screens and Bluetooth connectivity, but there's something satisfying about the simplicity of an analogue tachometer sweeping past five digits.
Reasons not to buy the 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 300
Feels slower than newer rivals
The engine on the Ninja 300 doesn't properly wake up until you're past 10,000rpm. Below that, acceleration feels lacklustre, making quick overtakes or immediate acceleration more work than it should be. You'll find yourself constantly working the gearbox to keep the engine in its sweet spot, which can get tiring in city traffic or on winding roads where you need immediate throttle response.
Dated features and hardware
The feature gap between the Ninja 300 and its modern rivals is hard to ignore. You get a basic instrument cluster with none of the smartphone connectivity or ride modes that have become standard even on smaller-displacement bikes. The suspension setup also trails newer competition when dealing with poor road surfaces, and the braking system doesn't offer the stopping power or feedback you'd expect at this price.
