The Kawasaki Ninja 300 has been refreshed for 2026 with fresh colour schemes. Here, we’ve pitted this longstanding small-capacity sportbike against its rivals on paper.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs rivals: Engine and output
Ninja and R3 have peaky, twin-cyl motors
It’s no surprise that the Ninja has the least peak output here, owing to its smaller engine, and since it’s a small-capacity twin-cylinder engine, all of it is made high up in the rev range. It’s a similar story for the R3 as well. The RC 390 is the odd one out with a single-cylinder engine, and even though it uses the previous-gen 373cc KTM mill, its peak output is comfortably the highest. The Kawasaki and Yamaha, with their twin-cylinder engines, will be smoother and have a more pleasing sound in comparison to the bigger single-cylinder engine on the KTM.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs rivals: Weight and dimensions
R3 is the lightest bike and has a low seat too
The Ninja 300 is by far the heaviest bike here, weighing a full 10 kilos more than the Yamaha R3. It does have the biggest fuel tank, but even so, the weight difference isn’t on par with the other two. Both the Japanese bikes have very manageable seat heights in comparison to the RC 390’s rather tall 835mm perch. But with just 140mm of ground clearance, you’ll have to be careful with the Ninja 300 on our roads.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs rivals: Suspension, tyres and brakes
Ninja’s componentry is showing its age now
The Ninja 300 is well over a decade old now, and that shows in its underpinnings. Its basic steel diamond frame, right-way-up telescopic fork and bias-ply tyres are some obvious giveaways of its age. In terms of hardware, the RC 390 has the edge with its radially mounted front brake caliper, bigger brake discs and slightly more adjustability in its suspension than the Yamaha and the Kawasaki.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs rivals: Features
KTM is the most feature-rich machine
The feature list is an area where the KTM RC 390 has the other two beat fair and square with a bidirectional quickshifter, a colour TFT display, traction control and switchable ABS available. The Yamaha R3 sold in India is a generation behind the latest model that’s out internationally and doesn’t even get a slipper clutch. The Ninja 300 was updated last year with projector headlights and a taller visor, but apart from that, it is more or less the same bike it was in 2013.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs rivals: Price
The Ninja 300 is the most affordable here
In this trio, the KTM RC 390 represents good VFM with its punchy motor, comprehensive suite of electronics and modern-day cycle parts. However, for those who want a twin-cylinder riding experience, the choice will be down to the Ninja or the R3.
Of course, the Rs 4.51 lakh Aprilia RS 457 also has a similar engine configuration, but it is quite a bit more expensive than these three machines. Then, there is also the fact that recently it has been in the news for troubling issues stemming from its engine. To read more on that topic, you can tap here.
Ved Janve
Vishal Venugopal
Azaman Chothia
