First ride: Kawasaki Z300

I don’t mean to sound like a broken record, as I say this nearly every leaner-approved approved motorcycle (LAMS) review, but this category is where it is all happening at the moment. And rightly so, as all you have to do is look at the recent sales figures where eight out of the top 10 best-selling roadbikes are LAMS-approved.

Kawasaki has had great success with its Ninja 300, which is running second on the sales chart so far this year with 681 units sold (January – March). So with the popularity of streetfighters increasing and with the recent release of the new Z1000, it made sense for Kawasaki to have a baby Z in its model range.

Z300 IN BIKE SHOWROOM

Basically the new Z300 is the Ninja 300 in a streetfighter disguise. It shares the same mechanical unit as the Ninja, but obviously kitted out with streetfighter styling and a more relaxed riding position.
Powering the Z300 is a 296cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC parallel-twin. Claimed power is a learner-friendly 39hp (29kW) at 11,000rpm, while torque peaks at 27Nm at 10,000rpm. Even though this is designed as a learner-engine it does benefit from the technology that is housed in much larger Kawasaki supersport bikes.

Similar to bigger Ninja models, the Z300’s donk is fitted with dual-throttle valves, which according to Kawasaki gives a better control of intake air which aids in a more linear throttle response across the entire rev-range.

When you twist the throttle the engine is quite lively and revs cleanly throughout the rev range. It is not as quick as some other LAMS-bikes out there, but will out-accelerate nearly all traffic from the lights. There is a subtle powerband from 7000rpm that gets the excitement flowing without being intimidating for the new rider.

Surprisingly, the two-into-one stock exhaust system doesn’t sound half bad, but I am sure that will be swapped out very quickly as it is very rare to see Kawasaki 300s without aftermarket pipes fitted these days.

The six-speed gearbox is direct, firm and smooth. The gears are spaced quite close together, admittedly to help aid in acceleration, but will see the revs hovering around 8000rpm at highway speeds. Even though it is not really designed for highway commuting, it handled it quite well and still had a little bit in reserve for overtakes.

One thing fitted to the Z300, which you don’t usually see on LAMS bikes, is a race-derived slipper clutch. This clutch has both a slipper function and an assist function. The slipper function relieves pressure on the clutch plates in quick downshifts (or accidental downshifts) to help keep the rear from skidding. The assist function pulls the clutch hub and plates together to lighten the load in the clutch leaver.

The clutch works flawlessly; I didn’t have any rear-tyre hopping under aggressive downshifts, and the clutch pull is extremely light, yet still progressive and with good feedback.

The steel-tube diamond frame is the same as the Ninja 300's. Up front there's a non-adjustable 37mm telescopic fork, while the rear makes use of a five-way preload-adjustable monoshock. To keep it simple, these units get the job done. They are nothing fancy, but will not be out-ridden by newcomers.

Front-end feel is confidence inspiring through the twisties. It holds its line well and there is no flex that some thin and basic forks can suffer from. The wide handlebar makes tip-in extremely easy and mid-corner corrections do not unsettle the chassis. Bumps are soaked up tastefully, but big ones can max out the stroke in the front fork.

From initial inspection you may think that it is under-braked, as the front only makes use of a single 290mm disc pinched by a two-piston caliper. However, it only has to pull up a claimed curb weight of 168kg and it is more than adequate to do that. There is a surprising amount of front brake power, even enough to activate anti-lock braking with two fingers.

It's very unintimidating at slow speeds and while in traffic — an area new riders can get themselves into trouble. Two feet on the ground is very manageable for most riders as the seat thins at the front. At slow speeds or while slicing through traffic the Z300 is very balanced with both feet on the pegs.

The riding position is more upright and relaxed than the Ninja 300, mainly due to the wide handlebar. At 182cm I can comfortably fit on, but any taller you may be pushing the friendship. The long-stalk mirrors offer good buzz-free visibility without the need to tuck in your elbows.

The instrumentation is modern and unique to the Z300. It features a large analogue-style tachometer and multi-function LCD screen that includes speedometer, clock, fuel gauge and trip computers.

Styling wise, the Z300 is heavily based on the larger Z models and shares many cues from them. It's very masculine and angular, which is only accentuated by the aggressively flared 17-litre fuel tank. The engine shrouds and blacked-out handlebar and engine complement the menacing look. I am a fan of the styling and in my opinion it looks better than the Ninja 300.

The Z300 is available in Metallic Grey and Flat-Green and is priced at $5999 plus on-roads, which is quite good value as some LAMS bikes are going for nearly $10,000 now.

One thing the Z300 has going for it is its fun factor. The free-revving engine and flickability of the machine gives you a grin from ear to ear. It is sometimes more fun to ride a bike than have it ride you and that is exactly what the Z300 lets you do.

The Ninja 300 is a menacingly styled motorcycle that has a forgiving riding nature. If you are just starting out then the Z300 is well worth a look. It has good build quality, it has anti-lock braking, it is lightweight, styled well and is priced very attractively.

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 39hp (29kW) at 11,000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 27Nm at 10,000rpm
Economy: 4.6lt/100km (measured)

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Steel tube
Front suspension: 37mm telescopic fork, 120mm travel
Rear suspension: Uni-Trak with five-way preload adjustment, 132mm travel
Front brakes: 290mm petal disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear brakes: 220mm petal disc with twin-piston caliper

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed curb weight: 168kg
Seat height: 785mm
Wheelbase: 1405mm
Fuel capacity: 17 litres