2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300

Europe won’t be getting the updated Kawasaki Ninja 250R that was announced last month. Or rather, we will, but an increase in engine capacity from 249 cc to 296 cc (thanks to a longer stroke) means that the version sold here will be known as the Ninja 300.

That motor remains a parallel twin, with four valves per cylinder, fuel injection and dual throttle valves. Producing 38 bhp (29 kW / 39 PS) and 27 Nm (20 lb/ft) of peak torque, it comes connected to a six-speed transmission.

However, apart from the engine and a slightly wider 140 mm section rear tyre, the Ninja 300 is virtually identical to the 250R. The new, more rigid steel frame is shared between the two bikes, as is the sharply-styled bodywork which has been designed to dissipate heat away from the rider.

Braking is taken care of by petal discs front and rear and, for the first time, an anti-lock system will be available. Developed by Nissin, it’s claimed to feature the world’s smallest motorcycle ABS unit. Certainly, its fitment hardly makes the bike any heavier, as curb weight rises by just 2 kg (4 lbs) to 174 kg (383 lbs).

UK prices for the Ninja 300 have yet to be confirmed, but its arrival poses one question: will Honda now be tempted to increase the engine displacement of the rival CBR250R?