Motorcyclist

2013 Kawasaki Ninja Review

March 19, 2013

Intro

A substantial boost in power for the** 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300** lets the overall gearing sit higher than the 250 model, leaving the rider in a more comfortable riding position. This is well-suited for city riding, where sufficient low-end torque keeps the RPMs under 6000 at each upshift.

A few improvements have made their way into the motorcycle, including fuel injection, a slipper clutch, optional ABS, and a revised chassis (hence the higher seating), all of which complement the bigger engine. While the bike is slightly bigger than its predecessor, it remains smile and agile, so you can manhandle it as you zip your way through canyon or track.

New For 2013

Wider range of available covers: Candy Lime Green, Metallic Spark Black, Passion Red/Metallic Spark Black
Fuel Injection
Slipper clutch
Optional ABS

2013 Kawasaki Ninja Specs

Model: Ninja 250R, Ninja 300, Ninja 650, Ninja 1000 (each model comes with ABS option: Ninja 250R Ninja 300 ABS, Ninja 650 ABS, Ninja 100 ABS).
Engine Type: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled; DOHC, four valves per cylinder,
Bore and Stroke: 2.45 x 1.6 inches; 2.45 x 1.9 inches; 3.27 x 2.35 inches; 3.0 x 2.20 inches
Compression ratio: 11.6:1, 10.6:1, 10.8:1, 11.8:1
Valve Train: DOHC, parallel twin (250R and 300); DOHC, four-valve, parallel twin
Induction: Unavailable; DFI® with dual 1.25 inch throttle bodies; Digital fuel injection with two 1.5 inch Keihin throttle bodies; DFI® with four 1.5 inch Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance (250R, 300, 100), TCBI with electronic advance(650)
Transmission: Six-speed
Final Drive: O-ring chain (250 and 650), X-ring chain, chain
Fuel Capacity: 4.8, 4.5, 4.2, 5.0
Estimated Fuel Economy: 61, 68, 50, 41 miles per gallon
Brakes (Front): Single 290mm hydraulic petal disc with two-piston caliper 250R and 300); Dual 300mm petal discs with two-piston calipers; Dual 300mm petal-type rotors with radial-mount four-piston calipers, optional ABS
Brakes (Rear): Single 220mm petal disc with two-piston caliper; Single 220mm petal-type disc with two-piston hydraulic caliper; Single 220mm petal disc with single piston caliper; Single 250mm petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper, optional ABS
Suspension (Front): 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork/4.7 inch travel (250R and 300); 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork/4.9 inch travel; 41 mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload/4.7 inch travel.
Suspension (Rear): Bottom-link Uni-Trak® with 5-way adjustable preload/5.1 inch travel; Uni-Trak® with 5-way adjustable preload/5.2 inch travel; Single offset laydown shock with adjustable spring preload/5.1 inch travel; Horizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload/5.4 inch travel.
Wheelbase: 55.1 inches, 55.3 inches, 55.5 inches, 56.9 inches
Rake: 26, 27, 25, 24.5 degrees
Trail: 32., 3.7, 4.3, 4.0 inches
Seat Height: 30.5, 30.9, 31.7, 32.3 inches
Curb Weight: 374.9, 379.3, 460.8, 509.4 pounds
Tires (Front): 110/70-17 (250R and 300), 650 unavailable, 120/70 ZR17
Tires (Rear): 130/70-17, 140/70-17, 650 unavailable, 190/50 ZR17

Accessories

Deluxe Dust Cover: Constructed of water resistant polyester and a unique shielded vent system that allows built-up moisture to vent. Features a reinforced grommet at the bottom hem, which allows the cover to be locked to the bike for added security. Heat resistant panels in the exhaust area. Oversized fit allows for easy installation and removal.
Windshield: Durable, scratch-resistant material and bubble-shaped windscreen offers great look and 30mm of additional wind protection.
Engine and Cowling guard: Side cowling guards manufactured from high-density ABS material. Note: Guards help protect your motorcycle, but will not prevent all types of damage

Key Competitors For The 2013 Kawasaki Ninja

2013 Honda CBR250R
Suzuki GZ250