2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 / Ninja 300R Rumor for 2013.

[totalmotorcycle]

I looked at my Slovenian driver's licence and see three classes of motorcycle licence: 1st year of riding is restricted to 125 c.c.; 2nd year, to 250 c.c.; after that, unrestricted. My guess is that most European countries have a similar system. I also guess that there won't be much of a market here for anything between 250 and 650.

It was very simular to the same situation in the UK. The 125cc bikes did really well, but then, very few wanted the 250cc bikes as they could go unrestricted.

A1 class (17 years old)- Light motorcycles with a cubic capacity not exceeding 125 cc and of a power output not exceeding 11 kW (14.6 bhp).
A class restricted (17-21) - Motorcycles up to 25 kW (33 bhp) and a power to mass ratio not exceeding 0.16 kW/kg. Motorcycle combination with a power mass ratio not exceeding 0.16 kW/kg.
A class - 21+ (generally) - unrestricted.

So bumping the 250cc by 50cc isn't going to do much in the UK market either.

Mike

[High_Side]

Back when we had a VTR250 in the garage I loved riding the thing around town but often thought about how much fun it would have been with a bigger engine. At the time I thought that a 400cc mill would have made for an awesome bike. I still think that the market would be pretty strong for a bike that is 300cc that costs close the what the 250 did. This seems highly likely if all they end up doing is putting a couple of bigger jugs on an existing design.

On a somewhat related topic I heard what I thought was a Ducati coming from the distance last night as we were out for a walk. The bike: a CBR250 with an aftermarket can. Sounded damned good for a 250 though...

[madjak30]

Well if that's true, I think Kawasaki is making a serious marketing mistake (IMO) by making the 250 into a 300. There is a strong reason (insurance wise and L permits around the globe) that depend on a 250cc bike or less (and 33hp or less too). I'm sure the 300 is just rumor though as there is nothing from Kawasaki officially as of yet (all this info is from a EPA document filed by Kawasaki* and some rumor site spreading it's 39hp). Then what would they do with a 300 and a 400 ninja? Seriously.

Mike

I think if they base the 300 on the 250 frame/weight, it will replace the 400R...the whole problem with the 400 is the weight is much too close to the weight of the 650R...same deal with the Suzuki GSX650F & the GSX1250FA, if the 650 was closer to the weight of the SV650 it would be a hit, but is isn't...

Just my two cents...

Later.

[totalmotorcycle]

Well, shiver me timbers, here we go:

SCOOPED!



http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcyc ... ja300R.htm

More tomorrow.

Mike

[Wrider]

Is the 300 coming to the US??? I saw the Canadian specs.

[totalmotorcycle]

I will be putting up all the new 2013 Kawasaki's today. You can watch me live here: http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcyc ... wasaki.htm

Wrider - Can't say for sure yet, when the Kawi's came out last night I checked the US media site and no 2013's there yet, they might be waiting for later today, tomorrow or even on the Times Square Launch in the middle of the month. I'll put up everything I can get my hands on though.

I still "don't get" the Ninja 300 myself, it's not like a beginner would miss the extra 50cc in power and what's wrong with a 250cc? But it's nice to have a choice in the 300cc range, no one else has one, but I fear we are losing the beginner bikes (250cc and under). It would have been nice to see the new ninja be called the "Ninja 305" or even "GPz305", would have tied in some heritage there.

Mike

[Wrider]

I agree, but based off of my experience, it's almost hard to get someone to buy the 250 in the US because there's a stigma attached to it being a "small bike". Personally if the suspension could handle me I'd love to pick one up for commuting and tight twisty carving.

I like that the 300R is coming out with FI though. IMO that's the only thing the current 250 is missing.

[totalmotorcycle]

The "small bike" syndrome isn't just the USA, it's Canada as well unfortunately. It seems the manufacturers are just not offering much below the 650cc anymore, and I would guess it's somewhat profit related due to engine size as well. But IMO, it is a real shame for new riders as the small bikes are just so much fun, light and manuverable; it's a whole different world of riding and the Ninja 250/300 will offer that in spades, but there should be more small bike. I think the US is missing out on a great UJM market taken place in Europe. There are so many great UJM's over there I wish they could be over here too.

Good to see the Ninja 300 is coming with fuel injection, it's about time! But what is Kawasaki doing with the Ninja 400 I wonder...

Mike

[Wrider]

I just wish they would create a small engined bike with decent suspension. I'd love to be on a small (500 or under) bike with suspension that could hold up to me (I know I'm a big guy, but in general). I'd rock that and save so much on gas/tires/chains, it'd be worth it!

[totalmotorcycle]

Anyone get to see the Kawasaki Times Square Live Event today? I tuned in at 2-3pm EST and there were about 1700 people waiting to see it steaming live, but nothing on my end.

Mike