Kawasaki India has previewed the upcoming Z300 naked streetfighter to select dealers at a private event in Bengaluru, drawing strong visual inspiration from its larger Z900 sibling. Positioned to expand the brand's entry-level multi-cylinder 300cc lineup alongside the Ninja 300, the Z300 is expected to have its technical specifications, variant details, and pricing go live on the official website on October 20, 2026, following preview showcases in Mumbai and Pune on October 18. Bookings for the motorcycle are scheduled to open on October 19.
Powertrain and Performance
Propelling the new Kawasaki Z300 is the same 296cc parallel-twin cylinder engine equipped with a DOHC 4V/cyl head and liquid cooling found in the Ninja 300. This high-revving motor generates 39hp and 26.1Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox.
While the faired Ninja 300 currently carries an ex-showroom price of Rs 3.34 lakh on Kawasaki India's official website and weighs 170 kg, the Z300 is anticipated to weigh and cost less. If positioned around the sub-Rs 3 lakh mark, reports note it could compete with the KTM 390 Duke and TVS Apache RTR 310, alongside the multi-cylinder Aprilia Tuono 457, though it may not match the KTM or TVS in outright performance and chassis specification.
Design and Features
The naked motorcycle features a wide, upright single-piece handlebar and relaxed ergonomics. Unlike the semi-digital unit on the Ninja 300, the new Z300 comes with a TFT instrument cluster featuring smartphone connectivity. Buyers can choose from two colour choices: Green and Black.
Expectations for the production model include 17-inch alloy wheels, single disc brakes at both ends, and dual-channel ABS, while enthusiasts hope for LED lighting, traction control, and an optional quickshifter.
Global Updates: 2027 Kawasaki KLX300SM
In international developments, Kawasaki revealed the 2027 KLX300SM in the US market, priced at USD 6,399 (Rs 6.08 lakh) for its single variant, with availability slated for early December. The single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine receives a plain connecting rod big-end bearing instead of a needle bearing, raising peak figures to 26.8hp and 24.9Nm.
The US-spec model adds single-channel ABS to the front 300mm disc while retaining a lockable 240mm rear disc, switching to a single left-mounted radiator to accommodate the hardware. It also gains smartphone connectivity through the Kawasaki Rideology app. The supermotard features a USD fork with 230mm travel and a monoshock with 206mm travel. Kawasaki India is unlikely to bring the KLX300SM to India anytime soon due to niche market preferences.
- Z300 powertrain: 296cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine
- Z300 power and torque: 39hp and 26.1Nm
- Z300 colour options: Green and Black
Market Outlook
The introduction of the Z300 gives Kawasaki a more accessible naked supernaked option modeled after the Z900, which holds popularity as a 4-cylinder motorcycle in India. With previews underway and bookings imminent, the model aims to capture buyers looking for multi-cylinder performance in an entry-level streetfighter format.