While the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 300 gets fresh colours and graphics, the core mechanicals remain unchanged
Kawasaki has launched the 2026 Ninja 300 at a starting price of Rs 3.17 lakh. The bike has rivals such as Yamaha R3, Aprilia RS 457, TVS Apache RR 310 and KTM RC 390. 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 300 focuses primarily on achieving a refreshed look and appearances using new paint schemes. Let’s check out the details.
2026 Kawasaki Ninja 300 – What’s new?
As compared to the 2025 model that had three colour options, the 2026 Ninja 300 has only two colour options of Lime Green and Candy Lime Green/Ebony. The 2025 model had an additional metallic Moondust Gray colour option. This is no longer available with the 2026 Ninja 300.
One can also notice that the 2026 Ninja 300 has refreshed graphics. These appear a lot more refined and seem to enhance the bike’s sporty profile. The Lime Green colour scheme uses Kawasaki’s signature green shade across most parts. Graphics have been updated, which now come in shades of white and blue. For a more polished appearance, the lettering items have also been reduced.
2026 Ninja 300’s second colour option also adds a strong sense of dynamism and sportiness. The exciting contrast between the green and ebony shades instantly gets one’s attention. The green finished surfaces can be seen across the front cowl, underbody panels and the fuel tank. These work to highlight the bike’s muscular design.
Other features of the 2026 Ninja 300 are the same as earlier. Key highlights include a large-volume bodywork for enhanced road presence, aggressive dual projector headlights and a floating-style windscreen. The bike has a sculpted fuel tank, pulled back handlebar, layered side fairing, split seats and an upswept exhaust.
Performance, specs
2026 Kawasaki Ninja 300 continues with the same 296 cc engine as earlier. The liquid-cooled, parallel twin engine generates 39 PS and 26.1 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed, return shift transmission. An assist & slipper clutch is part of the standard equipment. The bike utilizes dual throttle valves, which work to improve performance. An economical riding indicator has also been provided to help riders improve their bike’s fuel efficiency.
Ninja 300 utilizes a rugged steel-tube diamond frame, designed for strength and durability. Suspension setup comprises telescopic forks at the front and a gas-charged monoshock unit at the rear. Braking system comprises 290 mm and 220 mm petal disc brakes at the front and rear, respectively. The bike has a large analogue-style tachometer, paired with a multi-function LCD screen for various readouts such as speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge and dual trip meters.
Other parallel twin options in this space include the Yamaha YZF-R3. This bike is powered by a 321cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve parallel twin engine that generates 42 PS and 29.5 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox. R3 has an advanced fully digital LCD meter console.
Another option for enthusiasts is Aprilia RS 457, which gets power from a 457cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel twin engine. Output is 47 PS and 43.5 Nm. The bike has ride-by-wire throttle, optional quickshifter, traction control, riding modes and a 5-inch TFT instrument panel. However, Aprilia RS 457 is priced above Rs 4 lakh, making it harder to access in comparison to Ninja 300 and Yamaha R3.
