The Kawasaki Z300 is a naked, multi-cylinder motorcycle built on the Ninja 300 platform. Autocar India reports bookings opening on 19 October, with specifications, variants and price going live on Kawasaki’s website on 20 October. Kawasaki has not announced a price. The most widely quoted expectation is around Rs 3 lakh ex-showroom.
What Actually Happened
Kawasaki India has quietly moved ahead of its own launch. The Z300 was shown to select dealers at a private event in Bengaluru, and Rushlane notes that no photos or videos from the event appear to have leaked. Autocar India adds that an identical preview is planned for Mumbai and Pune on 18 October.
The wording across outlets is not uniform, so a distinction matters. Some headlines say “unveiled” or “launched,” but what has happened is a dealer showcase. Rushlane describes the 20 October launch as “likely” and the 19 October booking date as coming “as per reports.” Until Kawasaki publishes its own release, treat both dates as reported rather than final.
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Why This Bike Matters
The Z300 has no direct equivalent in the Indian market. The Ninja 300 is described as the only multi-cylinder supersport left in its displacement class, with the Yamaha R3 and Benelli 302R no longer in the picture. Take away the fairing, and Kawasaki gets a naked sibling for a platform it already builds and services in India.
The styling is meant to echo the Z900, which Rushlane calls India’s most popular four-cylinder motorcycle. That is a smart borrow. Buyers who cannot stretch to a Z900 can still get the same visual identity.
The Z300 is not a new idea globally. Kawasaki sold a Z300 in several overseas markets from 2015. What is new is the arrival of this format in India.
Expected Specifications
Kawasaki has not published an official spec sheet, so everything below comes from media reports and from the Ninja 300’s known hardware.
| Aspect | What Is Reported or Expected |
|---|---|
| Engine | 296cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine with a 6-speed gearbox |
| Output | The Ninja 300 produces 39 PS and 26.1 Nm of torque (approximately 38.5 bhp). The Z300 is expected to offer similar performance. |
| Brakes | 290mm front disc, 220mm rear petal disc and dual-channel ABS |
| Wheels | 17-inch alloy wheels |
| Display | TFT instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity is expected; the Ninja 300 does not feature a TFT display. |
| Ergonomics | Wide, upright single-piece handlebar and a relaxed riding position |
| Colours | Green and Black (expected) |
| Weight | The Ninja 300 weighs 170 kg. The Z300 is expected to be lighter, but its official weight has not been confirmed. |
Rushlane also lists upgrades it hopes for, such as USD forks, full LED lighting, traction control and an optional quickshifter. None of these has been confirmed, so do not count on them until the spec sheet appears. The Sunday Guardian’s report describes conventional telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock.
How Much Will It Cost?
Price is the whole story here. The faired Ninja 300 currently lists at Rs 3.34 lakh ex-showroom, and Autocar India says a Z300 near the sub-Rs 3 lakh mark would make it a refined alternative to the KTM 390 Duke and TVS Apache RTR 310. The Sunday Guardian likewise expects roughly Rs 3 lakh. That figure is an expectation, not an announcement.
For context, here is where the rivals sit:
- KTM 390 Duke: The 350cc version was reported at Rs 2.84 lakh and the more powerful 399cc 390 Duke R at Rs 3.45 lakh, both ex-showroom, after an August 2026 revision.
- TVS Apache RTR 310: Prices run from Rs 2.3 lakh to Rs 2.97 lakh ex-showroom Delhi after a variant reshuffle in October 2026.
So a Z300 at Rs 3 lakh would not undercut the cheapest rivals. It would sit above the Apache and the standard Duke, and below the Duke R. Its pitch would rest on the twin-cylinder engine rather than on price.
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Z300 vs. The Competition
On paper, the Z300 will not win a power race. The 350cc KTM 390 Duke makes 40.9 bhp and 33.5 Nm, and the 399cc Duke R makes 45.3 bhp and 39 Nm. The Kawasaki’s roughly 38.5 bhp and 26.1 Nm are lower, with less torque in particular.
What the Z300 can offer instead is a different character. A high-revving parallel-twin generally delivers smoother power than a single, and the Ninja 300’s engine is known for that. The Z300 will appeal to buyers who value refinement and brand over spec-sheet numbers. Rushlane also names the Aprilia Tuono 457 as a multi-cylinder rival.
Equipment may decide it. Rivals in this price band are rich in features, so the TFT display helps, but a missing quickshifter or traction control could count against the Z300 in direct comparisons.
The Honest Caveats
Several things remain open, and an accurate buying decision depends on them:
- The price, variants and full spec sheet are unannounced.
- Dealer-event reports describe the bike’s look and features but do not come with official images.
- The power figure is borrowed from the Ninja 300 and not confirmed for the Z300.
Should You Book On 19 October?
If you want the bike regardless of price, booking early is reasonable. If price or features will influence you, waiting one day for the 20 October disclosure costs you nothing and avoids guesswork.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Kawasaki Z300 launch in India?
Kawasaki is reported to be revealing price and specifications on 20 October 2026, with bookings reported from 19 October.
What engine does the Kawasaki Z300 use?
Reports point to the Ninja 300’s 296 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin with a 6-speed gearbox.
What is the expected price of the Z300?
Media reports expect roughly Rs 3 lakh ex-showroom. Kawasaki has not confirmed a figure.
Does the Z300 get a TFT display?
Reports say yes, with smartphone connectivity. The Ninja 300 does not have one.
Which bikes compete with the Z300?
The KTM 390 Duke and TVS Apache RTR 310 are named most often, along with the Aprilia Tuono 457 as a multi-cylinder alternative.
