MotoSpecs

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300

Sport

Engine
Four stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
29.0 kW / 39 hp @ 11000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
172 kg / 379.1 lbs - ABS 174 kg / 383.6 lbs
2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
30.9 kW 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
169 kg / 373 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20152018
Make ModelKawasaki Ninja 300Yamaha YZF-R 3
Dimensions
Seat Height785 mm / 30.8 in779.7 mm / 30.7 in
Wheelbase1405 mm / 55.3 in1379.2 mm / 54.3 in
Ground Clearance140 mm / 5.5 in160 mm / 6.2 in
Height1110 mm / 43.7 in1 135.3 mm / 44.7 in
Length2015 mm / 79.3 in2090 mm / 82.3 in
Width715 mm / 29.1 in718.8 mm / 28.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 3.8 US gal14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Wet Weight172 kg / 379.1 lbs - ABS 174 kg / 383.6 lbs169 kg / 373 lbs
Performance
Max Power29.0 kW / 39 hp @ 11000 rpm30.9 kW 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm
Max Torque27.0 Nm / 2.8 kg-fm @ 10000 rpm29.6 Nm / 3.0 kg-m @ 9000 rpm
Engine
Displacement296 cc / 18.0 cu-in321 cc / 19.5 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke62 x 49 mm68.0 x 44.1mm
Compression Ratio10.6:111.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionFuel injection: Ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin), with dual throttle valvesElectronic Fuel Injection, 32 mm throttle body
IgnitionTCBI with Digital Advance TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
LubricationForced lubrication, wet sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet, multiple-disc coil spring
Final DriveChainO-ring chain
Final Drive Ratio3.000 (42/14)-
Gear Ratios1st 2.714 (38/14) 2nd 1.789 (34/19) 3rd 1.409 (31/22) 4th 1.160 (29/25) 5th 1.000 (27/27) 6th 0.893 (25/28)-
Primary Drive Ratios3.087 (71/23)-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed Constant Mesh, 6-speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTube diamond, steelDelta box
Suspension - Front37 mm Telescopic fork,41mm KYBø telescopic fork
Suspension - RearBottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload,Adjustable KYB® single shock
Rake 27°25°
Trail93 mm / 3.6 in93.9 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear132 mm / 5.1 in124.4 mm / 4.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 290 mm petal disc Single balanced actuation dual-pistonSingle 298mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 220 mm petal disc Caliper: Dual-pistonSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front110/70-17 M/C 54S110/70-17M/C 54H
Tyres - Rear140/70-17 M/C 66S140/70-17M/C 66H

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3

The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 edges out the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 thanks to its greater ground clearance, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.

2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - Advantages

  • Larger displacement: 321 cc vs 296 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More ground clearance: 160 mm vs 140 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More front wheel travel: 130 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 and 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 uses Four stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 has the larger tank at approximately 17 litres vs 14 litres for the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 283-340 km vs 233-280 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 has the edge in larger fuel tank, while the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 stands out for greater ground clearance and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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