MotoSpecs

2018 Kawasaki Z 300 vs 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Kawasaki Z 300 2018 Kawasaki Z 300

Naked bike

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
38 hp / 28.3 kW @ 11,000rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
370.4 pounds
2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve
Power
43 hp / 32 kW @ 9000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
150kg / 330.6 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsABS brakes adds 2 kg.-
Year2017 - 182018 - 19
ColoursCandy Flat Blazed Green/Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Spa Grey-
Make ModelKawasaki Z 300Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)145 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.7 inches-
Seat Height780 mm / 30.5 in835 mm / 32.8 in
Wheelbase1,405 mm / 55.3 in.1357 ± 15.5 mm / 53.4 in
Ground Clearance-170 mm / 6.7 in
Height1025 mm / 41.3 in-
Length2010 mm / 79.1 in-
Width750 mm / 29.5 in-
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.5 US gal9.5 Litres / 2.5 US gal
Wet Weight168 kg / 370 lbs150kg / 330.6 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM12500-
Max Power38 hp / 28.3 kW @ 11,000rpm43 hp / 32 kW @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque19.9 lb-ft / 26.9 Nm @ 10,000rpm37 Nm / 27.3 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeTwin, four-stroke-
Displacement296 cc / 18.0 cu-in373.2 cc / 22.8 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve
Fuel SystemInjection. 32 mm x 2, with dual throttle valves-
Bore x Stroke62 x 49 mm89 x 60 mm
Compression Ratio10.6:112.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled,Liquid cooled
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump-
Engine Management-Bosch EMS
Exhaust-Stainless steel/ Aluminum silencer with regulated catalytic converter
Fuel InductionFuel injection: Ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin), with dual throttle valvesFuel injection
IgnitionTCBI with Digital Advance Digital CDI
LubricationForced lubrication, wet sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualPASC antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
Final DriveChainChain, X-Ring 5/8 x 1/4″
Gear Ratios1st 2.600 (39/15) 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)-
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Primary Drive Ratios3,087 (71/23)30:80
Secondary Drive Ratio-15:45
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSemi-double cradle, high-tensile steel,Steel trellis frame, powder coated
Suspension - Front37mm hydraulic telescopic fork43mm WP upside-down forks
Suspension - RearBottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preloadWP monoshock
Clamp Offset - Triple-32 mm / 1.8 in
Rake26°25°
Steering Head Angle-65 °
Trail82 mm / 3.6 in95 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front119 mm / 4.7 in.142 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear132 mm / 5.2 in.150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.4 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)290 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)8.7 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)220 mm-
Brakes - FrontSingle 290 mm petal disc 2 piston caliperSingle 320mm disc, 4 piston floating calliper
Brakes - RearSingle 220 mm petal disc 2 piston caliperSingle 230mm disc 1 piston floating calliper
ABS-Bosch 9M+ two-channel ABS (disengageable)
Tyres - Front110/70-17110/70 - 17 Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR
Tyres - Rear130/70-17150/60 - 17 Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR
Wheels - Front-Wire-spoked w/ aluminum rims 3.00 x 17
Wheels - Rear-Wire-spoked w/ aluminum rims 4.00 x 17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401

The 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 edges out the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 thanks to its more peak power, lighter kerb weight, standard ABS, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 Kawasaki Z 300 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 780 mm vs 835 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 43 hp vs 38 hp - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Lighter: 150kg vs 168 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More ground clearance: 170 mm vs 145 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 132 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 142 mm vs 119 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Kawasaki Z 300 vs 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 and 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401?
The 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is powered by Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve.
Which is lighter, the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 or the 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401?
The 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is lighter at 150kg compared to 168 kg for the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 - a difference of 18 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 or the 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401?
The 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 produces more peak power at 43 hp, compared to 38 hp for the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 or the 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401?
The 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 has the lower seat at 780 mm, making it more accessible. The 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 sits higher at 835 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 or 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 have ABS?
The 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 or the 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 stands out for more peak power and lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

Related Comparisons

All Kawasaki Z 300 years All Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 years
Build your own comparison →