MotoSpecs

2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 vs 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
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
Full Specifications
General
Year20182015
Make ModelYamaha YZF-R 3Kawasaki Ninja 300
Dimensions
Seat Height779.7 mm / 30.7 in785 mm / 30.8 in
Wheelbase1379.2 mm / 54.3 in1405 mm / 55.3 in
Ground Clearance160 mm / 6.2 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Height1 135.3 mm / 44.7 in1110 mm / 43.7 in
Length2090 mm / 82.3 in2015 mm / 79.3 in
Width718.8 mm / 28.3 in715 mm / 29.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity14 Litres / 3.7 US gal17 Litres / 3.8 US gal
Wet Weight169 kg / 373 lbs172 kg / 379.1 lbs - ABS 174 kg / 383.6 lbs
Performance
Max Power30.9 kW 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm29.0 kW / 39 hp @ 11000 rpm
Max Torque29.6 Nm / 3.0 kg-m @ 9000 rpm27.0 Nm / 2.8 kg-fm @ 10000 rpm
Engine
Displacement321 cc / 19.5 cu-in296 cc / 18.0 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinderFour stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke68.0 x 44.1mm62 x 49 mm
Compression Ratio11.2:110.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionElectronic Fuel Injection, 32 mm throttle bodyFuel injection: Ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin), with dual throttle valves
IgnitionTCI: Transistor Controlled IgnitionTCBI with Digital Advance
LubricationWet sumpForced lubrication, wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple-disc coil springWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveO-ring chainChain
Final Drive Ratio-3.000 (42/14)
Gear Ratios-1st 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 Ratios-3.087 (71/23)
Transmission / DriveConstant Mesh, 6-speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDelta boxTube diamond, steel
Suspension - Front41mm KYBø telescopic fork37 mm Telescopic fork,
Suspension - RearAdjustable KYB® single shockBottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload,
Rake25° 27°
Trail93.9 mm / 3.7 in93 mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front130 mm / 5.1 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear124.4 mm / 4.9 in132 mm / 5.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 298mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle 290 mm petal disc Single balanced actuation dual-piston
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 220 mm petal disc Caliper: Dual-piston
Tyres - Front110/70-17M/C 54H110/70-17 M/C 54S
Tyres - Rear140/70-17M/C 66H140/70-17 M/C 66S

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

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 - Advantages

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

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

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 and 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 uses Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, while the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 is powered by Four stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 or the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
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 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 or the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 has the edge in greater ground clearance and higher front wheel travel, while the 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 300 stands out for larger fuel tank. 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 Yamaha YZF-R 3 years All Kawasaki Ninja 300 years
Build your own comparison →