MotoSpecs

2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 vs 2018 Kawasaki Z 300

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
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
Full Specifications
General
Comments-ABS brakes adds 2 kg.
Year2018 - 192017 - 18
Colours-Candy Flat Blazed Green/Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Spa Grey
Make ModelHusqvarna Vitpilen 401Kawasaki Z 300
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-145 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.7 inches
Seat Height835 mm / 32.8 in780 mm / 30.5 in
Wheelbase1357 ± 15.5 mm / 53.4 in1,405 mm / 55.3 in.
Ground Clearance170 mm / 6.7 in-
Height-1025 mm / 41.3 in
Length-2010 mm / 79.1 in
Width-750 mm / 29.5 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity9.5 Litres / 2.5 US gal17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight150kg / 330.6 lbs168 kg / 370 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM-12500
Max Power43 hp / 32 kW @ 9000 rpm38 hp / 28.3 kW @ 11,000rpm
Max Torque37 Nm / 27.3 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm19.9 lb-ft / 26.9 Nm @ 10,000rpm
Engine
Engine Type-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement373.2 cc / 22.8 cu-in296 cc / 18.0 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valveFour stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Fuel System-Injection. 32 mm x 2, with dual throttle valves
Bore x Stroke89 x 60 mm62 x 49 mm
Compression Ratio12.6:110.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled,
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
Engine ManagementBosch EMS-
ExhaustStainless steel/ Aluminum silencer with regulated catalytic converter-
Fuel InductionFuel injectionFuel injection: Ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin), with dual throttle valves
IgnitionDigital CDI TCBI with Digital Advance
LubricationWet sumpForced lubrication, wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchPASC antihopping clutch, mechanically operatedWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChain, X-Ring 5/8 x 1/4″Chain
Gear Ratios-1st 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)
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Primary Drive Ratios30:803,087 (71/23)
Secondary Drive Ratio15:45-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel trellis frame, powder coatedSemi-double cradle, high-tensile steel,
Suspension - Front43mm WP upside-down forks37mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Suspension - RearWP monoshockBottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload
Clamp Offset - Triple32 mm / 1.8 in-
Rake25°26°
Steering Head Angle65 °-
Trail95 mm / 3.7 in82 mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front142 mm / 5.5 in119 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in132 mm / 5.2 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-8.7 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-290 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-220 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle 320mm disc, 4 piston floating calliperSingle 290 mm petal disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 230mm disc 1 piston floating calliperSingle 220 mm petal disc 2 piston caliper
ABSBosch 9M+ two-channel ABS (disengageable)-
Tyres - Front110/70 - 17 Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR110/70-17
Tyres - Rear150/60 - 17 Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR130/70-17
Wheels - FrontWire-spoked w/ aluminum rims 3.00 x 17-
Wheels - RearWire-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

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 - Advantages

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

2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 vs 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and 2018 Kawasaki Z 300?
The 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 uses Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve, while the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 or the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300?
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 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 or the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300?
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 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 or the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300?
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 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 or 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 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 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 or the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300?
Both are strong choices. The 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 has the edge in more peak power and lighter kerb weight, while the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 stands out for lower seat height. 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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