2016 Kawasaki Z 300 vs 2018 BMW G 310R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 Kawasaki Z 300 2016 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
2018 BMW G 310R 2018 BMW G 310R

Naked bike

Engine
Single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves
Power
25 kW / 34 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
88.9 mph
Weight
350.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsABS brakes adds 2 kg.-
Year2015 - 162018
Make-BMW
Model-G 310R
ColoursGreen/black, Grey/blackCosmic Black, Strato Blue, Pearl White Metallic Motorsport
Make ModelKawasaki Z 300BMW G 310R
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)5.7 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)145 mm-
Seat Height780 mm / 30.5 in785 mm / 30.9 in
Wheelbase1,405 mm / 55.3 in.1374 mm / 54.1 in
Height1025 mm / 41.3 in1,080 mm / 42.5 in.
Length2010 mm / 79.1 in1988 mm / 78.3 in
Width750 mm / 29.5 in896 mm / 35.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-148.0 kg / 326.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.5 US gal11.0 L / 2.91 US gal
Max Load-345 kg / 761 lbs
Wet Weight168 kg / 370 lbs158.5 kg / 349 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM12500-
Top Speed-145 km/h / 90 mph
Max Power38 hp / 28.3 kW @ 11,000rpm25 kW / 34 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque19.9 lb-ft / 26.9 Nm @ 10,000rpm28 Nm / 2.86 kgf-m / 20.7 ft-lb @ 7500 rpm
Engine
Displacement (ci)18.06 cubic inches-
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.4 x 1.9 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)62.0 x 49.0 mm-
Stroke-62.1 mm
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine TypeTwin, four-strokeLiquid-cooled single cylinder, four-stroke, backward-canted, 4 valves
Displacement (cc)296.00 cc-
CO2-77.3 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement296 cc / 18.0 cu-in313 cc / 19.1 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.Single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel SystemInjection. 32 mm x 2, with dual throttle valvesInjection. Electronic fuel injection, BMS-E2
Bore x Stroke62 x 49 mm80 x 62 mm
Compression Ratio10.6:110.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled,Liquid Cooled
Emissions-Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sumpDry sump
Exhaust valve diameter-∅27.2 mm
Fuel Consumption-3.33 L/100 km / 30 km/l / 70.6 US mpg
Fuel InductionFuel injection: Ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin), with dual throttle valvesBMS-E2
Fuel Reserve-1.00 litres / 0.26 gallons
Fuel Type-Unleaded regular, minimum 91 RON
IgnitionTCBI with Digital Advance -
LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve Diameter (Intake)-∅33.5 mm
Valve System44
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12V, 8 Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet, multi-plate
Final DriveChainChain, O-ring
Final Drive Ratio-1:2.50
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)1st 3.000 / 2 nd 2.063 / 3rd 1.588 / 4th 10286 / 5th 1.095 / 6th 0.955:1
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary Drive-Endless O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hub
Primary Drive Ratios3,087 (71/23)3.083:1
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6-Speed, constant-mesh
Chassis
Frame TypeSemi-double cradle, high-tensile steel,Tubular steel frame in grid structure with bolt-on rear frame
Suspension - Front37mm hydraulic telescopic fork41mm Telescopic fork
Suspension - RearBottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preloadAluminium swinging arm in conjunction with a directly mounted spring strut
Rake26°25.1°
Steering Head Angle-64.9º
Trail82 mm / 3.2 in102.3 mm / 4.02 in
Wheel Travel - Front119 mm / 4.7 in.140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear132 mm / 5.2 in.131 mm / 5.5 in
Electronics
Tachometer-Standard (Digital LCD multi-function display)
Electrical Systems
Alternator-330W
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)8.7 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)290 mm300 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.4 inches11.8 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)220 mm240 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle 290 mm petal disc 2 piston caliperSingle 300mm disc, ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 220 mm petal disc 2 piston caliperSingle 240mm disc, ABS
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS (Standard)
Rims-Cast aluminium
Tyres - Front110/70-17110/70 R17
Tyres - Rear130/70-17150/60 R17
Wheels-5-Spoke, light alloy die-cast
Wheels - Front-3.0 x 17
Wheels - Rear-4.0 x 17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 BMW G 310R

The 2018 BMW G 310R edges out the 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 thanks to its standard ABS, 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

2016 Kawasaki Z 300 - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 38 hp vs 25 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2018 BMW G 310R - Advantages

  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • Larger displacement: 313 cc vs 296 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 mm vs 119 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2016 Kawasaki Z 300 vs 2018 BMW G 310R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 and 2018 BMW G 310R?
The 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2018 BMW G 310R is powered by Liquid-cooled single cylinder, four-stroke, backward-canted, 4 valves.
Which has more power, the 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 or the 2018 BMW G 310R?
The 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 produces more peak power at 38 hp, compared to 25 kW for the 2018 BMW G 310R.
Does the 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 or 2018 BMW G 310R have ABS?
The 2018 BMW G 310R is listed with ABS as standard. The 2016 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 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 or the 2018 BMW G 310R?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 has the edge in more peak power and fuel injection, while the 2018 BMW G 310R stands out for standard ABS 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.