2018 Kawasaki Z 300 vs 2020 Yamaha MT-03

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
2020 Yamaha MT-03 2020 Yamaha MT-03

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
30.9 kW 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
167 kg / 370 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsABS brakes adds 2 kg.-
Year2017 - 182020
ColoursCandy Flat Blazed Green/Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Spa Grey-
Make ModelKawasaki Z 300Yamaha MT-03
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)145 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.7 inches-
Seat Height780 mm / 30.5 in779.7 mm / 30.7 in
Wheelbase1,405 mm / 55.3 in.1379.2 mm / 54.3 in
Ground Clearance-160 mm / 6.2 in
Height1025 mm / 41.3 in1133 mm / 40.7 in
Length2010 mm / 79.1 in2090 mm / 82.3 in
Width750 mm / 29.5 in718.8 mm / 28.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.5 US gal14 Litres / 3.7 gal
Wet Weight168 kg / 370 lbs167 kg / 370 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM12500-
Max Power38 hp / 28.3 kW @ 11,000rpm30.9 kW 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm
Max Torque19.9 lb-ft / 26.9 Nm @ 10,000rpm29.6 Nm / 22 lb-ft @ 9000 rpm
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeTwin, four-stroke-
Displacement296 cc / 18.0 cu-in321 cc / 19.5 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. 32 mm x 2, with dual throttle valves-
Bore x Stroke62 x 49 mm68.0 x 44.1mm
Compression Ratio10.6:111.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled,Liquid cooled
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump-
Fuel InductionFuel injection: Ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin), with dual throttle valvesElectronic Fuel Injection
IgnitionTCBI with Digital Advance TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
LubricationForced lubrication, wet sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet, multiple-disc coil spring
Final DriveChainChain
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)-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed Constant Mesh, 6-speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSemi-double cradle, high-tensile steel,Delta box
Suspension - Front37mm hydraulic telescopic fork37mm Non-adjustable KYB inverted forks.
Suspension - RearBottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preloadLinkage-assisted spring-preload adjustable KYB shock
Rake26°25°
Trail82 mm / 3.6 in93.9 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front119 mm / 4.7 in.130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear132 mm / 5.2 in.124.4 mm / 4.9 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 298mm disc, ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 220 mm petal disc 2 piston caliperSingle 220mm disc. ABS
Tyres - Front110/70-17110/70-17
Tyres - Rear130/70-17140/70-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 Yamaha MT-03

The 2020 Yamaha MT-03 edges out the 2018 Kawasaki Z 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 Kawasaki Z 300 - Advantages

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

2020 Yamaha MT-03 - 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 145 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More front wheel travel: 130 mm vs 119 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Kawasaki Z 300 vs 2020 Yamaha MT-03 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 and 2020 Yamaha MT-03?
The 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 uses Twin, four-stroke, while the 2020 Yamaha MT-03 is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 or the 2020 Yamaha MT-03?
The 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 has the larger tank at approximately 17 litres vs 14 litres for the 2020 Yamaha MT-03. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 283-340 km vs 233-280 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 or the 2020 Yamaha MT-03?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 has the edge in larger fuel tank, while the 2020 Yamaha MT-03 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.