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2016 Kawasaki Z 300 Overview
The 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 is a naked bike motorcycle built around 296 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Twin, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 10.6:1. The bore and stroke measures 62 x 49 mm. 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 delivers 38 hp @ 11,000rpm of peak power and 19.9 lb-ft @ 10,000rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2016 Z 300 tips the scales at 168 kg, carries a 17-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 780 mm and spans a 1,405 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 33 kg lighter than the average naked bike in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2016 Kawasaki Z 300 compared with other bikes in the Naked bike category
Here is how the 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 stacks up against other bikes in the Naked bike category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1666 models.
- Torque of 26.9 Nm is lower than that of 1114 of the other 1317 bikes in the Naked bike category.
- Only 279 of the other 1665 bikes in the Naked bike category have a smaller engine displacement than the 296 cc of the Z 300.
- With 168 kg, the Z 300 has the joint 164th lightest wet weight of 942 bikes in the Naked bike category, 16% below the category average of 201 kg.
- Narrowing the field to the 543 models within five model years of it, the torque of 26.9 Nm is lower than that of 442 of the other 542.
2016 Z 300 - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 makes 38 hp @ 11,000rpm with 19.9 lb-ft @ 10,000rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Fuel injection: The fuel injection: Ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin) system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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Strong front braking: The disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
Considerations
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Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
The Liquid cooled, system on the Z 300 needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling comes from fuel injection: Ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin). Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.
Valve clearance checks
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation on the Z 300 means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.
Brake disc and pad wear
The disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the Z 300 runs 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork and Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel, - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
Z 300 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 with its 296 cc naked bike, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 10 years old, this naked bike is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Z 300 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the Z 300's 296 cc twin, four-stroke. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With a 10.6:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The Z 300's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used Z 300. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.
2016 Kawasaki Z 300 - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 have?
The 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 uses a Twin, four-stroke engine with 296 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled,.
How much does the 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 weigh?
The 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 weighs 168 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 make?
The 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 produces 38 hp @ 11,000rpm of power and 19.9 lb-ft @ 10,000rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2016 Kawasaki Z 300?
The 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 has a 17-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 283-340 km between stops.
Is the 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 suitable for shorter riders?
The 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 has a seat height of 780 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 have?
The 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 uses single 290 mm petal disc 2 piston caliper at the front and single 220 mm petal disc 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 use?
The 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 runs 110/70-17 front and 130/70-17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 have?
The 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
Kawasaki Z 300 Spec Evolution
The Kawasaki Z 300 was produced across 3 model years (2016-2020). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2016 |
2018 |
2020 |
| Colours |
Green/black, Grey/black |
Candy Flat Blazed Green/Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Spa Grey |
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| Trail |
82 mm / 3.2 in |
82 mm / 3.6 in |
82 mm / 3.6 in |
Key Specifications
Power
38 hp / 28.3 kW @ 11,000rpm
Torque
19.9 lb-ft / 26.9 Nm @ 10,000rpm
Fuel Capacity
17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
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Full 2016 Kawasaki Z 300 Specifications
Comments
ABS brakes adds 2 kg.
Year
2015 - 16
Colours
Green/black, Grey/black
Make Model
Kawasaki Z 300
Ground Clearance (in.)
5.7 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)
145 mm
Seat Height
780 mm / 30.5 in
Wheelbase
1,405 mm / 55.3 in.
Height
1025 mm / 41.3 in
Length
2010 mm / 79.1 in
Width
750 mm / 29.5 in
Fuel Capacity
17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight
168 kg / 370 lbs
Displacement (ci)
18.06 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
62.0 x 49.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
2.4 x 1.9 inches
Displacement (cc)
296.00 cc
Engine Type
Twin, four-stroke
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement
296 cc / 18.0 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke . parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Fuel System
Injection. 32 mm x 2, with dual throttle valves
Bore x Stroke
62 x 49 mm
Compression Ratio
10.6:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled,
Engine Lubrication
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Fuel Induction
Fuel injection: Ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin), with dual throttle valves
Ignition
TCBI with Digital Advance
Lubrication
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive
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 Ratios
3,087 (71/23)
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel,
Suspension - Front
37mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Suspension - Rear
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload
Rake
26°
Trail
82 mm / 3.2 in
Wheel Travel - Front
119 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
132 mm / 5.2 in.
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 - Front
Single 290 mm petal disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single 220 mm petal disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
110/70-17
Tyres - Rear
130/70-17
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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