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2018 Kawasaki Z 300 Overview
Kawasaki Z 300 is a naked bike motorcycle, displacing 296 cc. Power comes from a Twin, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 10.6:1. On the performance side, it delivers 38 hp @ 11,000rpm of peak power and 19.9 lb-ft @ 10,000rpm of torque. On the road, the 2018 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. The full 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2018 Kawasaki Z 300 compared with other bikes in the Naked bike category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 against up to 1666 bikes in the Naked bike category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 202 of the other 1317 bikes in the Naked bike category have a lower torque than the 26.9 Nm of the Z 300.
- With 296 cc, the Z 300 has the joint 280th smallest engine displacement of 1666 bikes in the Naked bike category, 58% below the category average of 697 cc.
- Wet weight of 168 kg is lighter than that of 769 of the other 941 bikes in the Naked bike category.
- Narrowing the field to the 528 models within five model years of it, the torque of 26.9 Nm is lower than that of 429 of the other 527.
Versus the 2016 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2016 model: peak power, peak torque, wet weight, displacement and seat height all match.
2018 Z 300 - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: With 38 hp @ 11,000rpm and 19.9 lb-ft @ 10,000rpm of torque on tap, the Z 300 is no slouch for its class.
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🔧
Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
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🛑
Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
Considerations
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⚙️
Chain final drive upkeep: Budget time for routine chain maintenance - it's cheap to replace but needs consistent attention to avoid premature sprocket wear.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
Z 300's Liquid cooled, setup is low-maintenance provided the coolant interval is kept - old, acidic coolant is the main cause of long-term corrosion in the water passages.
Fuelling & injector care
The fuel injection: Ø32 mm x 2 (Keihin) on the Z 300 needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.
Valve clearance checks
With Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve gear, the Z 300 needs periodic clearance checks; caught early they're a cheap adjustment, left unchecked they accelerate valve seat wear.
Brake disc and pad wear
Braking up front comes from single 290 mm petal disc 2 piston caliper - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.
Suspension condition on used examples
The Z 300's suspension runs 37mm hydraulic telescopic fork at the front. The rear uses Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock and 5-way adjustable preload. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The Z 300 uses chain final drive, which is cheap to replace but needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get a full service life out of the sprockets.
Frame & chassis check
Built around a Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel,, the Z 300's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.
Z 300 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 with its 296 cc naked bike, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. 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 8 years old, this naked bike is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy Z 300 should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects the Z 300's 296 cc twin, four-stroke like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With a 10.6:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.
Fuel system care
Fuel injection on the Z 300 needs little attention beyond decent fuel and an occasional system-cleaner additive. Anything left standing for three months or more should have its fuel drained and replaced before it varnishes the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Valve clearances are easy to overlook on a used Z 300 since a bike out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but the wear it causes is real. Ask the seller for documentation before assuming it's been done.
2018 Kawasaki Z 300 - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 have?
The 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 uses a Twin, four-stroke engine with 296 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled,.
How much does the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 weigh?
The 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 weighs 168 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 make?
The 2018 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 2018 Kawasaki Z 300?
The 2018 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 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 suitable for shorter riders?
The 2018 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 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 have?
The 2018 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 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 use?
The 2018 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 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 have?
The 2018 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 2018 Kawasaki Z 300 Specifications
Comments
ABS brakes adds 2 kg.
Year
2017 - 18
Colours
Candy Flat Blazed Green/Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Spa Grey
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
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
Sealed chain
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 / 3.6 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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