Kawasaki Ninja 300 ABS 2015 Owner's manual

Quick Reference Guide

This Quick Reference Guide will
assist you in finding the information
you’re looking for.

A Table of Contents is included after
the Foreword.

SAFETY INFORMATION j

GENERAL INFORMATION j

HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE j

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT j

APPENDIX j

MAINTENANCE RECORD j

Whenever you see the symbols
shown below, heed their instructions!
Always follow safe operating and main­tenance practices.

NOTICE

NOTICE is used to address prac­tices not related to personal in­jury.

DANGER

DANGER indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious in-

jury.

WARNING

WARNING indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious

injury.

NOTE

NOTE indicates information that may

○

help or guide you in the operation or
service of the vehicle.

NOTICE

THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN
MANUFACTURED FOR US E IN A
REASONABLE AND PRUDENT
MANNER BY A QUALIFIED OP­ERATOR AND AS A VEHICLE
ONLY.

Foreword

Congratulations on your purchase of a new Kawasaki motorcycle. Your new mo­torcycle is the product of Kawasaki’s advanced engineering, exhaustive testing,
and continuous striving for superior reliability, safety and p e rfo rmance.

Please read this Owner ’s Manual carefully before riding so that you will be
thoroughly familiar with the proper operation of your motorcycle’s controls, its fea­tures, capabilities, and limitations. This manual offers many safe riding tips, but its
purpose is n ot to provide instruction in all the techniques and skills required to ride
a motorcycle safely. Kawasaki strongly recommends that all operators of this vehi­cle enroll in a motorcycle rider training program to attain awareness of the mental
and physical requirements necessary for safe motorcycle operation.

To ensure a long, trouble-free life for your motorcycle, give it the proper care and
maintenance described in this manual. For those who would like more detailed in­formation on their Kawasaki Motorcycle, a Service Manual is available for purchase
from any authorized Kawasaki motorcycle dealer. The Service Manual contains de­tailed disassembly and maintenance information. Those who plan to do their own
work should, of course, be competent mechanics and possess the special tools
described in the Service Manual.

Keep this Owner’s Manual aboard your motorcycle at all times so that you can
refer to it whenever you need information.

This manual should be considered a permanent part of the motorcycle and should

remain with the motorcycle when it is sold.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without our

prior written permission.

This publication includes the latest information available at the time of printing.
However, there may be minor differences be twee n the actual product and illustra­tions and text in this manual.

All products are subject to change without prior notice or obligation.

KAWASAKI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.

Motorcycle & Engine Company

© 2014 Kawasaki H eavy Industries, Ltd. Apr. 22, 2014. (1)

(Australian model only)

TAMPERING WITH NOISE CONTROL SYSTEM

PROHIBITED

Owners are warned that the law may prohibit:

(a) The removal or rendering inoperative by any person other than for purposes

of maintenance, repair or replacement, of any device or element of design
incorporated into any new vehicle for the purpose of noise control prior to
its sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser or while it is in use; and

(b) The use of the vehicle after such device or element of design has been

removed or rendered inoperative by any person.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY INFORMATION .................... 9

Read Owner’s Manual ..................... 9

Training ............................................ 9

Daily Checks and Periodic

Maintenance ................................. 9

Loading and Accessories

Information.................................... 10

Passenger .................................... 11

Baggage and Luggage ................. 12

Accessories .................................. 12

Other Load.................................... 13

If You are Involved in an A ccident.... 13

Safe Operation ................................. 14

Carbon Monoxide Hazard............. 14

Fueling.......................................... 15

Never Ride with Drugs or Alcohol. 15

Protective Gear and Clothing ....... 15

Safe Riding Techniques................ 16

Additional Con siderations for High

Speed Operation ....................... 18

GENERAL INFORMATION................. 20

Specifications................................... 20

Serial Number Locations.................. 25

Location of Labels ............................ 26

Location of Parts .............................. 36

Meter Instruments ............................ 39

Tachometer................................... 40

Multifunction Meter ....................... 41

Indicator Lights ............................. 47

Warning Indicator Light ................. 48

Keys ................................................. 50

Ignition Switch/Steering Lock ........... 50

Right Handlebar Switches................ 52

Left Handlebar Switches .................. 53

Fuel Tank Cap .................................. 54

Fuel .................................................. 54

Fuel Requirements ....................... 54

Filling the Tank.............................. 58

Side Stand ....................................... 60

Seats................................................ 61

Helmet Hooks................................... 64

Tying Hooks ..................................... 64

Tool Kit Compartment....................... 65

Event Data Recorder........................ 65

HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE .67

Break-In ........................................... 67

Starting the Engine .......................... 68

Jump Starting ................................... 71

Moving Off........................................ 74

Shifting Gears .................................. 74

Braking............................................. 75

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ......... 76

Yellow ABS Indicator Light............ 79

Stopping the Engine......................... 79

Stopping the Motorcycle in an

Emergency ................................... 80

Parking............................................. 81

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 83

Daily Checks .................................... 85

Periodic Maintenance....................... 88

Engine Oil ........................................ 93

Coolant............................................. 96

Air Cleaner ....................................... 98

Throttle Control System ................... 102

Idle Speed ........................................ 104

Clutch............................................... 105

Drive Chain ...................................... 107

Brakes.............................................. 111

Brake Light Switches........................ 114

Suspension System ......................... 116

Rear Shock Absorber ................... 116

Setting Table................................. 118

Wheels ............................................. 119

Battery.............................................. 123

Headlight.......................................... 127

Fuses ............................................... 129

General Lubrication.......................... 130

Cleaning Your Motorcycle ................ 131

General Precautions ..................... 131

Washing Your Motorcycle ............. 133

APPENDIX .......................................... 137

Storage ............................................ 137

Troubleshooting Guide..................... 140

Owner Satisfaction ........................... 141

Environmental Protection ................. 143

MAINTENANCE RECORD ................. 144

SAFETY INFORMATIO N

SAFETY INFORMATION 9

Read Owner’s Manual

Read this Owner’s Manual care­fully before riding so that you will be
thoroughly familiar with the proper op­eration of your motorcycle’s controls,
its fe atures , capabilities, and limita­tions. This manual offers many safe
riding tips, but its purpose is not to pro­vide instruction in all of the techniques
and skills required to ride a motorcycle
safely.

Training

Kawasaki strongly recommends that
all operators of this vehicle complete a
suitable motorcycle rider training pro­gram to learn the proper skills and tech­niques necessary for safe m otorcycle
operation.

Daily Checks and Periodic Maintenance

It is important to keep your motorcy­cle properly maintained and in safe rid­ing condition. Inspect your motorcy­cle before every ride and carry out all
periodic maintenance. See the Daily
Checks section and Periodic Mainte­nance section in the MAINTENANCE
AND ADJUSTMENT chapter for more
information.

WARNING

Failure to perform these checks

or to correct a problem before

operation may result in serious

damage or an accident. Alwa ys

perform daily checks before op-

eration.

10 SAFETY INFORMATION

To ensure your motorcycle is ser­viced using the latest servicing infor­mation, it is recommended that an
authorized Kawasaki Dealer performs
the periodic maintenance as directed
in the Owner’s Manual.

If you notice any irregular operat­ing condition, have your motorcycle
thoroughly checked at an authorized
Kawasaki dealer as soon as possible.

Loading and Accessories Information

WARNING

Incorrect loading, improper in­stallation or use of accessories
or modification of your motorcy­cle may result in an unsafe riding
condition. B efore you ride the
motorcycle, make sure it is not
overloaded and that you have
followed these in structions.

Maximum L oad

Weight of rider, passenger, baggage,
and accessories must not exceed 180 kg
(397 lb).

With the exception of genuine
Kawasaki Parts and Accessories,
Kawasaki has no control over the
design or application of accessories.
In some cases, improper installation

SAFETY INFORMATION 11

or use of accessories, or motorcycle
modification, will void the motorcycle
warranty; can negatively affect perfor­mance, stability and safety; and can
even be illegal.

In selecting and using accessories,
and in loading the motorcycle, you are
personally responsible for your own
safety and the safety of othe r persons
involved.

NOTE

Kawasaki Parts a nd Accessories

○

have been specially designed for
use on Kawasaki motorcycles. We
strongly recommend that all parts
and a ccessories you add to your
motorcycle be genuine Kawasaki
components.

Because a moto rcyc le is sensitive to
changes in weight and aerodynamic
forces, you must take extreme care in
carrying cargo, passengers and/or in

fitting additional accessories. The fol­lowing general guidelines have been
prepared to assist you in m aking your
determinations.

Passenger

1. Never carry more than one passen­ger.

2. The passenger should only sit on the
pillion.

3. Any passenger should be thor­oughly familiar with motorcycle op­eration. The passenger can affect
control of the motorcycle by im­proper positioning during cornering
and sudden movements. It is im­portant that the passenger sits still
while the motorcycle is in motion
and not interfere with the operation
of the motorcycle. Do not carry ani­mals on your motorcycle.

12 SAFETY INFORMATION

4. Do not carry passengers unless
passenger footpegs are installed.
Instruct any passenger before riding
to keep his or her feet on the pas­senger footpegs and hold on to the
operator or seat strap. Do not carry
a passenger unless he or she is tall
enough to reach the footpegs with
their feet.

Baggage and Luggage

1. All baggage should be carried as
low as possible to reduce the effect
on the motorcycle’s center of grav­ity. Baggage weight should also be
distributed equally on both sides of
the motorcycle. Avoid carrying bag­gage that extends beyond the rear
of the motorcycle.

2. Baggage should be securely at­tached. Make sure that the baggage

will not move around while you are
riding. Recheck baggage security
as often as possible (not while the
motorcycle is in motion) and adjust
as necessary.

3. Do not carry heavy or bulky items
on a luggage rack. It is designed
for light items, and overloading can
affect handling due to changes in
weight distribution and aerodynamic
forces.

Accessories

1. Do not install accessories or carry
baggage that impairs the perfor­mance of the motorcycle. Make
sure that you have not adversely
affected any lighting components,
road clearance, banking capability
(i.e., lean angle), control operation,
wheel travel, front fork movement,

SAFETY INFORM ATION 13

or any other aspects of the motor­cycle’s operation.

2. Weight attached to the handlebar or
front fork will increase the mass of
the s teering assembly and can re­sult in an unsafe riding condition.

3. Fairings, windshields, backrests,
and other large items have the ca­pability of adversely affecting stabil­ity and handling of t he motorcycle,
not only due to their weight, but
also due to the aerodynamic force
acting on these surfaces while the
motorcycle is in operation. Poorly
designed or installed items can re­sult in an unsafe riding condition.

Other Load

1. This motorcycle is not intended to
be equipped with a sidecar or to be

used to tow any trailers or other ve­hicles. Kawasaki does not manu­facture sidecars or trailers for mo­torcycles and cannot predict the ef­fects of such accessories on han­dling or stability, but can only warn
thattheeffectscanbeadverseand
that Kawasaki cannot assume re­sponsibility for the results of such
unintended use of the motorcycle.

2. Furthermore, any adverse effects on
motorcycle components caused by
the use of such accessories will not
be remedied under warranty.

If You are Involved in an Accident

Make sure of your own safety first.
Determine the severity of any injuries
and call for emergency assistance if
needed. Always follow applicable laws

14 SAFETY INFORMATION

and regulations if any other person, ve­hicle or property is involved.

Do not attempt to continue riding
without first evaluating your motorcy­cle’s condition. Inspect for fluid leaks,
check critical nuts and bolts, and check
the handlebars, control levers, brakes,
and wheels for damage and proper
function. Ride slowly and cautiously

- your motorcycle may have suffered
damage that is not immediately appar­ent. Have your motorcycle thoroughly
checked at a Kawasaki dealer as soon
as possible.

Safe Operation

The following should be carefully ob­served for safe and effective vehicle
operation.

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

DANGER

Exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide, a colorless, odorless
poisonous gas. Inhaling carbon
monoxide can cause serious
brain injury or death.
Do not run the engine in en­closed areas. Operate only in a
well-ventilated area.

SAFETY INFORM ATION 15

Fueling

WARNING

Gasoline is extreme ly flammable
and can be explosive under cer­tain conditions. To prevent fire
or explosion, turn the ignition
key off. Do not smoke. Make
sure the area is well ventilated
and free from any source of
flame or sparks; this includes
any appliance with a pilot light.

Never Ride with Drugs or Alcohol

Alcohol and drugs impair your judg­ment and reaction time. Never con­sume alcohol or drugs before or w hile
riding motorcycles.

Protective Gear and Clothing

Helmet

Kawasaki strongly recommends both
the operator and passenger wear a hel­met even if this is not a legal require­ment.

- Make sure that your helmet fits cor-

rectly and is p roperly fastened.

- Choose a motorcycle helmet that

meets the safety standards appli­cable to your country. Ask your
motorcycle dealer to advise you if
necessary.

Eye Protection

Always use eye protection. If your
helmet does not have a visor installed,
wear goggles.

16 SAFETY INFORMATION

Gloves

Wear gloves which have suitable
protection for your hands, especially
against abrasion .

Clothing

Wear protective clothing.

- Wear bright, highly visible clothing

that allows freedom of movement
to suit your riding style.

- Always wear a long- s lee ve d jacket

and long trousers which are abra­sion resistant and keep you warm.

- Avoid wearing clothes which have

loose cuffs or other fastenings
which could interfere with the con­trols of your motorcycle.

Boots

Wear proper protective boots that fit
properly and do not interfere with gear
shifting or braking.

Safe Riding Techniques

Keep Hands on Handlebars

When riding always keep both hands
on the handlebars and both feet on the
footpegs. Removing your hands from
the handlebars or feet from the foot­pegs while riding can be hazardous. If
you remove even one hand or foot, you
reduce your ability to control the motor­cycle.

Look Over Your Shoulder

Before changing lanes, look over
your shoulder to make sure the way
is clear. Do not rely so lely on the rear
view mirror; you may misjudge a vehi­cle’s distance and speed, or you may
not see it at all.

SAFETY INFORM ATION 17

Accelerate and Brake Smoothly

In general your actions should be
smooth as sudden acceleration, brak­ing or turning may cause loss of control,
especially when riding in wet conditions
or on loose road surfaces, when the
ability to maneuver will be reduced.

Select Correct Gear Speeds

When going up steep slopes, shift to
a lower gear so that there is power to
spare rather than overloading the en­gine.

Use Both Front and Rear Brakes

When applying the brakes, use both
the front and rear brakes. Applying
only one brake for sudden braking may
cause the motorcycle to skid and lose
control.

Use Engine Brake

When going down long slopes, help
control vehicle speed by closing the

throttle so that the eng ine can act as an
auxiliary brake. Use the front and rear
brakes for primary braking.

Riding in Wet Conditions

Rely more on the throttle to control
vehicle speed and less on the front and
rear brakes. The throttle should also be
used judiciously to avoid skidding the
rear wheel from too rapid acceleration
or deceleration.

Braking performance is also reduced
in wet conditions. Carefully ride at a
slow speed and apply the brakes sev­eral times to help dry and restores them
to normal operating performance.

Lubricate the drive chain after wet

-weather riding to prevent rust and cor­rosion.

Ride Prudently

Riding at the proper speed and avoid­ing unnecessarily fast acceleration are
important not only for safety and low

18 SAFETY INFORMATION

fuel consumption but also for long ve­hicle life and quieter operation.

Riding on Rough Roads

Exercise caution, slow down, a nd
grip the fuel tank with the knees for
better stability.

Acceleration

When quick acceleration is neces­sary to pass another vehicle, shift to
a lower gear to obtain the necessary
power.

Downshifting

To avoid engine damage and rear

-wheel lock-up do not downshift at high
rpm.

Avoid Unnecessary Weaving

Unnecessary weaving jeopardizes
the safet y of b oth the rider an d other
motorists.

Additional Considerations for
High Speed Operation

WARNING

Handling characteristics of a
motorcycleathighspeedsmay
vary from those you are fam iliar
with at legal highway speeds.
Do not attempt high speed oper­ation unless you have received
sufficient training and have the
required skills.
Do not operate at high speeds on
public roads.

Brakes

The importance of the brakes, es­pecially during high speed operation,
cannot be overemphasized. Check to

SAFETY INFORM ATION 19

see that they are correctly adjusted and
functioning properly.

Steering

Looseness in the steering can cause
loss of control. Check to see that the
handlebar turns freely but has no play.

Tires

High speed operation is hard on tires,
and good tires are crucial for safe rid­ing. Examine their overall condition, in­flate them to the proper pressure, and
check the wheel balance.

Fuel

Have sufficient fuel for the high fuel
consumption during high speed opera­tion.

Engine Oil

To avoid engine seizure and resulting
loss of control, make sure that the oil
level is at the upper level line.

Coolant

To avoid overheating, check that the
coolant level is at the upper level line.

Electrical Equipment

Make sure that the headlight,
tail/brake light, turn signals, horn, etc.,
all work properly.

Miscellaneous

Make sure that all nuts and bolts are
tight and that all safety related parts are
in good condition.

20 GENERAL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

Specifications

NS

ength

Width

Height

arance

CE

29.0 kW (39

27.0 N·m (

2.4m(94i

2015mm(7

715 mm (2

1110mm(

1405mm(

140 mm (5

173 kg (381 lb, for models equipped with GPS)

(EX300B) 174 kg (3 84 lb)

175 kg (386 lb, for models equipped with GPS)

PERFORMAN

Maximum Horsepower

Maximum Torque

Minimum Turning Radius

DIMENSIO

Overall L

Overall

Overall

Wheelbase

Road Cle

Curb Mass (EX300A) 172 kg (379 lb)

PS) @11 000 r/min (rpm)

2.8 kgf·m, 20 ft·lb) @10 000 r/min (rpm)

n.)

9.33 in.)

8.1 in.)

43.70 in.)

55.31 in.)

.51 in.)

GENERAL INFORMATION 21

ENGINE

Type DOHC, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled

Displacement 296 cm³ (18.1 cu in.)

Bore × Stroke 62.0 × 49.0 mm (2.44 × 1.93 in.)

Compression Ratio 10.6 : 1

Starting System Electric starter

Cylinder Numbering Method Left to right, 1-2

Firing Order 1-2

Fuel System FI (Fuel Injection)

Ignition System Battery and coil (transistorized ignition)

on Timing

Igniti
(Electronically advanced)

Spark Plug:

Type

10° BTDC @1 300 r/min (rpm) ∼ 31° BTDC @7 000
r/min (rpm)

NGK CR8E

Gap 0.7 ∼ 0.8 mm (0.028 ∼ 0.031 in.)

Lubrication System Forced lubrication (wet sump)

22 GENERAL INFORMATION

Engine Oil: Type API SG, SH, SJ, SL, or SM with JASO MA, MA1 or MA2

Viscosity SAE 10W-40

Capacity 2.4 L (2.5 US qt)

Coolant Capaci ty 1.5 L (1.6 US qt)

TRANSMISSION

Transmission Type 6-speed, constant mesh, return shift

Clutch Type Wet, multi disc

Driving System Chain drive

Primary Reduction Ratio 3.087 (71/23)

Final Reduction Ratio 3.000 (42/14)

Overall Drive Ratio 7.938 (Top gear)

Gear Ratio: 1st 2.714 (38/14)

2nd 1.789 (34/19)

3rd 1.409 (31/22)

4th 1.160 (29/25)

5th 1.000 (27/27)

6th 0.857 (24/28)

FRAME

Caster 27°

Trail 93 mm (3.7 in.)

Tire Size: Front 110/70-17M/C 54S

(BR) 110/70R17M/C 54H

Rear 140/70-17M/C 66S

(BR) 140/70R17M/C 66H

Rim Size: Front J17M/C × MT2.75

Rear J17M/C × MT4.00

Fuel Tank Capacity 17 L (4.5 US gal)

Brake Fluid: Front DOT3 or 4

Rear DOT4

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Battery 12 V 8 Ah (10 HR)

Headlight: High Beam 12 V 55 W + 55 W

Low Beam 12 V 55 W

Brake/Tail Light 12 V 21/5 W

GENERAL INFORMATION 23

24 GENERAL INFORMATION

BR: Brazil model

Specifications are subject to change without notice, and may not apply to every
country.

GENERAL INFORMATION 25

Serial Number Locations

The engine and frame serial numbers are used to register the motorcycle. They
are the only means of identifying your particular machine from others of the same
model type. These serial numbers may be needed by your dealer when ordering
parts. In the event of theft, the investigating authorities will require both numbers
as well as the model type and any peculiar features of your machine that can help
them identify it.

Engine No.

A. Engine Number

Frame No.

A. Frame Number

26 GENERAL INFORMATION

Location of Labels

All warning labels which are on your
vehicle are repeated here. Read labels
on your vehicle and understand them
thoroughly. They contain information
which is important for your safety and
the safety of anyone else who may op­erate your vehicle. Therefore, it is very
important tha t all warning labels be on
your vehicle in the locations shown. If
any label is missing, damaged, or worn,
get a replacement from your Kawasaki
dealer and install it in the correct posi­tion.

NOTE

The sample warning labels in this

○

section have part numbers to help

you and your dealer obtain the cor­rect replacement.
Refer to the actual vehicle label for

○

model specific data grayed out in the
illustration.

1. Brake Fluid (Front)

GENERAL INFORMATION 27

2. Brake Fluid (Rear)

3. Battery Poison/Dange r

4. Rear Shock Ab sorber Warning

28 GENERAL INFORMATION

5. Radiator Cap Danger

6. Important Drive Chain Information

7. Tire and Load Data

*8. Stationary Noise Test Information

**9. Vehicle Emission Control Information

*: Only on Australia model

**: Only on Colombia model

GENERAL INFORMATION 29

*** 10. Fuel Level

****** 11. Unleaded Gasoline

**** 12. Unleaded Gasoline

***** 13. Helmet Wearing

*** 14. Vacuum Hose Routing Diagram

***: Only on Southeast Asia B1 model

****: Only on Ind ia and Southeast Asia B1

models

*****: Only on Thailand model

******: Only on Southeast Asia B3 model