The high-stakes learner market in Australia has shifted up a gear with the introduction of the super-safe Kawasaki Z300 with ABS and a slipper clutch.
The world’s first LAMS (learner-approved motorcycle scheme) street fighter has arrived at $5999 plus on-road costs, which is $200 less than the fully-faired Ninja 300, Australia’s most popular motorcycle.
Not only does it feature the world’s smallest ABS, weighing just 2kg, but another great safety device for novice riders is the assist and slipper clutch. This will make novices look like pros as they quickly shift down gears without having to worry about locking up the rear wheel.
The Kawasaki Z300 ABS comes in metallic “Raw Graystone” and “Candy Flat Blazed Green”.
It uses the same tubular steel chassis, wheels, brakes, suspension and 296cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine as the popular Ninja 300.
However, it has the street-fighting style of its bigger Z brothers and, of course, gets straight bars for an upright riding position.
The Z300 has a kerb weight of 170kg and a flared fuel tank that holds a large 17 litres, which should give it substantial cruising range.
The engine is fitted with a sleeveless, die-cast aluminium cylinder, lightweight coated pistons and dual throttle valves.
Kawasaki claims the sporty LCD instrument panel is visible in all lighting conditions. The comprehensive panel features a speedometer, clock, fuel gauge, dual trip meters, odometer and Economical Riding Indicator to encourage fuel saving.
Meanwhile, Kawasaki Australia spokesman Milo Dokmanovic says the single-cylinder naked Z250 SL will be available in 2015, but not the fully-faired Ninja 250SL.
