Kawasaki Ninja 300 vs Benelli 302R: Real World Performance Compared
Confused between the two sub-400cc, fully-faired, parallel-twin motorcycles? We compare them to find out which could be your ideal daily driver
Confused between the two sub-400cc, fully-faired, parallel-twin motorcycles? We compare them to find out which could be your ideal daily driver
There’s a lot in common between the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the Benelli 302R than you might think. Both pack an almost-300cc parallel twin engine. Both make an identical amounts of power (Ninja - 39PS, 302R - 38.7PS). Both motorcycles are now around Rs 60,000 cheaper than before! (Ninja - 2.98 lakh, 302R - 3.10 lakh). So, what will you be better off with when it comes to handling your daily commuter duties? We compare the numbers to find out.
Acceleration:
|
Kawasaki Ninja 300 |
Benelli 302R |
|
|
Engine |
296cc, parallel-twin |
300cc, parallel-twin |
|
Power |
39PS |
38PS |
|
Torque |
27Nm |
27.4Nm |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
6-speed |
|
Kawasaki Ninja 300 |
Benelli 302R |
|
|
0-60kmph |
3.36 seconds |
4 seconds |
|
0-100kmph |
7.17 seconds |
9.2 seconds |
While both may churn out the same amount of power and torque figures, it is the Ninja 300 which is quickest of the two. It is quicker by almost half a second during 0-60kmph darts. Things get worse for the Benelli in the 0-100kmph run as the Ninja leads by two whole seconds! The majority of the blame falls on the 302R’s mammoth kerb weight of 198kg, making it 19kg heavier than the Ninja! Also, the engine on the Benelli is lazy, which means it takes a long time to rev up and go fast.
Roll-ons:
|
Kawasaki Ninja 300 |
Benelli 302R |
|
|
30kmph-70kmph in 3rd gear |
4.13 seconds |
4.88 seconds |
|
40kmph-80kmph in 4th gear |
5.05 seconds |
5.62 seconds |
Again, the Benelli’s weight works against it. The Ninja is 0.75 seconds and 0.57 seconds faster than the 302R during 30-70kmph and 40-80kmph roll-ons, respectively. Hence, overtaking manoeuvres are comparatively quicker on the Ninja than the 302R.
Braking:
|
Kawasaki Ninja 300 |
Benelli 302R |
|
|
80kmph-0 |
37.79m |
35.08m |
|
60kmph-0 |
20.91m |
19.18m |
Both bikes come with dual-channel ABS as standard. The Benelli makes the most of its dual 260mm front and 240mm rear disc by stopping 2.71m before the Ninja during our 80kmph-to-zero brake test. The Ninja, on the other hand, gets a bigger single disc at the front at 290mm and a 220mm one at the rear, but fails to come close to the Benelli during both 80kmph-to-zero and 60kmph-to-zero tests. The 302R wins this round. In terms of braking prowess, the new Endurance brakes on the Ninja offer better feel as well as progressiveness.
Fuel Efficiency:
|
Kawasaki Ninja 300 |
Benelli 302R |
|
|
City |
32.1kmpl |
28.11kmpl |
|
Highway |
31.10kmpl |
31.52kmpl |
Coming to the most important question here - kitna deti hain? Well, if your commute involves hitting the highway quite often, both motorcycles will give you a similar range of numbers. But we feel it is the Ninja 300 you should be on with its almost-vibe-free engine and a generous 17-litre fuel tank. It is the same case in the city as well. With Kawasaki's superior heat management system and an impressive mileage of 32.1kmpl, it is again the Ninja 300 we would place our bets on.
Kawasaki Ninja 300 User Reviews
It is a fantastic bike. Dual engines. Aesthetically pleasing. Smooth driving and cruising experience. Authentic servicing and maintenance could be a little challenging given the limited number of Kawasaki stores. It offers 25-30 KMPL mileage in the city, and over 30 on highways. The fuel tank capacity is also huge at 17 liters of petrol. Amazing control of the driver on bike even at top-notch speeds. Read More
Been using it for almost 5 years now and never had it left me on the road stranding. The bike is a superstar with almost 26-30 mileage, it is just an unbeatable combination of power and efficiency. Cornering is so much fun after I upgraded the three and barely I was ever unsatisfied with the looks and styling its got.Read More
I chose Ninja 300 for its performance, strong top-end power as I was about passionate about riding. Its good beginner- friendly and revs without being jerky. Has comfortable ergonomics and is a balanced bike with reliability. So far engine was smooth and linear. Sporty but not aggressive and power is usable for city and highways. Longer rider are somewhat comfortable and is stable. Display and techs are basic and is slightly heavy. Braking could be sharper to some extent. Yes, I would recommend Ninja 300 for smooth, reliable and well-balanced to ride easily and still have fun on rides. It tend to have better performance but lacks some basic features which other bikes in the same segment offer.Read More
I choose this bike mainly because of its smooth engine and highway comfort. It feels very stable at high speed and gives confidence while riding. Looks are sporty and premium which I liked. In city suspension feels little stiff but I was ok with that compromise. Ride experience is mostly positive. On highways it feels planted and smooth even at higher speed. Handling is very good and cornering feels safe. Mileage is decent not too low not too high. In city traffic and bad roads you feel bumps little more. Yes I will recommend this bike to people who love riding on highways and enjoy sporty riding style. It is not for someone who want soft suspension or only daily city use. Buy it if you want performance and feel, avoid if mileage is main concern.Read More
Kawasaki Ninja 300 mere liye sirf ek sport bike nahi balki speed control aur confidence ka perfect combination hai aur pehli ride se hi ye bike feel karwa deti hai ki Kawasaki ka name kyu itna interested hai iska 296CC parallel twin engine smooth aur refined hai aur traffic mein bike bilkul manageable r3ehti hai aur highway par jate hi iska real character bahar aa jata hai acceleration linear hai isliye beginner riders bhi bina dare iski power enjoy kar sakte hai Kawasaki Ninja 300 ka design bilkul race inspired hai sharp fairing aggressive stance aur premium paint finish isse road par sabse alag banate hai aur ye bike chalate waqt nahi balki iske sath khade hone par bhi attention attract karti hai Kawasaki Ninja is the best bike for my lifeRead More