BikeWale and Autocar India report that Kawasaki launched the Z300 in India at ₹3,24,000 ex-showroom on 21 Oct 2026. The new entry-level Z-line motorcycle uses a 296cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, but buyers should treat the launch price as a starting point rather than the final on-road cost.
Key takeaways
- Reported price: ₹3,24,000 ex-showroom India on 21 Oct 2026, as reported independently by BikeWale and Autocar India.
- Engine and gearbox: The Z300 uses a 296cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine with a six-speed gearbox.
- Safety equipment: Both launch reports list dual-channel ABS; the motorcycle is positioned as the entry point to Kawasaki's Z family in India.
- Specification caution: BikeWale reports 39.4 bhp and 26.3 Nm, while Autocar India reports 39 hp and 26.1 Nm. The small difference should not be treated as a confirmed performance advantage.
- Buyer angle: Registration, road tax, insurance, accessories and dealer-level charges will determine the amount payable in each city.
What the Kawasaki Z300 launch reports confirm
The two 21 Oct 2026 reports agree on the core launch facts: the Z300 is priced at ₹3.24 lakh ex-showroom, is based on the Ninja 300 platform, and is now the most accessible motorcycle in Kawasaki's Indian Z range. They also describe a street-naked layout rather than a fully faired sportbike, with an upright handlebar and styling cues drawn from the larger Z900.
This is a material update to the earlier Z300 reveal and booking timeline coverage, which was published before the reported price and final launch details.
296cc parallel-twin engine and six-speed gearbox
The 296cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin is the motorcycle's main point of difference in a segment where several rivals use single-cylinder engines. BikeWale gives the Z300's output as 39.4 bhp at 11,000 rpm and 26.3 Nm at 10,000 rpm. Autocar India reports 39 hp at 11,000 rpm and 26.1 Nm at 10,000 rpm. Since the figures come from two same-day launch reports and do not match exactly, the useful conclusion is that the Z300 brings a roughly 39-hp-class twin-cylinder engine; an official technical sheet or independent test should settle the final specification.
Both reports list a six-speed gearbox. That gives the motorcycle a broader spread of ratios than a smaller commuter-oriented bike, but the launch coverage does not establish a specific highway fuel-economy or cruising benefit. The transmission should therefore be treated as a configuration detail, not a promise of lower running costs.
Braking, display and colour choices
Dual-channel ABS is listed in both reports, which is relevant for riders who split their time between city traffic and open roads. The motorcycle also gets a reverse LCD instrument cluster, while the launch coverage describes two colour choices. The details add equipment appeal, but a buyer still needs to confirm the exact display functions, connected features, availability and delivery timeline with a Kawasaki dealer in the relevant city.
Why the ex-showroom price is only the first number
₹3.24 lakh is an ex-showroom figure, so it does not by itself state the registration cost, road tax, insurance premium, accessories or any dealer documentation charges. These items vary by state and buyer profile. The right comparison is therefore a written on-road breakup, not a headline price copied from a launch report.
Autocar India places the Z300 against motorcycles such as the KTM 390 Duke and TVS Apache RTR 310. That comparison is about the segment and riding proposition, not a claim that the three motorcycles offer identical equipment or performance. The Z300's twin-cylinder layout may appeal to riders who value engine character and refinement, while other buyers may place greater weight on electronics, kerb weight, suspension hardware, service reach or the total on-road price.
Fuel and trip-cost checks for prospective owners
The launch reports do not provide a new independently verified mileage figure. Fuel spending will depend on actual economy, riding style, distance and the pump rate on the day. A rider can estimate a regular commute with the fuel cost calculator and check current rates through the live fuel prices page instead of using an undated assumption.
For weekend use, the ownership question is broader than fuel. Distance, route choice and tolls can change the cost of a ride, so the road-trip planner can help build a route-level estimate. Nothing in the launch reports supports a specific fuel saving from the six-speed gearbox or the twin-cylinder engine, so such a saving should not be assumed before independent road testing.
What buyers should check before booking
- Ask the dealer for the current city-specific on-road quote and a separate breakup of road tax, registration, insurance and optional accessories.
- Confirm whether the quoted ₹3.24 lakh ex-showroom price applies to the available standard variant and whether the two reported colours are in stock.
- Check the warranty, service interval, roadside-assistance terms and parts availability before comparing the Z300 with other performance motorcycles.
- Use a test ride to assess the riding position, clutch, gearbox, brake feel, display visibility and low-speed balance rather than relying only on the specification list.
- Wait for independent mileage and road-test data before treating the engine layout as proof of a particular running cost or highway advantage.
What to watch next
The next useful updates will be Kawasaki's detailed product information, dealer availability and city-wise on-road pricing, followed by independent testing. For now, the verified development is a reported India launch at ₹3.24 lakh ex-showroom with a 296cc twin-cylinder engine and six-speed gearbox. The final ownership decision depends on the local on-road quote and how the motorcycle performs in real traffic.
