Kawasaki Ninja 300 — OEM Fluid, Tire Pressure & Maintenance Specs
296cc Liquid-Cooled Parallel-Twin DOHC 8-Valve (F.C.C. Assist & Slipper Clutch) · Source: Kawasaki Ninja 300 (2013–2017) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications
According to the Kawasaki Ninja 300 (2013–2017) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications, the 2013–2017 Kawasaki Ninja 300 (chassis EX300A/EX300B) requires 2 L (2.11 US qt) of SAE 10W-40 (JASO MA2, API SG/SJ/SL) engine oil for a drain-only change and 2.2 L (2.32 US qt) with filter service (16097-0008 / HF303). Standard solo cold tire pressure is 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI front (110/70-17 M/C 54S) and 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI rear (140/70-17 M/C 66S), paired with 2× NGK CR8E spark plug(s) and a YTX9-BS battery.
Drain only: 2 L (2.11 US qt)
R 225 kPa (2.25 bar)
Est. Range: ~425 km (264 mi)
1. Engine Lubrication, Filter & Clutch Specifications
| Clutch Architecture | Wet Multi-Plate Manual Clutch NEVER use JASO MB |
|---|---|
| Recommended Viscosity & Grade | SAE 10W-40 (Alt: SAE 10W-50) · JASO MA2 · API SG/SJ/SL |
| Oil Volume (Drain / With Filter / Overhaul) |
• Drain only: 2 L (2.11 US qt) • With filter/strainer: 2.2 L (2.32 US qt) • Complete dry overhaul: 2.4 L (2.54 US qt) |
| OEM Oil Filter Code & Type | 16097-0008 / HF303 |
| Correct Oil Level Check Method | Hold bike upright on level ground 3–5 min after warm shutdown; read crankcase sight glass |
| Oil Drain Bolt Torque | 20 N·m (14.8 lb-ft / 2.04 kgf·m) — Use fresh crush washer |
2. Cold Tire Pressures, Wheels, Ignition & Drivetrain
| Front / Rear OEM Tire Sizes | Front: 110/70-17 M/C 54S · Rear: 140/70-17 M/C 66S (Tubeless) |
|---|---|
| Cold Tire Pressure — Solo Riding |
Front: 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI Rear: 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI |
| Cold Tire Pressure — 2-Up / Loaded Touring |
Front: 200 kPa / 2.00 bar / 29 PSI Rear: 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI |
| OEM Spark Plug & Quantity | NGK CR8E × 2 (Gap: 0.8–0.9 mm) |
| OEM Battery Code & Rating | YTX9-BS (12V 8.0Ah MF AGM) |
| Final Drive Maintenance | 520 Sealed O/X-Ring Chain — Maintain 25–35 mm slack and lube every 800–1,000 km |
| Brake Fluid & Coolant | DOT 4 · Silicate-free ethylene-glycol OAT coolant for aluminum radiators (50:50 premix) |
3. Ergonomics, Range & Scheduled Service Intervals
| Displacement · Max Power · Peak Torque | 296 cc · 39 hp @ 11,000 rpm · 27 N·m (19.9 lb-ft) @ 10,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Seat Height & Wet Curb Weight | 785 mm (30.9 in) · 174 kg (384 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank & Est. Real-World Range | 17 L (4.5 US gal) · ~25 km/L → ~425 km (264 mi) |
| OEM Scheduled Maintenance Intervals |
• First Break-In: 1,000 km • Engine Oil / Filter: 12,000 km / 12,000 km • Air Filter / Spark Plug: 18,000 km / 12,000 km • Valve Clearance Check: 24,000 km |
4. Generation Cutoffs & Real-World Wrenching Gotchas
Model-Year & Chassis Generation Notes
Introduced in 2013 (EX300A/B) with dual-throttle-valve EFI and an F.C.C. slipper clutch, succeeding the EX250J before giving way to the trellis-framed Ninja 400 in 2018.
Oil & Clutch Mechanical Engineering Note
Unlike the newer EX400/500 block (2.0 L), the EX300 sump takes 2.2 L with external spin-on filter HF303 and specifies a lighter 20 N·m drain bolt torque.
Garage Wrenching Gotchas
- The cast-aluminum oil pan strips easily if tightened like larger Kawasaki twins; always fit a fresh crush washer and torque the drain plug strictly to 20 N·m.
- Early EX250/300 heads check valve lash at 12,000 km; always verify whether your head uses shim-under-bucket tappets and seat the rubber valve cover gasket evenly.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What oil volume, JASO grade, and oil filter code does the Kawasaki Ninja 300 (2013–2017) require?
Because its wet multi-plate clutch shares engine oil with the gearbox, run SAE 10W-40 (JASO MA2) at 2 L (2.11 US qt) drain-only and 2.2 L (2.32 US qt) with filter (16097-0008 / HF303).
How do you accurately check the oil level on the Ninja 300, and what are its service intervals?
Hold the motorcycle dead-vertical on level ground 2–3 minutes after warm shutdown and verify the oil sits mid-way between the Upper and Lower marks in the crankcase sight glass—never on the sidestand. Torque the drain plug to 20 N·m with a new crush washer. Factory oil change intervals are every 12,000 km, with valve clearance inspection every 24,000 km.
What are the cold tire pressures, puncture repair type, seat height, and range of the Ninja 300?
Fitted with 110/70-17 M/C 54S front and 140/70-17 M/C 66S rear tubeless rims (compatible with roadside plug kits), set cold tire pressures to 29 / 33 PSI (200/225 kPa) solo or 29 / 33 PSI loaded. Seat height is 785 mm (30.9 in) at 174 kg wet weight, delivering ~425 km per 17 L tank.