KAWASAKI J300 (2014 - on) Review

MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)

Owners' rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)

Highlights

Highly capable commuter-scooter
Surprisingly engaging to ride
Practical and cheap to run

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£160
Power:	27 bhp
Seat height:	Low (30.5 in / 775 mm)
Weight:	Medium (421 lbs / 191 kg)

Prices

New £4,499

Used £2,600 - £3,500

View bikes for sale

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The J300 is an excellent entry into the competitive scooter market and shows the firm is really serious about the market. It's sits perfectly between lighter 125cc scooters and much larger and heavier maxi scoots, combining a good spread of power with good, easy handling.

Isn't the Kawasaki J300 just a Kymco?

Well, yes and no. According to Kawasaki ‘the core drive train and additional chassis elements were provided by strategic vehicle partner, Kymco and the development, styling and final product engineering approach was conducted exclusively by Kawasaki’s European R&D Department’.

In effect it is a Kymco Downtown 300i (which was cheaper than the J300), a capable little machine which has been given a Kawasaki overhaul. As well as a cosmetic job, the J300 gets a new rear suspension, revamped ECU for more mid-range power, a comfier seat, different brake calipers, redesigned screen, better lights, footboards and heel pads. Its core is a Kymco, but the J300 is very much a Kawasaki.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

4 out of 5 (4/5)

As you'd expect from a scooter the ride is plush without being too soft and at 191kg it's not too heavy to throw around mini roundabouts and between cars. Out on the open road it's surprisingly fun and easy to ride. The saddle is very plush and after a full day of riding was still comfy.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Despite 'only' making 27bhp the 299cc single-cylinder engine in the J300 has plenty of go. It's easy to overtake uphill at 70mph and it'll happily sit at 80mph without any trouble. There's enough punch from the engine to make light work of dicing between cars and getting away from the lights in town.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The J300 is based heavily on the Kymco Downtown 300, a Taiwanese scooter, but the fact Kawasaki are willing to partner with Kymco and put their name on it suggests they're confident with the quality. The scooter feels well made.

Our Kawasaki J300 owners' reviews show a few reliability issues and some corrosion has occured, but overall people are happy with their bikes. One reader said the brakes could be better on his bike.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The ABS version will go on sale in limited numbers for £4,499, which represents fairly decent value in the mid-range scooter market. There are cheaper scooters of a similar capacity available, but few of them have ABS. If ABS isn't a deal breaker there's the SE model priced at £4,149 and the standard model priced at £4,049.

Group test: Kawasaki J300 vs Piaggio X10 Executive vs Honda Forza

Kawasaki may be a late-comer to scootering with its new J300 (it’s the last of the ‘Big Four’ to offer a small-wheeler – and by a long way) but it reckons it compensates for that by bringing something new to the party. To be specific, the firm say its 300cc scooter ‘blends sport, control, comfort and convenience which will appeal to sports-minded riders looking for a daily dose of fun from their commute’.

So perhaps the new mid-sized twist-and-go can bring a little extra excitement to the genre. Until now, 300-class scoots were primarily practical and efficient machines which made perfect sense for the extra-urban commuter. They’re economical, low stress, nimble and come with bags of storage. All are great reasons to own one. The only downside is they can be a little boring so finding one with a perfect blend of function, style and excitement is no mean feat. Which is where the J300 is supposed to come in and is what makes it an important machine for ‘Team Green’.

If what Kawasaki is saying is true, the J300 will be good for work duties and getting a move on. So to find out if it delivers just that we decided to pit it in a series of tests designed to explore commuting, practicality and fun factor, against two competitors at opposite ends of the spectrum: the practical Honda NSS300A Forza and flash Piaggio X10 Executive. This is how it got on.

Despite being late to an already competitive party, the J300 is a quality machine. Kawasaki received a fair amount of help from Taiwanese firm Kymco, but the redesigned and modified scoot looks and feels like a fresh alternative. The bodywork looks sporty and stylish. It comes with nice touches such as a hydraulically-operated seat, faired-in indicators, adjustable levers and a fair amount of wind protection. There’s bags of torque and the 299cc motor packs a good punch. But the budget suspension lets it down, and it’s a shame you can’t fit two lids under the seat like the Honda and Piaggio.

The Forza takes the practicality prize as it’s a £1000 cheaper than the Piaggio and can carry just as much. It’s more economical but loses out on acceleration.

The Piaggio is our favourite. It’s sleek, comfortable, roomy and marries the acceleration of the Kawasaki with the handling of the Honda. Yes, it is £1500 more expensive than the J300, but still takes the win. It’s a luxurious and accomplished scoot. But the J300 shouldn’t feel deflated; yes it could do with more storage space, but Kawasaki has done a brilliant job.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Equipment is fairly basic, offering the usual scooter practicalities. Under the seat there's enough room for a full face helmet and A4-sized briefcase. The seat is held up by a hydraulic arm, while there's also an internal light activated by a light sensor. It's a nice touch but may struggle in the dark since it relies on light to work. There's a lockable glovebox underneath the left handlebar which is big enough for a wallet and phone and includes a 12V socket.

The 2019 Kawasaki J300 is available in two colour options to match the Kawasaki J125. The black and green option remains from the original range, and Khaki and Metallic Moondust has been added.

Specs
Engine size	299cc
Engine type	liquid-cooled four-stroke single cylinder
Frame type	Tubular diamond, steel
Fuel capacity	13 litres
Seat height	775mm
Bike weight	191kg
Front suspension	37mm telescopic fork
Rear suspension	Twin rear shock five-way preload adjust
Front brake	Single 260mm petal disc dual-piston
Rear brake	Single 240mm petal disc dual-piston
Front tyre size	120/80-14 M/C 58S
Rear tyre size	150/70-13 M/C 64S

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	59 mpg
Annual road tax	£55
Annual service cost	£160
New price	£4,499
Used price	£2,600 - £3,500
Insurance group	- How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	27 bhp
Max torque	21 ft-lb
Top speed	90 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	-
Tank range	170 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2014: Model introduced

Other versions

Kawasaki J300, available in Metallic Anthracite Black or Metasatin Silver, priced at £4,049.
Kawasaki J300SE, available in Metallic Anthracite Black/Candy Flat Blazed Green, priced at £4,149.

Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI J300 (2014 - on)

8 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI J300 (2014 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your KAWASAKI J300 (2014 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Engine:	4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Value vs rivals:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Equipment:	4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£160

4 out of 5

11 November 2024 by Nigelc63

Year: 2017

Surprisingly rapid for 300cc comfortable heated grips would be a useful addition , suspension can get overwhelmed if you're too enthusiastic into corners and roundabouts , had the rear step out a few times as the rear suspension loaded up. The traffic light grand prix is a hoot get it right and it'll beat anything away from a standstill. you'll always be the scooter boy at the local bike hangout I got bored with it after a couple of years

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Never had a problem with long rides seat comfort was good mostly used it for commuting the brakes were ok

Engine 5 out of 5

Feels like a bigger engine

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

Looks tatty quite quickly use a cover that stops UV or the black plastic fades, the headlight coating on mine started to flake off from strong sunlight, Kawasaki wouldn't fix under warranty as I had cleaned it off. One of the rear shocks sprang a leak and was replaced under warranty , the seat lock was a bit difficult to operate sometimes .

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Only kept the bike for 3 years didn't do enough miles to get to the big service which was quoted at £400

Equipment 3 out of 5

Needs heated grips

5 out of 5

17 June 2024 by Moldwarp

Version: ABS Special Edition

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £30

Surprisingly nippy for a 300cc and it's weight. Top speed and acceleration is more than enough for around town and the motorway, unless you ride like an oik, then again if you do, you won't be buying this bike in the first place. Under seat storage is more than I've had on any bike and I've had quite a few. It developed a couple of spots of rust on the rear shocks but everything else still looks new, even after 8500 miles. My last bike was a YZF600 and on paper the J300 is heavier but in real life it feels a whole lot lighter and is a doddle to ride at any speed. I'm not going to get an adrenalin rush but it's an everyday A to B bike so I didn't expect to. Overall, I'm very pleased with the J300 and have no plans getting anything else.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

A slightly higher screen for motorway speeds would have been nice but the screen it has is perfect for every where else. I can easily ride for half a day without needing a rest and I'm 52yo.

Engine 4 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

This is the easiest bike I've ever owned to service myself, I service every 3000 miles as recommended and the filters, oil etc are cheap. I have no idea why some people are saying the serving costs are so high, unless they're taking it to a dealer.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Great under seat storage and a lot of aftermarket Top Boxes to choose from.

Buying experience: I paid £2999 + £200 delivery from a dealer.

4 out of 5 SC300 AEFA Special Edition

13 May 2024 by Moldwarp

Version: SC300 AEFA Special Edition

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £15

It's pretty nimble for it's size and more than fast enough for the road. It definitely feels lighter than it is but that's because the weight is down low, the only time I feel the weight is when I put it on the centre stand, it's easy to put on but hard for me to get it back off and I'm 13 stone! The under seat storage more than I've ever had and with the Kawasaki top box, I can get a weeks shopping in one go! The only thing I don't like is the speedo which is focused on KMH and not the MPH I'm used to. For an everyday bike, I would definitely recommend it.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

I can easily ride this bike for a few hours without needing a break but riding at motorway speeds could be tiring, a bigger windscreen as standard would have been nice.

Engine 4 out of 5

For it's weight, it's a nippy thing and is more than enough for most occasions.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Build quality is good but I don't believe the one I bought has ever been ridden in the rain.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Since I bought the bike used and out of warranty I do my own servicing every 3000 miles or so, and it's one of the easiest bikes I've ever changed oil and filter on. I couldn't give an exact price for obvious reasons but it's very cheap compared to some of the bikes I've owned.

Equipment 4 out of 5

The LCD dash is small but shows everything I need and it's a blessing to have a petrol gauge!

Buying experience: I bought mine used from a dealer and I paid £2,999.

5 out of 5

16 April 2021 by Aidan Crewe

Version: 2019 ABS version

Year: 2019

A very capable all-around scooter. Great all-year commuter. Ample power for the motorways and A, B-roads. High Kawasaki built standards.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Very comfortable big, wide seat. Low seat. I have travelled 70 miles non-stop, with of motorway and A-roads without any problems. Handles well - set up well by Kawasaki engineers.

Engine 5 out of 5

Stonking engine. 27 bhp feels more. No problems reaching 80 mph in a short space of time.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Built to Kawasaki's high standards. Like all bikes used all-year round, they do require careful and consistent preparation/protection to get through the winter months. That's why I don't understand why some bikers assume all bikes leave the factory super-protected and when fittings, bolts and nuts get coated with grit and grime and corrosion, they get annoyed and call their bike 'crap'.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Oil filter, gear oil and engine oil change every 3000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes sooner. I think this is reasonable as this is a 299cc engine which needs TLC. Servicing costs is low if you do it yourself and it is fairly easy to do your own self-servicing. Total cost per consumables no more than £50 on average.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Very useful underseat storage. A nice compact storage space at front left side with USB charger.

Buying experience: Bought slightly used model from dealer, with less than 5000 miles on the clock

1 out of 5 Don't buy this if you intend to commute year round

30 March 2021 by peter

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £120

I would definitely not recommend this bike to anyone, don't get me wrong this bike is great but and a big but. I brought this to commute to work planning to use all year round. I had upgraded from my Honda PCS 125 also used all year round and from new without a hitch. This bike after 4 months started to rust so on my first service asked if this could be looked at and something done under the warranty. Ha ha, first of all completely fobbed off by the dealer (Preston Superbikes). Then on taking the complaint to Kawasaki again fobbed off with the same excuse. This being the bike had been under chemical attack by that very British thing the wet weather and that nasty stuff salt. So if you don't have a cold water hose pipe to hand when you get to your place of work, then a towel and some water repellent spray and also the time don't bother buying one of these. 4 months old this bike is what a joke.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Great at the minute, again not sure going forward as most of the rust is around the yoke so can see the forks becoming pitted in the near furture

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

The bike is very good in all other aspects apart from it rotting away from beneath me

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

First service 600 miles £120

Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: Buying was straight forward during covid, but if as said by Kawasaki in their manual about the cleaning demands, was printed in the sales brochure, then I would have ran a mile

5 out of 5 3500 miles in the first five weeks.

29 August 2016 by Firestorm916

Version: Special Edition ABS

Year: 2016

Annual servicing cost: £130

Highly recommended. Strong MPG, strong performance. It's not the fastest bike but it will keep up with most things on the A and B roads around where I live. Worst feature?...struggling

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Long journeys?... No problem. I travelled through Holland, Germany, Austria and Czech Republic on mine... I had two days that were 500 mile each. I have never been as comfy on a motorcycle.

Engine 4 out of 5

It's an absolute missile after my Cygnus 125. It is a lovely power delivery, just about right in all ways.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No problems so far... service intervals are short though.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Service intervals are short. 3k miles

Equipment 5 out of 5

ABS came in handy on one occasion...the power outlet was invaluable. Unfamiliar lands and language meant that a sat-nav was more than just useful. The 12v outlet made this easy. The storage under the seat was enough for my tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, wash bag, locks and spare bulbs. A top box mounting plate fits easily onto the flat space between the pillion handles...you simply remove a plastic cover.

Buying experience: Easy, from Colin Appleyards in Keighley. Interest free credit too.

4 out of 5 Great All Rounder

02 June 2016 by Dave B

Version: ABS

Year: 2015

Effortless & practical. My first scooter and I can't fault it. Agile enough in the city but powerful & comfortable enough on the motorways, even two up.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Very smooth & quite torquey for a small capacity. Pretty quiet too.

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

Some corrosion on the fasteners, seat takes a bit of force to engage lock. Other than that all good so far.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5

Charger, centre stand, ABS, under seat storage light etc.

4 out of 5

03 October 2015 by Big D

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £500

The bikes best features has got to be its practicality, comfort and its power (for what it is!) The seat is the comfiest I have ever been on. its a real pleasure to ride with the handlebars positioned perfectly for a very comfortable ride. Mine has a double helmet top box which doesnt look out of place. I can store soooo much especially with the underseat storage. Honestly its quite amazing at what you can carry. The speed of this little 300 engine doesnt seem real. It is so much more then I expected, I lose most bikes on the twistys, and on A roads it sits comfortably around 85mph and can be pushed upto 100 mph!! The worst things on the bike if we are being niggly is the seat latch, the hydraulic rod for holding the seat up and the brakes. The seat has two latches, one either side but mine ever only secures to one. Its not a big issue but it is very common and leaves you feeling like its not as well built as it could be, It has a hydraulic rod to hold the seat up. Its a gimmick, most scooter seats stay up when there at the vertical anyway. With this rod fitted it restricts how high the seat goes up and can be fiddly getting your belongings in and out. I feel I can only describe the brakes as adequate. I had one occasion when I needed to stop FAST, I feel I was let down and had to take the bike on an evasive manoeuvre across some long grass to avoid a head on. Generally the brakes are progressive and enough but for them life changing scary moments they just don't cut it.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Cant fault the ride quality, plush, fast, comfy, handles well, good protection. 5 well deserved stars for this. However let down by the brakes. In an emergency you will have a problem with stopping. In everyday life they fit very well though

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine is perfect. Better even. Overtakes are easy. It pulls so well. I would be more then happy to go touring in this.

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

A brand new bike that hasnt covered 1500 miles and.... The seat only locks onto one of teo latches. It has stalled 3 times on me. On occasions it turns over but wont fire. You have to turn everything off. And then try again. Its not frequent but it does happen. Ocerall Im pleased with everything else but coming from a Honda I notice the little things!

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

The mpg is fantastic for the performance you get. Whilst I was running in I averaged 90 mpg. Now I thrash it around I still get a very reasonable 75-80 mpg. And thats true Mpg from the pump. I do ride mine very hard too. It is however let down by the frequency of servicing. Its recommends serving every 3000 miles or 3 months. Come on Kawasaki we want more then this!

Equipment 4 out of 5

Very good equipment. Centre stand, clocks, 4 trip meters. hazards. More than enough to be honest.