EICMA 2013: 2014 Kawasaki J300 Scooter Debuts at EICMA

At the 2013 EICMA show, Kawasaki revealed more details about the new J300, the brand’s first scooter designed for European markets.

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Developed with Taiwanese manufacturer Kymco, the J300 scooter is powered by a 299cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, likely the same motor equipped on the Kymco Downtown 300i which claims an output of 29.5 hp and 18.1 ft-lb.

The J300 may have some Kymco DNA but there are some distinct features that mark it as a Kawasaki. The aggressive fairing and headlight design borrow elements from Kawasaki’s Ninja sportbikes while LED turn signals are embedded into the body panels. Meanwhile the LED taillight design is inspired by Kawasaki’s Z models.

A 37mm telescopic fork and five-setting preload-adjustable twin rear shocks perform suspension duties. Kawasaki says the suspension are tuned for sporty riding. The footpads are specially designed to allow for higher lean angles than other similar scooters, and they also feature convenient cutouts so riders can put their legs down without having to stick their legs out too much.

The 14-inch front wheel is stopped by two-piston calipers gripping a 260mm disc while a two-piston caliper with 240mm disc slows the 13-inch rear wheel. ABS is available as an option.

The underseat storage area is automatically lit and is large enough for a full-faced helmet and a small briefcase while additional storage can be found in a sealed glovebox which holds a 12V outlet.

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Other features include dual analog dials, an LCD multi-function display, thick two-tiered seat and adjustable brake levers.

[Source: Kawasaki]

By Dennis Chung