A blast from the past2026 kawasaki ninja 300 returns to us marketIt took a little longer than we expected, but Kawasaki has officially announced the return of the Ninja 300 to its U.S. lineup, reintroducing a popular sportbike that countless riders cut their teeth on.We first broke the news of the Ninja 300's imminent return last August, and despite the sportbike arriving in showrooms in Canada last fall, it wasn't officially confirmed until now. We're not sure why it took until June; perhaps Kawasaki was waiting for inventory levels of the Ninja 500 to balance out before revealing a less expensive sportbike.It's not like there was too much work for Kawasaki to do, as the new Ninja 300 is essentially the same bike it was in 2017, when it was last a part of Kawasaki's lineup. In 2018, the Ninja 300 was replaced by the Ninja 400, which ended its run in 2024 with the debut of the Ninja 500.2026 kawasaki ninja 300 returns to us marketMeanwhile, the Ninja 300 lived on in some markets, like India, where it is now produced. With its small-displacement model pushing closer and closer to the mid-sized segment, Kawasaki saw room for the Ninja 300 to make its return.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe engine remains the familiar 296cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin that was employed in 2017, and its claimed performance figures of 38.9 hp at 10,000 rpm and 19.3 lb-ft. at 10,000 rpm are about the same as they were nearly a decade ago.2026 kawasaki ninja 300 returns to us marketThe chassis is also unchanged, with a steel-tube diamond frame with vibration-absorbing rubber on the front engine mounts. The front wheel is supported by a 37mm telescopic fork, while the preload-adjustable rear shock uses Kawasaki's Uni-Track linkages-equipped system. The braking system is also familiar, with a single dual-piston caliper and 290mm disc up front, and a 220mm disc with a two-piston caliper for the rear.The biggest update here is that ABS is now offered as standard equipment. The only other changes from the previous Ninja 300 are a larger windscreen and updating lighting.2026 kawasaki ninja 300 returns to us marketThe good news is, despite spiraling inflation from the last decade, the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 300 has a starting price of $4,999, the exact same price as the 2017 Ninja 300 - which didn't come with ABS standard. The bad news: the Ninja 500 still exists, and it starts at $5,399 ($5,799 with ABS). If you don't care for ABS, the $400 price difference might not be enough to sway you towards the smaller engine. The Ninja 300 should be in showrooms now, in Pearl Blizzard White.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you prefer a naked bike over a sportbike however, you might want to consider waiting a few more months, as we can confirm the Z300 is also returning, after receiving California Air Resources Board certification for the 2027 model year.2026 Kawasaki Ninja 300 ABS SpecificationsMSRP$4,999Engine4-stroke, Parallel Twin, DOHC, liquid-cooledDisplacement296ccBore x Stroke62.0 x 49.0mmCompression Ratio10.6:1Maximum Horsepower38.9 hp at 11,000 rpm (claimed)Maximum Torque19.3 lb-ft. at 10,000 rpm (claimed)Fuel SystemDFI with 32mm throttle bodiesIgnitionTCBI with Digital AdvanceTransmission6-speed, return shiftFinal DriveSealed chainElectronic Rider AidsAnti-lock Brake System (ABS)FrameDiamond, high-tensile steelFront Suspension37mm telescopic fork, 4.7 inches of wheel travelRear SuspensionUni-Trak swingarm with gas-charged shock and adjustable preload, 5.2 inches of travelFront Tire110/70-17Rear Tire140/70-17Front BrakesSingle 290mm disc with dual-piston caliper and ABSRear BrakesSingle 220mm disc with dual-piston caliper and ABSRake/Trail27.0°/3.7 inchesWheelbase55.3 inchesOverall Length79.3 inchesOverall Width28.1 inchesOverall Height45.7 inchesGround Clearance5.5 inchesSeat Height30.9 inchesCurb Weight388.1 pounds (claimed)Fuel Capacity4.5 gallonsColor ChoicesPearl Blizzard White2026 Kawasaki Ninja 300 ABS First Look Gallery2026 Kawasaki Ninja 300 ABS First Look GalleryView Gallery17 photosCredit: Photos by Kawasaki.Become a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter here.