New CFMoto 300NK vs Used Kawasaki Ninja 650

Should you go for a new CFMoto 300NK or get yourself a used Kawasaki Ninja 650 for the same price? We help answer the question

CFMoto is the newest entrant to the Indian two-wheeler scene and along with their 650cc bike range, they have also launched the 300NK at Rs 2.29 (ex-showroom, Delhi). With road taxes and insurance, the on-road price goes to around Rs 2.6 lakh. For that price, you can get a used Kawasaki Ninja 650 which is available for as low as Rs 2.2 lakh. You can also get the second-generation MY 2014 Kawasaki Ninja 650 for around Rs 2.6 lakh. 

So, this is a question of whether you should go for a brand new but less powerful bike, or pay the same amount for a pre-owned but way larger bike? Here’s a closer look at both bikes to help you make an informed decision.

Also read: 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650: Road Test

The Ninja 650 has twice the engine capacity, twice the number of cylinders and makes more than twice the power of the 300NK. Its torquey powerplant makes almost three times the torque of the smaller 300NK. The Ninja 650 can take you north of 100kmph in double quick time and north of 200kmph with ease. It also offers an overall tested fuel efficiency of 33kmpl, which is quite good for a bike of this capacity. While the CFMoto puts out less power, its lighter kerb weight should make it quick in the city. We haven't tested the bike yet but expect it to be more fuel-efficient than the Ninja 650. 

When it comes to handling, the 300NK could be more agile in corners and easier to ride in the city due to its compact dimensions and lighter weight of 151kg. In comparison, the Ninja 650 weighs a hefty 211kg. The previous generation Ninja 650’s were not known for their handling prowess. They were great tourers, though, thanks to the tall windscreen, upright riding position and comfortable seat. The biggest disappointment will be the lack of ABS on the Ninja 650. So you will need a bit of skill and luck to get the hefty Ninja to stop in time in tricky situations. 

It is in terms of features that the Kawasaki Ninja 650 shows its age. The CFMoto 300NK gets LED headlamps, tail lamps and turn indicators. It also gets a full-colour TFT instrument console with a swappable interface. In comparison, the Ninja 650 gets a twin headlamp setup with halogen bulbs that do emit a long enough beam spread. You also get an LED tail lamp and instead of the TFT instrument console, you have a large semi-digital instrument console. 

Kawasaki also has a better dealership network than CFMoto currently has, which means servicing a used Ninja 650 should be easy. However, given the fact that the current generation Kawasaki Ninja 650 shares very little with the previous generation Ninja 650, expect spares to be on the expensive side. CFMoto will be getting their bikes to India via the CKD route so while spares are expected to be priced at a premium, we expect them to be more affordable than those of the Ninja 650. Also given the fact that the 300NK is a new bike, it comes with a two-year warranty and also gets free road-side assistance. 

We expect the CFMoto 300NK to be an easy-to-ride motorcycle and well-suited for city riding. However, if you have more experience under your belt and want a larger bike to tour across the country, the Ninja 650 will serve you better.