Kawasaki Z300 (2015-2017) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule with associated service intervals for the Kawasaki Z300, sold between 2013 and 2017, after which it was replaced with the Z400 (which is a very different bike, but whose maintenance is quite similar).
This maintenance schedule is similar/essentially identical for the Ninja 300 — the Z300 is the naked version of the Ninja. It’s also the same for the ABS versions.
The Kawasaki Z300 is a motorcycle in the Z sport bike series, at the top of which these days are the Z900 and Z1000. It has a similarly standard position to the Ninja 300, but different styling for those who prefer a more “naked” look, and want less fairings in the way of doing maintenance.
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What you need to service the Kawasaki Z300
| Part | Kawasaki 300 series spec |
|---|---|
| Oil | You need 2.2L (2.3 US qt) of SAE 10W-40 engine oil (manual says mineral, semi-synthetic, and full synthetic are all OK). Motul 5100 is a popular choice.. Don’t over-torque the drain bolt (spec is 30 Nm/22 lb-ft per the manual) — use a torque wrench if you don’t have experience with how much torque is enough. |
| Oil filter | Oil filter is part 16097-0008, or you can use Hiflofiltro HF303RC. Torque for oil filter is 17.5 Nm (12.9 ft-lb) (use a torque wrench, and it’s easier on the K&N one) |
| Chain lubricant | The chain needs to be lubricated every 600 km/400 miles (or more, if it gets wet/dirty). Motul chain paste is cheap and well-loved. |
| Cable lubricant | Remember to lubricate your clutch cable (and brake cables if you have them) with a cable lubricant. Protect All Cable Life is a good general-purpose lubricant. |
| Brake fluid | Spec is to use DOT 4 brake fluid. |
| Coolant | Use 1.5L (about 1.6 US qt) of ethylene glycol pre-mix coolant with a 50% mixture. |
| Front brake pads | Genuine part number for front brake pads is 43082-0081 for Ninja 300/400. Get double-sintered EBC brake pads for better bite and wear — code FA197HH. |
| Rear brake pads | Genuine part number for rear brake pads is 43082-0128 (or same as front… same pads!). Get double-sintered EBC brake pads for better bite and wear — code FA197HH. |
| Spark plugs | NGK CR8E, with a spark plug gap of 0.7-0.8mm (use a spark plug gapping tool), torqued to 13 Nm or 9 ft-lb (use a torque wrench) |
| Air filter | Genuine part number is 11013-0020. You can also use the K&N equivalent KA-2508. |
| Grease | Use a lithium soap-based grease for all the important greasing points. |
Maintenance Schedule for Kawasaki Z300
Below is the maintenance schedule for the Kawasaki Z300.
The following is the list of maintenance operations and to be done on this motorcycle with a time or distance interval — whichever comes earlier.
Maintaining the Z300 isn’t too difficult. Valve service intervals are 12K km (7.6K mi) apart, but luckily, there are only two pistons, in one cylinder block,
Notes on letters used:
- I = Inspect
- R = Replace
- L = Lubricate
- (C) Service more frequently in severe conditions: dusty, wet, muddy, high speed, or frequent starting/stopping
| Item | Year(s) | 1K km (0.6K mi) | 6K km (3.8K mi) | 12K KM (7.6K MI) | 18K KM (11.4K mi) | 24K km (15.2K mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air filter (KA-2508) | R,2 | I | I | |||
| Idle speed | I | I | I | |||
| Throttle control system (play, smooth return, no drag) | I,1 | I | I | I | ||
| Engine vacuum synchronization | I | I | ||||
| Fuel system | I,1 | I | I | I | ||
| Fuel hoses | R,5 | |||||
| Evaporative emission control system (CA model only) | I | I | I | I | I | |
| Coolant level | I | I | I | |||
| Cooling system | I,1 | I | I | I | ||
| Coolant, water hoses, and O-rings | R,3 | R, Every 36K km (22.5K mi) | ||||
| Valve clearance | I | I | ||||
| Air suction system | I | I | ||||
| Clutch operation (play, engagement, disengagement) | I | I | I | |||
| Engine oil (Mobil 1 Synthetic, Motul 7100 etc.) and oil filter (HF303RC) | R,1 | R | R | R | ||
| Tire air pressure | I,1 | I | I | |||
| Wheels and tires | I,1 | I | I | |||
| Wheel bearing damage | I,1 | I | I | |||
| Drive chain lubrication condition (C) (Motul chain paste) | I, Every 600 km (400 mi) | |||||
| Drive chain slack (C) | I, | Every 1000 km (600 mi) | ||||
| Drive chain wear (C) | I | I | ||||
| Drive chain guide wear | I | I | ||||
| Brake system | I,1 | I | I | I | I | I |
| Brake fluid level | I,0.5 | I | I | I | I | I |
| Brake fluid (front and rear) (Castrol DOT 4) | R,2 | R | ||||
| Brake hose | R,4 | |||||
| Rubber parts of brake master cylinder and caliper | R,4 | R, Every 48000 km (30000 mi) | ||||
| Brake pad wear (C) | I | I | I | I | ||
| Brake light switch operation | I | I | I | I | I | |
| Suspension system | I,1 | I | I | |||
| Lubrication of rear suspension | L | |||||
| Steering play | I,1 | I | I | I | ||
| Steering stem bearings | L,2 | I | I | |||
| Spark plugs (CR8E) | R | R | ||||
| Chassis parts | L,1 | L | L | |||
| Condition of bolts, nuts, and fasteners | I | I | I |
Tyre size and tire pressure for the Kawasaki Z300
The Kawasaki Z300 has the following tires and tire sizes standard:
Front:
- Size: 110/70-17 M/C 54S
- Make/Type: IRC, Road Winner RX-01F
Rear:
- Size: 140/70-17 M/C 66S
- Make/Type: IRC, Road Winner RX-01R ZX
The manual for the Kawasaki Ninja 300 manual recommends the following tire pressures (when cold):
- Front: 200 kPa/28 psi
- Rear: 225 kPa/32 psi
General information about the Kawasaki Z300
The Kawasaki Z300 is the naked version of the Kawasaki Ninja 300. Because the Ninja already has quite an upright position, the Z300’s main difference is that it doesn’t have a fairing.
It’s lightweight and agile with a 296cc parallel twin that delivers nearly 40 hp.
Like others in the Ninja and Z series with parallel twin engines, the Z300 has a natural riding position and comfortable ergonomics. This makes it really pleasant to commute with. If you don’t do much road racing or track work, you might think the Z looks more “appropriate”.
It looks great, too, especially in green or Kawasaki racing colors. Or black!
Manual for the Kawasaki Z300
The above maintenance schedule comes directly from the user’s manual for the Kawasaki Z300, which is available here.
