Ninja 300 (EX300, 2012-2018): what changes by year
Only what our guide ties to model years: the versions, recalls and faults that name years. It's not a ranking of years.
ABS valve contamination (recall REC-000752, 2012-2013 bikes)
Australian recall REC-000752 (13 August 2013) covered 2012-2013 Ninja 300s: a foreign particle could be trapped in the ABS unit's inlet or outlet valve, so the ABS might not work and a wheel could lock under hard braking.
REC-000752 (Kawasaki campaign DAE691A): Ninja 300 and Z800, 2012-2013. A foreign particle may be trapped in the ABS unit's inlet or outlet valve, so the ABS may not work and a wheel can lock under braking.
Fix: Dealer inspection of the ABS unit, repaired if necessary. Ask for proof the recall work was done.
REC-000753 (Kawasaki campaign DAE880A): Ninja 300 ABS and Special Edition, 2012-2013. An incorrect ECU setting can make the engine stall unexpectedly.
Fix: Dealer ECU update. Ask for proof the recall work was done.
Most faults in the guide depend on mileage and how a bike was kept, not its model year; those are in the full guide and the checklist.