Versys -X 300
Looking for a full-on adventure bike at a bargin basement price?
Kawasaki Motors Corp.
Well Equipped
The Versys-X offers up full sized adventure bike styling, the Ninja 300’s peppy little motor with 40 hp, 19 ft/lb of torque, 6 speeds, 3.7 gallons of fuel, 416 lbs wet weight, a comfortable upright seating position, modest weight, reasonable seat height, and a set of spoked wheels, that let you know of it’s off road intentions and has a non-adjustable windscreen to boot.
Other nice features include a slipper assist clutch, down draft radiator fan, and a digital hybrid dash with an easy to read tachometer front and center.
The smallest Versys is a full-on adventure bike, capable of everything from your daily commute to a coast to coast adventure. Of course your big bike buddies might pull away from you from time to time, or maybe every time. But at this price you’re having almost as much fun for a fraction of the cost. And if you happen to drop this bike, you won’t need two friends to help you pick it up. Would be awkward, wouldn’t you say, especially at a stop light?
Kawasaki Motors Corp.
ADV Chops?
Happily, the baby Versys feels better venturing off road than it’s brethren, thanks to the tall bars, decent footpegs, and better seating and standing positions. Be advised however, that moving from seated to standing repeatedly, as off road often demands, will make you want a taller seat. Thankfully Kawasaki and others, have options for that.
In fact, building out your X 300 to a full-on ADV bike is easy thanks to the factory accessory catalogue. Although aftermarket goodies are easy to find, it’s nice to know you can opt to have your favorite dealer install factory parts before you take delivery of your new scoot. In the catalogue you’ll find Kawasaki has lights, engine guards, luggage, taller seating, hand guards and a center stand. When you’re done you’ll have everything you need for long happy days in the saddle.
Kawasaki Motors Corp.
What’s the catch?
Power to weight is only 0.1049 which is enough to reach highway speeds, but just enough. Passing vehicles on the highway takes planing and time. Sure you can mess with the size of sprockets to gain more top speed by giving up acceleration, or vice versa. This bike is much happier on the two lane roads in the countryside.
Pull up your MyDrive app, or whatever you use to plot your trips, and ask it to give you the twisty route with no interstate highways….Done! The sights, the smells, the 55 mph speed limit, before you know it you’re lost in the moment and you feel like you are riding a much bigger bike. Well, at least I did anyways.
What’s the Future hold?
This one is obvious, with the Ninja 400 and Z400 in Kawasaki’s line up, it’s hard not to see a Versys-X 400 on the horizon. Time will tell.
Ride On.
Versys X 300 Specifications
Price $5,899 ($6,199 ABS)
Engine 296cc 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled, with slipper clutch
Horsepower 40 bhp @ 11,500 rpm
Max Torque 19.2 lb ft @ 10,000 rpm
Power to Weight Ratio 0.1049
Gearbox 6-speed
Fuel capacity 17 L / 3.7 US Gal
Seat height 815 mm / 32.1 inches
Wet weight 189 kg / 416.7 lb
Ground Clearance 7.1 in
Seat Height 32.1 in
Curb Weight 381.5 lb ( ABS 385.9 lb)
Fuel Capacity 4.5 gal
Wheelbase 57.1 in
Front Suspension Telescopic fork/5.1 in
Rear Suspension Uni-Trak® swingarm with 5-way spring preload adjustment/5.8 in
Front Tire 100/90-19
Rear Tire 130/80-17
Front Brakes Single 290mm disc (and ABS)
Rear Brakes Single 220mm disc (and ABS)
