Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS: Detailed Specs and Performance Review

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is the smallest in the Versys range, yet one of the favorite ADV bikes for many riders. The best highlight of this ADV bike is the Kawasaki moniker it carries which ultimately guarantees reliability and authenticity. Considering the engine displacement size, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is for beginner riders and for those who want to start learning light off-roading and adventure touring. This ADV bike also suits you perfectly if you are a vertically-challenged rider thanks to a low seat height of 32.1 inches in the ADV category.

This bike debuted in 2017 and aimed to target the lightweight and small ADV bike market and riders who are looking for an easy-to-maneuver lightweight adventure tourer for versatile use, including city traveling, light off-roading, and long-distance adventure riding. Continue reading this article to learn more about the Kawasaki Versys-X 300, its detailed specs, and its performance review.

For most riders, except the new ones, a 300 cc engine is low-powered and less exciting. If anybody is allowed to swap the smaller displacement engine with a larger one, they will do it quite happily. However, for the majority of riders who are looking for a lightweight entry-level, and affordable motorbike, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a perfect option. On top of being light and highly budget-friendly, what makes this bike exceptional is its versatility and capabilities. There is nothing that the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 cannot do which makes it a complete package for both novice and experienced riders. This motorcycle can do off-roading and on-roading while maintaining comfort and class. This adventure motorcycle is engineered for multipurpose use, including daily commuting, city traveling, highway riding, adventure touring, and adequate off-roading as well. The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a sporty, comfortable, and adventure tourer all at the same time.

Though the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a completely separate entity, it shares a resemblance with the Kawasaki KLR650. The new paint scheme also provides this bike with a similar look that matches the KLR650. Upfront, there is a fixed taller windscreen capable of providing adequate wind protection to riders and enabling a distraction-free riding experience. The side panniers/covers enhance the sporty look of this bike. To keep the price on the lower side, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 comes with a halogen headlamp which almost everybody would want to replace with LED lights. You can install a crash protection cage that covers the side covers and front end available in the accessory catalog. If you find the front halogen bulb inadequate, you can also buy two auxiliary fog lights that fit on the crash protection cage. There are also frame sliders available to protect your bike from getting scratches and dents in case it drops.

There is a single-piece step-up saddle installed which ensures a low seat height in the ADV tourer category. The grab rails and a luggage rack at the rear end also add to the overall usefulness of this ADV touring bike. To complement the overall look of this bike, it comes with wire-spoked wheels.

Comparing its ability to maneuver on off-road and paved terrains, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is more suitable for road riding. The lightweight wire-spoked wheels are more suited for riding on paved surfaces and tires are also comparatively smoother than most off-roaders designed to maneuver on challenging terrains.

Nonetheless, the lightweight wheel spokes are firm and rigid enough to bear the impact and take beating on unpaved terrains. There are also reasonable treads on the tire, providing the bike with a reasonable amount of grip and control on a rugged surface. The Kawasaki Versys-X may not be an ideal bike to take on an extreme adventure touring, but you can comfortably use this bike for multi-purposes, including city traveling, daily commuting, touring, camping, and off-roading on dirt trails, gravel roads, and similar other rough terrains.

The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels are also not as ideal for dirt riding as the 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels combination. If you are more interested in buying a pure off-roader with an average on-road capability, the Kawasaki KLR650 is a better bike.

A unique advantage that the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 has over its competitors is the inclusion of a dual-cylinder parallel-twin engine. Most entry-level adventure bikes in the 300 cc category come with a single-cylinder engine. The introduction of a parallel twin makes the bike rev at higher rpms thanks to the small stroke and small cylinders’ movement. This boasts the performance of the bike in terms of better horsepower and notable throttle response. Though a high-revving engine may not be an ideal choice for mid-range and high-end torque, the engine and cross-over exhaust system are engineered to keep the torque in the mid-range for versatile riding. Being a modern piece of engineering, the 294 cc parallel-twin engine installed on this bike is water-cooled which ensures better engine heat management and dissipation.

Being an entry-level beginner-friendly adventure bike, it is useful to have a fully functional dashboard with several useful indications for riders to stay informed about their ride. The display has both analog and digital screens. There is an analog tachometer, digital gear indicator, speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and a digital clock.

The slipper & assist clutch installed on the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is considered one of the smoothest and lightest clutches to operate as it requires a minimum effort to engage it. You can even pull the clutch lever with one finger for uninterrupted gear shifting.

The design of the Kawasaki Versys-X 300’s rear end is quite utility-based and resembles that of a high-end ADV touring bike. First of all, there is a wide and well-cushioned passenger seat for riders to take a passenger with them on long adventure rides. Secondly, there are grab rails installed on this bike which are built to provide safety to passengers and also extend towards the rear end to include a fairly large luggage rack. You can securely mount an ADV top case or a luggage bag with the help of the hooks present on the luggage rack. The luggage rack blends so well with the passenger seat to help you carry an adequately sized tent on a solo adventure ride.

The Kawasaki Versys X-300 allows you to convert this bike into a more capable ADV touring bike. You can do this by installing the luggage system, tank bags, tail/duffel bags, backpacks, and multiple accessories & organizers available at Viking Bags’ online store, specially designed for the Kawasaki Versys-X 300.

Despite being an entry-level bike with a small 294 cc engine, it does not look like a small beginner bike due to its taller stature. However, you can place both your feet on the ground when stopped at a traffic signal or when parked if you are around six feet tall thanks to the dip in the rider seat, ensuring a comparatively lower seat height of 32.1 in the category.

The rider triangle is also quite spacious for riders to stay relaxed. You can comfortably reach handlebars while sitting in an upright riding position. Though the foot controls on the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 are mid-mounted, your legs will not get kinked up and start hurting even on a long-distance trip.

The windscreen installed on the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is adequately taller to keep the wind away from your chest. The side panniers/fairings are also designed wider to block the incoming wind from hitting your legs to a certain extent. The side of the fuel tank integrated with the seat is squeezed to make sure the rider can comfortably adjust their legs and knees for better control and comfort. The low curb weight of 385.9 lbs of this bike also provides confidence to riders and makes it easy for them to lean and turn tight corners.

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a complete package for beginners, as well as experienced riders looking for a bike to take it almost anywhere. This bike has a sporty nature on paved roads and due to being a more on-road-biased bike, you can comfortably use it for city traveling, daily commuting, and even long-distance touring. For those riders who also want to enjoy moto camping and going on a wilderness trip, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 will not disappoint you. Above all, it is also very budget-friendly, lightweight, and a highly maneuverable bike with a brilliant design and aesthetics.