2023 Kawasaki KLX 300 vs. VersysX-300 - Which on/off road bike is best for you? In-Depth Comparison!

For 2023, Kawasaki has two motorcycles with 300cc liquid cooled engines that can go on and off road. Besides the obvious, what are the real differences between these two and which one is best for you? That's what this video is all about! Check out these two bikes in person by connecting with the amazing team at Jim Gilbert's PowerSports here: powersports.wh...

[@GrahamWatson-s6m]

I have had a vx300 for a few years now. I’m 64 and I’ve done a lot of trail riding years ago but really don’t want to stick to tar roads now. I tried several different bikes and have ended up with the vx300 because it has the most versatile ability. I tried a Dakar 650 and a RE Himalayan, DRZ400, etc. I still own a Himalayan but it is slow for a long day on the road and I feel it struggles. The vx300 doesn’t struggle in anything. I don’t ride single trail anymore (I do have a CRF230 for that if I want to do that) at my age it doesn’t interest me but exploring roads does. The weight of the vx300 seems to be low in the bike so it doesn’t take much to lift or manoeuvre as something like a Dakar or even the GS650. (Although I’ve never dropped this like I have all the others) The power at low revs is low of course but I feel this helps me on gravel roads where it’s a bit rocky and I can poke along in 2nd 3rd 4th fairly easily when it gets tricky without spinning the back wheel. I’m not up for jumping logs or rocks so I haven’t worried about a bash plate but I’ve added pivot pegs and I run 804/805 Shinko tyres. All in all a very good compromise bike that covers a lot of ground easily and is not hard to live with. I guess the thing that took some time to get used to was the engine is not a thumper and doesn’t have that power down low but I’m cool with it now and recognise how good the engine really is. A very good review..thanks

[@crypticreality8484]

Thanks for doing the comparison between these two. I have a z125 pro and it's between these two for my next bike. Your comparisons are very in depth and I can tell it's just a passion you have. Thanks again!

[@edouardl2]

This review is totally spot on, I use my Versys when I need to travel and I have an enduro bike for short distances and hard trails. You can do some kind of gentle trails with the Versys but not hard offroad. Perfect to travel a bit far for a week end with some trails to reach a landscape. Still, the KLX is far more nimble and you can raise the bike alone when you fall which is still difficult with Versys when you are alone in an uneven ground. Where Versys shines is in the mud, gravels and water like river crossing as it is very stable whereas KLX will shine on single track. Very good review indeed.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your experiences!

[@crypticreality8484]

Peter.... what are the major differences between the klx230 and the 300? The 300 seems to have a smoother cowling over the engine.... are there any glaring advantages to the 300 that justifies an extra $1200 USD ($5800 vs $7000) that actually justify the difference in price. One thing ill say is.... the 300 does look more sleek. @@PeterLoweOne

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@crypticreality8484 The 300 is a step up in a lot of ways, but the biggest different from a spec sheet perspective is the bigger, more powerful engine and liquid cooling. Beyond that, it's my belief that the suspension is better suited to a wider range of riders and riding conditions, but if you HAVE the money, I'd say go for the 300. If your budget matters more than ultimate specs, I think you'll be very satisfied with the 230. I haven't seen someone come back to the dealer after buying the 300 and wish that they had bought the 230, but I have seen it go the other way, were people wanted just a bit more power.

[@yoKentucky]

Thanks for a great detailed review Peter! Sounds like I need the KLX 300 for Rocky Mountain jeep roads, 4 wheel drive high clearance only roads with loose rock etc. But I sure would appreciate the longer ride comfort of the Versys. I have no plans to ride single track or hit jumps however. So please let me know if I'm wrong thinking I need the KLX. Thanks.

[@DaleMcGinnis-xs3ik]

Ironically, I bought one of each a little while ago, and I watched this video just for S & Gs. Good job; very good descriptions.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing that!

[@flatlandriver2471]

Great video series! Would have liked more description of the x footpegs from perspective of vibration reduction

[@PeterLoweOne]

Ok! I plan on making more videos on this bike, so I'll try to address that in one of the next ones.

[@flatlandriver2471]

@@PeterLoweOne Thanks! I see different kinds of footpegs everywhere and never sure if what I see is good or bad or maybe even just there to enhance the visuals

[@JTinGA]

I have a 2017 Versys-x 300 -- although the pegs are great for standing/off-road, they are amazing at vibe reduction. Different folks are more sensitive to vibes than others, but vibration at the pegs is near zero on the 300 Versys (including 70mph cruising). That engine is smooth as butter up to redline (over 12k rpms!).

[@edtaylor6431]

What people are calling a dual sport bike these days, when I was growing up the same bikes were called enduro bikes! To me they will always be an enduro!

[@josephthornton8560]

Another unique comparison video like the KLX vs KLR video you did. I assume I'll be waiting for Versys vs KLR next?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I haven't compared the Versys-X 300 with the KLR, but I did compare the Versys 650 with the KLR. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q16ugpeVaLKgd6s

[@josephthornton8560]

@@PeterLoweOne "for me" the Versys 650 isnt in the same category because it isn't in the realm for street / trail. Whereas the KLR and Verys 300 "could be" for consideration. For me, the Versys 300, COULD be like a budget KTM 390 adventure. I own 2 KLXs (DS and SM) so I am not in the market for any of these bikes but I keep coming here and watching your videos, I drop a like and comment to help generate algorithm attention for you because I feel like your videos have been a different flavor from what many YTers do. Keep up the good work. 🏍

[@CARPHUNTER62]

I've had my Verseys 300 for 5 years and i would not be scared to take it cross country it will hold 75 mph all day. Just needs a better seat.

[@crypticreality8484]

yes... he's my go-to for Kawasaki reviews. I am a Kawasaki fan since I started on Kawi. We have Kawasaki, Honda, and Suzuki dealers here in Helena, MT. Those and Yamaha are solid all around choices. @@josephthornton8560​

[@paulsjunkcars]

Great video.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching!!

[@101spacecase]

Currently trying to decide between these bikes.....So tuff

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha! I hear you. It comes down to how you want to use them. If you're going to spend a lot of time on the road, the Versys is going to make you happy. If you're going to spend a lot of time off-road the KLX 300 is really your only choice between these two.

[@3thndv155]

Would you say the versys x 300 could handle 400 miles a day for a few days or is that pushing the engine too much? Let’s say at 65mph most of the way. Of course a sprocket change could help too.

[@PeterLoweOne]

That wouldn't concern me at all. The engine can take it. Just because it revs more, doesn't mean it's less reliable. Check out this video for an explanation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpy8qqBmqNWcbNE

[@JTinGA]

We've got several guys on the kawasaki versys forum that have done multi-day trips 400 + miles per day without issue. A combination of two-up / heavy luggage / headwind / uphill can reportedly keep your top speed a little below 70 ... but still no issues with the bike. @Peter Lowe One is right -- the engine is very reliable / can handle it.

[@carlotteman994]

Great comparison, VX3 all the way.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching! I love the Versys as well!

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

2nd

[@Italianstallion-v2f]

How is the vx300 for a 6”5 tall man?

[@PeterLoweOne]

You'd have to try it. The bike fits me fine, but I'm about 6 feet tall. The seat may be a bit narrow if you're a very large person, but again, you'd have to try it to be sure. I wouldn't say it WON'T work for you, but it's not a definite yes either.

[@danilobarilari1426]

Weight of Versys ???

[@PeterLoweOne]

Kawasaki lists the weight as 386 lbs on their website.

[@pinoysacanada2023]

is there a difference in insurance?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm sure there's a difference, but I wouldn't think that the gap would be different enough to be the deciding factor for most riders, but I'm not an insurance agent, so I'm not positive.

[@pinoysacanada2023]

@@PeterLoweOne thanks!

[@I..cast..fireball]

I want to mush these two together. Crap.

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi

[@tg8150]

Versys300 may just be the ugliest motorcycle ever designed and built.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Oh! I have about 100 other bikes to show you to prove you wrong! Haha!

[@GrahamWatson-s6m]

I have had a vx300 for a few years now. I’m 64 and I’ve done a lot of trail riding years ago but really don’t want to stick to tar roads now. I tried several different bikes and have ended up with the vx300 because it has the most versatile ability. I tried a Dakar 650 and a RE Himalayan, DRZ400, etc. I still own a Himalayan but it is slow for a long day on the road and I feel it struggles. The vx300 doesn’t struggle in anything. I don’t ride single trail anymore (I do have a CRF230 for that if I want to do that) at my age it doesn’t interest me but exploring roads does. The weight of the vx300 seems to be low in the bike so it doesn’t take much to lift or manoeuvre as something like a Dakar or even the GS650. (Although I’ve never dropped this like I have all the others) The power at low revs is low of course but I feel this helps me on gravel roads where it’s a bit rocky and I can poke along in 2nd 3rd 4th fairly easily when it gets tricky without spinning the back wheel. I’m not up for jumping logs or rocks so I haven’t worried about a bash plate but I’ve added pivot pegs and I run 804/805 Shinko tyres. All in all a very good compromise bike that covers a lot of ground easily and is not hard to live with. I guess the thing that took some time to get used to was the engine is not a thumper and doesn’t have that power down low but I’m cool with it now and recognise how good the engine really is. A very good review..thanks

[@GrahamWatson-s6m]

I have had a vx300 for a few years now. I’m 64 and I’ve done a lot of trail riding years ago but really don’t want to stick to tar roads now. I tried several different bikes and have ended up with the vx300 because it has the most versatile ability. I tried a Dakar 650 and a RE Himalayan, DRZ400, etc. I still own a Himalayan but it is slow for a long day on the road and I feel it struggles. The vx300 doesn’t struggle in anything. I don’t ride single trail anymore (I do have a CRF230 for that if I want to do that) at my age it doesn’t interest me but exploring roads does. The weight of the vx300 seems to be low in the bike so it doesn’t take much to lift or manoeuvre as something like a Dakar or even the GS650. (Although I’ve never dropped this like I have all the others) The power at low revs is low of course but I feel this helps me on gravel roads where it’s a bit rocky and I can poke along in 2nd 3rd 4th fairly easily when it gets tricky without spinning the back wheel. I’m not up for jumping logs or rocks so I haven’t worried about a bash plate but I’ve added pivot pegs and I run 804/805 Shinko tyres. All in all a very good compromise bike that covers a lot of ground easily and is not hard to live with. I guess the thing that took some time to get used to was the engine is not a thumper and doesn’t have that power down low but I’m cool with it now and recognise how good the engine really is. A very good review..thanks

[@GrahamWatson-s6m]

I have had a vx300 for a few years now. I’m 64 and I’ve done a lot of trail riding years ago but really don’t want to stick to tar roads now. I tried several different bikes and have ended up with the vx300 because it has the most versatile ability. I tried a Dakar 650 and a RE Himalayan, DRZ400, etc. I still own a Himalayan but it is slow for a long day on the road and I feel it struggles. The vx300 doesn’t struggle in anything. I don’t ride single trail anymore (I do have a CRF230 for that if I want to do that) at my age it doesn’t interest me but exploring roads does. The weight of the vx300 seems to be low in the bike so it doesn’t take much to lift or manoeuvre as something like a Dakar or even the GS650. (Although I’ve never dropped this like I have all the others) The power at low revs is low of course but I feel this helps me on gravel roads where it’s a bit rocky and I can poke along in 2nd 3rd 4th fairly easily when it gets tricky without spinning the back wheel. I’m not up for jumping logs or rocks so I haven’t worried about a bash plate but I’ve added pivot pegs and I run 804/805 Shinko tyres. All in all a very good compromise bike that covers a lot of ground easily and is not hard to live with. I guess the thing that took some time to get used to was the engine is not a thumper and doesn’t have that power down low but I’m cool with it now and recognise how good the engine really is. A very good review..thanks