2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 - Surprisingly great! (Even without the 400cc engine!) - Complete Review!

The 2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is an excellent, lightweight, adventure style bike. I'm a massive fan! Looking to see this bike in person? Connect with the amazing team at Jim Gilbert's PowerSports here: powersports.wheelsanddeals.ca...
Why High Revving Motorcycles Aren't A Problem - video here: • Are high revving engin...

[@danieldevers4935]

I'm 72 and have been riding since I was 13 and I love my Versys X 300. The Versys isn't to tall, no vibration, comfortable to ride for extended miles, lighter than the other adventure touring bikes I have had which makes it much better off road. I currently have the Versys X300, Kawasaki KLX 230, Can Am Ryker Rally, and TW200. Life is good!

[@anthonybrock101]

Love this bike. I’m 59 years old and have been riding since since I was about 10. I’m done with the heavy fast bikes and the heavy Harley’s. This one just shines on the road and light off roads.

[@errata101]

yep,

[@eckbill]

55 myself i picked up a 2021versysx took it out yesterday and it impressed me and ive riden alot of bikes

[@errata101]

@@eckbill Im 57 with no knee/loss of use of right leg, etc(few other injuries) but can push down with foot enuff to brake-and I have a spinal cord injury. It is still rideable for me in the mountains. Ive done every mod available, and it is the funnest bike Ive ever ridden.

[@dexter2433]

yep i am 56 and been riding sense I was 16 on the road and had a ninja years ago and my first bike was a RD400 and got a 2022 X-300 last year and it is just pleasant to ride and sips gas and my work is 20 miles round trip all back roads so 40 to 45mph is top speed and crape old asphalt roads with road patch over road patch so not that smooth and beats up my car and this bike is just a prefect fit for my needs ....

[@jhackett9482]

Yep, at 61 and riding since 6 years old I too love this little bike. I have a touring bike but this is the bike I jump on most of the time.

[@ragbag46]

After 76,000kms, all over Thailand and recently Laos and Vietnam, now the borders are open after covid. I am 76, bought it five years ago, lightness was my priority, earlier injuries and abuse had weakened my back, this bike I can pick it up, and have done on several occasions, off roading. Great little bike, had and continue to enjoy thoroughly. Off to Cambodia soon.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Wow! That's amazing! Thanks for sharing!

[@davidalder6558]

Hello Peter, I am a 66 year old rider with 40 years of experience and a past motorcycle instructor. I have had my 2017 Versys X 300 for 5 years and love it. Simple, light, easy on fuel, easy on my Shinko tires and puts a smile on my face every day that I ride it. Keep up the great reviews. Dave from Nova Scotia

[@PeterLoweOne]

Awesome!! Thanks for watching! Yeah, that Versys X 300 is a VERY underrated bike! I really like it!!

[@juliemcgillivray3394]

My first bike at age 60. Great learning tool. Allows me to go on a variety of surfaces, without the threat of too much weight or power. I'm becoming very good at working the gears, as you need to on high revving bike. Only scare has been riding it on an extraordinarily windy day, (40 mph) as it is light and tall. I'll trade up to a middle weight within a year or so. Thanks!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for sharing! One thing to keep in mind is that the shape and seating position of the bike can also play into wind catching you. I used to have a family member with a bike and a big windshield, and the bike was pretty heavy, but that windshield would catch the air in weird says in a cross wind and be a little unsettling. When we removed the windshield, it was a different bike in the wind. Thanks for sharing your experiences though! I love hearing from owners!

[@jeffbanfieldsflwr3537]

That's awesome. You are an inspiration to all of us. Keep riding brother

[@geebeex300]

Had to laugh reading your comment, I too am 60 and looking for a beginner bike, this looks like the one!

[@allanhughes7859]

MY ADVICE AT 70 HAVING RIDEN FOR OVER 50 YEARS DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON A TRADE UP THIS BIKE WILL DO YOU TRUST ME !!!!

[@juliemcgillivray3394]

@@allanhughes7859 Did you keep the same bike for 50 years? I'm a kid trying to redeem my misspent youth of responsibility and prudence.

[@Liberty4Ever]

I love my G310GS but the Versys-X 300 has a lot to recommend it in this class of bike. I like the size and weight. I've always ridden small displacement dual sport thumpers but now that I'm in my 60s I *really* don't want a big heavy bike. My only complaint with my baby GS is the 11 liter tank so kudos to Kawasaki for making a small ADV bike with a 17 liter fuel tank. I also love the large rear rack and large pillion where a large duffel can be mounted. I prefer no panniers on a small ADV bike, and a 66L waterproof duffel inline so it's not sticking out in the wind to cause drag on the road, nor catching on trees and rocks off road. 400 cc would be the sweet spot for riding on the highway, for the rare times I do that when I need to get home to avoid rain, dark or deer at twilight on back roads. I like that sage green on the 2023 model.

[@anthonyparkes8162]

I purchased my X300 in 2022 as a retirement gift to myself. I last owned a bike in my 20’s. I typically ride county roads and a bit of gravel . The bike is comfortable, plenty of giddy up for my taste and great range due to it’s 17 litre tank and fuel consumption. I averaged 3.5liters/100km over 15000km last year. I am very pleased with my choice!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I love hearing stories like this! Thanks for sharing! I'm a big fan of your bike, as I'm sure you can tell.

[@crypticreality8484]

Oh cool. So it's pretty good on dirt/gravel roads then?

[@anthonyparkes8162]

@@crypticreality8484 , pretty capable. A set of Dunlop Max Mission tires has made the X300 less twitchy off road

[@raipa111]

I use this beauty in -5 degrees celsius, in 35+, in rain, at night.... I love her! I'm 1,60 on 45kg and was very concerned about finding a low and lightweight bike. Now I tiptoe her one side akd she's still super stable. And so much fun on the highway as well as in the alps! I named her Britney because I treat her terribly, yet she still performs so well.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha that's one of my favourite comments! I love the reason for "her name" that made me laugh.

[@kwakithailand]

Lovely bike, thanks for sharing your highly appreciated work, mate 🙏

[@sleemanman9188]

Thanks for the nice review which has helped me decide what to buy. Ever since i was a teenager, i've had that dream of owning a motorcycle one day. Life being what it is, i never got around to do it, but that day has finally arrived (now at 55). So about 2-3 months ago, i started looking into motorcycles and riding schools. After couple weeks, i knew what type i would want to ride : adventure bike. Never liked the custom ones nor the sporty ones, so the adventure / touring type was the best option for me. So after seeing many different reviews on KZbin, I opted for that kawasaki versys-x 300. One reason being : plate, license and insurance is more expensive past 400cc. And being a new rider, i certainly don't need something too powerful !! That said, i decided to buy used as it is often suggested for a 1st motorcycle. Very few available which by itself tells me that this is a very good motorcycle otherwise people would sell them. When i saw a 2021 almost fully loaded (saddle bags, center stand, engine guard) with low millage for a very good price (including 2 brand new shinko 705 tires), i bought it. The bike looks like new!! And after installing the kawasaki hand guards i requested, the dealership delivered free of charge :) It"s now sitting in my workshop with a cover on it. Can't wait to finish my riding lessons, getting my license and taking it out there on my nearby country roads !!

[@LivinProoof]

Definitely looking at this as my first real bike. Never imagined I would drive anything on two wheels before, moved to Vietnam and it is so incredibly hard to get car drivers license as a foreigner here so ended up just getting 135cc Yamaha Nuovo 😂😂 Looked at a bunch of stuff but man this is perfect because its relatively light, has a nice back seat for my woman, and just overall seems like a great bike. I love the look of it too. Me and my buddy are both saving up for a bike to do awesome road trips through Vietnam and Laos!!! Im tall and thin so I need to sit on one of these and feel it out because i keep feeling anything is gonna be big and heavy. Gonna sit on one this Saturday! Great video!! 🤘🤘🤘

[@BrandonAnsara]

I just bought one of these as my first bike a few weeks ago. It's super fun so far!

[@PeterLoweOne]

That's awesome! This is a GREAT first bike! I'd love to have this as a second bike!

[@adv_lady_dreamer]

Thanks for great review. Confirming my joy of getting one. Greetings from Sweden!!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for sharing your experiences! I'm a big fan of this bike!

[@ozarksjon]

Another great review!

[@heretohear8662]

I wish the KLR looked this good, I'm actually considering one of these instead! Great review!!

[@sdarbha4270]

Peter, I watched a bunch of your reviews, the X300 resonated with me (asked couple of Qs below too), and I bought one earlier in the Spring. Loving it so far. The unassuming X300 feels perfect, engine-wise, weight-wise, height-wise. It's not initimidating, yet has ample spunk for different types of road - The traditional commute, or the 80km/h open country road, even hilly roads - My area has up/down and winding terrain. Yes, faster and sportier bikes pass me by as they lean closer to the road, but that's not my reason for riding. I'm not looking to push 120 on an 80 road and have all my attention sucked up to keep both wheels on the ground. I got into biking later in life, and the X300 gives me just the right mix of power and comfort, allowing most of my attention to be on the landscape that I want to enjoy. On that note of enjoyment.. I gathered from your review that I couldn't flatfoot with my 5'8" height - That's partly what drew me to the X300, as most shorter bikes also required my legs bent into a "fetal position" (I exagerrate but you get the idea). The slightly higher seat, higher handle bar, well-placed footrests.. All combine for a natural, upright riding posture which is very inviting, brings a smile every time I begin my ride. Seems like Kawasaki has put thought into ergonomics for the Versys line.. at least for average size riders. I haven't done long rides of 100s of kms like some of your commenters. But it's super encouraging to hear that people have done that on this bike. Thanks for your reviews, and to your KZbin community for nudging me towards this educated choice. FYI I did reach out to Jim's PowerSports but ultimately buying it from a dealer closer to me in Ontario was more convenient.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for sharing your experiences! As you know, I'm a big fan of this bike. It's just a bike that really demonstrates out outright top speed isn't what makes motorcycling fun, and this bike in particular is so versatile, and so fun for what a huge number of riders want. Again... thanks for sharing!

[@paulsjunkcars]

Great video.

[@albertgjohnston]

I've owned this bike since April. I can't say enough good things about it. Best commuter bike offered this year IMHO. Even though I am in Florida I am considering a larger wind screen, heated grips, and heated seat. That tells you how enamoured I am with the Versys X-300. I can imagine riding this bike on some trails too. My only grip about the 2024 model is the lack of features that would be expected at the $6000 price point including USB power port, and Aux power for an air pump, or a camping-service light.

[@fredricslocum6508]

I'm 64, retired and living on the Big Island Hawaii. Bought this bike 2 months ago. Absolutely a great bike to ride around and explore the island and what is considered a road in some areas. Still have my 2005 HD Softail Deluxe and enjoy riding that but always end up in the rain than gotta polish all that chrome 😅

[@PeterLoweOne]

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@royandtracyboling5969]

I have had a 2008 KLR650 for a year {bought after a 15 year riding hiatus}. I like it, but after going down several times, I started looking at smaller bikes. I bought a barely used 23 Versys X 300 (3 miles at purchase) from a local dealership. I just finished breaking it in last weekend. In high cross winds, I felt like it was going to shift underneath me, but once we found a good speed, it settled down. It was a group ride with a Goldwing and a Can Am. So far, I enjoy it. Trying to sell the KLR.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Interesting! I've talked a lot about wanting a KLR with the Ninja 400 engine with some modern features. Something like an updated Versys-X 300 with a little more off road focus... A lightweight modern KLR and it seems like that would be a great answer for you as well. I really quite like the Versys X 300 because I think it's super versatile and manageable... But I feel like there's room for a little more off road capability. Maybe someday!

[@jeffbanfieldsflwr3537]

Great video, I would like more of these.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching! I'd like to make a lot more on these bikes. I'd love to find a way to have this as a second bike... maybe someday!

[@mrbjay5443]

The best-detailed breakdown of a bike to date! Well down!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and comment!

[@mrbjay5443]

you are articulate, high-energy, and fun to watch. You are the man I would purchase a bike from and KNOW WITH CERTAINTY I'm getting the best bike for me. Thank you for doing an incredible job at what you do. It shows you put a lot of work into each presentation. Fun to watch and learn.

[@haritkumar5107]

Peter, This is the best review of a bike that I have come across. Your explanation of slipper and assist clutch, high rev vs piston travel, use of spokes is simply brilliant. A big thank you for that. Now, a bit of help. Kawasaki has put me on the spot. The Versus 300 is to be launched soon in India, and now I need to decide whether to go for the Versys or the Eliminator? I'm 53, getting back on bikes for long distance travel after a long time and the traffic and roads over here, are pretty rough. Yes, both bikes are from and for different categories and uses, and I have to choose between them. Help me decide, please.

[@KF1]

That looks like a really nice exploring bike. I could see how the high revving engine could be a lot of fun

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, I think you summed it up perfectly!

[@motovida4014]

Hello good reviews. I have a question about the Versys 300 X. Is there any difference between the 2022 and the 2023 models besides the color? Thank You.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Great question. They are carry over models. So they should be identical. Thanks for watching!

[@bcad4066]

Thank you for a great review. BTW don't be embarrassed showing your first bike. You should have seen me on my 1972 Yamaha R5C mosquito fogger!

[@jamesmealing5753]

Great review😊

[@ROrneli]

I have a concours 14 and I am thinking about changing to this bike. I dont do much long distance travel and I use it to deliver Door dash. this bike would be fantastic for fuel milage. cheap maintenance ,easy to maneuver in and out of parking lots and also a bit of lane splitting or double parking . I know a lot of folks see bikes as toys so the bigger the better. as someone who has done several cross states trips and even hit the track a few times there is beauty on a bike like this specially if you use it for work or commuting.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Oooh! Door Dash with this would be a blast!! Cool idea!

[@WillieJohnRidesAgain]

I've had a 2022 since July. So far, it "goes where ya point it..."

[@yolandalindsay8368]

This is a sensible Bike. Good job Kawasaki.

[@chrisracing25]

Congrats! I love your reviews. Do you recommend me this bike if i am a completely beginner? I will use it only for commuting from home to work, I will not use it for off-road nor traveling… best regards from Peru, Southamerica

[@PeterLoweOne]

Absolutely. You're exactly the type of rider that I'd recommend this bike to!

[@jimkimball4288]

Great video, had to convert all your nonsense units to freedom units for it to make sense BUT i'm happy that the numerated stats were there anyways! Btw for my fellow freedom unit friends, 200km is just over 120mph

[@PeterLoweOne]

Just to be clear. NASA uses "nonsense units" because the last time they used "freedom units" things didn't go so well! True story! But other than our disagreement on which units are better, I do appreciate you taking the time to watch! 🙂👍🇨🇦

[@sdarbha4270]

Thanks for the review, Peter. Does the high rev mean higher engine noise?

[@PeterLoweOne]

No, this is a very quiet bike.

[@Frip36]

If guy's don't like factory colors, do they often paint the bikes themselves. OR maybe have the parts paint dipped or whatever it's called. Thanks. You have great videos.

[@louispaulter8733]

Does the 300 Versys has counter weight system to help cancel vibrations ?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yes. A smaller twin cylinder will always have a certain level of vibration at certain RPMs, but I think they do a great job with this engine.

[@jeffbanfieldsflwr3537]

Honestly, the 300 is perfect. It's super light and can go anywhere.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I love this bike!

[@chrissunde1104]

Greetings from across the border in Maine. You do an excellent job. I am an experienced rider who is considering the little Versys as a second bike to use as light weight, cost effective gravel road explorer. For my use the tubed wheels are not ideal.

[@albertgjohnston]

I'd like to see a Versys 400. A stripped model. Then a Versys 400 ABS model with some off road features. And a Versys 400 luxury edition with mods including heated driver and pillion seat, cruise control, quick shifter, integrated GPS navigation, and self adjusting suspension that can be turned off when desired. The 400 wouldn't be much faster than the 300 due to the increased weight, but would offer an experience of luxury in a very comfy and safe platform.

[@crypticreality8484]

I think that's going to have to be my next bike

[@GLHS592]

I am considering either the Versys-x 300 or a KLR650. There's a brand new 2022 KLR650 on sale locally for $4889, which is very tempting. I just like the Versys-x 300 for the type of riding I want to do. I'm interested in riding local dirt/gravel/chert roads with occasional state highway riding. I think either bike would be nice, but the weight and power of the Versys-x 300 seem more appealing.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, I have a tough time telling other people what they should buy. I really like both bikes. The KLR is definitely set up with better tires for the dirt, so that's one thing to keep in mind. I knew that I would like the Versys X 300 but I didn't think that I would like it as much as I do. For my riding, it would suit better, but the KLR likely outsells the Versys X 300. They also ride completely different from one another. The KLR has good torque down low, and the Versys has no power down low, and makes all of its power higher in the revs. If you prefer one type of engine over the other, that might be a good reason to choose one, but sometimes different is just that... different, and not better or worse. Today I'd lean towards the Versys for me, but tomorrow I can see myself leaning towards the KLR. They're both great in their own way, and both great values.

[@LOLiTrollYouu]

I’ve had KLR and own x300 currernly. I prefer the x300 for highway travel it cruises nicely with the 6th gear. The thing I liked better about KLR I wasn’t afraid to drop it in the dirt it was a tank. The versys has fairings that could crack easily

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@LOLiTrollYouu Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@americandude3825]

@@LOLiTrollYouu is 6’ 1” 225-250 pounds too much for the versys x300? How fast do you go in the roads?

[@GLHS592]

I ended up buying a 2018 Versys-x 300 with 2600 miles. I am having a hard time getting used to the high strung nature of the engine coming from the pushrod V8 world. I REALLY like the bike and find it very easy to ride. It maneuvers well and I love the easy clutch lever pull. I have been riding it around my neighborhood for a month and finally took the safety course and got my motorcycle endorsement on my license. I took it out for my first legal ride Friday and had a great time. The stock tires performed better than I thought they would on the local chert roads. I think I made a good choice.

[@billwalsh3672]

Would love to hear what a steady all day highway speed is possible on the x300. Most vehicles in my area run 110 -120 kph (70-75 mph)

[@PeterLoweOne]

You can do that with this. That's probably the top end of where you would want to cruise. If it were me, I'd do that for a couple of hours and then find a more scenic route. But I'd probably do the same thing on a more powerful bike too!

[@billwalsh3672]

@@PeterLoweOne thanks

[@royandtracyboling5969]

On my group ride we ran 65-75 mph depending on cross wind. Up to 80 to get around traffic. We rode 300 miles that day from Central Valley of California to Morro Bay for lunch and back. The bike is stock, no ABS.

[@billwalsh3672]

@@royandtracyboling5969 Thanks

[@freedomriding2558]

Looks cool too, I like the all black ones.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I really like the look of this. The all black for 2023 are the 650's in Canada.

[@danoalex2977]

2018 was all black

[@gandre16]

I really like this bike. Although the front is not that nice looking, is a great machine. Hope kawa upgrade this beauty (at least with led, and include that usb charger).

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, this seems to sell well enough that they're moving every one that they produce, but a it's also a bike that hasn't received updates at the same rate as other Kawasaki models. It would be nice to see a few tweaks.

[@MattCantSpeakIt]

I have a ninja 400 that I'm looking to replace with two bikes. One road train (concours 14 maybe) and one light and nimble multipurpose that will be great in the city and can also do some off road to an extent. no need for a dedicated off road machine, as this will be the least amount of riding I ever do. For the nimble one, I am looking at the versys x 300 right now. I really wish they made a 400 version!

[@jeanpequignot80]

I live in Mexico City and this motorcycle is my street fighter weapon of choice.

[@darenbiggar9966]

Looks like a great adventure bike

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, if what you want in a motorcycle is something that's comfortable, relatively lightweight, versatile, and inexpensive to own, fuel and insure, this is a GREAT option. I'm a fan of this bike!

[@yasseralsaidi1168]

This bike makes sense

[@Frip36]

20:38 is what just sold me on this bike over the KTM 390. Your leg doesn't look all folded up and cramped. Close to 90 degree angle. Where the dudes legs on the 390 are around a foldy 75 degree angle. Well, I guess cuz the 390 is for more dirt / performance.

[@ambatiharshitha9]

Omg I love this bike soo much, too bad I don’t earn yet

[@houseofroos]

I had one. A great bike! For me the on/off jerkiness of the throttle gave me an uncomfortable wedgie that I just couldn’t get over. Replaced with with a KTM 390 which is better in almost every way but everyone worries about reliability, especially with all the sensors and computers. The Kawi has a lower narrower seat which some may appreciate.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, I wouldn't agree that the KTM is better in "every way" but I do think they have a nice bike. The KTM is the reason that people want the 400 engine in this bike. I'd like to see the 400 show up in this bike, but make it more of an adventure bike than a Versys-X... but we all have dreams. As I said in the video, you can always get better, and better, and better... but at some point there's a balance of budget and fun, and this bike does a great job of hitting that point.

[@houseofroos]

@@PeterLoweOne Hi Peter, Thanks for your reply. I said “ALMOST every way.” But honestly I can think of only a few things in the +Kawi category, which are: Kawi reputation and dealer network, lower narrower seat (though not as comfortable), rear rack included, marginally larger fuel tank, marginally better fuel economy, spoked wheels but now KTM has those as well. Yes, we can always wish for better and more like you said in your video, and with the advent of the KTM one doesn’t have to wish.

[@crypticreality8484]

​@@houseofroosWell if one wants the smoothness and high revving nature of a twin cylinder, the KTM should be overlooked altogether.

[@houseofroos]

@@crypticreality8484 The single cylinder 390 is much smoother than I would have imagined. It does not rev as high as the twin.

[@crypticreality8484]

@@houseofroos I definitely love the look of the KTM. There's just no dealer support here in Helena Montana

[@alexinc00]

Can you please tell me the engine code for this bike? Still EX300AE?

[@PeterLoweOne]

So that code isn't an engine code, it's a model code. This bike does share an engine with that Ninja 300, but the model code of this bike is KLE300C

[@alexinc00]

@@PeterLoweOne I do not agree with you on this one. Model code is one thing, engine code is another thing. So for 2022 Versys X 300 has KLE300CNFAN as a model code and EX300AE for Engine code (engine type, engine id)

[@Fiatmannen1]

Got a 17 model. Great bike

[@cheekster96]

Where is the radiator located at?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Sorry, I missed this when you posted it. It's tucked up in the fairing behind the front wheel, mounted relatively high.

[@KBP18]

It’s a toss up for me between the Versys x300 and the KLX 300 SM for my first bike 🥴 Continuing to do my research , thank you 👍🏼

[@solastro5595]

What is the difference between the 2023 and the 2022 models?

[@PeterLoweOne]

There is no mechanical difference between those two years.

[@leonblack2651]

Color

[@Kashar47]

I wish it's seat height was little less. I love this bike otherwise. Please make such a video for 2023 Z400 if not made yet. Thanks

[@PeterLoweOne]

I haven't seen the 2023 Z400 yet, but I do have videos on the 2022 models. I'll continue to make videos on all of the 2023 models as they arrive.

[@jeffbanfieldsflwr3537]

You can upgrade all of the bulbs to led . There is a youtube video covering it. All said and done about 40 bucks.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, there are a lot of aftermarket options. Just be careful not to get the cheapest ones. Good ones are set up not to harm the bike, and to be road legal. Just something to keep in mind for those looking to make the switch.

[@Fiatmannen1]

Aftermarket led are not roadlegal

[@yasseralsaidi1168]

Can we add sliders

[@PeterLoweOne]

I think so. Check the accessories section at www.kawasaki.ca to start, but there are likely aftermarket options too.

[@user-oc4sz3qy2v]

I bought this bike ☝️

[@douglashulk]

Top

[@aljohnson1191]

Just wish there were other colors

[@callofdutyguy9]

I wish the bike had a GS style beak fender.

[@danoalex2977]

It’s does

[@allenantonio4389]

12,000 rpm hell yeah

[@PeterLoweOne]

Hahaha! Right!?! 😃👍

[@weirdshibainu]

Looks like with better tires, it could do well off road.

[@joecampbell6486]

I had that shellsuit

[@PeterLoweOne]

The shellsuit?

[@joecampbell6486]

@@PeterLoweOne sorry yeah that jacket in the old photo is identical to what we called shell suit jackets in 1980,s England,, everyone had them

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@joecampbell6486 Ah! Gotcha! Well that is me in the mid-nineties! So that sounds about right, I'd be about a decade behind the styles!

[@aaronksnell]

My cylinders hardly move at all. The pistons on the other hand are screaming

[@PeterLoweOne]

Solid point! 😃👍

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi

[@jeanpequignot80]

You take the windshield off and PUM, you have yourself a "naked" bike to go arround the city in a hot day.

[@LiveLNXgaming]

needs a skid plate, LED headlight, and a seat that doesn't feel like a towel on a rock. Till then the KTM 390 ADV will sit above this one on my list. If it came with those things and cost about $300 more, it would bee a good competitor, even without the adjustable duel forks and configurable ABS that the KTM would still have over it. Could care less about it getting the 400 engine, I think the 300 is great, but it just feels outdated. Find a lower year used one and its great. At new, you have more complete options for not much more cost.

[@PeterLoweOne]

The seat doesn't bother me. You can always compare on a spec sheet, but if people only bought things based on a spec sheet, then only one model of sports car would sell, only one pickup truck, only one motorcycle etc. Spec sheets don't tell you everything. I quite like this bike! Lots of people agree, and put their money down to own one.

[@leonblack2651]

@@PeterLoweOne seat sucks. I ordered a custom one from seat concepts. Much better.

[@Fiatmannen1]

The seat on that bike is the lower one.

[@PeterLoweOne]

In Canada, this is the standard seat.

[@rozzbourn3653]

i think all adventure bikes should have cruise control.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Maybe... but that would increase the cost of this bike a lot. It's not just about the cruise, it needs an electronic throttle etc... this bike is AWESOME for what it is, and a simple throttle lock from the aftermarket would function as cruise control just fine on this bike. I think that would be the solution for a lot of people.

[@drury2d8]

Problem is that it absolutely screams on the highway at those high revvs oof

[@PeterLoweOne]

I don't think that's a "problem" it's just something people need to understand. Check out this video to see what I mean. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpy8qqBmqNWcbNE

[@chimera131986]

I have a versys x 250 2017. As the 300 is not sold here. Use it for touring > 5000km couple times a year and daily commute of about 110km daily. Love this bike to bits. Simple and easy to self maintain. Uber durable. Cruising speeds is about 120-130kmh all day long. Cons, it does everything well but not a master of any. Its not very good at 2 up touring due to cc.

[@Guitarooster52]

Well I heard your reasoning for the 300cc vs 400cc and I disagree. Kawasaki will put the 400 in here at some point and it will be a much better bike to have and to hold without obvious need to upgrade.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I think I've changed my opinion since this video. Kawasaki's 400 has grown to a 450 and is in the Eliminator and Ninja 500. I'd still love to see a true KTM 390 competitor using the Kawasaki 450 engine.

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

1st Nice one and nice color

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, the colour is GREAT on this! I love this bike!

[@jeanpequignot80]

More cc doesn't mean better, it only means more cc.

[@kalnwi2023]

I hated the engine , it was loud and sounded severely stressed , and that's sitting at a stop light !

[@Tennessee968]

Love the bike, disappointed in the color scheme. It's awful.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, I know a lot of people really like it. I think Kawasaki understands that they're only going to make so many of these every year, and they're not having an issue selling, so they can afford to go with a "love it or hate it" colour option. I quite like it, and as I said, it really isn't having an issue selling.