Adventure Bargains 1.2 - Kawasaki Versys 300 - Road/off road Test (Some cursing. 4k)

[@planefrog]

This channel is the best bar none for anyone wanting to know the realities of trail riding. I'm sure most others would have edited out that entire struggle and pretended it never happened, or they'd have back up that most people don't have. Keep keeping it real mate, and good luck to you.

[@nathanthepostman]

You should have seen what I did edit out!

[@RawTopShot]

​@nathanthepostman 😂😂😂 Was an amazing adventure though. Reminds people to only buy what you can lift, but even then you've shown that it only takes a little difference in environment to make that even almost impossible.

[@StruunerWarg]

I have owned this bike for approx. 5y and 40k kms (~25k miles) and I can concur (mostly) with Nathan. Especially on the "it is a commuter and small touring bike" comment. It is exactly that and for fun it allows some light unpaved riding (or something a bit more challenging at a slower pace.) However, I do want to share my experiences with this bike. General stuff The bike, with bars and a skidplate sits around 180kg wetweight. It has a 17L tank and that's all high up; the bike is topheavy to pick-up, but the general low(ish) weight makes it quite capable on and off road. Windprotection is very good and there are various 3rd party screens available to make it work for taller riders too (me). What I didn't appreciate at the time, only once I traded it in, was the ridiculously well design aero that made the hot air from the radiator being directed to the bottom of the bike, like, it need a GALE force sidewind to feel any of the heat on a leg. Also the bike had a rear hugger (small fender over the back wheel) that helped keep the dirty out of the bike and was generally put together really well. Guess what I want to say is, that although it was a partsbin-special, it was a very smart design. (much better than the Guzzi V85TT. In practicality, not neccessarily in aesthetics, but thats in the eye of the beholder.) Did go with an oversized rear tire, to fix the wildly out of spec speedo. Paved riding The handling of the bike in corners is that it wants to tip in and not want to specifically keep a line, you have to do that for it so keep steering. This in contrast with the V85TT that I have, which feels like it's on rails when going around a bent. However this makes riding curvy roads and very tight twisties extremely fun! I put out a moto gymkana parcour a couple of times for me and my friends to ride and this bikes is so much fun doing that kind of activities. The power is VERY linear and the bike is lively above 6500 rpm till redline. Keep it above 6500 and it's a very nice ride. I used the bike for vacations/holidays and did lots of highway riding to get to the riding routes. That was often done at ~9.5-11k rpm (@ 130km/h, which was the max speedlimit in The Netherlands at the time.) It would do 140 km/h with me on it and the tiny shad side boxes, but not with a strong headwind. 0-100 (62 mph) could be done just under 7seconds, when shifting without using the clutch, but above 100km/h it would lose acceleration quickly. This all at sealevel. regardsless of wind, it would always reach 100km/h (62 mph) on flat surface. When taking this bike into hills, it really shows it lack of engine power. (Especially if you are riding in a group with people riding more common displacement bikes: 600-650-700-800-900). I never took it to a proper racetrack, but I suspect it would do very well there: the screaming of the engine and the agility of the bike would really come into its own there. I think the most joyous part of riding this bike was the percieved experience of riding a motoGP bike at (under) the speedlimits. xD In The Netherlands, I never had the feeling the bike underperformed. Only when riding with friends on faster bikes. In hills or fast traffic however, it would. Especially with a heavy guy (100kg) and luggage on it. Unpaved riding I have used it for rideing (TET NL, DE and BE) and street riding. The TET in these countries are fairly easy and can be done on a lot of bikes not 100% suited for unpaved riding. The versys-x 300 is way WAY more street orientated, but it was surprisingly capable on the unpaved. I only have fitted 20-80 street orientated tires. I believe it were the Avon trailriders. Did sand, gravel, dirt, grass and mud with those and it was doable (gravel was actually really good), but what really saved me was the wetweight of ~180 (175kg wet weight + ~5kg of bars/skidplate). Also, if stuff gets a bit difficult; put it in 1st gear and it will pretty much pull you anywhere you point it too. This is also why I left the gearing in stock. Sliding around corners or popping the frontwheel up are things I tried and failed at. It can be done, i've seen the YT vids, but not by me. I am not an experienced offroad rider or hooligan. ABS is a tricky thing... I sailed onwards with full brakes, more than once, before I decided to cut the wire to the front sensor and splice a switch in it, in order to manually - on the fly - switch off the complete ABS. The electronics are simple on this bike, so a simple turning off the ignition and then quickly back on, would reset the ABS fault and the ABS would work again. Yes, I did this also while riding and it worked. What mostly (for me) held this bike back unpaved was the groundclearance and the short travel of the suspension both front and back. I know people have switched out KLR fors and 21" wheels to solve this, but this would negatively affect an otherwise extremely fun roadbike. Maintenance Nathan mentions the service intervals and with regard to the valve clearances: most of the 40k kms I have done, where done at 11k rpms (lots of highway speeds). The valves never needed a reshimming. Oil change is a twist-on filter, it's dead easy. Air filter is under the seat and is very accessible! Again, very easy. Parts are not expensive (I have an old BMW and a Guzzi V85TT to compare to and they bleed me dry, financially). Reliability Through the roof. I've had no issues at all with this bike. Not even a lightbulb dying, no snapping off of anything. (Not counting the two flat tires I had accumulated over those 40k kms...) After 20k km's in which I did the majority of my unpaved riding (lots of sand and dirt and mud) one of the forkseals started weeping. I dont remember the cost, but I remember that I was surprised that it didnt cost me more than it did. Is it a beginner bike? No, a small capacity bike is just not a beginner bike, especially not in the traffic dense part of the western world. Speeds are just too high. In the NL most people learn to ride motorcycle on bikes with around 70hp. So beginners are used to a certain acceleration, speed and stopping power. Small capacity bikes mess that sense/feeling up. One should first need to become a comfortable and competent rider before going on something way more powerfull or way less powerfull. The thing with the versys-x 300 is, that it allows you to gain experience in sportbike-like feeling of riding (at speed limits), it allows for adventure-like feeling of riding, it allows for unpaved-like feeling of riding and for touring-like feeling of riding. And in that regard it is a very very good beginners bike. It lets you taste different worlds of motorcycling and from there you can move in the direction you want. It is a good jack of all trades. I sold mine and it has been replaced by two bikes that together allows me to do the same riding I did on the Versys, except better in each individual catagory. And if I am honest, a third bike would complete its replacement. But the on-the-road-flexibility is gone: I wont be taking my street bike into a newly discovered greenlane, as I would've done with the versys. Also, I wouldn't ride, ehm, spirited with my other bike, cause it would feels like I would murder the bike. A dirt orietated bike is the one I am still missing, but as you can imagine, I wouldn't be taking such a bike for a casual tour or a long distance roadtrip. TL;DR: The Versys-x 300 is a very good bike.

[@PLF-Bass]

Being a tall rider: what was fuel consumption at Highway speed (130)? Being experienced enough but due to my hips and legs looking for a quite universal bike

[@StruunerWarg]

@@PLF-Bass From what I can remember and numbers based on a situation at sea level and fair weather: 130 km/h = ~13 km's per liter (near max rpm and definetly near max speed with a tall rider) 100 km/h = ~23 km's per liter (best I had done was 500km's on one tank at average speed just below 100 km/u. there was still fuel in the tank, but I chickened out) 80 km/h = ~27 km's per liter. If you drop below 80 km/h, you will see 30 km's per liter or even slightly better. Now, I wouldn't say I thrashed the bike, but, ehh... Yeah, I thrashed the bike. I am a bit towards the more spirited rider, so dropping gears and go full throttle. This for sure had a negative impact, but the numbers above are based on long stretches at that speed. It is a very economical bike upto 80km/h, decent at around 100 km/h, but at 130 km/h it just isn't the most efficient bike, as it is making so many revolutions at that speed. At highway speeds, the bike still feel planted; I never felt like I was all over the place, but you do feel its lightweightness ofcourse. The stock bike is fairly well vibration dempened, but when modifications are done to the bars or footpegs, they will be present especially at highway speeds. It is a high frequency vibration. You really need to go for a testride at those speeds to feel for yourself if they bother you. There is a section on the advrider.com forum dedicated to the versys-x 300. I would like to advise you to go there and have a look. When I was still active there, there were quite a couple of guys in a similar situation as you, that had chosen the versys-x 300 and where very happy with it. I hope this helps you! :)

[@PLF-Bass]

@StruunerWarg thanx! Quite funny, how many

[@StruunerWarg]

​@@PLF-Bass Yup, something I noticed too. There is probably some physics logic behind it with revolutions and max injector output, but I don't now it.

[@erg1249]

So how did you find the suspention onroad? and offroad?

[@g.cotter4256]

I owned one (paid £4k new) and loved it, I toured the UK and Ireland 3 times on it and did some gentle green laneing (because I know my limits), it was ideal for someone of my meagre off road skills. I took it around the ABR 30km off road track several times and it never embarrassed me. Three months after part ex-ing it for a Ducati Scrambler (❤) I regretted it but haven’t seen one at a sensible price or I’d have one again tomorrow. IMHO a proper ‘Adventure’ bike. Great review Nathan, we could hear the fun you were having. 👍

[@tshlk]

Ktm 390 Adventure may be similar

[@SloboloboVFR]

This channel has done wonders to dispel my misconceptions about trail riding.

[@theflyingbogie]

Kawasaki, " Let the good times roll" 😈 I have to say Nathan, there are only a couple of you KZbinrs out there that are worth listening to, you being one of them, you say it as it is with experience, knowledge and insight.

[@DavidSkelhon]

Thanks Nathan, there was a very valuable lesson in there for inexperienced off-road riders. Bikes rarely drop in convenient places, and even if you were unhurt during the drop it’s easy to hurt yourself when struggling to lift it. Don’t ride alone off-road is the general rule, but if you decide to, try and get local knowledge about unfamiliar trails and be prepared to walk potentially difficult sections first.

[@guyonacub4335]

Great video again, Nathan You are head and shoulders above the rest of the youtubers Keep doing what you're doing as you do it well 👌

[@kammelryder]

Reminds me a bit of the Gpz 305, another "what's the point?" bike until you actually rode one then it becomes clear, a lot of fun out of a very small package. Kawasaki's secret sauce since forever. My Ebay watch list has been updated.

[@Fiatmannen1]

Sweden calling. Have a 2017 green one. Sold my first vx3 regretted it bought another. Absolutely love it. Have mitas e7 on it. Drive b roads and gravel perfekt bike.

[@trevorsmith8487]

Another cracking vid Nathan. Thorough, thougtful and detailed but huge fun as well. I had a pair of Kenda's on the Himalayan, fine in the dry on the road (lasted well on a very dry LeJog) and okay off on a muddy trail but bloody awful in slippy conditions. I tried to gel with them but swapped them out for another pair of TKC80sa when still about 25% left as valued my life too much. When they stepped out a couple of times when pulling away from a damp junction, on a Himalayan!!, i knew they were awful 😂

[@Milkybar3320011]

Started off as a good interesting review of a budget bike and turned into a fight for survival, more please

[@RichardS-qh8mi]

What a breath of fresh air your channel is Nathan. Like many it’s my go to place for proper, real world, bike reviews, no nonsense just how it unfolds. Everything you said about your spill was on the money - it’s so easy from an armchair to say, “I could do that on my 800cc beast” but in reality it ain’t. Thank goodness you had those Kendas on for the final climb, even if they are shite on the road!😂 Epic stuff as usual and so informative for those of us looking at moving into this small adventure bike market. Also makes me realise what a super and adaptable little machine the 300 Versys is. Looks like a lot of fun and those in the know obviously come to love its uniqueness.👍

[@mattstringer7838]

While other youtubers constantly try and sell those additional tft your only reference to it was you have no idea what it is, brilliant, best channel out there 👍

[@ultimateiphonedng8756]

Great wrap up Nathan. I’m in Aus and have a Versys 300 in the stable. It is pretty much everything you said. For perspective I just returned from a 1500km tour with 8 other riders, all on 1000cc plus machines. I’d normally take my Wing but due to recovering from surgery needed to go light. Speeds were constantly above our limit 100kph, often up to 125-130. I had the green machine fully laden, panniers, tail bag, seat bag and 100kg of me. People might assume the Versys would be thoroughly out of its depth, not so. I was always in the action, comfortable and it was no issue on hills, through the twisty bits she was a delight. You can easily tour on the Versys 300. The gearing is odd, till you actually ride it in all sorts of conditions and then you realise that those Kawasaki boffins are much smarter than we think. On standard gearing I rarely need to change down from 6th on hills, start in 2nd normally and just go to 5th around town often not needing to change down on corners. Get out on trails and first is very handy for pottering along. It’s meant to rev and you soon get used to it, and it remains smooth regardless. And yes I agree the power is linear. Only really 3 issues, original tyres are not great ( but they’ll be gone soon enough) the seat is horrible but easily replaced or fixed. The ABS, at least for Aussie dirt road riders is a worry so needs a switch added to defeat it when needed. Overall a fabulous little workhorse that can be bought cheap and thrashed without mercy.

[@randomtraveler3363]

I bought a second hand Versys 300, this year with 3200KM on the clock. I wanted a bike that would be easy around town, capable at highway speeds and able to do some touring on. I don't see myself using it for serious off road riding, maybe the odd gravel road, so for me this bike is a bit of a unicorn, does everything I want it to do reasonably well at a price i couldn't beat. I imagine I'll have this bike for quite awhile and enjoy every ride I take o it.

[@biker_dale]

I rode that on the day with you and found it a suprisingly nice bike. I've found with many of my bikes tyres make or break the enjoyment and confidence of a ride. Same goes for a sproket. Just have a play until you're happy, that's what I did with my Himalayan, love it to bits now. Thanks for pointing out about picking a bike up, it drives me mad seeing those videos on technique being the key.

[@johnrickards1908]

Wow, I had to go and have a good lie down after just watching that! Cracking review Nathan, the best out there by far for this type of stuff.

[@RandyBB-yz1kq]

Nice video. This was a bike that was never on my radar until my son-in-law purchased one and I had the chance to spend a couple days on it. Fell in love with little bike. I’m older now and this inspires confidence off road for me. I bought a 2021 with 6500 miles that looked like new and really enjoying it. Appreciated your evaluation, thank you.

[@lestersmyth692]

It’s early Sunday morning I’m on my first cup of tea chilling on the sofa……. Wow I’m totally stressed and out of breath watching this epic struggle. You get my vote for perseverance Nathan more so for sharing real as it is footage of off roading in the Uk 👍

[@SwedBear1]

My personal summary? You're completely golden! Completely golden in every way. Elaborate? The enthusiasm, honesty, no bs down to earth approach, accent etc. all contributes to you coming across to me as a really likeable and truly inspiring advocate for motorcycling, green laning and not being hypnotized by the marketing of "tanks". Good on'ya mate, cheers!

[@RawTopShot]

Imagine Nathan and Guy Martin teaming up for a charity themed ride through Britain's network of green lanes (and making a televised series of it of course) ❤😊❤

[@SwedBear1]

@RawTopShot You have my attention 😃

[@PhilBradbury-oo2ue]

Real time off ,very informative and a useful video ,I'd forgot how physical a drop can be ,stopping and breathing getting your heart rate down before carring on ,all really useful advice ,thankyou.

[@RikkyTang]

Great video Nathan, I've had one of these for a couple of years now and it even saw off a KTM 390 Adventure which I bought to replace it! You're right of course that on tricky UK trails the bike isn't very capable. But as an easy to ride travel bike that can take lots of luggage and has a big fairing to protect you from the elements, it's one of the lightest ones around. And that ultra-light clutch has to be felt to be believed 😊 P.S. big thanks for uploading in 4K! That trail footage would have been a horrible smudgy mess in 1080P.

[@markdearlove8634]

Great commitment to a thorough review. Entertaining

[@phillipchandler8862]

You're always banging on about lightweight bikes for UK trail riding Nathan and I don't think you could make the point better than this video. No so called adventure bikes are made for that last type of trail though. For winter trail riding you can't beat a proper enduro bike but of course they are about as good as a big GS would be on that trail for long distance riding. Horses for courses I suppose. Great video.

[@CapelAdventurer]

A good rider will get any bike through there, trust me on that.

[@phillipchandler8862]

@CapelAdventurer I'm sure you're right but the average rider would struggle.

[@sammoon013]

Great video! One careful owner haha. Loving the content keep going 👏

[@Hnakrapunt1]

I have put 48k miles on my 2018 x300. I can take it on nigh impossible trails. I love it every time I take her out.

[@MrTench8]

Thats how a bike should be reviewed! All the info anyone could ever need about the bike, it's limitations and abilities. Your the man!! Those tyres have too stiff a carcass for that weight of bike, a tyre that deforms more with slightly less pressure would have made a huge difference to getting up that trail, maybe the Michelin Tracker?

[@wrf277]

Proper real world testing, love it, very entertaining!

[@ChasingLight_8]

"Use that f***n hulk force!".... 😂 You just earned a subscriber.

[@nicolas277]

Got a Versys X 300 2017 and a Z900 2020 and I was surprised at myself that I prefer going to work on my Versys. I can put my backpack securely on the back seat / rack and I can use gravel roads that nobody takes. Took a bit longer to commute, but was so relaxing and enjoyable. Bought the Versys used, it had only 4000 km on the clock, with the stock tires, which are fine for the road but not much else. Since then, I changed them for Dunlop Trail Mission and they are a good.

[@mattcorbett4431]

Great video Nathan, so much more engaging and entertaining than most bike channels. Your straightforward style is refreshing and informative. Very interesting little bike. I had a Yamaha MT03 as a road bike for a couple of years and it rode very similar by the sound of it. Gearing was a bit low and the engine very revvy. It was a lot of fun though and quite peppy. Also totally reliable, easy to handle and very cheap to run. If you actually get down to what you need a bike to do in real everyday use and leave your ego out of the equation, it did everything. I suspect the Kawasaki would do the same.

[@Dozeyish]

I have Kenda big block on front of my Himmy. It was terrifying for the first 1000 miles . It has got better , I'm very confident on road with it now. It's also good off road. Don't think I will get another for the back though especially as it's winter and I need a replacement now.

[@motohobo]

blimey mate,i feel like ive had a workout just watching😂 Great stuff,Nathan👍

[@BikingChap]

Great video Nathan, my heart was in my mouth in those greasy bends, glad you stayed upright. I remember these coming out and the general view was that a smallish capacity high revving twin with a bit of weight was never going to be great in the trails but as you say a great, tough, cheap commuter, winter hack even. From a road bike perspective it's a cracking little engine and the 400 that followed it was probably one of the sweetest engines I've tried (far nicer than the Kwack 650 imho), just enough grunt and will really rev out. If they haven't spoiled it in 500 guise then the new KLE should be a blast on the road because for all the pros of the Honda 500, it's not a 'fun' engine. On the trails though these seem just too bulky and the older I get the more I believe 'less is more' and 125 - 300cc probably all you need or in honesty, all I can cope with!

[@rinkadink66]

well done getting up that hill 👏

[@MultiOutdoorman]

Nate, that was a viewers anxiety trip mate ... LOL

[@beverleydavies8688]

This bike is way more capable than people give it credit for.

[@AlanSevern-d2v]

Good honest video, brilliant. Keep up the workout, saves visiting the gym. You put me off the bike for me to down size from a f700gs. I need to keep looking.

[@martyndunn1905]

New subscriber here, what a great channel. I was pushing you up that hill 😂

[@alanflint7732]

Oh that muddy incline! This is where things like that Honda 125 trail scooter thingy start to make sense. Light enough to throw around. At 5'6" and 65 kg, I struggle to pick most bikes up if I drop them. 170kg bike on a slippery hill. Nightmare situation. I had an old Suzuki 125 2 stoke trail bike here on Corfu. Very tall for me. Dropped it a few times on olive grove tracks. Took me throwing a lot of f**KS at it to get it right side up each time. So I go with what you said. Off road you need a bike that's as light as you can get. I'd add, as simple as you can get. Less tech, less plastic, more farm machinery. A bike that can go through a bush without snapping bits off. I'd love to try one of the old Yamaha TW 200s. Not powerful. But low enough to get your feet down, and without all the tacked on bling they seem to think essential these days. Have you ever ridden one? They are an odd bike. A bit like the Suzuki Van van. same size tyres. Look like they stole them off a quad bike. Not a bike for motorway cruising. But I think they could work on a muddy lane in Devon.

[@BrianSmith-ql5nj]

Thank you for the fair review of what will be my second motorcycle. I agree with you on the footpeg situation. When i get mine i will have to adress that first. I cant wait till i finally get mine, i have to pay off my 2024 klx 300 first.👍👍

[@cliveleonard2473]

Great review, and interesting video, thanks for the effort that went into it.

[@trevorbrooks813]

Holy slippery leaf covered rock Nathan,,, bloody awesome. Thanks so much 👍

[@eddiejefferies3659]

You need to produce a small inflatable air bag that attaches to an exhaust, and lifts a bike up. Think of me if you do. 😊

[@lughole]

Haha god love ya, that trail bit was great

[@richardbyrnes8398]

Whenever I get the urge to buy a trail bike I just watch any of Nathan's videos up that lane. Suddenly, my money is safe. Hope to catch up next year fella!

[@Lanzy4lee]

I seriously considered one of these at the time when looking for a new bike in 2018 the problem was I text Rode 4 or 5 different bikes 310 BMW crf 250l etc but was unable to get any dealer to get one for a test ride of this bike. If I'm going to spend best part of 6 grand on a bike dealerships need to understand customers will want to test ride the bike first. UK dealers still even today on average have very little concept of customer service .

[@alternativeperception6949]

I have experienced this recently while looking to buy. I phoned a dealership in Preston with the intention of buying a Scram 411 brand new so asked do You have a second hand one in I can try then I will buy a new one and the reply was if We did have one We don't do test rides! . Who buys second hand without a test ride ?

[@guyonacub4335]

Jesus Jesus 😅😅 Glad you found a bargain bike Nathan Up here in Cumbria your looking £3/3.5k for that I'm getting a bit concerned about where the market is going at the moment It's not at a crossroads anymore It seems to be heading towards a dead end Dosent look good for the younger generation Keep the bike as it put a smile on your face

[@williamrae9954]

Used to be,you discovered women,then you discovered motorcycles to get away from the women,the younger generation aren't interested in either!

[@1990-t1j]

@@williamrae9954 Haha!

[@RawTopShot]

I found the prices drop the further east you go on the A66.

[@bangerseamen]

Thanks for the tyre review! 😂👍

[@fatpigeonadventurerider2118]

I have a Versys X300 a CRF300L and a XT660R. The Versys is a superb bike used mainly on the road. The suspension is fine on mild lanes, the main change for me was the seat, the OE seat is like concerts d hold you static. I replaced it with a seat concept. Perfect result. Keep the bike above 5k revs it's really fun and smooth to ride. .

[@fatpigeonadventurerider2118]

Forgot to add I have Mitas E07 on mine. They are brilliant. The engine is an absolutely cracking and so much fun without risking my licence

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

F**k, I got out of breath watching you. Best review I’ve watched this year! Why? Because it was entertaining as hell 😂.

[@darrenwarrick8865]

Brilliant videos, highly informative and highly entertaining...top bloke.

[@mullins6429]

Hi Nathan, really enjoyed your review. Thanks for providing your thoughts on this machine. I’ve been considering one of these bikes now that I’m getting a bit older and carrying a few injuries. 👍🇦🇺

[@CORNABY242]

Never even knew this bike existed. Looks a decent bike for the money

[@jeremythomas6980]

Thanks Nathan very informative .

[@05gt99]

Very interesting Nathan, thanks for sharing.

[@malcolmpatton9314]

Excellent review of this bike what you discovered wouldn’t have been found in a 20 minute ride out while at the dealership.my wife and I are 4 years into ownership of two cb500x and correct I wouldn’t have attempted that steep trail with my bike,only done gravel track and my wife helps me pick my bike up when I have dropped it. Feels heavy when rolling back into my garage with the crash bars must be 200 kgs. Next bike ? Don’t know might be more road focus but here in Australia you need something that can handle a gravel road might look at the Royal Enfield 650 bear if the seat height is not to high and wide,not arrived here yet in no rush the Honda is really good for my type of riding.

[@cloudbase4140]

I got quite out of breath trying to help you...think I'd better go have a little lie down!

[@florme6494]

Haha great comment.

[@colinmills3274]

That looks a right laugh Nathan...Brill.

[@markjordan4868]

Perseverance, good lad, good video

[@josephlacroix9493]

One more go with a different set of tires would be gold. Also with the riding adjustment of needing to keep the ROMs on this bike much much higher.

[@josephlacroix9493]

ROM was auto corrected from RPM. How is autocorrect becoming so terrible.

[@robertlindstrom540]

Likeable bike and I could consider one. I buy all my bikes used, due to that up here in the north (Sweden) the good season is short and it is silly to spend too much money on something one can use just 4-5 months of the year. Hard to find, though due to the fact this never was a sales success here.

[@stillben]

These desperate moments with a dropped bike on a steep trail five miles from home are what's so great about UK trail riding.

[@astrostrotch]

I think it says it all that you have over 100 comments after 17 hours. This is a wonderful do it all bike and pretty capable off road if you can ride a bit. Only downside is limited ground clearance. Kawasaki missed a trick not upgrading to the 400 engine. Im hoping the new KLE500 will be lightweight with the 451cc engine from the Ninja 500.

[@teneretraveller8980]

It sounds so busy even when trundling and I find that noise causes massive fatigue ( for me ) on a long trip. It's more than capable enough for my neolithic levels of riding incompetence on poor or unmade roads. The klr is way to big but maybe the bew kle will finally give Kawasaki a foothold in the market. The Himmy is still working well for me ( us - carries 2 fine ) but it needed a screen change. WRS creates a perfect aur bubble for me ( 5'9 ). But as a second bike to ride in all weather? Definitely. Good appraisal, mate. Ride safe 👍

[@cowmath77]

Im empathetically reliving every time I've picked up a bike through your heavy breathing... when I dropped my speed triple in a mud pit I thought my cardiovascular system may implode.

[@pimozidecentre9189]

I own one. It is pretty good overall, dont momd the revs as the engine is very smooth. I find the lack of low down torque annoying when setting off from a standstill. The biggest weakness is that the suspension locks up going over corrugations. The suspension on my NX500 is in another league and the grab bar makes it easier to pick up in my experience

[@pobman2011]

I really enjoyed this video showed the real issues with heavy bikes. I'm trying to find a bike that can keep up with an old 600 transalp, yet be light enough and fun on green lanes and trails. It needs to be cheap around 2k and also as I expect to drop it. Any thoughts?

[@clarkjordan4519]

Totally agree with u , on solo green laning . I came of my CCM gp trapped under her with me in a ditch . 30 minutes until a dog walker helped me . Not a heavy bike , until u get trapped

[@Fiatmannen1]

The abs light will gon when you spinn the rear like that its normal and is mentioned in the manual. Goes out when you cycle the ignition.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah it did indeed. Went out next cycle

[@Fiatmannen1]

@nathanthepostman also a way to turn it off . Put on centerstand put in second gear and rev to 20 kmh or so and it is off

[@eqaulo]

Hi Nathan, was looking forward to your video, thank you. Picked one up 2 weeks ago for 3800€ with 3000miles on it, in Belgium for the misses. Made the choice for this as there's isn't much/good choice for a small touring/light offroad capable bike for a small female. Seat height has been a real struggle since she's 1.63m, this one of the only ones she felt comfortable on and that is with the stock seat, we have the oem lower seat (-25mm) on order atm. This is her 3rd bike, she comes from a VanVan 125 and 200. Wanted to ask you if you have any experience with the Yamaha Serow/XT250, the Serow is the fancy Japanese spec one, there's a few imported ones around. Seems like a really good offroad capable travel bike if you want something light and small (21hp/123kg) with decent suspension, and it still looks highway capable as well, tops out at 140km/h. They are a bit pricey though. Any thoughts on these?

[@110adventures7]

The high reving engine is a thing with Versys, I toured Europe in the summer with a mate me on my 650 Versys and him on a yamaha 1200 all.on road but at motorway speeds he was sitting at 4500 rpm and I was at 6500. Tiring 5 weeks with the engine buzzing away under me.

[@richardadkins6998]

Interesting video especially where you had issues on the trail. Not related to the Versys, but for example how would a Honda XR125L of compared if you got into trouble. Assuming a XR125L would have the power to attempt such a trail?

[@nathanthepostman]

Yes I had a XR125 up until last year Great trail bike. Would have chugged up that no problem at all

[@DuffersMcDuff]

I rode it on one of your A2 days. Very comfy but a bit gutless when compared with the torquey Triumph 400 Scrambler or the CF Moto 450 but if you just want to bimble around the lanes and do a bit of road ... its a cheap and reliable option. Depends what your priorities are....good workout on that rocky trail!!!

[@crimpyjugs5680]

Did you see that Royal Enfield have announced an upgrade to the Scram 411, now to be a 440, minor uplift in power and torque, and at slightly lower revs compared to the 411, and also now with a 6 speed box, not yet known if it’ll come to the UK, but 6 speed box might be better for getting up the hills!

[@nathanthepostman]

Yes, looks interesting that 440. I doubt it'd come here, just a shame they didn't update the 411 with that upgrade sooner

[@stephanematis]

My buddy runs Dunlop Mutants front and rear, uses it as commuter and loves it. I wonder if Kawasaki KLE will be the rebrand using the 450cc of newer Kawa family mates.

[@skaraborgcraft]

I found difficulty swing my leg over one and the seat was like having a wedgy. Jumping onto a 250 V strom was a more pleasent experience.

[@XLV750RD01]

It was a flop in Germany too. Only about 300 units were registered in 2 model years. Buyer beware, that thing has no cush hub.

[@SomewhereInside]

Test rode a 23 model here in Oz , ended up with a Versys 650 ,for a year,here in Australia we have lots of bitumen back roads , where you can go 500kms in a day tour loop without seeing traffic ….so I felt this bike was too busy in the revs department for relaxed exploring . Yes that weight when you drop it , so many inexperienced riders buy GS , Tigers, Vstroms , and go off road , with no comprehension of the terror of being pinned under a heavy bike in the middle of nowhere ,on your own . As a kid was lucky to have started riding a Honda Z50 and later YZ80s thousands of kms in difficult bush terrain , I weighed approx 60Kg, YZ 80 was 65kg , I could wriggle free if pinned , fast forward to present have a Honda Transalp after selling the Versys 650, 😢..the Honda weighs 208kg wet , so I stay on the black stuff , or gentle dirt roads . Really miss the dirt riding of yesteryear , but would only ride those former places on a proper lightweight , but then I know the bitumen roads wouldn’t be fun …and they are fun here in Australia , beautiful scenery ,great weather . This video should be viewed by all inexperienced riders thinking about riding alone off road. The one thing that gets you through 95% of difficult terrain is momentum , being able to dab a foot when needed …with proper boots on , but number one must , YOU MUST BE ABLE to get the bike off a pinned leg on your lonesome , and then pick that bike up. In Australia this still sold new until this years model , is going to be replaced by the upcoming KLE500. The powers that be in their infinite wisdom , decree power to weight ratio must be low for Learners , so the manufacturers build heavier bikes to achieve this , real twilight zone logic . Why is Britain , the USA , Australia beholden to Euro emission laws? Aren’t they sovereign nations ?

[@nathanthepostman]

Great comment Somewhere. I'd imagine the issue is that manufacturers have to unify the product for benefits of economies of scale. They couldn't afford to tailor the product to different markets. So they play to the weakest player and let the others put up with it. Real shame, as you say, the laws are counter productive to building good bikes.

[@NTF.England]

What rock is that on the trail, Slate? I know it can be very slippery when wet (#bon-jovi) Looking into geology, Here in Suffolk/Norfolk its sand and soil mix on most trail ...and beautiful mackerel sky at the end of your vid. x

[@hectorvass9777]

Spot on I stand to be corrected but believe that underneath the leaf litter in the vid is a Devonian bedrock locally called Upcott Slate aka slippery when wet

[@NTF.England]

Cheers 👍🏼

[@williamrae9954]

During L/D,I went through what was the best bike to do South/Central America on(before the Honda CL500 came out),and the X300 Versys won...fuel capacity, accessories, the works...so much off road gear available, especially in the States...would be a hard choice still,between that and the Honda,though my man would have to make me a custom tank for the CL? You want something cheap,economical, comfy,light and has all the bits available, spoked wheels, sumpguard, crash bars,etc...and I can get my feet down on!

[@DJAguitars]

Have you tried a 660 tenere? Quite heavy for a 660 single but I really like mine for offroading... I should probably say I am very tall though.

[@nathanthepostman]

Good suggestion. I do have one to test coming up (if my mate Francis lets me try his!)

[@DJAguitars]

@@nathanthepostman Ah great, definitely be interested to hear your thoughts. They're not perfect but no bike is... just a good solid do it all bike for not much money 👍

[@stevec-b6214]

seems like a jeckyll and hyde bike, float along or bang it through the gears, I have always fancied one since reviews by Ryan F9, plus Zac and Ari in the states. Fancy a swap/px with a classic xj650 shaftie? My shed is full to capacity and I am rubbish at selling bikes;) though I am about to try harder and get one of these, they intrigue me.

[@jocon6656]

I owned one of these and quickly sold it and got a 22 CB500x which imo is better in every way except weight. That engine gets old real quick. It might rev like a screamer but it's all bark and no bite.

[@mysterybiker1717]

Had a gs650 with kenda big blocks and never felt so scared on a bike! Should be banned for road use. Value of versys 300 now risen 25% after this review…wot a hoot!

[@bobhiggins4729]

Nathan, do you think you would have done better with TKC80s fitted. The fact that you were spinning up on the road indicates you would have had almost zero grip on that polished stone. Again a brilliant video. I see too many tempting trips for next year have been posted on your website. You are causing me serious problems. Keep up the good work,. Bob

[@nathanthepostman]

They would have helped I think Bob. The issue on that lane is momentum, or lack of it if you lose it. I ride the CF Moto up there in one go with the stock tyres on and I think it's mainly due to the 21 inch front. Same story with Himalayans on stock tyres as well. But those Kendas really are a bit pants!

[@bobhiggins4729]

@@nathanthepostman Thanks for the heads up regarding the Himalayan tyres. Mine came shod with TKC80s which I find lack feedback on the road especially in greasy conditions. It also came with nearly new OEM tyres so I will fit these over the winter.

[@rationalityfirst]

2:50 heh, look at those windmills waiting to produce electricity. and they're concerned about how much carbon a 300cc engine emits. peak clown world.

[@davidmatthews3093]

You sounded surprised that the Versys was at home on the road. Surely that’s exactly where it was designed to be ridden and the place in the market where it was aimed at.

[@nathanthepostman]

Don't think I was too surprised.

[@joan4906]

Jeez, I thought you were going to have a heart attack doing all that mud wrestling! Strange having 2 sets of heated grips fitted 🤔

[@nathanthepostman]

Ones a heated seat

[@BiglumpADV]

Nathan the screen looks to be an Aoocci type unit, it'll be android auto and carplay comparable if it is. Handy for maps etc without having to attach your phone to the bike to see it. But, why had the bike got what appears to be two heated grip controls?

[@nathanthepostman]

Thanks biglump. Second control unit is for heated seat. Nice toasted balls

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

How to make a steep trail appear flat? Turn on a go pro! Would it's polar opposite be the tractoresque chuggable Himmy 411?

[@nathanthepostman]

Definitely. Himi chugs up it nicely

[@davidmallia628]

The 400cc versys is coming!

[@JIMWSMITH]

I spotted it had two heated grip controllers one on the dash one on the tank bizarre.....

[@nathanthepostman]

Ones for a heated seat that the chap before fitted

[@nockianlifter661]

The weight thing is really interesting. You’d take the 411 on CF450 up there no problem, but would they be the same issue to lift ? Contrast that with that KTM 350 you were with the other day, seemed difficult to master, but would be a lot lighter to lift ?

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah I guess same issue if you dropped CF moto or Himalayan, both heavier than the versys. In fairness I went up there on both bikes first time the other week so those bikes are more capable in these conditions and easier to ride. so arguably less chance of dropping

[@nockianlifter661]

@ I battle with this weight thing as I’m most often out alone and I’ve had many drops, once pinned against the wall. Luckily the Serrow weighs very little and I’m strong from working out at the gym, but I’m not Superman. I managed to extract myself, but it took a while. I don’t think I’d be able to lift the CF Moto in the same position given its 40 Kg weight difference, but perhaps it’s more the centre of gravity than the actual total weight ? I have started to wonder if the weight of bikes such as the CF and Himmy are deliberate design cues, because the low centre of gravity and relatively high weight makes them feel much more stable and allows a better ride quality. Maybe a 120Kg CF Moto would make a better competition bike, but not necessarily a good adventure bike ?

[@NTF.England]

What other bikes have you successfully made it up that trail in one go for reference? Cheers

[@nathanthepostman]

CF moto 450, himi 411, CRF, himi 450... Basically anything with a 21 inch front makes life easier up it

[@bikersquest]

Out of curiosity why is there two heated grips controllers one on tank and one on the dash 🤔 is it like a custom heated seat install?

[@nathanthepostman]

Ones for an aftermarket heated seat

[@petermorrall8337]

Everyone needs an Uncle Barry to call

[@LEEGOOVER9901]

Man, there'snt some facelift with the bike.. yet, heck it even lost the abs option in my country...eventhough there are many buyers

[@beverleydavies8688]

Wish I could add some pics on the comments, I have some good off road pics I have done on my versys x300

[@Rabbydabbydoo]

I’m not saying these tyres are bad …… 30sec later, these tyres are lethal 😂😂😂😂