Kawasaki Versys 300X, Versys 650, KLR 650 Comparison

This is our third video with Tom Neel here at Valley Cycle Center with the Versys 300X as the subject. A lot of people had asked about differences between these three bikes, so we gave Tom the 650s and asked for his opinion. We appreciate the feedback and hope you subscribe or visit our shop for a tour.
Here's links to the other two videos about the Versys 300X ABS.
Video 1 - • 2017 Kawasaki Versys X...
Video 2 - • 2017 Kawasaki Versys 3...
www.valleycyclecenter.com

[@charlesfoster141]

Great review. I considered all three of these bikes on the used market and settled on the X300 Versys. Turned out to be perfect for my needs. It has no trouble at all carrying my 269 pound weight. The bike is geared very low. It runs at relatively high rpm's but doesn't seem to mind. I am very happy with my choice and expect a long relationship with this wonderful little Kawasaki!

[@OswaldoLafee]

After seen all of the videos for Versys X 300, I believe Tom hits all of the right points on his 3 Versus X videos. I have a triumph Tiger Explorer 1200 and I'm looking for something sub 400 pounds that i can ride to work and to do off road a and I think I found it. Other than... Don't ever walk on right through the shot when Tom is doing it!! :-)

[@jessaphillips2846]

I really feel like Kawasaki needs to make a Versys-X 650 with a 19" front wheel and spoke wheels

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

Hopefully soon. We agree that would be just about right!

[@OswaldoLafee]

they don't agree though. They have the best selling KLR for that as basic as it is it is.

[@ridingwithjon3048]

Such a good video. I think there's a lot of people looking at these 3 bikes specifically.

[@theninja001]

I would like to see the KLR with the Versys 650 engine and an updated frame. An affordable adventure bike with power!

[@missadventuresmotorcycledi2773]

Meh not 650

[@chizorama]

Dear Kawasaki, nice choices, but...Please make a KLR500 with liquid cooling, fuel injection, a 4 gallon tank, 32inch seat height & 400lbs or under. The Versys 300 is so close, but...

[@MindBodySoulOk]

would be perfect

[@missadventuresmotorcycledi2773]

Nearing end of 2020 and they have not done it yet ...why Kawasaki , WHY !...But what is the surprise coming in November ! I can't stand the wait !!

[@scaggit]

Versus x400.

[@Linkonem]

Best and complete advice I've had so far I'm a beginner and was not sure if to go for the Versys X300 or Versys 650, Now I’m sure I’ll definitely buy the x300

[@13Palkia]

Klr, Versys, and Versys-X are all wonderful bikes! Great video by the way!

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

Thanks, Brian. We agree, all excellent rides!

[@dickvercouteren1424]

Thank you Mr.Neel for your expert advice, if I were near Valley Cycle Center I would buy an X300 from you. Keep up the good work!

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

Thank you, sir! We hope you enjoy your Versys!

[@l.d.barneske8qbi5]

Thank you, This video verified what I've been thinking that the 300 is a better chose rather than something heavier

[@canuckfobroader9553]

Howdy from Canada. Great review, I had my heart set on a KLR for a first bike, sat on a couple, even had the deposit in my pocket. Than I sat on a Versys 300, its like they built it for me. ABS, FI, gear indicator and a seat height perfect for my 31" inseam. Getting one delivered on Wednesday. For a bit over $5k for one, can't beat it.

[@Roadstar1602]

Excellent explanation. Thanks so much. P.S. I kept waiting for you to break the front fender of that KLR.

[@williamguiraud4992]

Hi from Vancouver Island! Thank you very much for the practical review!

[@missadventuresmotorcycledi2773]

He may have the longest inside leg but you've got the coolest pants . Great video thanks .

[@texbacalian5036]

I have seen you tube videos of folks putting Versys 650 engine in KLR frame, I think Kawasaki should really consider that.

[@diggler2002]

I have the X 300. Right choice as I've been riding less than a year.

[@marcussoeters1423]

Thanks for the practical review. Love the part with the tall guy. That's the information I've been searching for. Thnx.

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

Glad it was some help, Marcus. Thanks.

[@VikashGupta_i]

Exactly what I was looking for

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

I'm glad it helped, Vikash.

[@stoneblue1795]

Well done, enjoyed it. I have owned two of those bikes and still have one of them...

[@juanpablogonzalezs.v.8319]

Thaaank you!!! Versys 300 sounds like my future bike!

[@ZKazeLP]

Thank you so much, I'm 6'4 looking for my first and this helps alot the klr was what I was thinking but im sold

[@hildtonmcconnell5626]

I had a KLR and now got the Versys X 300 other than ground clearance the 300 is just as good off road at slow to medium speeds I also had a DR 650 and that is the one to get if you want to get off road and still do highway. I found the KLR to top heavy for off road and too tall for me. My Versys X is just new but on rough gravel roads, and sand I find it much better than the KLR was, and weight wise is what you need light and nimble. Kawasaki you made a great little ADV bike, but would like the same bike that did not rev so much. All ways liked long stroke low rev engines single of twins,

[@smg5420]

hello from Russia and thanks for the nice reviews. will got my x300 in june and this bike will be one of the first in Russia

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

You're going to love your new Versys 300X. Thanks!

[@jorgemiguel1040]

Well done. right on point. 5'8" here. the 300 is great. all are great but, next life i want to be like the boss there 6'4" then i can ride any bike. You should have said " buy all 3!"

[@glyngreenwood8377]

I own a new versys 650,its my second one,love it,but its tall n heavy,and im 5ft 5inches,really thinkin of an x300,most of my riding is on the road,mainly touring on tarmac,has to cruise at 80mph.....god im tempted

[@luisvaleri7938]

good reviews! BUT YOU GOTTA IMPROVE THE AUDIO QUALITY!

[@eidrag]

Luis Valeri With external mic, even cheap one can make the highway noise inaudible. Gotta get them to do it!

[@andrewstambaugh240]

I was glad he made the video despite minor background noise. Sure, almost anything can be improved, but i wouldn't let a mic stop him from putting out a decent video. His voice was easy to understand You could also use some audio processing to reduce the background noise, though that can only help a little.

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

We'll keep up with the videos and aim to improve the quality. Thanks for the comment.

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

Thanks, Andrew, we value the substance and content much more than the production value. We want to be informative, first and foremost, but we'll also aim to improve the quality, as well.

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

1 big disadvantage of the Versys 650 is the 17 inch front wheel, it's SOOOOO DIFFICULT to find good dual sport tyres at that rim width, it's easier find dual purpose tyres for the 19 inch rim of the Versys 300. i own a pulsar 200 ns, it uses both 17 inch rims, it was hard to find a proper tyre for dirt and asphalt for her, but i found it (Dunlop trailmax 130/80) tho, the front tyre of that model is a 19 inch tyre, it's the most common configuration for dirt and street use.

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

You're so right, Khotta. Finding the right off-road equipment for a bike with 17" wheels is near impossible. Having a 19" or 21" rim size is a big advantage. Thanks for viewing and commenting!

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

Valley Cycle Center you're welcome, and thanks for noticing my comment, a bigger rim will allow you to have less hard times on rough terrain, in that sense, the Versys 300 might be a wiser choice, a more fun choice than the 650. It's like if the versys and the klr had a baby haha.

[@johnnygross4415]

Is it possible to put a 19" rim on the the versys@@Al.j.Vasquez

[@RideByNight]

He's back! Great video.

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

Thanks, John! As long as you guys find some value in these videos, we'll continue to put them out.

[@mikelewis6]

6:21 I just feel bad for the guy walking through the shot man

[@calebakinfolarin8941]

Mike Lewis 😂

[@machinist8492]

i have the klr 650 my girlfriend has the versys 300 and we're both only 5' 7" both are quite capable bikes

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

We agree, Jay. I love the KLR. Thanks for the comment!

[@Daar64]

Great video man, I'm 5'4 with 28 inseam and yeah the 300 from all the info I've gathered is the one for me though the KLR650 looks so good haha

[@1dancier]

Great vid, gets to the point, wish more were like that. Now the KLR is getting the boot, wonder what Kawasaki has on it's mind. Was in a bike shop today and the 300X caught my eye.

[@Micromation]

I'm so glad they've released the Versys-X300! I'm short (5'4'') and KLR was impossible to handle in the terrain and Versys 650 was more of a "stick to the road" kind of pony. I'm really hoping that lightweight adventure bikes will be the niche that big companies will finally get into - so far there was nothing for us, short riders, to enjoy other than maybe CCM GP450 (excellent but also stupidly expensive comparing to Versys). It also seems that from all the upcomming so called "small advs" this one is a true adv and also sports the best specs in most categories. I'm going down from 1000cc Varadero down to this little puppy and I can tell you I won't be crying after missing 700cc of my engine - what's the point of going fast if that's not what you need offroad?

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

I completely agree. Small motors are more fun than they should be and are the perfect choice for off-road use. Thanks for the comment!

[@BriNaCa]

Bought my Ninja 300 at Valley Cycle Center. Nice folks to deal with.

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

Thanks for the kind words, Brian. We appreciate you!

[@dannykay4967]

great tips and thoughts - highly appreciated, great job! thx!

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

You're more than welcome, Danny. Thanks for checking it out.

[@elijahbrooks8589]

I have no trouble with my KLR and 30”. I have trouble with the weight of it.

[@williambedard8452]

Great Job!

[@hiltonmcconnell2563]

Had a KLR 650 loved it Now have a versys X 300 love it but for off road and rough dirt roads I will take a DR 650 Suzuki just have to put a bigger gas tank one it. I can not flat foot on the KLR but can on the DR650 and it has more ground clearance and litter.And I have no problem doing highway with it. have done over 350 Km a day no problem The only problem with my last one is the gas tank was way to small my new one will be getting a 5.3 Gal tank ( 20 liters.) that should give me the range per tank I like. Good video but can't get a new KLR hear in Canada. I wish Suzuki would bring back the DR. Big. ( a 750 cc single )

[@omstout]

If you know what you are doing height DOES NOT MATTER! I have seen 6'5" 240 lbs guys drop dresser hogs and laughed my SADDLE CONTACT POINT OFF at 5'2" 120 lbs. On my KLR.

[@PETQUEVEDO]

really nice video Sir !! im gonna try X300 Versys as soon as possible !!!✌

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

You won't be disappointed, Pedro. Thanks for checking it out!

[@herrmahlzahn6924]

Great Video. Thank You. I would like more of them. If you guys would be in TX, I would show up for sure. I'm also 5.6 but have shorter legs and an inseam of 29. I wonder how a 300 suits me.

[@mtnmotoadv]

How does the x-300 deal with freeways? Can I cruise at 70mph for several hours without blowing the engine? Is there usable headroom above 70mph incase I need to pass/get out of harms way?

[@conceptcs]

I like the new Versys-X 300. But I'd like the front end to look a bit more aggressive.

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

It is a great bike, but going to be hard to win any beauty contests. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@ssj4357]

I like all 3 Klr if fuel injection I would pick it hard choice 3 great bikes

[@timmalinowski9401]

Very informative. Thanks!

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

I'm glad it was helpful, Tim. Thanks very much!

[@reljoy]

Very clear. Thank you.

[@Archaon12]

Great video. Thank you!

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

You're welcome, Archaon!

[@shreksexy6879]

What about the versys 1000? If the 650 is a horse then the 1000 must be a race horse.

[@twmclean1]

Good video and comparison.

[@algesbrek8837]

excellent review bud

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

Thanks, Al!

[@Moondoggy1941]

Great review. thanks

[@akhillz]

i wish for another tom video

[@cattlecorner305]

I think versys 650 is the best choice for every day ride.

[@geovanesantos1645]

This klr 650 is a kind of bike that would make success in Brazil.

[@Random-ed2xf]

@Geovane Santos It was made from 1987 through 2018 so had plenty of time.

[@rotherider5216]

Great video. I've been riding a KLX125 for about 3 years (over in the U.K.) Would a Versys 300X be an ideal step up?

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

I think it's a great next-step, Ro. You'll find it to be more than capable. Enjoy it! Thanks for commenting.

[@billmitchell6816]

Any thoughts on a good bike for an older, shorter guy with a 29-30" inseam who hasn't ridden since he was young but whose nephew wants him to come along on a Trans America Trail adventure (and who is seriously considering it)?

[@eidrag]

I'm in dilemma which bike should I buy next, on spec sheet X and 650 only weigh a bit more but you gain twice the power... but yeah gotta try X because as you said, mission & fun

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

Tough choices, but you'll wind up with a great bike either way. Thanks for the comment.

[@chrisvieke2559]

Good review, just work on the audio. I want a Versys, this review helps.

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

Thanks, Chris. We'll work on the video quality.

[@owloped405]

How does this Versys compare to the Honda CB 500X and BMW's new 310? And what's a slip clutch? Finally heard a lot of folks hate the seat on that bike. Thoughts?

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

I can't really comment on the Honda or the BMW as I haven't personally ridden either. I suspect you'll get a great ride with any of the three, but we love the Versys for several reasons. Tank size, fuel economy, brakes, handling, off-highway capabilities... The list goes on for miles. As for the slipper clutch - it keeps your rear tire from "locking up" during deceleration. Obviously, the brakes can still stop tire rotation, but the engine will not be able to with a slipper clutch. The seat? I like it a lot, but I prefer firm seats. It's all a matter of preference. Hope this helps some, OWL.

[@omstout]

P.S. KLR at 'highway speed' only happens DOWNHILL IN NEUTRAL AT IDLE.

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

right through the shot haha.

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

Right through :) I thought Tom was going to turn our family friendly "G" rated video into an "R" rated video. Thanks, Khotta!

[@1966johnnywayne]

The guy is walking through a bike shop dreaming about his next ride...how dare he not notice that Tom is having his conversation video taped. Kinda' made Tom look like a dick IMO.

[@katievance1794]

Looks like some youtubers are taking the 300 on some trails I never thought it would have went and it does okay

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

A better name for the Versys 300 might have been the KLR 300. It's a great off-road bike. Thanks, Katie.

[@bigdogpete43]

Good advice.

[@forrysc]

Just watched hoping to see dreamboat James. Wasn't disappointed.

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

Diavel videos are over there, Forry. Just search, "weird bike goes fast." Maybe our next video can be you comparing your Duc to our V-Max? -Dreamboat James

[@forrysc]

I've got 3 outfits picked out for the video. I'll need your input.

[@TheGaurangga]

I want to buy x300 (Only 250 in Indonesia). can you give advice how to deal if you get flat tire? thanks.

[@dry509]

What about your seat to peg distance to see how bent your leg is?

[@dariusmocan4157]

for 1,65 toll it ok versys 300x????

[@josemanuel2244]

Can the 300 handle 2 persons ?

[@georat16]

Yup!

[@johnnygross4415]

Is it possible to put a 19" rim on the versys?

[@SEPU03]

I Thomas any new videos you gonna come out with in the versus x 300

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

What would you like to see discussed?

[@johnnygross4415]

KLR is to heavy and tall for me. I do like the dirt tyre sizes tho

[@johnnygross4415]

I have never ridder a bike with 17" front wheel

[@louvega8414]

If Kawasaki make the Versys X 300 in a 400cc they'll have the perfect bike. Just don't change anything else, Kawasaki, and you'll sell a million of them.

[@ThePhotographersStone]

It's only a 30 second video?

[@normwanderson]

Yes! What happened to the rest of it!?!

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

I have no idea. Sorry guys. It says to us, "Sit tight, video edits in process." Not sure what's going on. Working on fixing it now.

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

I think we have it now fixed now. Sorry for the trouble.

[@LTVoyager]

Definitely need a real microphone. I have volume on full and I can barely hear the talk.

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

Working on it, LT. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@markcollins5026]

Man, his lips are moving, but don't hear much !

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

you need a tripod & a microphone

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

Yessir. Thank you.

[@marcussoeters1423]

Only 30 sec of video .....

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

Sorry, working on finding the other 9 minutes now.

[@ValleyCycleCenterWinchester]

Sorry, seems fixed now.

[@lickbroccoli377]

conclusion, short guys shouldn't ride

[@YTRulesFromNM]

Short guys can ride anything if they are OK with putting one foot on the ground.