Kawasaki Versys-X 300 First Ride Review at RevZilla.com

2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 First Ride Review
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Dual sport or adventure bike; is the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 either? Well, kind of. While the Versys-X 300 isn’t going to be an alternative to large-displacement bikes specifically designed to aggressively take on the tarmac or the trail, it is a fantastic entry-level machine that will work well to introduce new riders to the possibilities of both. In this first ride review, Spurgeon twists the throttle on the latest addition to the Kawasaki lineup and explores the ins-and-outs of this lightweight, fuel-sipping motorcycle that adeptly fills a hole in the market.
Gear Worn In This Review:
Scoprion EXO-AT950 Neocon Helmet
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Scorpion Yosemite Jacket
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Scorpion Yosemite Pants
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REV'IT! Sand 3 Gloves
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TCX X-Helium Michelin Boots
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100% Accuri Goggles
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[@roscocsa]

We Need, desperately, a lemmy spurge hugathon on this bike for a long trip.

[@WindFireAllThatKindOfThing]

Fuck. Yes. With lemmy ridin' beeeeeeotch!

[@SpurgeonDunbar]

You had me at "hugathon". I do enjoy a good Lemmy hug.

[@roscocsa]

He does seem to be awfully cuddly.

[@calcrappie8507]

Adventure bikes have gone to ridiculous extremes with mega horsepower and F-22 cockpit control panels. Finally, a bike for the simple pleasures of a nice, economical ride. We will see this bike going cross country and across continents. It will be the king of the long forgotten 2 lane country highways and dirt roads. Adventure on a budget.

[@FieryVigil]

Besides being too broke and ill-equipped to properly care for her my 07 vstrom 1000 is a great bike

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

nice tank capacity it has a windscreen it look cool it's light compared to bigger bikes it has enough power to go fast enough it accelerates quick enough it has a pretty decent mileage it has a 19 inch front rim, and that's GOOD. it is capable to go off road better than a 650 or 1000cc with dual 17 inch wheels good tyre selection it doesn't break the bank why do some people don't seem to get it? it's not all about top speed, or super torky low end, it's about making the first good looking somewhat affordable bike that can go off road WITHOUT looking like an enduro bike. GOD BLESS KAWY. Post edit : Do you want to know how much is 5.000$ in Costa Rica? its approximately from 6 to 10 full months of pay, at a optimistic average.

[@robw2326]

Looks like a nearly perfect first bike for someone who is new or new to offroad, or both.

[@jessaphillips2846]

the big difference between this and a dirt bike off road is twin cylinder vs single. a 250 dirt bike will kick more off the line than this which can be a bit dangerous for new riders (especially noticeable on the WR250R with all its power compared to other 250s). Its great to see these new small displacement adventure bikes (the Versys-X 300, the BMW G310GS and hopefully more soon) because they're really the ultimate adventure bike. even loaded down with gear these bikes will sip fuel compared to a 800+cc adv bike.

[@lunamaria1048]

My husband just bought me one and it has been perfect for me being a beginner.. We go overlanding a lot and our camper can house one bike plus we installed a hydraulic lift on the back for a second.. We are currently in the Yukon territory and the Versys has been a blast on trails and off road.. My husband rides a Honda Africa Twin, which he absolutely loves.. I'll upgrade when am ready.. Oh and I have a skid plate lol... You covered the Versys totally bang on and honest.. Great review!.

[@grumpysquid]

Glad to hear this as I am a beginner. What initial challenges did you have learning on this bike?

[@anotheryoutuber_]

@@grumpysquid its just got a touchy clutch otherwise its really approachable, no need to "upgrade" just know what your expectations are.

[@grumpysquid]

Another KZbinr ok thanks for that feedback!

[@seanculliton1323]

I purchased this bike based largly on your review. I have been very happy with it. I am 6'2" and a first time rider at 55. I want to ride on dirt roads and back roads in North Florida and this is working well. Thank you.

[@VespaNuman]

I'm very glad this bike has come out. Something like this or the Honda Crf250 rally looks ideal to me. Good on fuel for commuting which is what I use my bike for 90% of the time. The occasional tour every couple years to the alps, and the ability to go on some gravel+ roads.

[@ItsMe-my7sz]

leaks power, you would regret buying this piece of shiiiii-.

[@VespaNuman]

It ́s Me I'm not a speed junkie though. Current bike is a fazer 600 so yeah it'll be a significant drop in power but I don't use all the power of my fazer anyway. I have scooters so I'm used to low power. Most fun I've had has been on low cc bikes

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

It ́s Me it's not all about horsepower and torque, the versys 300 has a 19 inch front wheel, have u tried to find good dual purpose tyres for a 17 inch front rim? i have, and IT FUCKING SUCKS, also, 8-13k$ bikes are not easily reachable at most countries, so a 5500-6000$ tourer with off road genetics, makes a lot of sense, people who work carrying stuff will love this bike, i do, and i wanna buy it.

[@ItsMe-my7sz]

Khotta Bogard Sure it can be hard to find some good tires, but that's part of experience. We're not some kind of quint car snobs, we're motorcyclists, we need challenges. But the reward is fun, and I tell you, unless you're a boring lawyer, you won't get satisfied from 300cc. You can get a used 650GS, V-Strom or any other 600+ cc ADV for less, and if you look after them a little they'll last way longer than your tiny 300. Don't think tiny engines like that are good, they only exist because of the European A2 motorcycle license. They're built to last only 2 years if used regularly. The high revs and the wear caused by overwhelming tear on the engine (caused by a lack of torque) will kill it. Face it, unless you're a European a2 noob you're better of with a different bike. I'm sorry that I have to disappoint you here.

[@PragmaticTornado]

It's Me: Last only 2 years? That's great! Kawasaki has an unlimited mileage 5 years warranty for all their bikes from 250cc and up (at least in my country). That means you'll get a brand new engine when the stock one suddenly explodes after 2 years. I can understand the power argument, for sure - but why the hell would a modern 300cc engine only last a couple of years? High revs are usually not a problem, unless you are redlining it 24/7. That said, ever ridden a 50cc? Most people push those 100% all the time since they're so slow to begin with. If 50cc engines can take it, I'm gonna hazard a wild guess and say that 300cc's can as well.

[@WindFireAllThatKindOfThing]

Man, we used to mob down to the beach on long road trips 2-up with old freakin' KZ440's and XL250's. If those old 80's turds could do it, then this 300 liquid twin from 2017 can :) Of course...being young and poor meant we were maybe 150 lbs back then. On second thought I should look at at a CB1100A.

[@darrenpinto902]

this seems to tick all the boxes for an entry level adv or commuter motorcycle. the only competition is the trk 502 (really big and heavy) and the gs 310 (lower fuel capacity ) .

[@mikefrancais]

I bought one and absolutely love it. It just makes so much common sense in so many ways. I'm 5'8" tall. Yes the seat is firm. But I can move around on it easily.

[@CptSlow89]

Nice begginer bike

[@mikefrancais]

Also, I have been riding 55 years all types of bikes. This model is perfect for what it is intended to do. Beginner or very advanced riders both.

[@IveAlreadyWon]

Nice! I have a large touring bike, and am looking for a second bike to use for commuting to/from work. What type of gas mileage are you getting on this? Think it'd be worth it from a commuting standpoint?

[@ytascoobs]

How does it 2 up? Looks like a winner to me 😁

[@iniakpmarc28]

I'm 5' 8" too. Can you get both feet down flat?

[@jamellionaire12]

This looks awesome! I love these small bikes.

[@hiramw]

Lots of good information in this review. Thank you.

[@TeriConradEditor]

Freaking awesome that you did this review while on the press ride. LOL. I'm coming late to this party, but I just purchased an 2017 (new to me) broken in Versys X-300 ABS and absolutely love it. I wasn't aware that you couldn't turn off the ABS, so that was good to know. I'm taking Bill Dragoo's DART class at the end of this month. Thanks for a great review of this model.

[@henryzabel1746]

Great video , thanks for informing others . I have had mine for about a month . Been riding 48 years and have ridden many kinds of bikes . I think this bike is the best bang for the buck there is . Before taking mine off pavement I designed and built a skid plate and made some lever / hand guards . I also peeled back the seat upholstery and contour cut some medium foam to conform to factory curves , about 1" thick . Re attached cover and would say a 50% inprovement . Just got back from an ADV get together in northeastern Oregon where we did some good forest service roads and double track , along with a dry creek bed . Several of these "roads" I would not have taken my old Vee Strom 650 . My skid plate took many a rock and a down tree or two . Protecting the pipes is important , but that oil filter is lined up right behind the front wheel . It is about 100 pounds lighter than my 650 was and the difference is stunning .

[@googleuser2082]

YES YES YES... I've been waiting for this video :D

[@markcollins5026]

Man, nice I just got a new white 2020 versys X300, I like it !

[@RomanVideos1]

I did a test drive on it and idk.. it's too revy? I passed my test on KTM duke 390 and from my point of view it is not as revy as versys 300... i am not sure if i should buy this.

[@raipa111]

3:51 "The sound of the world's angriest hummingbird" xD

[@darrensmith9589]

Wonderfully articulate and on point. Love the clarity!

[@stuwest3653]

Turning off the ABS is easy. Just run a switch to the fuse.

[@deadlyapollo]

Just picked up my X300 today and put 50 miles on for breakin. Coming from a GSXR 600, I noticed that I really no longer have to blip the throttle when downshifting. Can anyone explain why? Is it the slipper clutch or just because it has a whopping 39hp? I absolutely love this bike. It is liquid butter smooth. I already know im going to love owning it. I do have to nit pick the wooden brakes and the granite seat. But for only $5600 out the door andpayments of $88 a month with insurance $75 a YEAR, Im quite happy.

[@rottmanr1]

Its both, I think a GSXR 600 should have a slipper clutch but there is so much more power in a supersport that just downshifting without blipping will cause a more noticable jump in rpm.

[@zzxx33mh]

Spurg thanx for nice review.. I'm 50 owner of Vstrom1000 K7,this Kawi will be my next dual purpose..this is the best budget mini Tourer Adventure bike.. has a future no doubt,Kawi did a great jop..you don't have to break the Bank neither tired from lift it up..

[@prabhuslegalhub]

Fantastic review... loved it

[@BingsBuddery]

Great review, thanks, Splooge!

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

When he says The seat is " a bit firm" he means Its made of concrete. 😬 trust me , it's not comfortable AT ALL. Throw the seat out & get after market.

[@jennifercampbell8939]

Interesting chat, but what about testing it off-road? Talking about the suspension clearance, and lack of torque is one thing, but it would be nice to have seen and heard a first hand review of the bike's off-road performance.

[@edisona.543]

YES!!! JUST STARTED WHATCHING IT!

[@bradthomas3188]

Great review. I just want this bike with the ninja 400 engine.

[@rocketpunch12210]

nice review.

[@grumpysquid]

After tons of researching all kinds of bikes, I keep coming back to the Versys 300 for my first --and last. Checks too many boxes not to ignore: functionality, comfort, aesthetics, fun factor in the higher RPM’s, manageable weight, and more. I’d slap on some super Moto tires and call it a day. No need for a pure sports bike, or have to settle for a bare bones dual sport. The Versys seems to do it all, making it fun, and without being “vanilla”

[@kevinr3263]

Did you buy it? I'm looking at them for my first bike. Looking for something easy to learn on and comfortable I'm 6'1"

[@liveyourlife5403]

What is the different with the abs riding wise I'm looking for a gift

[@ssj4357]

I like that bike I ride a 300 ninja same engine but more useful off road I have dual sport tires on my ninja ride it off road in hard terrain sometimes

[@danhold1]

nice review

[@arijitchaki1884]

isn't it's torque a little on lower side for an adventure tourer??

[@nicholasevans1001]

I’m a year late lol but thx for the hight notes because I didn’t know if I was going to be able to reach the ground but now I have an idea btw love your work thx

[@ssj4357]

Revzilla great place to buy stuff my dual sport tires arrived next day

[@surfmotor]

How would you feel riding the 300 from AZ to Utah? You talked about cruising at 75mph. I want a bigger bike like the 650 for hwy. But when i get to the destination i am afraid the 650 wont be as offroad capable as the 300. Your thoughts? Thanks

[@RevZilla]

I think you already know the trade-offs. A Versys 650 is better for highway riding, but its weight and 17-inch front wheel aren't ideal for off-road riding. The 300 can handle the highway while performing better than the Versys 650 off-road. -DrewZilla

[@jasons44]

kawi make a skid plate, after market makers please

[@BassOutcast]

I feel like this is one of the perfect RTW bikes. Big tank, comfy adv-bike ergonomics, frugal, easy to service by yourself. It has ABS and fuel injection and that's about it. You can ride it on the road for days at 100-110 KPH and the wet weight is low enough that even a rookie offroad rider will be able to pick it up.

[@browngreen933]

Valve adjustments aren't easy.

[@davidpauli5299]

love the burnout attempts!

[@davidshore954]

what about first time riders? next year, I am thinking of learning how to ride, and am looking for my first bike. I have checked out the Yamaha R32, Honda Rebel 3000 and this bike.

[@RevZilla]

If you feel confident with the seat height, then yes it would be a good bike for you. Go sit on one at a dealer, and see how easy or difficult it is to get your feet down. If both of your feet can rest flat on the ground, then that will give you more confidence. -DrewZilla

[@calderon551]

What about weekend trips with gear for camping? Will the 300X have enough power to move all the camping equipment on the highway and dirt roads? Thanks!

[@churchofmarcus]

does your gear weigh more than a passenger?

[@SpurgeonDunbar]

Depending on how much gear you're planning on bringing I would assume you should be just fine. I would recommend some dry bags to hold gear to help minimize weight for better off-road control.

[@joanhannestad1436]

It makes almost as much power as the KLR650.

[@OscarDiaz-vm6dh]

@@joanhannestad1436 totally agree that's why I've got the vx 😃

[@rickreeder3190]

Excellent review.

[@luciavieira5048]

Beleza, agora tem que vir para o Brasil!

[@RaoPrajval]

This looks like a winner in India. Hope they launch.

[@ALEDIAZSISO]

great review. short and sweet. thanks. if you had to choose bewteen the versys 300 and the BMW 310GS? (for road riding mostly)

[@carlosss931]

The versys easy

[@thaik56]

The 310GS has an unrefined engine, vibration and buzzy based on a review I watched.

[@JimSiverts]

Great video Spurg. Question - what is your microphone rig. Does it feed to both cameras?

[@SpurgeonDunbar]

Thanks for the kind words, Jim. It's just a Sena bluetooth unit connected to a GoPro. It only connects to one camera.

[@LedGaRRagE]

beautiful UTAH !

[@yetti423]

Used to 2 up tour on a zzr250 with panniers, rammed tank bag and partner with a small rucksack and do the 450 mile ride to scotland without thought.

[@strandsaudio957]

How did you front-mount your goPro to the vent on the Scorpion AT-950?

[@SpurgeonDunbar]

Just a GoPro sticky mount on top of the vent housing.

[@chrissabre1761]

I like the controls ( 0 on the ktms) but want more to the bike , like the seat of the ctx

[@ballersac32]

I feel like I wanna call bullshit on the 32 inch seat height being ok for 5'1" riders.

[@SpurgeonDunbar]

The rider I talked to who was 5'1" was on the balls of her feet at stop signs but rode right alongside me for two days straight and didn't seem to have a problem with the seat height. I even went as far as to ask her "Do you have a problem with the seat height?" She claimed to be just fine.

[@UltraSamurai]

Spurgeon Dunbar keep in mind the suspension will sag a bit when you sit on it.

[@thaik56]

Inseam height in what matters though, some have longer legs and other shorter.

[@ilhamsabirin4673]

Rice review sir.. How about the throttle response at all rev range? Is it accurate and smooth?

[@RevZilla]

Yes, the throttle is accurate and smooth. -DrewZilla

[@ivyivyivy316]

Do you guys think someone will put small wheels on it and make a versys x supermoto?

[@MJT-DA]

JustinZ125Alive *cough* jakethegradensnake *cough*

[@MayLinh_ASMR]

Hi I’m new to your channel. I’m 5 feet. Can I ride this bike?

[@HiKrispy]

I haven't started riding yet but I've been thinking of getting this as my first bike since it applies perfectly to where I live. Living in Seattle Washington where it rains and snows a lot the thing has the comfortability and ability to easily go through that and being in highschool working part time doesn't break the bank. Still need some more advice on choosing this as a first bike so please help me out good comment section

[@RevZilla]

You might want to consider a used single cylinder dual sport like a KLX250 or CRF250L. They're even more forgiving than the Versys-X 300. They also have less bodywork, so it's not as big a deal when you drop the bike. -DrewZilla

[@HiKrispy]

@@RevZilla thanks for the recommendation, helps a ton. I'll definitely look into the two.

[@zzxx33mh]

Yes..this is KLR 300.. I think it's best entry dual purpose,adventure Tourer..budget ..the look is modern..you have sport bike engine, long travel,good clearance,spoke well,nice tachometer.. Offcource it need some improvement but it will later..

[@BobSaint]

This is KLE 300, KLR is more serious off-road bike.

[@luisvega903]

im trying to decide between this and a CRF250 for under 40mph rides around town and the occaisonal run to the woods and dirt roads on the weekends

[@SpurgeonDunbar]

If you're going to be spending more time on the street I'd recommend the Versys-X. If your primary focus is off-road, however, go Big Red. I would recommend checking with a dealership that carries both Honda and Kawi and see about securing a back to back test ride.

[@luisvega903]

Spurgeon Dunbar thanks brother, my dealership has em both I think im gonna go Big Red ive been in the woods i want to go in on my mtn bike and I dnt think the 500lb kawi would be too much fun for this rookie, althogh I really like the looks of the Kawi specially in silver

[@SanFranciscoRiderr]

nice review, i also did a review of this bike, i have some other points that i made in contrast to adventure bikes

[@Antimortem]

any aftermarket alloy wHeels for the versys ? tubes can ruPture or tear, unreliable.

[@RevZilla]

I have not seen any aftermarket alloy wheels for this Versys yet. -DrewZilla

[@JasonCWaite]

Is there a Kawasaki Versys-X 300 style bike that's maybe $1,500 cheaper?

[@RevZilla]

I recommend you take a look at the CSC RX3. -DrewZilla

[@sachinsajeevan935]

can you guys tell me how you are recording your voice when you are riding is there any mic connected to hero 5 or any other Bluetooth device!!?

[@Buledoyanmotor]

sachin sajeevan personally i use my phone with the voice recorder app and the classic headset coming with the phone, with some bandages gauze on the mic to cut the wind noise, and sync the images of my gopro session 4 with the mp3 file from the phone on editing software

[@Dangerwiggles]

There are external audio recorders you can use that don't involve hooking into the gopro.

[@SpurgeonDunbar]

As of right now we haven't found an effective way to record to the GoPro 5s, hence we have yet to make the switch.

[@xCRO3x]

That's how I vlog. The problem is when running multiple cameras and recorders relying on software to sync multiple audio sources with multiple video can be sketchy.

[@Antimortem]

what about the tube type tires? any way to chanGe to tubeless?

[@RevZilla]

You can run tubeless tires, but you still need to run tubes with the tubeless tires, because the spoked rims are not airtight. -DrewZilla

[@edisona.543]

MUCHO LIKE IT!! i can't wait for SPURGEon to ride the HONDA rally and hear his thoughts. I want to buy either the versys 300x or the Honda RALLY250. not much info out there. Thank you Spurgeon and REVzilla team!

[@rahgahnah]

Edison Alvarez Kawi=on road touring, honda=off-road capable. Really two different bikes for two different purposes.

[@edisona.543]

I understand a little better now. @rahgahnah thanks

[@zzxx33mh]

Edison is right..depends on what you more lean..

[@bigg16]

Is this Bike ok for a 6 foot tall rider at 110 kgs weight?

[@RevZilla]

Yes, this is still ok for your size. -DrewZilla

[@johnherian781]

T-Rex Racing makes a nice skid plate and lowering links for the Versy.

[@Kiwi-tz8vm]

Is his website to buy things is it trustworthy cause I want a fmf exhaust

[@SpurgeonDunbar]

While I wish it was, RevZilla is not my personal website but rather the company that I have called home for the past 4 years. If you want more information on how trustworthy RevZilla is you can check out our customer's feedback on Reseller Ratings: www.resellerratings.com/store/RevZilla_Motorsports

[@a1cdoddy]

They should do a version of this with the 650 as well. The KLR is very outdated now. Or put the parallel twin in the KLR.

[@NinjaRover]

very detailed

[@edrickmendez7978]

RevZilla Versys X300 looks nice..❤ Kawasaki!!

[@MJT-DA]

Edrick Flores Mendez *Kawasexi :)

[@devillovexxx]

Does that rim come with tubeless tyre?

[@RevZilla]

Here in the US, the bike appears to come with tube-type tires, not tubeless tires. With the spoked rims, tubes are required regardless of the tire type. -DrewZilla

[@ssj4357]

I like the bike.

[@eatingplaydoh]

By now I am sure everyone knows about the Ricochet skid plate. It works great.

[@charlesfoster141]

I just purchased my almost new 2017 Kawasaki X300 Versys on Monday of this week. It had 1540 miles on the odometer and looks absolutely brand new! It was delivered to me by the original owner on Tuesday April 13, 2022 which is the first day that I rode my new motorcycle. The previous owner rode it to my state so that he could rest assured that I would register and title his motorcycle before he turned it over to me. First let me say that I am 68 years old. I am 5-10" tall, weigh 269 pounds and I have a 29/30" pants inseam. I looked all over for specifics on whether this motorcycle would be a good fit for me. I knew it was tall with the seat height at 30.9". But would I fit this motorcycle well. I already had a bad experience owning a 2002 BMW R1150GS that was a huge machine, a real monster. That BMW proved much too tall and heavy for me to safely handle so I sold it right away. I replaced that BMW with a 2001 R1200C Pheonix which proved much more manageable with it's seat height of a mere 29.9". But it is a 1200cc machine which means it is VERY heavy! So I bought a little Honda Grom which proved to be so much fun that I thought to myself, "wow, look at what I have been missing." Then I discovered a Blog online where a girl named Noraly is riding her 2022 Honda CRF300L from South America to Alaska. She calls her site "Itchy Boots" where she posts 3 videos per week on average. After watching her great adventures for a couple of months I decided that I must have a motorcycle just like hers. But then I discovered that the Honda CRF300L is nearly impossible to acquire right now unless you are willing to pay $2,000 over MSRP. Yikes. That is when I discovered the 310 BMW and the X300 Kawasaki Versys. I went with the Versys for several reasons. First, it was availability. Next was value and finally after watching many reviews on KZbin I liked the twin cylinder water cooled engine making 40hp. So I bought one! I have ridden it 60 miles so far. This is what I can report. First, it IS TALL. We lowered the rear shocks to the lowest factory settings and now I can almost flat foot the motorcycle. It actually seems manageable although I almost dropped it going up the ramp into my shop today. Scared me a bit. The motorcycle is whisper quiet. I like this because my Honda Grom snarls like a mad dog with it's aftermarket Vance & Hines pipe. Really it is too loud. But the X300 has a very nice exhaust note. I do not plan to change this. Next, This motorcycle handles beautifully. The ride height seems tall but the bike is so friendly in every situation. I just love my new X300. Finally, this motorcycle is geared very low. Extremely low. But I guess Kawasaki wanted it this way. I go through the gears to find that I am in 5th at 37mph lol. I hit 6th at about 43 mph and that is the last gear. It seems like it should have a 7th & 8th gear lol. The bike redlines at 12,000 rpm. Whoa, that makes it a screaming machine. When you ride 65mph the engine turns 7,500 rpm. This is very alien to me and seems insane. But there is tons more throttle left after that, all the way to 12,000rpm. Amazing! This bike gets 51mpg so the high rpm must be efficient. I researched re-gearing the bike but you cannot alter it very much without disturbing the engine's code(s). For this reason I plan to leave mine all stock. Finally, the seat is very hard, most uncomfortable. I rode 40 miles today and my Fanny wanted off of this torture device. I guess I am spoiled by the Corbin Seat on my BMW R1200C. Finally, my biggest concern was, "will this motorcycle have enough power to haul my fat butt around lol". Yes it does! The low gearing is so powerful that this little Kawasaki doesn't even know that I am onboard. I get the impression that the X300 could carry a circus elephant if one was so inclined. I hope this little report will help others decide to buy a X300 Versys. I sure am happy with mine. So lite and easy to handle. That is where the fun is!!!

[@MrShad73]

I have had my CSC RX3 which is a great commuter for me and i will continue to add miles. This 300 versys was in my scope when looking. Starting to see a few used ones with low miles at a reasonable price

[@MarkBrockman]

That's a great looking jacket.

[@SpurgeonDunbar]

That's the Scorpion Yosemite Jacket. I was super impressed with it. Apparently they snagged one of the designers away from Klim and they're really focused on stepping up their ADV game. It shows.

[@therealaaron8767]

I sure hope Kawasaki has something in the works to rival the crf250l and wr250r class.. a little brother to the klr650 has been long overdue imo

[@RevZilla]

There are plenty of KLX250s out there in the market, and they're quite reliable. -DrewZilla

[@cassis1018]

This motorbike is designed for mild off road riding so the exhaust is not an issue. It is designed for the oldies. This is obvious at least to me. The young ones who want better off road performance with more mid range torque go elsewhere, for example the Honda 250 or other similar bikes. Also a good commuter bike for all ages and good for traffic with the easy clutch.

[@Dangerwiggles]

Sounds like it's a great beginner touring/ light dual sport option, I'm just worried that the price point isn't something that can hold up to what it is. I mean, this is coming from someone who's only bought used, so maybe it's a fair price for beginners looking to buy new. I just don't see it being as successful, though. I started on a 93 KLR650 for $1650, it's not the most comfortable thing in the world for long distance, but it's a fantastic bike and other than the height and weight it's been a great starter bike (that I can actually see myself keeping for a long time). So many of the 300s just look like they have so much turnover as people look for more power, I can't imagine paying $5k for something I wouldn't be keeping for a long time.

[@rogeliodegino1390]

Can I use this long adventure ride

[@RevZilla]

Yes, you can use it for long adventure riding. -DrewZilla

[@valandil7629]

Super bike !

[@abenzuoo]

good talk

[@13Palkia]

its an on road bike with short occasion dirt road riding. would I call this an adventure bike? nope. I really like this bike but I'm not going to praise it where its not due. 296cc? that's fine with me. I would only be doing 50 where I live and to go run errands & to work. did I also mention that I'm a scrub?

[@rottmanr1]

Bruh definite scrub unless you have full body suit and full lean every corner. *sarcasm*

[@RomanVideos1]

Can it handle 2 people well ?

[@normanhughedicko4076]

Roman can,The 300 can even maintain 80mph on freeway

[@RomanVideos1]

@@normanhughedicko4076 and how it does on steep uphills? With 2 people

[@josh123326]

Y'all should review the road king special

[@RevZilla]

We were only able to do a written review. Take a look! -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/common-tread/harley-davidson-road-king-special-first-look

[@wingmanhoy3999]

Great motorcycle except disappointed Kawasaki didn't put the 400 in it.

[@mtnmotoadv]

Doesn't need a 400. I think they designed the bike just the way they intended. Cruises at highway speeds of 75mph, tops out around 100mph, gets ~60mpg. It does what it's meant to do and does it efficiently. I don't think it's meant to go break neck speeds, but more of a tool to help explore and go across the state/country

[@normanhughedicko4076]

Two cylinders?

[@RevZilla]

Yes, it has a parallel twin motor, so there are two cylinders. -DrewZilla

[@knifenoob5411]

You make great commercials !!

[@BEM_01]

Kawasaki release the Versys 400 come on.

[@leesuschrist]

I don't understand why this bike is so popular and the versys 650 isn't. I can't find decent reviews about the 650 anywhere.

[@125go4]

While it's already known what to expect from a motorcycle like the Versys 650, the Versys X is something new. People want to see what it is capable of.

[@ravenprince.23]

Lee H motorcycle.com has a good review of the Versys 650. Even if the review is from 2015 or 2016 it gives you the general idea. There are a few changes to 2017, but nothing major enough for the other reviews to be obsolete. I have a 2015 Versys 650, and it is a great bike! I'm totally in love with it. My old bike was Sportster 883, there is more power and more capabilities with the Versys. I hope you find the info you need.

[@leesuschrist]

thanks Jana! I'll have to check that review out when I get a chance. I'm really interested in the 650, I think it'll be my next bike when I have the money.

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

Lee H the versys 650 is more expensive, much heavier, and much older than the 300 variant, I'm telling you, this bike is much more affordable, and you don't have to sacrifice the looks and the fairings to obtain some off road genes, this bike has a 17 inch rim on the rear and a 19 inch one on the front, that's very convenient, unlike some heavy tourers that have both 17 inch rims, like the versys 650, and it's a sentence to use on road tyres only.

[@leesuschrist]

Khotta Bogard yeah, I get it. I'm not against anyone owning the 300, even experienced riders, but I want to get into more of the sport touring side of motorcycling, so I think the 650 will be a better choice for me. it just boggles my mind how hardly any major motorcycle reviewers have given that bike any attention.

[@churchofmarcus]

This bike was very awkward when I road it. The powerband is all wrong for this type of bike. It goes just fine, but you have to rev the piss out of it. That seems wrong for an off road bike.

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

churchofmarcus it's a street bike capable of going far and going off road, not a torky enduro bike that feels great off road. But maybe if you change the sprocket ratio, you can gain more low torque at expenses of the top speed.

[@ChaosAI24]

So this needs a vs HUSQVARNA 401 SVARTPILEN!

[@m.rraghav817]

dual sport!

[@MrCheaterpipe]

klrs have all been thumpers versys are 2 cyl thats why it wasnt called the klr 300

[@Buledoyanmotor]

the heat from the engine going to my legs was really annoying here in Bali, Indonesia, as i couldn't feel any airflow on my boots riding it, the seat was painful after only an hour ride with it, i had to stand up so many times, i was riding it for 200 kms, max speed i got was 140 km/h, the slipper clutch had a weird feeling on dirt road, but the overall quality was good, and she was a nice tourer, cheers from Bali where we only get a 250cc on the Baby Versys (for tax reasons lol)

[@Buledoyanmotor]

Kurnianto Hartung thanks, i just posted a new longer review on the Versys 250, as i was unsatisfied with the first test ride and review that was too short, this time it was a 5 hours ride on it, so i could see really how she was, and she was more convincing this time.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I sat on one today. I expected a full size bike with small engine but the whole bike was tiny. I'd have to have the 1000

[@PhantomRides]

This just feels weird but I guess there is a market for it

[@PhantomRides]

agree mate

[@joelborden3242]

I own a Versys 1000 and I think I want one of these to take with my RV.

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

tourers at offroad suffer a lot for being too heavy as well, this is a great tool, just slap some dual purpose tyres to it and have fun in both off and on road.

[@motomookie8032]

Angry hummingbird, Vanilla? The key words I was looking for. No thanks.

[@kyleessex6301]

UTAH!!!!! i'll ride with you! we can compare with my CBR 300r :P

[@browngreen933]

5 years later KAWASAKI still hasn't made this into a Versys x 400. What's wrong with those idiots?

[@KF1]

They didn't have to. Owners put 15T sprocket up front and Kawi was like - Good enough, have fun.