Kawasaki Versys X 300 • Getting To Know You!

[@juliemcgillivray3394]

Like you, it's not been about the speed, but rather the view and experience. I bought a 2022 Versys x300 as my learner bike. It's been great fun. Only dropped it once (my first day), ha. I've put on a top box, hand and engine guards. Would like to put on a fog light kit, and nav holder. Will eventually trade up, but this bike is serving its purpose as an economical cruising platform. It's taken me places and provided views which I never would have seen. Not bad for a 60 year old lady with an itch to ride. Thanks for the Versys videos!

[@RikkyTang]

Im definitely looking forward to more leisurely miles on my new bike! This bike is also serving a purpose for me, giving me a gentle introduction to off road, as well as forcing me to slow down! I'm sure I will drop mine before long too hehe! I hope you continue to have a great time with your Versys X and I'll be making more videos soon 🙂

[@trekOCLVone]

That handlebar wabble isn't normal. Something with the front tire is causing the wabble. Other X300 owners that have determined the tire is the issue.

[@RikkyTang]

It's all good now! I suspected the tyres as well... Fitted a new pair of Bridgestone ax41 at the weekend and the problem has gone away 😊

[@ailtonjunior5889]

Acompanhando seu canal no KZbin aqui do Brazil, comprei uma Versys X300 2023 há 2 meses e estou gostando muito da motocicleta.

[@raipa111]

15:00 The engine will stall if you put the kickstand down while in gear. I kinda like this.

[@mmakine1]

Changing the sporckets will not affect speedo and odometer. They use ABS sensor in rear wheel.

[@Simon-RucknRideAUD]

If you are going to do slow 1st & 2nd gear gravel, or mild off road this will change the dynamics a bit, other wise it drops the RPM significantly at 100 km.

[@lepycelrau]

Right...regarding the "death wobble": - Check front tire condition and pressure - The ballance of the wheel (does it have weights) - Check stearing head (refer to manual) -Check wheels alignment - Try riding without the topbox Cheers 🍻

[@RikkyTang]

Thank you Andrei. I have already discovered that removing the top box makes the problem *almost* go away completely. I am suspecting the tyres and will change the current pair soon

[@karlfonner7589]

@@RikkyTang Yep. It’s the weight in the back of the motorcycle that will give you wobbles. I’ve had multiple motorcycles that do the same.

[@wmason1961]

Im getting older. I need to trade down to something lighter. Thanks for the review. I am completely undecided which machine to buy.

[@RikkyTang]

The good news is that he market for smaller more manageable bikes seems to be getting bigger so there is quite a lot of choice out there! Hopefully videos from the likes of myself will help you narrow down your search.

[@wmason1961]

@RikkyTang I thought so too. But my search keeps expanding. I am less sure of what I want than when I started a few weeks ago. When I bought my V Strom, in 2012, I had the same problem. I know I will eventually settle on one, but there isn't even one in the lead right now.

[@Simon-RucknRideAUD]

I have not had any issues with wobble, however I very quickly replaced the stock bars, with Renthal fat-bars, with raisers and hard guards (barkbusters) and SCOTTS steering dampener. I do have 50/50 tyres that hum. I have not changed my gearing as I do take mine off road. I did change the stock pegs, bigger ones, and stock leavers for smaller ones to fit in (bark busters) The acro complete exhaust system is good but not essential. We have to get them approved now (ADR) easy as they are.

[@sovietpancake6035]

have the bike for over 20 months, love it on road, love it off road after getting 50/50 tires. Bash plate and foldable levers highly recommended for anything above gravel roads, but as long as you keep the clearance in mind you'll be OK.

[@RikkyTang]

I'm really looking forward to getting out of my road-based comfort zone with this bike. Thanks for the tips 👍

[@robcutter9792]

I keep going back and forth between this one and the 390 adventurer. Looking forward to more videos on your 390! Thanks for sharing Ricky and Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@Simon-RucknRideAUD]

KTM just updated the 390 Adventurer and its yet more expensive, the KTM 890 have been also haveing some major issues with engine fails.

[@anthonyparkes8162]

Wow get that wobble sorted. I have 15,000km on my 2022 versys x300 and have never experienced a wobble. Wrt range when using secondary roads, (sub 60mph), I routinely get 240miles per tank.

[@RikkyTang]

Yes I'll definitely start investigating this as soon as I can, thanks for your comment Anthony 👍

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Well done Rikky. I like the idea of this video. You presented this bike in details. Even though it is not a completely new bike, you cannot put it in the second when searching for the neutral when stopped. It for sure has enough power to ride it according to the speed limits. Now we may see more videos about this Kawa. Keep it up Rikky.

[@RikkyTang]

Thank you RRR 👍

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@RikkyTang You are welcome. My latest video may be the one for you. :)

[@dimag4499]

26:38 - Oh my... Have fun with the new bike!

[@RikkyTang]

Thanks! And that was close... I missed it by a hare, geddit? 😂😂😂

[@crumblymal8479]

Good watch Rikky !! the bike looks great and it's frugal and not to heavy and comfortable what more can someone want ,I get the slower ride thang too have you got heated gear to help you in those cold winter trips then and are those textiles warm enough ? I wonder 😉cheers 👍

[@RikkyTang]

Cheers Mal! I can't believe the range, but if I do the maths a full tank should get my over 270 miles at 73mpg. I will check the accuracy of the bikes trip computer somehow! The bike came with Oxford heated grips but I don't have any heated gear of my own. I will (force myself to) take the bike out on some colder days to see what parts of my riding gear need an upgrade! After the last ride I should be wearing thicker socks for a start! One advantage of riding a slow bike is that you don't get as cold as you would with a fast bike! And the fairing helps a lot in may case too seeing as my other two are nakeds.

[@curtislincoln6044]

You may want to adjust the steering nut. It is probably too loose

[@RikkyTang]

Thanks Curtis I'll take a look at that and check the torque specs

[@jimramsey8020]

Could be hand guards. One angled a little differently etc. Would take them off and see what happens. Know of rider that phone holder caused wobble in way caught wind. He removed and no wobble. Love the 300x

[@RikkyTang]

Thanks Jim for your comments! I have found that the top box is what makes the wobble go crazy.... Take the top box off and the steering still wobbles a little bit but it doesn't get out of hand. I suspect worn tyres are really to blame, but the top box definately makes it worse. Can't wait to put more miles on the bike 😊

[@tailtidy8185]

Great to see that you are enjoying the bike. Does the head shake happen with the clip on screen removed? What difference would the original front tooth sprocket make to the revs at 70mph? Keep well and great video, as always.

[@RikkyTang]

Hi TT thanks! Yeah I'm having a great time with the bike - just wish I had more time to ride it! The steering wobbles happen at 40mph or less, and in any case happened without the flip-up screen so it is something else. I will look at wheel alignment... maybe I adjusted the chain incorrectly... I hate chains 😂 The original sprocket would raise revs another 600rpm or so at 70 by all accounts. Going to a 15T sprocket is popular with these bikes, unless you spend a lot of time off road.

[@KF1]

Sorry if I missed if you mentioned, was the wobble happening when riding the stock tires? um... tyres, that is.

[@MotoMango]

Seems like a great bike for putzing around town!

[@RikkyTang]

Yes it's makes a great commuter if you don't mind stirring the gearbox 🙂

[@arc001]

This bike prefers the open road in my experience, but for me it is a plaything. Sitting at 110 to 150kph, she couldn't be smoother. Noticed some vibes at between 90 and 110 which tickles the backside.

[@kinoko6544]

My Kawasaki 2024 Standard spec doesn't shake...... at all when I take both hand off the bars.... even able to shift the bike in position with my knees

[@RikkyTang]

The shaking was a due to the tyres that came with the bike... as soon as I fitted new ones, the problem went away.

[@Stargazer221160]

I have a Versys X 300 and my bike doesn't have the same handlebar shake, I suspect a tyre/wheel balance problem. I usually get above 240 to 250 mile range from a full tank. I have a 15 tooth frt sprocket fitted as well.

[@RikkyTang]

Yes it might be tyres, maybe steering bearings or wheel alignment. Loving the fuel range!

[@sfromd]

same here, same bike, I have zero oscillation at any speed

[@rustynail9007]

U might possibly want to try a steering dampner if u haven't managed to fix that death wobble. They make them for the 300 just kinda price. Well worth the fix though

[@RikkyTang]

Thanks for the suggestion rusty! I've narrowed the problem down now... once I take the top box off the problem almost disappears! I think the real problem is down to how the tyres are wearing. Hopefully the next set of tyres will solve it 😊

[@joepasco1420]

I have the 2019 verseys and never have any wobble at any speed. Got after market bars with no weights and still no wobbles.

[@RikkyTang]

I think it's probably the tyres... when I take the top box off the wobble almost disappears completely. So the top box make it worse, but is not the actual cause. I'm relived that the basic wobble issue is actually very minor and doesn't point to a serious problem with the bike.

[@LOLiTrollYouu]

What jacket are you using in this video? It’s so nice!

[@RikkyTang]

It's an Oxford Mondial jacket.... Looking at your username @LOLiTrollYouu like hmmm you being straight with me 🤔

[@jongreen3027]

you could always try for a multibike policy i did and it worked ok

[@RikkyTang]

Thanks John, that does give an idea for little video series! Switching from individual policies to multi-bikel Pros & Cons 🤔

[@OM-sb2bd]

Did you get the shaking sorted? I agree with the other commenters, 100% not normal or okay.

[@RikkyTang]

I've still not sorted it... I've adjusted the rear wheel for better chain alignment and I can't detect any wear/movement in the steering head bearings. However if you work through the ADV Forums for this bike (and other ADV bikes) you'll find that this is not an isolated case. One solution I've seen is to switch to tapered roller head bearings rather than ball bearings, so that is something to think about.

[@OM-sb2bd]

@@RikkyTang good luck Brotha

[@TheDervMan]

Those No Claims Discounts being non transferable is bad! But I can’t believe your police only went up by £8. That’s great and scary all at the same time

[@RikkyTang]

Yeah it was a worrying half hour or so, that's for sure!

[@WillieJohnRidesAgain]

I have the 2022. Love it. Also, love CaliMoto! It will find the twisties!!

[@RikkyTang]

Yeah I need to use Calimoto more this year - the Versys is made for Twisty mode! 😁

[@AlJuano]

Thanks Rikky. Were you able to fix the vibrations😳😳😳?

[@RikkyTang]

I haven't taken the bike back out since this video but I have a few things I can check (wheel bearings and wheel alignment). I'll keep everyone posted!

[@sfromd]

I have a 2022 versys x300 I have zero oscillation at any speed.

[@RikkyTang]

Hi Steve, I've found that part of the problem is the top box believe or not - If I take the top box off, the wobble is much smaller and it doesn't get any worse. So I don't think there is a serious problem with the bike thankfully, and I suspect that worn tyres are likely to blame.

[@ericreece2639]

my 300x don't wobble when i take my hands off.. something is not right with your bike.. I had a 07 ninga 500 that would do that, but was told that was normal for them.. but not the 300x

[@RikkyTang]

Since that video I have found that the top box is part of the problem (but not the main cause). Without the top box, the bike still has a small weave when I take both hands off the bars, but its mild and but it doesn't get any worse. However the top box does make the weave escalate into a big wobble. I think it's probably just tyres and so luckily I don't think the bike has a serious problem.

[@ericreece2639]

@@RikkyTang oh and, if you have center stand of if not , get front wheel up in the air and loosen all the fork clamps on fork, then tighten back down to tork spec.. hope it helps...

[@RikkyTang]

@@ericreece2639 Thanks for the tip I will try that 👍

[@joepasco1420]

Get ride of that top case. That's problem the reason for the wobble. I would do that before changing bearings! Top cases are for girls anyway. Well they make any bike look ridiculous.

[@RikkyTang]

You are almost 100% correct in saying that the top case was the cause of the wobble! I took it off and the wobble is much reduced and does not threaten to to get out of control any more. I think the real issue is likely to be worn tyres. So at least the bike hasn't got a serious problem. Now as for never having a top box... I'm afraid you are not gonna convince me... I've had top boxes on a Yamaha R1 and BMW S1000R in the past 😁 I like my bikes with a boot/trunk!

[@joepasco1420]

@@RikkyTang I'm old fashioned, I use a military canvis zipper bag and just bungee it on. Minimal junk goes with me. I've tried different tires and pressures no wobbles with any, a 50/50 is best for me. Hope you solve that wobble. It's gotta be very distracting.

[@astrostrotch]

Other factors may contribute, but the primary cause is definitely the topbox. I've experienced this so many times over the years.

[@JLOSTAFF1]

That speed wobble is dangerous. Something is seriously wrong with wheel or frame. I personally would not want to ride it! Don’t fit Kawasaki heated grips. They’re useless.

[@RikkyTang]

I think it could be a few things... Tyres, headstock bearings or wheel bearings... Maybe wheel alignment. I'll be looking into it soon before the generous (joking) 90 warranty runs out! Looking through the forums it's seems that other people have had similar problems and it's seems to often be tyre related.