Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Test Ride | Lightweight, Affordable Adventuring!

[@ilovesunoco]

This is NOT an entry level bike it's just a great flick-able motorcycle. I sold my 900lb Harley-Davidson and bought this and have zero regrets. It's lightweight and I enjoy taking it off-road to the beach. You don't need a heavy or bigger cc bike to feel worthy, it's just FUN TO RIDE THIS 300X!

[@jamesellis5549]

I have owned over 30 motorcycles from Harleys to 50cc Hondas and everything in between.My favorite of all and the only multi,multi year keeper is a 2005 Kawasaki 250 ninja.Size does not matter,I use this bike for everything from offroad to long road rides'It is 5 times the bike the Harley was.

[@elijahbrooks8589]

pushin steel I plan on adding this my garage or the V-Strom

[@MrHeepspo]

It's an entry level bike, sorry slappy. Don't worry, you're still a man

[@ryanbruneau1197]

james ellis Well..... thats ur opinion lol Some people will probably say the Harley is 5 times the bike of the Ninja. Versys won't deliver the adrenaline rush 0-60. Just won't. The amazing exhaust note of a Harley? Versys won't give u that. The badass styling of the Harley??? Versys won't compare. List goes on. Dont get me wrong though I'd really like to have the Versys in the garage next to my Sportster

[@bultacowally]

@@ryanbruneau1197 a Harley an adrenaline rush??? Sorry there Billie Bad ass MAYBE a V-rod but the rest of 'em pfttt!!! What are they 50-60 HP out of 10,000 CC's and 800 lbs??? Yeah sure what a rush 0 to 60 in 20 seconds. And the exhaust note, next to Ford diesel P/U trucks is one of the most annoying on planet earth. Dude why do you think so many people hate HD motorcycles now??? Ancient technology, slow, heavy and WAAAAYYYYYY too expensive. certainly nothing to brag about anymore. I'd rather ride my 5 HP Coleman mini bike... BTW have you ever even ridden a V-Rod???Evidently not if you feel old school Harleys are fast. Must be they were too fast for the average Harley riders because you guys all refused to buy them so Harley stopped building them...or was it because Porsche had to design them for HD???

[@GeezerWheels]

I have a 2018 Versys X300 and love it. It's not a powerhouse, but was not designed to be. It IS a lightweight ADV bike - after 5,000 miles I can attest to that. It will go on the TransAmericaTrail here and is also a great commuter bike on pavement or gravel (I live 5 miles from the nearest pavement). I covered by seat with 1 inch of foam then covered with a MAD DOG seat cover made for ATVs - works very well. At 7550 feet (2300 meters) above sea level were I live it does very well - except for very steep highway hills above 55 mph. Other than that it does surprisingly well for a 300cc bike. backmind the design goals, this bike nails it. I would LOVE to ride across your great nation someday! - Ray, near Durango, Colorado.

[@davegeisler7802]

The exhaust note of the Versys X 300 at 9 k and above is intoxicating 👍

[@hildtonmcconnell5626]

Tag line for the Versys X 300, GREAT ALL ROUND BIKE, great on twisty roads, good off road and good on highway, Put some Trekker 33 L bags on and great touring bike. I also added heated grips, center stand engine guard, extra lights, & elect out let, and will getting a 46 l top box to put my helmet and jacket in when stopped, so I don't have to worry about them. Only have 7,000 km on it so far but will be putting the km,s on as soon as the spring comes. After 50 + years of ridding many bikes this has to be one of the most fun bikes to ride.

[@grumpysquid]

Have you changed anything with the braking system?

[@AkaWilf]

I've just bought a Versys 300 here in the England, and so far very pleased with it. I actually bought it because of its looks, and to replace a Honda NX400 Falcon which I had for many years. The UK spec model comes with the taller seat, which although still quite firm, is better than I expected. The only issue I have is the low gearing, but soon rectified that with a 15T JT front sprocket. That now gives me 55mph at 6000rpm (running in speed) which is acceptable, plus it hasn't caused any issues with the gear indicator so far. Although I have a Tiger 800 in my garage, I still enjoy riding the Versys on the fabulous roads in North Wales, close to where I live...and it's certainly one of the nicest looking bikes I've seen for a long time.

[@WeNeedASaga]

Steve Wilson nice one Steve, sounds like it's perfect for the riding you're doing. Glad to hear the gearing and seat help too...

[@mimi1girl2dempsey3]

i'VE owbed mine for 8 months now. I strongly duggest buying it with the luggage handy to have all the time

[@robertanon1910]

actually I picked up the nice sounding revs on the open road and admired that this was the first video of the x that I could pick up on that, very nice! Plus your comment that it has the legs to keep up highway speed was helpful. many videos on this bike just plain suck, yapping about stuff and never telling the important things. you just might be selling me on this bike!

[@chrispbacon3042]

A black lumpy humpy holden in the back ground lovely

[@glyngreenwood8377]

Just bought one. Seat rubbish... But I knew that beforehand. Had seat lowered and softened and now I can get a foot down (I'm only 5ft 5inches) now I love it. Been riding for 44yrs,had 1200,s, 1000,s,and everything in between, think I can say this is the best all rounder I've ever had. Well pleased

[@johnhamilton2680]

Watching from Beaverton, Oregon. Hats off to the dealership. All the best.

[@rustyelectrician]

Picking one up shortly. Possible to carry a pillion on this, has more room for seating (hard or otherwise) and handholds for the passenger...not so much on the Honda Rally, which on the other hand is much better offroad. Also, the Kawasaki comes with a 17 litre tank vs 10.6 on the Rally.

[@ssj4357]

I really like that bike I have a ninja 300 had it for a while so I know that that engine is tuff and reliable. Good review.

[@WeNeedASaga]

cheers! thank you for the kind words

[@hildtonmcconnell5626]

I found the seat a bit hard at first but after 1800 km started feeling much better and now I have over 2100 on it , it feels quite good. The seat just needs breaking in.

[@trekOCLVone]

The Versys X300 is an easily upgradeable and modifiable. Please see my channel for many hands on updates like - swap to a 15 tooth front sprocket, the correct install of the Barkbusters, Heavy Duty Skid Plate (the only one to buy), full bike LED bulb swap, beefing up the skid plate to allow the whole bike to be lifted on a motorcycle jack and adding lots lots of electronics like USB ports, phone wireless charger, Aux lights and a Delani Soundbomb Split Air Horn. Enjoy !

[@kingbee17able]

Mate you have convinced me I didn't know what to buy I looked at a KLR 650 and thought what a monster and I was only just managing to touch the ground with my toes, they didn't have one of these to look at. It would be good if you could show how much gear they can fit in the panniers as well but thanks for your vid cheers

[@boseisgood]

Well done review mate! This will be my next bike. No place to ride my 200cc Yamadog DS off road nearby. The VX3 would be great for getting to the fire roads, camping areas, and easy trails I like. Thanks for the review. It was thorough and I enjoyed watching it.

[@WeNeedASaga]

Glad you enjoyed it mate. Yeah I agree, this is a great bike for getting to and from the trails and having a bit of fun once you're there too...

[@DustySquitoNM]

I actually really, really like this bike. I was looking for an adventure or dual sport machine to replace my dr650 that finally died on me, and I wound up liking this bike a lot more than the Honda and even the Kawasaki KLR. It was a surprisingly capable feeling machine.

[@WeNeedASaga]

dustysquito that's interesting - good to know that the bike still has appeal to guys who have experience on bigger machines!

[@zzxx33mh]

Same feeling man..this is KLR300 but in modern style,something that 650 miss.,put some Adventure accessories and go..this bike have a future.. The park car test was nice..wish for lite off-road rest..

[@honda636hp]

How many miles did your dr have

[@t-bone9403]

Went to one shop and they had a well used klr 650 on the showroom floor. They wanted close to 5 grand for it. Looked it over and saw several issues not to mention all the miles it had on it. Went to another shop and found a brand new Versys 300x for $4995.00. I was sold. Loving this bike so far.

[@mimi1girl2dempsey3]

The smooth engine is what sold me on rhis bike instead of the dr650

[@t-bone9403]

Love my 300x. Picked up my brand new 2020 for $4995.00 U.S. First thing I did was fix the hard seat foam. Thanks for the review mate.

[@govinda102000]

Good deal. My 2020 was $5500. as a left over from NH but I saw them much cheaper outside the Northeast.

[@COMB0RICO]

Undoubtedly, the new Ninja 400cc engine needs to go into this bike.

[@WeNeedASaga]

COMB0RICO absolutely! Fingers cross they do it soon...

[@hshs5756]

I'm holding out for the 400 engine. Last review I watched on the 300x said it would do 80mph on the highway, but sounded like it was going to blow up when you went that fast.

[@furtuner12]

@Marvin Orolfo bibili narin sana ako kundi lumabas ang ninja at z400

[@bultacowally]

if Kawi does that then all you guys will be bitchin' the Versys needs a 500 cc engine...you want a Ninja 400 engine then go buy a Ninja 400 the engine comes as standard equipment. I'll laugh when in 2 or 3 years you idiots are still sayin' "I'm waiting for a 400 Versys X...DUHHHH"!!!

[@mrrioes9823]

Hs Hs i got to 100mph+ with mine and it’s still fine

[@rcDoom]

Suzuki Hayabusa 1000cc I respect, is not for me Harley Davidsons although cool are not for me. Dirt bikes have their place, not for me. But this bike is perfect for me !

[@VietnamMotorbikeTours]

great review .. we are currently considering adding these to our fleet

[@louvega8414]

Did you add them to your fleet and if so how have you found reliability?

[@crispernator]

gday mate good review ,i know a guy in thailand who has just bought one of these 300's he did a short video on it the other day and i suggested to him that he does another about 3 months after owning it as he can then put out what he does and does not like about it , revzilla also give it a good review and yep that seat is a problem for any distance by the sound of it . ive also looked at the versy 650 but being short in the legs apperently that is an issue with the seat height and also the suzuki 650 v twin . Did watch another vlog and the narrator said it sounds very much like a paralell twin i just shook my head what did he want an inline 4 , anyway good vlog and im sure these will be a hit with the new riders or guys getting back into them .

[@t-bone9403]

Versys 650 is nearly double the price.

[@Maxi-hs5nk]

Glad I found your channel mate, Its also my local bike shop. I live in the area. We should hook up for a ride sometime. I'm currently setting up my klx250s for Adventure riding. I would think for the Versys x 300 to be a serious advent bike it would need more ground clearance and crash protection. Thanks for the review. Cheers Max

[@t-bone9403]

Ground clearance is ok and you can get protection pretty cheap off Amazon.

[@rvsam4u]

Great video! Thank you, I'm looking to buy a 2019 for my first bike. Closing the deal tomorrow! Cheers

[@MFJ65]

Fair and reasonable review. Much appreciated.

[@goru426]

I'm debating between this bike and used Versys 650, 2009 model. I ride mostly in the city.

[@TheGeoShocker]

Coming from someone who used to own a 2013 650 and now own the 2017 X-250, you should get the 300.

[@goru426]

@Calamity I bought the Versys X-300 2 years ago and ended up selling it last month. Now I have a maxi scooter Kymco Ak550. The scooter is much better for city commute.

[@wojciechsochon382]

Cześć! Mam 204cm wzrostu nie będzie on mi za mały?

[@tomquinn607]

Road tests seldom address flywheel effect and throttle response. I sold a 2020 model SV 650 because of a terribly twitchy rocking horse (on/off) throttle. Now I'm learning it's common among newer bikes because of emission restrictions. It would be cool to make this evaluation part of the road test. Back in the day this was not an issue but it is today and too many podcasters (not you) are crickets about it.

[@MrScottyAH]

Thanks for the great review. Could you please review the Versys 650 lams version. Please please

[@leslienicholson7133]

Nice vid, you have made up my mind for me, my Honda is going. thanks, take care.

[@WeNeedASaga]

thanks for watching Leslie - good luck with the bike!

[@leslienicholson7133]

Bought my Versys today, collect it next week, partly down to your video through Sydney. good luck.

[@PPBadfreakED]

One thing you Should test in every video is the gear ratio, what rpm in 100 km/h?

[@arjaks2007]

11000 rpm at 100kmph

[@Mrflymess]

Don't believe that person. I've got one & 100kph is just under 8,000rpm. It redlines at 12,000rpm.

[@arjaks2007]

I don't have one...saw in a some video review. Here in India, most of the media reviews cribbed about high rpm... Currently i own a Ninja 650. Keen to buy this

[@Mrflymess]

@@arjaks2007 Yes it is a high revver but that can be fun. Most bikes never get used to their full potential. You can use all that this bike can give. I like mine.

[@ALL-gr4gu]

Thank you so much for your nice review! I appreciate!

[@davepiotrowski1992]

Love my Verseys 300 X. Agree with you on the seat. It is quite firm and does get uncomfortable for me quickly. Looking at either a sheep skin fitover or something else, a bit softer for touring would be good. Thanks for the video mate. 👍

[@petermarks6648]

Recently purchased one of these to get back into motorcycling. Love it, nice and light, easy to ride and not so powerful that it will get me into trouble. Have to agree bout the seat, like sitting on a brick even with a gel pad and doubled over sheepskin will be looking at getting it professionally cushioned.

[@MrScottyAH]

What would be the best bike for 186cm new rider?

[@pujabelgian]

Looks good but.. Will it pack a 220 lb rider and a 120 lb passenger? Is it suitable for mild off road or trail riding?

[@makingtechsense126]

Thanks for an excellent review!

[@reginajaquysh7360]

You didn’t take it on any dirt or gravel?

[@t-bone9403]

I have and it handled some pretty rough stuff just fine. Gravel/dirt roads were a blast on this bike.

[@ujmrider]

After watching a lot of reviews of this bike, i just can't help thinking that it needs the 400 engine. That would be the perfect sweet spot. I'm waiting to buy one..... Are you listening Kawasaki?

[@p.istaker8862]

Fuel consumption?

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review, seems like a solid starter adventure bike!

[@WeNeedASaga]

cheers Pete :) Motorcyclist Magazine channel did a road trip on one of these recently and Ari Henning proved they're plenty capable as well!

[@pistolpete6321]

WeNeedASaga yes I saw that as well, he and Zack do some great videos together!

[@grahamwick2700]

Great vid 👌 keep them up remember you can video anything well not everything but you know what I mean has you were good luck

[@xuwang2217]

i thing i brought my first Yamaha DT175 from Sydney city motorcycle, his mane is Phil.

[@livedadyt10]

Nice review,thanks.

[@vsimileac]

Please, a review for 2017 Versys 650!

[@WeNeedASaga]

ok - i'll see if they have one at the shop :)

[@p.istaker8862]

In comparison the CRF has a thimble for a fuel tank

[@Zero-tn5vu]

Thanks for the information I am going to by one

[@florme6494]

What happened to this channel, I use to really enjoy it and looked forward to every episode. Also helps the reviews were done in my local area.

[@tek1075]

good x kawa!!! ful target. kawasaki no x bike in europe. maybe Versys650 bat versysx 300 is full target!

[@olalovgren560]

Good information. Nice review.

[@WeNeedASaga]

Ola Lövgren thank you! :)

[@slamboy66]

How tall are you ? When you sat on it you looked like me on a Rebel .

[@mrtickles2894]

Keep pumping these out mate, I'm really enjoying it. Was just wondering, have you ridden an Mt07, what are your thoughts? Or at least what do you think about the mt series? Im currently on a ninja 300 but when I upgrade i want to try something different, rather than just going from sport bike to sport bike.

[@WeNeedASaga]

Brayden Shawcross yeah I love the MT bikes mate - I bought an MT09 about three months ago and its greater. . I spent time with an MT07 while my bike was in the shop and they're a hoot too - sound good, and great fun for street riding. Definitely give one a go.

[@edmay8617]

Great Review Great bike Thanks

[@WeNeedASaga]

Ed May thanks for the kind words Ed!

[@noostNL]

how tall are you?

[@WeNeedASaga]

I'm roughly 200cm or 6'6"

[@noostNL]

WeNeedASaga awesome, same height as me :) looks pretty good on the 300 I have to say. Thanks! Btw. Nice video!

[@CL9k24a3]

but will they put new 400 engine in it?

[@WeNeedASaga]

that would be nice! fingers crossed...

[@another6223]

What was your impression of the low and middle rev engine pulling characteristics? Considering it for just around suburbs use, possible highway (100 to 110 kmh), and maybe some very tame gravel road, or firetrail.

[@WeNeedASaga]

For suburbs and a little highway, the performance is ok. Remember it's only a 300cc so the low and middle rev performance isn't amazing, but it's fine up to 110km/h

[@another6223]

Cheers. Appreciate the response. Safe rides.

[@bullsharkdb]

Short seat height, low ground clearance, short travel length on the front suspension, high revs Otherwise a great small motorcycle , the ktm 390 adv although still not so suitable for off road much better than the kawi, its only disadvantage is the single cylinder engine also with high revs

[@enisantoses]

Versys 400 please........!!!!

[@bultacowally]

another whining dumbass

[@rotherider5216]

Great review! I’m undecided whether to get the Versys X300 or Honda CB500X. Any advice?

[@WeNeedASaga]

thanks mate. regarding your question, a couple of stats which tell the story I think: - Versys has a 19" front wheel, a bit more ground clearance, and is lighter - CB500X has 17" front wheel, more power, and is a bit larger/spacious. This tells me that the Honda would probably be the better bike if you spend most of your time on the road. If you spend more time on trails, the Kawasaki might be the better option.

[@rotherider5216]

WeNeedASaga thanks buddy. Much appreciated from one your army of fans here in the UK. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@WeNeedASaga]

Rotherider thanks mate! Thanks for watching. :)

[@ImLeuff]

Love the X300 but there is just one tiny little problem with it.. Ninja 400 is about the same money and that's one tempting bike..

[@WeNeedASaga]

Leuff it all comes down to where you want to ride I guess. The X300 is good in places the Ninja400 won't be, but it depends on whether off road is important to you

[@dagrebie975]

Hey thanks for the video !!

[@JimSiverts]

What are you using to mount the small camera on your left mirror?

[@WeNeedASaga]

Hey Jim - it's the standard mount that comes with the Hero Session. Like this one: goo.gl/8JQwpi

[@jand3163]

The seat is incredibly hard, otherwise fun bike.

[@WeNeedASaga]

Jan D agreed!

[@Mrflymess]

You need a fatter arse like me

[@t-bone9403]

Easy fix. I popped out the staples on the seat cover. Cut out a section of the hard foam and replaced that section with some softer foam. Secured the seat cover with small self tapping screws/washers. Much better now. Under 10 bucks

[@t-bone9403]

There's a video on youtube that I used as a guide.

[@riderz72]

in Malaysia this costs RM23.745.....

[@fingerscrossed2317]

Good review, maybe some ofroad ?

[@WeNeedASaga]

I'd love to do some offroad but there's no dirt within 50km of the dealership unfortunately!

[@fingerscrossed2317]

WeNeedASaga Oke, maybe in versys x 300 test 2 😉 Seems to be a nice bike, apart from the saddle I mentions to at the dealer here in Goes (Walcheren)

[@mangeshjadhav]

hey whats your height

[@WeNeedASaga]

200cm / 6'7"

[@rifleman6152]

actually 200cm is 6"8 your welcome.

[@natalyaclaire5655]

Very helpful. Thank you. Any thoughts on the G310GS?

[@WeNeedASaga]

You're welcome! I've not ridden the 310GS sorry, so no comment.

[@jasons44]

non adjustable front shocks is a big dis, NO the honda crf 250 is 90% off-road

[@RomanVideos1]

Don't if i should buy this or not as my first bike...

[@MyRandomLife247]

Great minds think alike bahahaha. Pretty much what I had to say about the Versys. That U-turn was tight!!!

[@WeNeedASaga]

MyRandomLife247 ha yeah, I watched yours and was surprised how similar they were. Great minds ;)

[@rickshawphilippines]

how tall are you? yes versys 400 ! ! !

[@rickshawphilippines]

kept reading im 6'6" 240 looked like you fit well im in Philippines my choices are very limited but i would already be on a versys 400 if they built it

[@michaelflaherty2137]

Come on Kawasaki you should have spread the gears out. This is supposed to be a mini adventure bike, who wants to be doing 80mph at 9500rpm.

[@indigo196799]

A high revving engine like this is in fact à lot of fun!

[@jasonlambert154]

117 in a 70 zone, yeah ok

[@ОлегЧупрун-ь6ы]

Красивий мот .Мечта.Україна.

[@MARKINAU8]

Hate these small but heavy touring bikes: the engine rev while cruising is a deal breaker.

[@Billbobaker]

yer riding on the wrong side of the road.. YIKES

[@bultacowally]

Had one for a year...very boring motorcycle. But I will say when I went to sell it I had 3 different girls almost fighting over it...

[@honda636hp]

The bike is a p.o.s. no power no comfort. No Reaspect

[@1990-t1j]

Horrible little bike.

[@WeNeedASaga]

what didn't you like about it?

[@darkstar5555]

Some just love to hate

[@jimpiquette1375]

1990 I’ve ordered one of these “horrible “ things ; grow up !

[@COMB0RICO]

[silence]

[@Error-eb9gv]

It's not great for the morbidly obese.