Versys 300 X: Review of Kawasaki’s Small Unicorn Motorcycle

Mikey gets his hands on a very low mileage Kawasaki Versys 300 and wonders if it might make a nice upgrade for Sid's Honda Trail 125.

[@user-hm1xq8mb3r]

Corbin seat changed this bike for me. Bought this bike for my first bike and have kept it.

[@Liberty4Ever]

I love my G310GS but my only complaint is the 3.0 gallon tank. Kudos to Kawi for making a small ADV bike with a 4.5 gallon tank. I love small ADV bikes. I've always ridden small dual sport thumpers. Now that I'm in my 60s I definitely don't want a big heavy bike, but I love the better road manners and longer usable range of these small ADV bikes compared to less comfortable dual sport bikes with less fuel capacity.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

I’m impressed by the little versys for sure. I haven’t had an opportunity to compare it with the 310gs. The small size ADV bikes sure are fun

[@danielflora2228]

I've been riding motorcycles for 40 years and my 2024 300 Versys is my favorite.

[@timcarter7051]

This bike is super fun , down a bit on power compared to my old cb500x but also down on weight which is a great thing! I have been riding for over 40 years and bought a used 300x a few weeks ago and it has been a blast . Very flickable on fire roads , 5'10" and fits like a glove!

[@turtle19dad]

Fits well.

[@user-ck6kq8zl2i]

I had a 500x too, sold it though as it was just a bit too heavy...if I dropped it theres no way I could pick it up. How do you find the seat and the gearing on this 300? I sat on one and it seemed hard. And the 1st gear on my 500 was short and I imagine this 300 1st gear is no better. But nevertheless I'm drawn to this 300.

[@jdillon8360]

Thanks for your insights. I'm 5'9" so it would probably fit me perfectly too.

[@Randolini]

I'm 75 and I love my 2017 Versys X 300 ADV ABS. I'm 5'10". I have added a center stand and replaced the drive line with a 15 t front, 45 t rear sprocket. I'm ready to ride if the 100 degree temps in TX cool down into the 80s.

[@luvnotvideos]

I'm a 5'4" woman who loves my little x300 for all the points you've mentioned. We've traveled just shy of 11,000 miles so far and it just keeps going! Planning to take it on the MABRD next year! 😁 The bike is outfitted with a Ricochet bash plate, T-Rex engine guard, and cheap center stand. Adding a 15 tooth front sprocket really helped lengthen the first few gears as well as keeping it in eco mode at higher speeds. It handles well in traffic and will easily keep up with everyone on the interstate. My only complaint (actually, everyone's complaint) is that the seat is abysmal. This would be the perfect light-weight adventure bike if they put a better seat on it. Other than that, I'm keeping it as my every-day ride.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

You will have a blast on the MABDR! I did that a few years ago and it was awesome. Be careful on those BDRs they get addictive:). I think the x300 is a perfect choice. Nice tip on changing the sprocket.

[@GeezerWheels]

Great review of a great bike. I have several bikes, but still ride the X300 regularly. I'm 6' 3" so I added one inch peg lowering blocks (I think they are Motorwerks brand) and 2 inch Rox pivoting bar risers - standing is now excellent! I ride on gnarly stuff sometimes (not often) so I added T-Rex brand crash bars and T-Rex bash plate. I also added Givi brand pannier racks and modified used Pelican cases for panniers and top case. After adding Mitas E07 tires I'v very happy with the setup - truly a mini-ADV bike, capable of dirt/rock mountain passes, etc. if you watch the ground clearance and keep speed slow to allow the suspension to work (I weigh 215 lbs). With a waterproof duffle, I have all the luggage space I need for travel. I live 5 miles from pavement so riding gravel county roads is a must. I HIGHLY suggest opting for the ABS brake system - works well on and off pavement, but I do ride conservatively when not on pavement. At 45 mph on local roads I'm commonly getting 70 mpg when being nice to the throttle. That gives about 300 miles per tank, but I seldom push that limit. Riding from Colorado to Utah on state highways and local county roads, I never was in need of more power / and the handling on paved twists is a joy!!! Kawasaki hit a homer with this bike. The ONLY time I've ever needed more power was at 7000 ft elevation (SE Colorado) going up a miles long steep hill with a head wind. Still managed 55 mph up that section. All other highway was easy to hold 75 mph speed limit. As you stated, just get used to the high rev - this engine was designed for it. It is not a dirt bike, and not a power house, but within it's design parameters, it is excellent. I'd ride this bike around the world in a heart beat! Proven engine, proven platform, upright ADV seating, easy standing- JUST GET A SEAT PAD FOR THE BRICK THEY CALL A SEAT! After that, ride forever!

[@davidalder6558]

Good and honest review Mikey. I bought my green 2017 Kawasaki Versys X new in 2017 and have done all of those upgrades you suggested in addition to a 15 tooth front sprocket and a gel seat. I have over 22,000 enjoyable kilometres on it and love it. I upgraded the tires to Shinko 705s for better gravel and trails. I also have a 2006 Honda Silverwing 600cc (Scooter on Steroids) for cruising with my wife. I have over 40 years of motorcycling and was a motorcycle instructor with our province for 8 years. This is a great bike for any level. Dave from Nova Scotia, Canada

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Nova Scotia is on my destination list for a riding trip in the future. Thank you for the kind feedback. Honest is high praise coming from someone who has lots of kilometers on the bike.

[@davegeisler7802]

It is an incedible bike for what it is. It has decent power for a 300cc motorcycle. You will be downshifting into 5th and ripping the rpms up to 10 or 11k rpm for steep hills and or strong headwinds. But it will do 75 + to 80 mph still. It handles extremely well almost as good as the Ninja 300. Two things must be done to be damn near perfect , 15 tooth sprocket up front and a taller windscreen . All in all its pretty hard to beat 👍

[@Fiatmannen1]

Noticing that the test bike has the low seat. In europe we got the taller seat that propably has better comfort. I have a givi wi dshield and a extra wind deflector that makes a great job.

[@Mrflymess]

Horses for courses but this bike is one of the best I have owned. Not for loong touring in my opinion but a blast on rides 100/200 kms. Light weight, very flickable, excellent turning circle. Very quiet exhaust noise but in the saddle the engine sounds like a race bike. At road speed I've never approached redline, (how can you when the limit is 110kph?) Can overtake in seconds with a downshift. Not a big seller in Australia unfortunately. Only seen 2 on the road in the 3 years I've owned one. Big tick to Kwaka for the Versys X300.

[@juliemcgillivray3394]

I bought the Versys 300 as my first bike a few months ago. I'm now 650 miles along, and enjoying every minute. It's teaching me needed skills in the saddle before moving up in a year or two. Averaging 67 mpg. It's pretty smooth, but the stock gearing is too close together. It represents a decent value proposition, and earns it weight in gold as a ADV rider learning platform.

[@joepasco1420]

Get out into ruff steep dirt roads and you'll appreciate the close gears. On the road they do seem too close. They had to compromise.

[@juliemcgillivray3394]

@@joepasco1420 I'd like to, but not before having a riding partner or group. Too afraid of dropping bike, and struggling to get her righted.

[@SierraDirtfishing]

​@@joepasco1420yup agree on the close gearing. Just took my 23 x300 onto some long dirt trails, had a blast, even my brother who was on a 701 Husquavarna was surprised. Over all very satisfied, value for buck...two thumbs up!

[@nicolehelms3711]

Great review! I own that exact same 2017 model, my first motorcycle! 🎉 I agree about the stock seat…….it is not made for long rides.

[@statusnoble]

The puppy was an instant like (thumbs up) on the video . The bike info was a bonus.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Dogs are well loved here at thid house. Thanks for the like.

[@panduwidagdo7051]

@@BestoftheBackroads should also review the dog. :D

[@greatbigeye2506]

I’m very curious about these, looks like a great budget light all around bike.

[@zorroad]

Hope I can get one of these to continue my adventures

[@jacovanvuuren7147]

I bought the Zontes 310 T2.. best bike in the 300cc class. All the additional gear like crash bars and protected hand grips is standard.. go ahead and check out the Zontes 310 T2 ..

[@govinda102000]

I can't believe I can get from 60-80 MPG HW on my 2020 x300. I changed the front sprocket to add one tooth.

[@davegeisler7802]

Perfect 👍

[@wokeupandsmellthecoffee214]

Nice balanced review and like this lightweight bike. Your sons dog Ray is a beauty. Btw I couldn’t locate that song at the end even Shazam couldn’t find it .

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Thanks! The song at the end is an original song written and performed by my brother. You can find it here on SoundCloud. on.soundcloud.com/kTQ12

[@EliCrousey]

Love the puppy!!! ….and the ADV for someone my size. Thank you for the review! What type of boots are you wearing in this video?

[@chuckleskie]

I am not a new rider .. I have a lifetime of riding experience but I am interested in the versys 300 because I am 62 and I dont have the same strengrh I once had and I think this bike might be easier to handle than a bike that weighs twice as much..😮

[@browngreen933]

400cc with no weight gain would make it near perfect!

[@BestoftheBackroads]

I keep hoping

[@JohnSmith-cn2im]

Good job.

[@JohnnieV]

I’m 5’6 too. 32 inch is pretty tall seat for me.

[@findingneutral]

Great bike review and tutorial 👌. Sid looked great on it. The Trail125 might be hitting the trail for an upgrade soon?

[@BestoftheBackroads]

I think she's happy right now. But it was a fun bike to have for a bit. Huge thanks to my friend LeAnne for letting Sid and myself play on it.

[@turtle19dad]

I just picked up the 2022 in white/blue one today. Gorgeous bike!!!! I really like it so far. With the exception of the friction zone being with the handle almost all the way out. Gotta figure out how to adjust the friction zone.

[@BestoftheBackroads]

The new white and blue livery looks fantastic! Congrats on the new ride

[@turtle19dad]

@@BestoftheBackroads thanks.

[@TheParaxore]

Nothing a good set of adjustable levers can't fix 😊

[@rahularora9868]

Thank you for the great review. I'm in my late 30s and never been on a motorcycle. Want something to eventually ride on long highway trips on but also light dirt roads. No jumps, no climbs or downhill or rocks. I'd love to be able to 2up with my daughter on long trips too. Would the Versys-X 300 be a good choice? Or a dual sport like the KLX230 to learn on for a few seasons then upgrade to something like a CB500x or KLR650 or Tenere 700?

[@BestoftheBackroads]

This is a perfect first motorcycle. It can handle both the highway and light dirt roads no problem. It’s probably a little on the small side for 2 up and you’d be better served with a bit bigger bike if that is a goal. I would add as a new rider I’d get very comfortable with some riding experience prior to adding a passenger. The first year of motorcycle riding is the most dangerous. After some experience, and maneuvering a bike is second nature adding a passenger is easier. I’d pick up a Versys as a first bike and get used to riding. It will give you a good idea of the riding you like…dirt, road, town, touring all which can factor into your next purchase.

[@rahularora9868]

@@BestoftheBackroads hey thank you so much for the reply! Yes - I wouldn't be doing 2up or long trips until I'm a lot more experienced. Maybe that's something I don't even need to worry about until I have a few seasons under my belt. I guess it's just choosing between the KLX230 and Versys-X 300 for the first bike to learn on and either upgrade or keep. Thanks again for the reply!

[@mimi1girl2dempsey3]

Not an enduro but good tyo get you where you want to get to so scrambler is a better description.

[@spydie]

I had a CT125 for 1500 miles and sold it. Hardest saddle on the market and terribly underpowered without that 2-speed hi/lo range that we old CT riders are used to. I have a Monkey now and it's a true 55 mph road cruiser (60 on a flat road with no wind), 150 mpg and I took it on a 200 mile ride yesterday. Best saddle in the industry. However, I'm looking to get rid of my Kawasaki W800 2021 model and get the Versys 300 as soon as I can find someone to trade with or sell the W800. The only thing that worries me is everyone complaining about the hard saddle. Is it as hard as the CT125?

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Having taken both on longer trips the CT125 wins the hardest seat competition. The Versys seat is much better. That’s not to say it’s a comfortable seat. It’s not great but easier on the buttocks than the heinous CT125 seat.

[@spydie]

@@BestoftheBackroads Thanks for the reply.

[@turtle19dad]

Where do I get some panniers for it?

[@BestoftheBackroads]

I think my preference would be a soft bag “rack less “ system like I use on my DRZ for the Versys. I like Kriega; Mosko Moto or Tusk excursion. Wolf man and Nelson Rigg make good soft luggage but need a rack. Givi makes some good hard luggage. Depends on preference, budget, size and type of riding on the best luggage

[@user-ck6kq8zl2i]

Does it have a slipper clutch?

[@IMurderdTheDevil]

yes

[@WoodrowfolloweroftheMessiah]

👍🏻🙏🏻😀

[@allans7281]

I’ve ridden this bike it has no power engines screams at 60-70 mph

[@Sam-iw4pm]

Please don't off road the BMW a lot of weight to pickup and $$$$$ x300 is good for all!

[@BestoftheBackroads]

Hmmm this may fall under the heading…challenge accepted! I get the point though. Small bikes have a big fun factor.

[@bratcafe5632]

What kind of of weirdo SON.would have a problem with his father's interest in motorcycles.....??