Versys x300 10,000 mi of Enjoyment

In this video I try to convey the simplicity and fun of long term ownership of this bike. I poke fun at the lack of rider aids offered while trying to capture the beautiful geography of riding in SW Colorado and SE Utah. I also try and express the dependability, excellent fuel mileage, and ease of operation of the Versys 300x. I briefly document the bike's rebuild after a deer vs motorcycle accident. Enjoy!

[@spinwater66]

Greetings from SW Colorado!........I down sized from a bike with 130hp to 40hp. Speaking for myself only, at some point I realized it was more about the adventure of just getting out, and not the bike 'per se'. I grew disenchanted with the unused horsepower and was happy to do away with the extra weight. Less weight meant more freedom for me to push it just a little bit further. I also believe in simplicity, sometimes less is more.

[@errata101]

Same, bad spine/gimped,,,, the x300 is my weight limit-seat height,,,,

[@karlfonner7589]

Same here. I bought a salvaged Kawasaki Z 400 and made it into a little scrambler. Fun for small twisty roads

[@TheParaxore]

Same for me, I started on a Versys 650 (2011) and I did like it but it felt a bit too heavy and tall for everyday commuting and especially stop and go traffic, so I wanted something lighter but that I could also do a little bit of offroad. I love the versys x300 for this. It fits me perfectly at 5'8" and the slipper clutch is fantastic

[@c0ck_l2oach75]

Well said. All of this is spot on.

[@pfschuyler]

I'm quite interested in this bike and the approach makes sense. I've got a Vstrom 650, similarly spec'd. Its a great bike but I'd happily lose a bit of horsepower to shed 100lbs.

[@matthewbennett]

This is the best Verses 300X video on the internet. Happy trails.

[@spinwater66]

Thx for taking the time to comment. Just trying to 'keep it real' here.

[@kennethsinley9193]

I absolutely love mine.

[@KF1]

Man you got photography skills. Love that colour choice and great scenery. I don't know why people say this is a "beginner bike". It will take you literally anywhere.

[@WillieJohnRidesAgain]

Very well-done. I got a 2022 in July and have almost 4,000 miles on it now. No issues. Goes anywhere I want so far. Getting almost 70 mpg when I keep it in a reasonable speed range but no problems on forestry roads, gravel, mud, ect. Atlas throttle lock helps on the highway! Have been on one 600 mile roundtrip. Stock tires!! ;>)

[@dupajasiu920]

yeah this is it. With all this machismo hype for 1 tone bikes, people forgot 40HP is quite enough to move around, even with a passenger. Just 20 years ago we had cars with half the power. Versys is nible, easy to ride, very encouraging, reliable. You can explore the world on this basic bike.

[@beardannyboy]

Great vid, really good impressions from a long-term rider. That area looks amazing!

[@hiramw]

Thanks for your video and for sharing your experience on your Versys-X. Wishing you many, many more safe miles.

[@spinwater66]

Hey- Thanks for taking the time to comment. All the best to you as well.

[@GeezerWheels]

We have a lot in common. I live in SW CO, in the hills east of Durango. I also travel armed (legally of course). I've ridden most of the TAT on a Husaberg FE390, (Oregon to Arkansas) but I rode the Silverton to Moab TAT section on my Versys X300, with Mitas E07+ tires. Did great over the passes and mild trails in Moab (but I HATE deep sand in Moab, so I avoided it mostly). I attached Givi racks and did DIY Pelican cases left and right, then just carry a waterproof duffel on the top rack. No problem! I'm 6'3" (215 lbs) so I added 2" Rox Pivoting bar risers and lowered the pegs one inch. Also added T-Rex skid plata and crash bars - highly recommended. The X300 is fine for Jeep trails with the right tires and Tuckerville (above Vallecito Lake) was a piece of cake. Kawasaki hit a home run in the mini-ADV category. The little twin engine is smooth and I get no "buzz hands" like I do on the Husaberg (added grip puppies to that bike). Get in touch, we'll do lunch or ride together! Thanks for a great vid!

[@davidc7002]

Interesting understated review. Hope you recovered after the accident as well as the bike. Fwiw I own a vx3 and absolutely love it

[@zahirjlg]

Great video! I think your motorcycle looks great like this. I liked your comments during the video. Greetings from Argentina!

[@ailtonjunior5889]

Parabéns pelo vídeo, sou do Brasil e comprei uma Versys X300 há 3 meses e estou gostando muito da motocicleta.

[@Spacejunk63]

Liked your video, nice upgrades like the tires I bought a 22, have 2000 miles so far.

[@bonesworld7178]

That was a great little build. Reminds me of something that I would build. Nice job

[@spinwater66]

Thx.....sometimes it just comes together:)

[@timcarter7051]

I am on my second 300x, sold the first to move and just picked another one up now that l am settled in . Both bikes were bought used . Best mod on both bikes besides the normal stuff if your keeping the stock exhaust because you don't have the extra $ for a slip on or don't want to go full send and full NOISE buy buying and aftermarket slip on and its also stealth because it looks stock Is to take a big screwdriver or a kids wagon axle ( thats what l use), grind a point on one end and slip it in to the end of the muffler and punch 4 or 5 holes through the end cap used to make the system quiet. Don't get crazy, just punch a hole pull the rod out and repeat. This will make a BIG difference in the bikes power band. The bike will get a little louder but not Two Bros louder and it will breathe better nd accelerate quicker.

[@kennethsinley9193]

I love this video. Have a 2023 verseys 300x. Love it

[@aniyn]

The versys actually has 2 rider modes - on the bike, and off the bike.

[@spinwater66]

Yup:)

[@stephanematis]

Love frozen sand. Slightly drained for winter lakeshore near our family cottage, the extended sandy beach turned into frozen snow dunes,. Part of my favorite early riding memories.

[@somejerk1520]

Airbox mod, DNA filter, full Delkevic exhaust and a dyno tune took mine from 32rwhp to 38rwhp. Also switched the rear sprocket to a 43t to calm her down a bit on the freeway. This Winter I'm considering a big bore kit with a bump in compression and a cam.

[@undergroundblu]

Hey bud sounds like a great setup. I haven't heard of the airbox mod done on this bike before. Could you please direct me to the info on that?

[@jedipat204]

Excited to get mine soon, buying a 2019

[@Fiatmannen1]

I have a 2017 model. Great bike, cant see what more to what.

[@errata101]

Yep, same here. 2021 blk/silver-same mods and a few more,,, I ride the endless mountains of nepa....

[@osamation]

nice power point presentation

[@Rickmac22]

Well, you are definitely getting your money's worth out of that bad boy! I am really hoping they come out with a Versys 500X!

[@Guitarooster52]

Looks like a nice little bike. I personally wouldn’t use it for deer hunting but you know that’s just me!

[@payas0insan0]

Where did you buy your compass it really looks cool

[@3thndv155]

I have a ninja 300 so although mine isn't an adv bike it's got that same 296 cc engine which is just a great engine for what it is.

[@ChampangeSuperNovaz]

Sick bike. I have a 2021 versys 300x. Love it. Such a comfortable ride it's my daily commuter. I like your mods. Can you link them all in description thanks. Hard to find a foldable shifter compatible.

[@spinwater66]

Howdy Super Nova! I was just curious what part of the country you commute/ride in? Here is the link to the shifter, enjoy! IMS 312222 Flightline Folding Shift Lever (Amazon).

[@asura8236]

Thanks for the info I've been looking all over for a folding shift lever for the versys x for a long time thank you so much ps is there any way to extended warranty on your motorcycles mine is about to be up thanks even though it's probably a stupid question.

[@spinwater66]

@@asura8236 I think were both out of luck on the extended warranty. Mine is about to expire too. To be honest.....I couldn't find any troubling failures on the Ninja 300 engine. I am not to worried about longevity of the motor so long as basic maintenance is done. Enjoy!

[@karlfonner7589]

Yep, that was a good video. Right now I’m trying to convert my Kawasaki Z 400 into a Verseys kind of sorta. I’m in my 60s and have not so much A need for Speed anymore. The bike works great up in the gold country and in the city of half 1 million people of where I live

[@bwnco]

LOL Sleeping Ute! Nice video... what happened to you? You did a great job with this one. Yes maps an compass.. F GPS electronic B.S. Give me a map any day!!! Where you get your bendy shift lever?

[@namesseth4996]

I’m debating about a versys 300 or klr650. The klr not having a 6th gear is my main delema. And the versys being soft enough off road

[@spinwater66]

Howdy! Test ride, test ride, test ride. It's the only sure way to know??? Good luck and enjoy the decision making process, as it's part of the fun. Either way,,,,,,, any bike will provide you with adventure when pointed in the 'right' direction:)

[@kong3]

Hi I live SW Co also since 84. Dgo and now retired Pagosa. Thinking of getting the Versys retired get back on bike. Not planning on maniac ripping I'm old guy now. Lots of Pagosa South Fork Mancos plus Moab. How does it do on the rocky scrabble stuff. Heading to Handlebar tom8rrow they just got one. Thx

[@spinwater66]

Well kong3,,,,,,the bike produces very little torque, so your forced to really compensate with your gearing. But it works for me. As far as the 'scrabble stuff',,,,,this was where changing out the stock tires came into play for me as a huge benefit. I take a more slow and steady approach and still enjoy the climb. Let me know what you think after a few hundred miles. Enjoy!

[@brianbarr8623]

I hope you had a great recovery. Just curious, what kind of boots did you have on? Looking at one these bikes now. Thx

[@spinwater66]

I had Army tanker boots on duh,,,, if I would have been wearing actual riding boots (as I do now) my foot would have faired much better. Rookie move on my part.

[@trd4d]

Less than a hundred miles on my 2023, but looking forward to getting better tires and hitting some trails. Been riding for 50 years, so nothing new about me. Just wanted a lighter bike for my old bones to manhandle.

[@thedailyruns6046]

iTs uh VuRsEeeeS!

[@papertiger795]

Thanks for the awesome video. Hope to see more! I currently have a deposit down on a g 310gs, but I am having second thoughts based upon it's lack of ability on the highway. Would you say this bike is capable of chewing up miles at 70-75 for long stretches?

[@spinwater66]

Hi Paper Tiger, as for chewing up miles, this was a big worry for me. I am like 'it's a 300cc so what can it do'? .....I am 5'10 180lbs and often ride with my overnight bags shown in the video for multi day trips. My bike (with me on it) will do 65-80 mph all day long with no problems. My last ride this year I mis-planned campsites and ended up riding a 15 hour day at 65-75mph and the bike did great. Last summer in the height of summer temps, I was riding at these speeds when it was 103 degrees out and still no problems. To be honest, the bike would be of no use to me without being capable of covering all day 'highway' pavement (with ease and comfort). But I would not call this bike an 'Interstate eater'. You will live at 7-9000 rpm and this seems to bother some folks. When you are at these speeds you still have throttle left, but no real 'kick' in the ass power like on a bigger bike. The only time(s) I have had my bike 'pinned' is when going up major passes loaded with gear or in strong headwinds. I actually started reading a bunch a of reviews on the Ninja 300 in search of answer's to this question. In the end- I just test rode a Versys x and all of my concernes were put to rest. I really hope this helps? Enjoy the decision making process, as it's part of the fun. ANY bike will provide you with adventure when pointed in the right direction:)

[@papertiger795]

@@spinwater66 first off, what an amazing response! Very detailed. I'm not looking to do highway trips, per se, just wanting the option should it prove to be beneficial for a stretch on a multi state trip. This will be my first bike (MSF course next weekend!) and I want it to be versatile, since I don't know what my riding style is yet. Thanks again.

[@papertiger795]

@@spinwater66 I just bought a brand new '22 Versys x300. Your video was crucial in the decision making process. Thanks again.

[@spinwater66]

@@papertiger795 Heck yeah! I am so excited for you!!! I am wishing you unlimited amounts of fun:) Kawi wasn't wrong in naming it a 'Versys'.

[@jdillon8360]

For what it's worth, and forgive the uninvited comment, but I've always found that it's totally fine to ride at 60 or 65 MPH if that's where the bike is comfortable. Riding at 70 or 75 won't make much difference to your arrival time, but both you and the bike might enjoy it more. I haven't ridden this bike, but I've had a couple of small capacity bikes, and I just rode them within their limits. Maybe it's an Australian thing, as our top speeds are either 100 or 110 kmh (about 63 or 68mph), and pretty much everyone respects those limits. Riding or driving at 80mph here will get you ticketed pretty quickly. Cheers.

[@marksabota4056]

Can you turn off abs and traction on the bike? Cruise control?

[@somejerk1520]

You can wire up an ABS defeat using the fuse. There is no traction control. No cruise, either.

[@newlife155]

Get it on the center stand, start it , put it in first gear, reve up to about 25 mph on the stand. The ABS will not engage untill you shut and restart your bike.

[@bradaltemeyer4472]

gotta watch out, deer are almost better drivers than our cars and trucks in the cities/ almost at 4,000 miles on my X300

[@Burgie_productions]

lol, tired of everyone’s bs just like you. That’s why I want a verseys 300 to get away 😊

[@rogue5643]

🏍 motorcycles & guns, can't get any better than that!!!!