Kawasaki Versys-X 300
Blending Adventure DNA with Everyday Practicality, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Redefines Lightweight Touring.
The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a motorcycle built for those who love adventure but don’t want to compromise on everyday usability. Designed as the most accessible model in Kawasaki’s adventure-touring lineup, the Versys-X 300 combines lightweight agility, long-distance comfort, and dependable performance. It is a motorcycle that invites riders to explore beyond the usual boundaries—whether through bustling cities, winding mountain roads, or dusty countryside trails.
Design and Styling: Adventure in Every Line
The Versys-X 300 carries the unmistakable look of an adventure machine. It’s tall, purposeful, and rugged, with a design that signals capability and freedom. The sharp front beak, wide handlebar, and upright stance immediately communicate its off-road intent. The front cowl integrates a tall windscreen that provides excellent wind protection during long rides, while the tank shrouds add muscularity to the profile.
The overall body design is slim and aerodynamic, allowing riders to maneuver easily through traffic or narrow trails. Dual-purpose tires and a 19-inch front wheel lend it a commanding stance and ensure stability on mixed terrain. The long-travel suspension and spoked wheels complete its adventure-ready personality.
Available in signature Kawasaki colors like Lime Green and Metallic Graphite Gray, the Versys-X 300 looks every bit like a baby sibling of the mighty Versys 650 or 1000, carrying the family’s adventurous DNA in a more approachable package.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Versys-X 300 lies a 296cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine derived from the Ninja 300. This refined motor produces around 40 PS of power at 11,500 rpm and 26 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm. It’s a high-revving engine that delivers its punch smoothly, making it ideal for both relaxed touring and spirited riding.
The power is transmitted through a 6-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch, ensuring effortless gear shifts and preventing rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts. While the engine is tuned for performance, its real charm lies in its versatility. It offers a blend of low-end tractability and high-end excitement, making it suitable for both city commutes and highway stretches.
The twin-cylinder setup ensures minimal vibration and a smooth riding experience even at higher speeds—a crucial factor for long-distance travel. The top speed hovers around 160 km/h, and the bike can comfortably cruise at 100–120 km/h all day long without breaking a sweat.
Ride and Handling
The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is built on a tubular steel backbone frame, designed to balance strength and lightness. With a kerb weight of around 184 kg, it feels nimble yet stable. The 41mm long-travel telescopic front forks and bottom-link Uni-Trak rear suspension provide excellent shock absorption on rough surfaces, ensuring a plush ride.
Its 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel setup with dual-purpose tires make it capable of handling gravel, dirt, and uneven roads confidently. Despite being an adventure tourer, the Versys-X 300 handles corners with surprising agility. The upright riding position, wide handlebars, and neutral weight distribution allow precise control in every situation.
The seat height of 815mm offers a commanding view of the road, giving riders better confidence on long routes. Yet, the ergonomics are designed thoughtfully to accommodate both short and tall riders, ensuring long hours in the saddle remain fatigue-free.
Comfort and Touring Capabilities Kawasaki Versys-X 300
Comfort is one of the biggest highlights of the Kawasaki Versys-X 300. The ergonomically contoured seat, tall windscreen, and wide handlebars make for an ideal touring triangle. The suspension is tuned more for comfort than sportiness, soaking up bumps with ease.
Kawasaki has ensured that even long-distance riders find the Versys-X 300 friendly and forgiving. The bike’s fuel tank capacity of 17 liters offers an excellent range, allowing riders to cover over 400 km on a full tank—perfect for weekend getaways or cross-country tours.
Optional touring accessories such as side panniers, crash guards, handguards, and a top box further enhance its adventure credentials, making it a capable companion for extended journeys.
Braking and Safety
Braking duties are handled by a 290mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc, assisted by dual-channel ABS for added safety. The brakes offer strong bite and progressive feedback, ensuring confidence even on slippery surfaces.
The long wheelbase and high ground clearance of 180mm give the Versys-X 300 a stable footprint, allowing it to glide over rough patches and small obstacles effortlessly. Combined with ABS and predictable handling, the motorcycle feels composed and trustworthy under all conditions.
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Technology and Features
While the Versys-X 300 focuses on mechanical reliability and riding comfort, it doesn’t compromise on modern features. It comes equipped with a multi-function analog-digital instrument cluster, displaying essential ride information like gear position, fuel efficiency, and range.
Other notable features include:
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Assist & Slipper Clutch for smooth downshifts
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Tall windscreen for enhanced wind protection
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LED lighting setup for improved visibility
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Long-travel suspension for rough terrain
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Ergonomic pillion grab rails and luggage mounts for touring convenience
Although it lacks advanced electronics like traction control or riding modes, its mechanical precision and rider-friendly nature more than make up for it.
Price in India Kawasaki Versys-X 300
The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is expected to be priced around Rs 5.6 lakh to Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom, India). It positions itself between entry-level adventure bikes like the BMW G 310 GS and the KTM 390 Adventure, offering a refined twin-cylinder experience that few bikes in this segment can match.
Verdict: A True Gateway to Adventure
The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is not just a smaller adventure bike—it’s a well-balanced machine that opens the doors to touring for a wider audience. It’s approachable for new riders, exciting for seasoned ones, and practical for everyday commuting.
Its smooth twin-cylinder engine, excellent suspension, and comfortable ergonomics make it a great all-rounder for both urban and open-road adventures. For riders seeking a motorcycle that can handle the weekday grind and weekend escapades with equal ease, the Versys-X 300 stands tall as one of the most complete lightweight adventure tourers in the market.
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See also this: Kawasaki Versys 1100 2025 The Next Evolution of Adventure .
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