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The Kawasaki Versys X 300 stands out in the lightweight ADV category with its tall stance, upright ergonomics, and reliable twin-cylinder engine. Designed for riders looking to transition from street bikes to adventure touring, it brings a smooth power delivery and versatile ride that makes both city navigation and highway cruising enjoyable. With long-travel suspension and a commanding view of the road, it’s equally suited for light off-road adventures.
Pricing and Strategy
Kawasaki has strategically priced the Versys X 300 to appeal to entry-level and budget-conscious adventure riders. In India, the expected ex-showroom price is around ₹4.80 lakh, placing it above smaller ADVs like the Hero Xpulse 200 and close to rivals like the KTM 390 Adventure. Globally, it’s positioned to serve as a gateway to Kawasaki’s larger Versys models.
This pricing reflects its twin-cylinder engine advantage, international build quality, and all-terrain touring focus.
Key Specifications Kawasaki Versys X 300
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 296cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled |
| Power Output | 39 PS @ 11,500 rpm |
| Torque | 26.1 Nm @ 10,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed gearbox with assist & slipper clutch |
| Suspension (Front) | 41 mm telescopic fork |
| Suspension (Rear) | Uni-Trak with adjustable preload |
| Brakes | Single disc (front & rear), ABS |
| Seat Height | 815 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17 liters |
| Weight | 184 kg (wet) |
Competitors and Market Dynamics
The Kawasaki Versys X 300 competes with:
- KTM 390 Adventure
- BMW G 310 GS
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
- Yezdi Adventure
- Honda CB500X (higher price segment)
Its biggest selling point remains the twin-cylinder engine—something missing from most sub-400cc rivals. However, it lacks features like ride modes, TFT dashboards, and traction control that many of its competitors offer.
Fuel Efficiency and Mileage
One of the strengths of the Versys X 300 is its impressive fuel efficiency. On highways, it can deliver around 30-32 kmpl, while in city riding conditions, mileage hovers around 26-28 kmpl. Given its 17-liter tank, the theoretical range crosses 450 km—perfect for touring.
Comfort and Features
The Versys X 300 emphasizes comfort over aggression. Key comfort-oriented features include:
- Wide, upright handlebars for relaxed posture
- Generous seat cushioning
- Effective windscreen
- Pillion-friendly seat
- Large 19-inch front wheel for tackling bad roads
While it misses out on modern features like a TFT screen or Bluetooth connectivity, it offers the basics needed for touring, including a digital-analog instrument cluster and an engine heat management system.
New Features and Updates
As of the 2025 model year, Kawasaki hasn’t introduced major updates to the Versys X 300. However, it continues to feature:
- Assist and slipper clutch
- ABS as standard
- Long-travel suspension
- Spoke wheels (ideal for light off-road use)
A rumored update with LED headlights and USD forks may arrive next year to keep pace with modern expectations.
A Look Back Legacy
Launched globally in 2017, the Versys X 300 was Kawasaki’s answer to the rising demand for affordable adventure bikes. It borrowed its engine from the Ninja 300 but tuned it for a wider torque band and touring efficiency. Over the years, it earned a reputation for being reliable, beginner-friendly, and surprisingly capable on bad roads.
Design and Styling Evolution
The Versys X 300 carries the adventure-bike DNA strongly in its aesthetics. Key design highlights:
- Beak-style front fender
- Tall windshield
- Upswept exhaust
- Rugged plastic body panels
- Semi-dual-purpose tires
Its mature, adventure-ready design appeals to riders who prefer utility over flash.
Engine and Performance
The 296cc parallel-twin engine is the heart of the Versys X 300. It revs freely and feels lively in the mid to high RPM range. The 6-speed gearbox is smooth, and the slipper clutch ensures effortless downshifts.
Top speed: ~160 km/h
0–100 km/h: ~7.5 seconds
Though torque comes higher in the rev range, the smoothness and refinement make it a joy on long highway stretches.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Approach
Kawasaki has made modest steps toward sustainability. The Versys X 300 complies with the latest emission norms (BS6/Euro5), and its efficient engine emits relatively low CO2 for a 300cc ADV bike. However, Kawasaki still lacks an electric or hybrid adventure bike in this segment.
Launch Timeline and Market Impact
The Kawasaki Versys X 300 was expected to relaunch in India by late 2024 or early 2025. With the increasing demand for touring motorcycles and a growing ADV community, the bike’s re-entry could trigger renewed competition in the 300-400cc space.
If Kawasaki offers localization and competitive pricing, it could see strong adoption among both young and seasoned riders.
Key Reasons to Choose the Kawasaki Versys X 300
- Twin-cylinder refinement and smooth power delivery
- Ideal for highway and touring use
- Comfortable ergonomics and seating
- Long travel suspension suitable for Indian roads
- Reliable Kawasaki engineering
- 17-liter fuel tank offers great range
- Great beginner ADV bike
Conclusion of Kawasaki Versys X 300
The Kawasaki Versys X 300 review makes one thing clear—it’s a solid entry-level adventure tourer for those who value smooth performance, long-distance comfort, and trusted build quality. While it doesn’t boast flashy tech or aggressive off-road hardware, it excels in doing what it promises: being a reliable and versatile motorcycle for everyday commutes and cross-country journeys alike.
If you’re entering the ADV world and want a bike that balances refinement and practicality, the Kawasaki Versys X 300 is undoubtedly worth a close look.
