Kawasaki’s adventure-tourer game gets a strong boost with the reintroduction of the Kawasaki Versys-X 300. Aimed at beginners and intermediate riders looking for a reliable adventure partner, this bike offers a unique mix of lightweight maneuverability, long-distance comfort, and mild off-road capability.
While the world shifts towards mid-weight and liter-class ADVs, the Versys-X 300 keeps things accessible, approachable, and most importantly – fun.
Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this small ADV stand tall.
Design and Styling – Rugged, Purposeful, and Compact
The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 isn’t about flashy looks — it’s designed for functionality over form. That said, its rugged bodywork, tall stance, and long-travel suspension still give it the visual authority of a true adventure machine.
- Tall windscreen for highway protection
- High-mounted front mudguard
- Beefy fuel tank and wide shrouds for road presence
- Large comfortable seat and upright ergonomics
- Spoke wheels with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear
- Dual-purpose tyres hint at its go-anywhere spirit
In short, it’s not intimidating like larger ADVs but still commands respect.
Engine and Performance – Small But Spirited
Under the rugged shell lies a 296cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine, borrowed from the Ninja 300, tuned for tractable performance and smooth power delivery.
- Max power: 39 PS @ 11,500 RPM
- Peak torque: 25.7 Nm @ 10,000 RPM
- 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch
- Top speed: ~160 km/h
- 0-100 km/h: Around 7 seconds
While off-road purists may wish for more low-end torque, this engine truly shines on open roads and long touring routes. It’s refined, peppy, and high-revving — ideal for spirited highway cruising.
Touring Capabilities – Built for the Long Haul
The Versys-X 300 is touring-ready straight from the showroom. Its ergonomics are designed to keep fatigue away even after hours on the saddle.
- Upright handlebars and wide seat
- 17-liter fuel tank for 400+ km range
- Tall windscreen for wind deflection
- Rear rack for mounting top boxes or luggage
- Optional saddle bags, crash guards, and other touring kits
Whether you’re commuting through the city or exploring the backroads of the Himalayas, this machine is ready to travel.
Ride Quality and Suspension – Comfort Meets Control
Kawasaki has prioritized comfort and control with a long-travel suspension setup. Though not a hardcore off-roader, it can easily handle gravel paths, potholes, and light trails.
- Front Suspension: 41mm telescopic fork
- Rear Suspension: Uni-Trak monoshock
- Ground clearance: 180mm
- Wheelbase: 1450mm
- Kerb weight: ~184 kg
Its ride is stable and composed, offering confidence to new riders and satisfaction to experienced ones.
Braking and Tyres – Good Grip and Predictable Stopping Power
Braking performance is handled by single disc setups on both ends:
- Front: 290mm disc
- Rear: 220mm disc
- ABS: Standard, dual-channel
Braking is sharp and confidence-inspiring for the segment, especially when paired with the stock dual-purpose tyres, which offer decent grip both on-road and light off-road conditions.
Instrument Cluster and Features – Simple, Functional, and Clear
The instrument cluster on the Versys-X 300 is not TFT or smartphone-compatible, but it’s clean, clear, and gets the job done.
- Semi-digital console
- Analog tachometer
- Digital speedometer, fuel gauge, gear position
- Clock, trip meters, and service indicators
While it lacks Bluetooth and fancy electronics, its simplicity means reliability, especially on long journeys.
Ergonomics and Comfort – Tall Yet Friendly
The Versys-X 300 has a seat height of 815mm, which may seem high for shorter riders but the bike is narrow at the waist, making it easy to flat-foot for average height riders.
- Comfortable for long hours
- Good visibility over traffic
- Minimal heat dissipation issues
- Pillion comfort is also decent for short and medium rides
This bike is meant for people who want ADV benefits without ADV bulk.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency – Light on the Pocket
Thanks to the efficient twin-cylinder engine, the Versys-X 300 offers respectable mileage for its class.
- Real-world mileage: 28–32 km/l
- Highway mileage: Up to 35 km/l (cruising)
- Tank capacity: 17 liters
On full tank, you can expect a range of 450–500 km, perfect for weekend escapes or state-crossing road trips.
Pricing and Rivals – Premium but Practical
As of 2025, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is priced at around ₹4.80 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. It sits in a niche space with very few direct competitors in the sub-400cc twin-cylinder ADV segment.
Closest alternatives:
- BMW G 310 GS (₹3.30 lakh) – more tech, less power
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (₹2.90 lakh) – better off-road, less refined
- KTM 390 Adventure (₹3.50 lakh) – more power and features, less comfort for long haul
While pricier, the Kawasaki name and twin-cylinder smoothness justify the premium for many long-distance riders.
Verdict – Who Should Buy the Versys-X 300?
If you’re someone looking for:
- A smooth, high-revving twin-cylinder engine
- Lightweight, approachable ADV for touring
- Daily comfort and weekend excitement
- Bulletproof reliability from a Japanese brand
Then the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 could be your ideal partner.
However, if your rides involve serious off-roading, or if you expect a feature-rich console with Bluetooth and TFT display, you might want to explore other options like the Himalayan 450 or 390 Adventure.
Key Takeaways:
- 296cc parallel-twin engine, tuned for touring
- 39 PS power, 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch
- 17L tank, 30+ km/l mileage
- Comfortable ergonomics for long-distance travel
- Minimal electronics, max reliability
- ₹4.80 lakh price tag (premium segment)
