ABR motorcycle review: Kawasaki Versys-X 300
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- Опубліковано 21 сер 2024
- Alun Davies heads off on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon ride through the Cotswolds on the Kawasaki Versys-X 300, to see if you can have a big adventure on a little adventure bike.
Man, I'm 66 I just traded in my 2017 crf250l for a new white 2020 versys x300, what a difference, I like it !
I thought your review was pretty much spot one. I'm an older rider (71) and have about 10, 000 miles on mine. I like riding the back roads of America and for that the Versys is perfect. It'll run on the highway if you ask it but that's not where it's the happiest. I liked you commentary about riding slower which allows one to relax and enjoy the scenery much more. I also appreciate that I can pick it up easily without help. I would not hesitate to ride it across America on 55 mph roads. In fact, I'm planning on such a trip next summer. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for the comments Michael, much appreciated, and good to hear your enjoying your Versys.
Michael Supple I live in Galena Illinois, I’m 80 , had everything from a Whizzer to an 1800 Wing . My best friend passed away last year . He and I had many great times together. Our wives ok’d our trips, knowing that if something happened to one , they’d be notified right away. I recently did a 1000 mile round trip to the UP of Michigan. I camp & motel. I prefer the backroads. I’m interested in the trip you’re planning .
Michael, I could not have said it better myself. I've had them all from the Honda 50 Cub in 1963 to the BMW's and Electra Glides but now I've settled on the Versys 300x for just the reasons you listed. I so much prefer the back roads of America where as they say, it is the journey and not the destination that I find so pleasurable. Riding the interstates on a motorcycle just does not do it for me.
i know im randomly asking but does anyone know of a way to get back into an instagram account?
I somehow lost my password. I would love any tricks you can offer me
@Marco Lucas Instablaster ;)
Got mine Versys 300 X put trekker 33 liter side bags on and engine guard and extra lights, heated grips, center stand, & elect. outlet, and love it only have 7,000 km on so far. I like the way it is geared, first 3 for off road and 3 for highway and back roads. I have used the first gear quite a bit for slow off road when it gets rough or steep down hills, not a lot of ground clearance so do not wanting to go too fast over the rough stuff. I find it one of the most fun bikes for the windy roads, and the fact you can get 400 Km per tank, so you are not always looking for gas. The seat is fine after about 2000 km just have to break it in or you to it. Great Video.
@alan bane Never tried the Himalayan but had a 500 cc Royal Endfield and liked it a lot but it was more maintenance than the Jap. bikes. At 71 yr I just want to ride, maintenance free as possible. The only thing I would like to add to the Versys 300 X is a 20 liter gas tank would like to get 500 km per tank. Then you could go any where with out worry. But a 400 cc would be great as long as you could get good miles per tank, ( like a 20 + liter tank )
What extra lights do you put on it? Make/model etc
Spot on review.this bike is for everyone, im 31 yrs old and I love my Versys 300. I have a little over 5k miles and its very economical. I use it for weekend getaways and mostly Commuting 80mi round trip to work Daily. But overal an excelente bike. My HD FXSTC pretty much gets no use after i purchased this little machine. Highly recommend it. I was a bit skeptical at first but the sales guy had a leftover from 2017 and offered that to me at a discount.. Win win!.
A very balanced review complete with bike details, personal thoughts and great visuals. I own this bike and enjoy it very much, the only disgreement I have is that I didn’t feel much buzz at 70mph, but once you get to 74mph or above, you do feel some minor vibration and then you’re reminded it’s only a 300cc. But don’t let the engine size dissuade you, it’s a great all-around bike.
Thanks for the comment Rick, much appreciated. It's probably revving just that little higher for me...I've a diet planned for 2019.
Its great for back roads and exploring dirt roads. Stand up riding at 30 40mph has never been so comfortable. Love my x300.
So would this be boring for someone just riding on the street? I don’t do any off road
@@grumpysquid 1st gear is low, up to about 10mph. But 6th gear you can go from 35mph to 95mph. If you got one of these itll inspires you to go out exploring, it does for me. This 300x is my 21st motorcycle in 45 years of riding, and Ive never looked forward to a day out riding the countryside more than i do now. If you never take dirt roads though the countryside get street bike.
Smaller capacity machines like this are sorely underrated. I reckon they are the ideal antidote to the 1000+cc machines most ride. Definitely consider one as a second bike, though I somehow suspect it will soon become the 'first choice' bike...
I already did it. The first thing I did was replace the sofa with a gel one. I raised the handlebars with risers.
Great Video: I have just got a new 2018 Versys X 300 hope to pick it up Friday, I did not like the looks of the Kawasaki hard bags, so am going with Givi hard bags and Givi hand guards as well as heated grips , sticking with Kawasaki engine guard and center stand. Can not understand why a ADV bike with a chain dose not have the center stand as standard. You call this a small bike may be for a ADV stile but I would call it a midsize bike, small would be the 125 up to 200 cc I know that the engine is only 300 cc but the bike it self is quite a good size. I am glad you put it through it's paces, as a lot of reviews state it as a commuter or beginner bike and it is much more than that.
Congratulations! wise choice...
This is the way to go, 54 years old , 65 bikes later and l love mine, it's a great bike
65 bikes is quite an achievement!
I'm retired I don't need speed. ❤ the versys.
Great review. I am seriously considering purchasing an X300 and this review is very helpful. Thank you.
I bought a little Kawasaki Versys X 300 for commuting and taking off road. I still have a Triumph Explorer for the bigger tours, but the Versys might be getting a shout for my next one.
Great review of a great bike.
Great ABR magazine too.
Good review. Nice scenery. I have had my Versys 300 for 10 months and love it. I also have a V-Strom 1000 and trade-off riding. The Versys is better for gravel/dirt fire roads where the V-Strom is too heavy and it is a tiny bit better on tight paved twisties IMO (I live in low mountains). I did put a custom seat on it.
Good call on the seat.
Fantastic review,beautiful country,and great little bike.Thank you for taking us along!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Thanks for that - best, most sensible, balanced review I've watched yet. Ive had plenty of big road and off road bikes(16). Now I'm just looking for a capable, well priced bike with a good range of options that I can mainly use around town with occasional day trips to a winery, down the coast or up through the hills. Im 5'8" in the old money so the screen should be at the right height and provide good protection.
Cheers Andrew, I like the thought day trips to a winery
I just purchased my almost new 2017 Kawasaki X300 Versys on Monday of this week. It had 1540 miles on the odometer and looks absolutely brand new! It was delivered to me by the original owner on Tuesday April 13, 2022 which is the first day that I rode my new motorcycle. The previous owner rode it to my state so that he could rest assured that I would register and title his motorcycle before he turned it over to me. First let me say that I am 68 years old. I am 5-10" tall, weigh 269 pounds and I have a 29/30" pants inseam. I looked all over for specifics on whether this motorcycle would be a good fit for me. I knew it was tall with the seat height at 30.9". But would I fit this motorcycle well. I already had a bad experience owning a 2002 BMW R1150GS that was a huge machine, a real monster. That BMW proved much too tall and heavy for me to safely handle so I sold it right away. I replaced that BMW with a 2001 R1200C Pheonix which proved much more manageable with it's seat height of a mere 29.9". But it is a 1200cc machine which means it is VERY heavy! So I bought a little Honda Grom which proved to be so much fun that I thought to myself, "wow, look at what I have been missing." Then I discovered a Blog online where a girl named Noraly is riding her 2022 Honda CRF300L from South America to Alaska. She calls her site "Itchy Boots" where she posts 3 videos per week on average. After watching her great adventures for a couple of months I decided that I must have a motorcycle just like hers. But then I discovered that the Honda CRF300L is nearly impossible to acquire right now unless you are willing to pay $2,000 over MSRP. Yikes. That is when I discovered the 310 BMW and the X300 Kawasaki Versys. I went with the Versys for several reasons. First, it was availability. Next was value and finally after watching many reviews on UA-cam I liked the twin cylinder water cooled engine making 40hp. So I bought one! I have ridden it 60 miles so far. This is what I can report. First, it IS TALL. We lowered the rear shocks to the lowest factory settings and now I can almost flat foot the motorcycle. It actually seems manageable although I almost dropped it going up the ramp into my shop today. Scared me a bit. The motorcycle is whisper quiet. I like this because my Honda Grom snarls like a mad dog with it's aftermarket Vance & Hines pipe. Really it is too loud. But the X300 has a very nice exhaust note. I do not plan to change this. Next, This motorcycle handles beautifully. The ride height seems tall but the bike is so friendly in every situation. I just love my new X300. Finally, this motorcycle is geared very low. Extremely low. But I guess Kawasaki wanted it this way. I go through the gears to find that I am in 5th at 37mph lol. I hit 6th at about 43 mph and that is the last gear. It seems like it should have a 7th & 8th gear lol. The bike redlines at 12,000 rpm. Whoa, that makes it a screaming machine. When you ride 65mph the engine turns 7,500 rpm. This is very alien to me and seems insane. But there is tons more throttle left after that, all the way to 12,000rpm. Amazing! This bike gets 51mpg so the high rpm must be efficient. I researched re-gearing the bike but you cannot alter it very much without disturbing the engine's code(s). For this reason I plan to leave mine all stock. Finally, the seat is very hard, most uncomfortable. I rode 40 miles today and my Fanny wanted off of this torture device. I guess I am spoiled by the Corbin Seat on my BMW R1200C. Finally, my biggest concern was, "will this motorcycle have enough power to haul my fat butt around lol". Yes it does! The low gearing is so powerful that this little Kawasaki doesn't even know that I am onboard. I get the impression that the X300 could carry a circus elephant if one was so inclined. I hope this little report will help others decide to buy a X300 Versys. I sure am happy with mine. So lite and easy to handle. That is where the fun is!!!
Great write up Charles, thanks for sharing your experience!
Thanks for the review! It's down to this one or the RE Himalayan. Choices!!
Stay away from the himalayan
Can't think of anything better to do the Americas on(South,Central and North)....huge range of accessories,light,economical,will hit 100mph if pushed,und under £4000 if you shop around in the UK....probably my next bike build!
Nice review, I have CRF250L as well as a Tiger1050, I love the big bike and it will still be first choice for long distance and pillion rides but the 250 really is an everyday perfect bike.
I’m new to cycles and was considering CRF250L. Do you think that would be suitable for me? Street riding only
grumpysquid the CRF is a really easy bike to ride and extremely versatile, however because of it off road leanings it has a tall seat which is not a problem for me at 6’ but I think if you are new to motorcycling and of shorter stature you might struggle with it. Try a test ride.
Really nice videos. You certainly put the work in.
Thanks Mcscotty, glad you're enjoying them!
Really do like the whole small adventure bike concept, especially this one. Bolted on panniers is a faff on the 300 Versys though
I will probably get the x300 as a 2nd bike and see how it goes. I have a 2017 Harley Iron 883 that I also own and looking at downsizing to a more affordable and comfortable bike that can still have adventures on country roads without issues
I have been looking at the CB 500 x 2019 and the Versys 300 There seems to be good, But a bit different, the CB 500 X revs less and goes a bit farther on a tank of gas, but the Versys comes with spoked wheels and back rack and if I get the 2018 I can get the engine guard and center stand. But the the CB 500 X would take a larger load for long trips, and might be better for 2 up riding, Most of my riding is 100km by my self but do want to be able to go on long tours as well. I can not seem to make up my mind. Would love to see a review of bough bikes side by side but there are not any out there that I can find.
Hildton McConnell did you make up your mind back then
If you did are you happy with what you choose and what model
Great review. Lovely country side too.
Something cool lookinh about the versys as well especially in all black with the crash guards
Very nice and enjoyable review, thank-you. Where I'm from the compulsory road insurance for under 300cc engined bikes is only $100, compared to $472, for above, so it make this bike look very attractive. I did have the V-strom 1000 for a few years, and it was alas too heavy and too tall for me. The prospect of lifting it up from another fall-over did my head in.
Thanks for taking the time to watch the review Zen. Glad it was helpful.
Really good review. Brilliant scenery and covered all bases
Very helpful review and beautiful view, 👍😁👍
Here in the US most of the talk is about power and speed. More emphasis needs to be out on comfort and practicality.
Thank you for the review.
Excellent review. Thank you!
Thanks for watching :)
Great review mate 😁
Having owned a KLR650 for ten years, I am now considering updating to something more modern. How would you rate the Versus X 300 as a replacement for the KLR bearing in mind I'm 6ft tall and 100kg and don't care about speed
I'm 6ft 2in and (just a little) heavier and the 300 was fine so no problems there. It's such a different bike from the KLR a comparison would be meaningless. Best advice, as always, take a test ride.
Engine is so smooth and high reving it feels to me like the 2 strokes from the 70's.
Reminds me of the Kawasaki kz750.
I had a 1973!!!
My 1st bike. It's a wonder I didn't kill myself on it.
Enjoyed your review.
appreciate a good review, you did not spend most of the time talking about the storage options! One thing you may have missed though, isn't the sound of the engine revving out cool?
Good test 300 is ENOUGH . Former 650 BMW rider .
What´s it like on the motorway? Thanks for the review!
60mph is relaxed, 70mph starts to get a bit buzzy. Over 70mph gets tiring.
thanks a lot!!
I commute on my 300x and have no problems doing 85mph on the freeway when needed. Strangely it gets really quiet and smooth above 90. Not sure if it has anything to do with it but I did replace the stock sprocket and chain with a much better set.
Does it wheelie?
Welsh? Great video
A Rhondda original
I wonder if the same could be said about the Versys 250?
Please review the Royal Enfield Himalayan!
Any of you having heating or heating sensor issues in lower speeds? Some owners have reported this
I haven't had any sensor issues, but it does run hot. Mine has only boiled over once, on a long, steep rocky hill.
I bought mine in June 2021 and have to say I made an excellent choice as it is light weight and just a fun bike to ride. I've added a lot of accessories and updates. Check out my UA-cam channel for many updates and modifications. You can make this bike yours. So far the only thing I don't like it the chain which seems not very well made and I will be upgrading that at only 1600 miles on the odometer. Shouldn't have to but it isn't straight seems to have kinks in it.
Keren
No point for a adventure bike or dual sport in England, there’s no where to ride one…. Just get a street bike or move to a better riding country.
What about on green lanes?
@@ABRmagazine it’s trash