Thanks for a good, comprehensive video. I've had an X300 for just over 2 years and have done a few of the same mods as yours: T-Rex skid plate & engine guards, 2 inch pivoting bar riser, lowered pegs 1 inch, replaced foot pegs with wider metal ones, Givi luggage racks with DIY modified Pelican cases and a Pelican top case, DIY aluminum plate over the dash where I attach my Garmin GPS (396 LMT-S), phone holder. I've also added a USB charging port (where the factory aftermarket would go), taller DIY acrylic wind screen (I'm 6'3" and the buffeting was pretty bad with the factory screen), Mitas E07+ tires, auxiliary lights (Auxbeam from Amazon - attached to front brace of T-Rex engine guards - I fitted 1x1 inch alum. angle stock via the front screws of the T-Rex bar), larger foot plate on side stand, DIY tank grips (for knee grip) cut from tool box drawer liner - works quite well, and lastly, a Coretech magnetic tank bag (it is tethered but it never moves at any speed). Enjoy your X300 - I've had several bikes, still have three, and I believe the X300 is best bike in its class - a true mini-adventure bike. I recently did a 660 mile round trip to Moab and rode some of the easier trails there - it did great in everything but 10 inch deep sand, but my buddy on a KTM 350 went down in that stuffLove this bike for it's abilities and its handling. Kawasaki hit a home run with this one. the
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!!!
I got a 2017 300X on Dec. 31st. So far I have added a center stand. I get over 60mpg with 14T running 9000rpm at 75mph, but may go to 15T. It was a big change from the Harley Wide glide, but at 75 y.o. it is much lighter.
This review gives me a lot to consider. Thank you for sharing. My X300 is a week old so I'm just starting to sort out mods and upgrades. Thank you for adding the part sources.
Nice bike! I 100% believe the 15T front sprocket should be done immediately as well 😂 it’s how the bike should have come geared from Kawasaki. It’s only a gain of like 500 RPM but it helps so much when you’re starting in 1st gear at stop lights.
Super useful. Thanks!... I am looking at buying one. Your mods are on my radar. You have a dirt bike background, right? No complains about the suspension when going off road?
Like the video hope you take your camera with you when you go on a few rides, I also watch Dodger he's got a great channel ,I've myself have a VX and I am putting some accessories on my bike also,just like to say good job.
How do you compare it to you Royal Enfield:? I almost bought one but went with a 2020 Versys 300 because I didn't have to drive it on the interstate when I needed it serviced during the warranty period.
Both are fun but completely different in how they get to the same place. The VX is definitely faster and the 19" front wheel is a little more nimble than the 21" on the Himalayan. The VX can be a little buzzy above 45 mph with its crazy high revving engine where as the thumper on the Himalayan seems a little more sedate. Both bikes are happy on the trails and on roads where the speed limit is 55 or less. I'd say top speed on the VX is about 85 and on the Himalayan about 75. One big advantage for the Himalayan is that it comes from the factory ready to hit the dirt whereas the VX is going to need a lot of mods. "
Hey Mike , you got a great looking versys 300x. quick question, are tire and tubes on this versys strong enough ? how often do you get any punctured tube ? do you have to take extra tire care stuff with you on long tours ? I am thinking to upgrade to versys 300x but kind of sceptic on having tubed tires
I rode the MABDR and there were a lot of sharp rocks that concerned me, but I never had an issue with the tubes or the Shinko 804/805s. I did carry an extra setup of tubes and some tools but never needed them. You can search UA-cam for several people who converted their rims to run tubeless with some 3M 5200 on the inside but I was leary to try that.
Thank you for a helpful vid! I am very interested in knowing how the Seats Concepts saddle affects the seat height. Would be grateful if you would put the tape measure on it and share. Thanks again.
Way better than RE...Himalayan has a top speed of 70 ish and this bike will easily top 90. Not that you need to go 90, but it's nice to not be running at max speed for a long period of time.
Awesome! I have the same motorcycle and I am considering changing the sprocket as well. Here in CO we have to ride quite a bit to get to the trails and there are lots of ups and downs. Did you notice any significant loss in power with all the added weight?
What "bend" of bars did you go with? and with your risers and new bars, any issues with cables? I have bent the stock bars and are looking for a stronger replacement.
I used these www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/renthal-street-handlebars-78?sku_id=952842. I also bent my stock handlebars. These are very strong but I wish they were a little wider. No issues with cables but it was pretty tight.
Great video!! Thanks! I have a few questions on the front sprocket. Did you have any problems with clearances on the chain with the bigger sprocket? Was their still enough play with the chain? Most importantly is their enough power in 6th gear with two riders? Was it a noticeable difference in power loss in the higher gears? Thanks a million!
No problems with clearances or the chain either. Plenty of power with a passenger in higher gears. It's really the sprocket that should have come from the factory.
@@MikeRose1 owners talk about more chain chatter with the new front sprocket. How bad was it? and do they now make rubber sprockets to help with the noise? thank you.
I had both and sold the Himalayan. I liked a lot of things about the Himalayan, it just needs about 10-15 more horsepower. The Kawasaki seems much more refined and is definitely better at highway speeds but I really like it a slower off-road speeds as well.
I got it from my dealer who cross referenced it with a Ninja 300. I don't remember how much it was but I had them install it and it was less than $100 installed.
It looks like it's no longer available. I was looking at this one www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-MondoKing-Self-Inflating-Mattress/dp/B07YFXYF9W/ref=sr_1_15?crid=3VY24JHOV8E4&keywords=qomotop+self+inflating+mattress&qid=1639972345&sprefix=QOMOTOP%2Caps%2C71&sr=8-15 when I found the cheaper one.
After 2 years my mods are tires and a few bunji cords to lash down my canvas hold everything bag, tent and sleeping bag. Too many mods and you might as well buy a jeep.
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!!!
Nice comment Charles. I really like my bike too. I also have a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally and although it's a super bike, I'm not getting ride of the Versys. Corbin makes a seat for this bike that might be worth the upgrade. I did the Seat Concepts one and I was only mildly pleased. The other cheap option I might do is switch out that front sprocket to a 15t and you will find it calms it down just enough to be a lot more friendly.
![Дон ДОН, Алаудинов и СБЕЖАВШИЕ из под Курска ахматовцы 😁 [Пародия]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dEfCf5IK26Q/mqdefault.jpg)
The only $14000 Kawasaki versys in existence, beautiful bike
not quite that much....haha...thanks
Thanks for a good, comprehensive video. I've had an X300 for just over 2 years and have done a few of the same mods as yours:
T-Rex skid plate & engine guards, 2 inch pivoting bar riser, lowered pegs 1 inch, replaced foot pegs with wider metal ones, Givi luggage racks with DIY modified Pelican cases and a Pelican top case, DIY aluminum plate over the dash where I attach my Garmin GPS (396 LMT-S), phone holder. I've also added a USB charging port (where the factory aftermarket would go), taller DIY acrylic wind screen (I'm 6'3" and the buffeting was pretty bad with the factory screen), Mitas E07+ tires, auxiliary lights (Auxbeam from Amazon - attached to front brace of T-Rex engine guards - I fitted 1x1 inch alum. angle stock via the front screws of the T-Rex bar), larger foot plate on side stand, DIY tank grips (for knee grip) cut from tool box drawer liner - works quite well, and lastly, a Coretech magnetic tank bag (it is tethered but it never moves at any speed). Enjoy your X300 - I've had several bikes, still have three, and I believe the X300 is best bike in its class - a true mini-adventure bike. I recently did a 660 mile round trip to Moab and rode some of the easier trails there - it did great in everything but 10 inch deep sand, but my buddy on a KTM 350 went down in that stuffLove this bike for it's abilities and its handling. Kawasaki hit a home run with this one.
the
Thanks for your comment! A taller windscreen and bigger foot pegs are my next two mods. It is a great bike!
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!!!
I got a 2017 300X on Dec. 31st. So far I have added a center stand. I get over 60mpg with 14T running 9000rpm at 75mph, but may go to 15T. It was a big change from the Harley Wide glide, but at 75 y.o. it is much lighter.
At 54, I love to camp, and the mattress I use ( side sleeper ) great is the Big Agnus Q Core Deluxe, and greet the wider one... great video cheers
Handle bar risers are the bigger improvement for the least $$ in the world !
Nice set up
Thanks!
Wow you really fixed . Your glad that was at the dealership . You could go bike camp .
I haven’t gotten my sprocket change yet, but noticed starting in second with a little gives it a much more smooth feel from stoplights.
I was doing the same thing before I changed the sprocket.
Best I have seen on accessorizing this bike! Thanks!!!
Thanks!
Thank you.
Great bike. Excellent products quality. I live in Brazil and I have a Himalayan. Im thinking of buying a versys soon
I rarely ride at night, but I do like to add more lighting to be more visible to oncoming cars.
Great video, great bike. I’m in the process of modifying my Versys, only a few more things to go. Thanks
This review gives me a lot to consider. Thank you for sharing. My X300 is a week old so I'm just starting to sort out mods and upgrades. Thank you for adding the part sources.
Thinking about buying a Versys 300X great to hear you are happy with yours you have also given me some very useful ideas . Really good video
What an awesome garage 👍🏻
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing.
Re the front sprocket, someone at JD's sprockets found a rubberized one that works with a few extra washers.
Nice bike! I 100% believe the 15T front sprocket should be done immediately as well 😂 it’s how the bike should have come geared from Kawasaki. It’s only a gain of like 500 RPM but it helps so much when you’re starting in 1st gear at stop lights.
agreed!
Almost the same mods on my Versys 650. Strongly recommend dual sport mx style foot pegs
You have a very sweet set up. Thank you for the video. Happy trails and be safe.
Thanks
15 tooth front sprocket...
thank you for the info
Perfect setup, really loved the video, thanks for sharing
I am glad you liked it! Thanks!
Looks like you set that up very well. hope to see some videos of you putting it to use!
Thank you, those are great mods!
Thanks for the vid and great garage!
Thanks!
Just bought one. Would be nice if you could put links to your mods in the description 👍
just did it...hope that helps
I had a Himalayan and bought a Versys. We are literally the same demographic, I guess hahahaha
haha....must be!
Saludos desde Costa Rica
Super useful. Thanks!... I am looking at buying one. Your mods are on my radar. You have a dirt bike background, right? No complains about the suspension when going off road?
I don't ride super aggressive but I found the suspension was just fine for me.
Like the video hope you take your camera with you when you go on a few rides, I also watch Dodger he's got a great channel ,I've myself have a VX and I am putting some accessories on my bike also,just like to say good job.
Thanks!
Nice video. I sold my Himalayan this past summer and thinking about a Versys 300X. I need to search your videos and see if you did a comparison.
I ws going to make a comparison video but I wound up selling the Himalayan before I did it. I will say that I like both but prefer the Kawasaki.
I see the Himalayan in the background.
How do you compare it to you Royal Enfield:? I almost bought one but went with a 2020 Versys 300 because I didn't have to drive it on the interstate when I needed it serviced during the warranty period.
Both are fun but completely different in how they get to the same place. The VX is definitely faster and the 19" front wheel is a little more nimble than the 21" on the Himalayan. The VX can be a little buzzy above 45 mph with its crazy high revving engine where as the thumper on the Himalayan seems a little more sedate. Both bikes are happy on the trails and on roads where the speed limit is 55 or less. I'd say top speed on the VX is about 85 and on the Himalayan about 75. One big advantage for the Himalayan is that it comes from the factory ready to hit the dirt whereas the VX is going to need a lot of mods.
"
Amazing work!
Thanks a lot!
Hey Mike , you got a great looking versys 300x. quick question, are tire and tubes on this versys strong enough ? how often do you get any punctured tube ? do you have to take extra tire care stuff with you on long tours ? I am thinking to upgrade to versys 300x but kind of sceptic on having tubed tires
I rode the MABDR and there were a lot of sharp rocks that concerned me, but I never had an issue with the tubes or the Shinko 804/805s. I did carry an extra setup of tubes and some tools but never needed them. You can search UA-cam for several people who converted their rims to run tubeless with some 3M 5200 on the inside but I was leary to try that.
I did not see the plate that you attached to the top luggage rack in the links. Did I miss it somewhere? By the way, really helpful video. Thanks.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FYOQB5A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thank you for a helpful vid!
I am very interested in knowing how the Seats Concepts saddle affects the seat height. Would be grateful if you would put the tape measure on it and share.
Thanks again.
It appears to be about 34" high. Hope that helps.
@@MikeRose1
Thanks Mike.....it does indeed.
@@robkcra I sat a level on the seat, stood it up and measured out to the level so that should be pretty accurate.
Great video! This is a bike I'm thinking about purchasing. How is this compared to the RE on the highway? Thanks
Way better than RE...Himalayan has a top speed of 70 ish and this bike will easily top 90. Not that you need to go 90, but it's nice to not be running at max speed for a long period of time.
Hi Mate ! I loved your video and even more your dog ! Whats his name ?
Haha his name is Larry.
Awesome! I have the same motorcycle and I am considering changing the sprocket as well. Here in CO we have to ride quite a bit to get to the trails and there are lots of ups and downs. Did you notice any significant loss in power with all the added weight?
I honestly didn’t. Even with an occasional passenger the bike does great. You won’t regret changing that front sprocket at all.
What "bend" of bars did you go with? and with your risers and new bars, any issues with cables? I have bent the stock bars and are looking for a stronger replacement.
I used these www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/renthal-street-handlebars-78?sku_id=952842. I also bent my stock handlebars. These are very strong but I wish they were a little wider. No issues with cables but it was pretty tight.
@@MikeRose1 i used your link, but there are 4 "Bend" types. which did you use? Any issues with cables?
@@tylerf5223 sorry....medium and no issues with cables other than I think I had to cut a couple of zip ties to give me some working room.
Great video!! Thanks!
I have a few questions on the front sprocket. Did you have any problems with clearances on the chain with the bigger sprocket? Was their still enough play with the chain?
Most importantly is their enough power in 6th gear with two riders? Was it a noticeable difference in power loss in the higher gears?
Thanks a million!
No problems with clearances or the chain either. Plenty of power with a passenger in higher gears. It's really the sprocket that should have come from the factory.
@@MikeRose1 owners talk about more chain chatter with the new front sprocket. How bad was it? and do they now make rubber sprockets to help with the noise? thank you.
@@TruthTeller-ps3rq I haven't had any chain chatter...it's all been positive with no downside.
☀️👏👍✌️☀️Hello!
Looking at the Versys and the Himalayan.? In my late 50’s witch one?
I had both and sold the Himalayan. I liked a lot of things about the Himalayan, it just needs about 10-15 more horsepower. The Kawasaki seems much more refined and is definitely better at highway speeds but I really like it a slower off-road speeds as well.
I don't use first gear anyway, i starts Bike on the second gear..
Ok but the weight come up vzry well???!!!
I am not sure of the exact weight increase but the bike handled it with no problem.
Would not trust them side bags to stay in place.
Класс!!! Подписался!!!
what did the front sprocket do for the bike. I have versys x300 and the pitch ( sound ) is high when on hwy. does the pitch drop?
very little change at high speed (but a little)...the biggest difference was it made first gear usable...definitely better overall though
@@MikeRose1 ok, thank you!
Does changing the sprocket put out the speedo?
Why you just didn't get a different bike 😮
Then I couldn’t have made this video for you to enjoy. 😂
where did you get the 15 tooth gear?
I got it from my dealer who cross referenced it with a Ninja 300. I don't remember how much it was but I had them install it and it was less than $100 installed.
@@MikeRose1 Wow, way too much money. Normally they cost about $8 and it's a 15 minute job to install it.
@@spydie yeah...it's been a few years but I think it was around $25 from the dealer and I think they charged me around $40 to put it on. Good luck!
The mattress link didn't work. :-(
It looks like it's no longer available. I was looking at this one www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-MondoKing-Self-Inflating-Mattress/dp/B07YFXYF9W/ref=sr_1_15?crid=3VY24JHOV8E4&keywords=qomotop+self+inflating+mattress&qid=1639972345&sprefix=QOMOTOP%2Caps%2C71&sr=8-15 when I found the cheaper one.
After 2 years my mods are tires and a few bunji cords to lash down my canvas hold everything bag, tent and sleeping bag. Too many mods and you might as well buy a jeep.
I've seen a lot of mods on jeeps too...LOL.
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!!!
Nice comment Charles. I really like my bike too. I also have a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally and although it's a super bike, I'm not getting ride of the Versys. Corbin makes a seat for this bike that might be worth the upgrade. I did the Seat Concepts one and I was only mildly pleased. The other cheap option I might do is switch out that front sprocket to a 15t and you will find it calms it down just enough to be a lot more friendly.