Looking to upgrade your wind protection on the Versys-X 300? Check out this tall version windshield that made a big difference for me: amzn.to/4cMu4HU. This is an affiliate link, so if you decide to purchase, it helps support the channel at no extra cost to you-thanks for your support!
Take issue with no grey haired people in the picture showing people who should try this bike. I am a 75 year old retread, just renewed my licence, and having a really good relationship with my x300. Great for older riders , manageable weight, power and height. One thing I have done is started to use ear plugs which makes my rides more serene. Encouraged about your 31000 miles with no issues.. Thanks, a new subscriber.
I will include some grey-haired people next time 😆 Ear plugs are a must! I rode without mine a few weeks back and realized how loud my bike was. I took the baffle out a few years ago but decided to put it back in after that ride. Ride on! Thanks for watching and subscribing.
Older riders are who buys this bike. So many are over 60. That includes me and thousands of others. Ride on! Oh - and don't be afraid of changing your X300 to suite you better. Especially the seat.
@@SheldynRyder not sure about the baffle thing but I do feel that the tunnel opening in front of the gas tank allows the engine noise to funnel upwards towards the rider.
G'day mate... ive just come across your channel and loving the support ur throwing at the versys300x. I rode one for a mates wife one a trip away as she wasn't confident riding it on the road we went on being a good mix of highway and gravel... after the trip she decided the bike wasn't for her... i enjoyed it that much i bought it off her and have since done some good motocamping on it to some iconic places in Victoria Australia... wont deny its under powered on the highway but love everything else about it👍
I commute daily with mine. I have almost only positive things to say about it. The seat is a bit hard and the windscreen could be bigger, but those are minor and fixable issues. I was lucky to buy mine for a really great price and it has served me amazingly well.
I have 2022…LOVE. Liked and subscribed. Some thoughts on my experience and a question for you/others: Agree 100 with your points. I found the most “necessary” mod categories for me were 1) Maintenance and trip packing: center stand OEM/kickstand foot (GIVI) - ease of use 2) Drop/crash protection: Barkbusters/crash bars (Ricochet)/exhaust slider (T-rex) - I drop a lot due to short legs and adventurous riding 🤗 3) Lighting: LED bulbs all around/driving-fog-conspicuity lights (Denali) - stock lighting, esp headlight, is way inadequate. I LOVE riding at night now; 4) Windscreen: adjustable windscreen mount (allroundsupplier)/windscreen visor (Puig- clip on) - the combination of these two enables the stock screen to offer ~5” more height/coverage, which is fine on highway for me at 5’7” AND allows removal of extension for off road protection (of neck/chest). LOVE this set up for my height/needs! 5) Gearing: 15T front sprocket (JT - rubber bumpered) - significantly increases town and highway/touring experience, and still functional for general off road 6) Seat: aero seat cover (Sit&Fly) - stock seat is notably uncomfortable Have done lots of other things, but these were the absolutely most important ones (for me) for full safety/functionality/enjoyment…again, for me. I LOVE this bike…it is a hidden gem to the general moto market. Question: how often (mileage) did you do the valve adjustment maintenance during your 30k? Thank you!
Thanks for the comment! The lights were something I forgot to mention! The stocks were pretty bad! I went LED all the way around, as well! I haven't been too particular with the valve adjustments. I am at 35k now. I bought the VX3 with about 6k on it. I assume the initial adjustment/check was done before I bought it. I had a check done at 15k (no adjustment needed). I have not had it checked recently.
Thanks for reply. Believe those valve adjustments are the only major expense/“must-do” project for this super value-proposition bike. My bike is running great at 7.2k, so trying to decide my approach - manual’s schedule or adjusted step sched like yours. Based on your experience will probably opt for some kind of stepped schedule: 7.5k. 17.5k, 30k, 45k. Thanks again. Appreciate your channel. Ride safe.
I bought a used 2017 V-x 300 in March 2023 as my first motorcycle. I contend that it is the best starter motorcycle on the market. The size, weight, ease of use, and maneuverability were all conducive to learning how to ride. The motorcycle is almost as dependable as the sun. It's also a gasoline sipper. Mine gets around 70 mpg. I don't usually ride over 50 mph, so that's probably why. It doesn't seem like it weighs 386 lbs. My Suzuki DRZ400S supposedly weighs 317 lbs. and the V-x 300 feels lighter. I can take the V-x 300 just about anywhere I can take my DRZ400S, but it's harder and much slower. I am probably going to trade it in for a larger adventure motorcycle next year. Why? The high rpm engine drives me crazy. If it had a less buzzy engine that made about 10 more horsepower, I'd keep it. I wish Kawasaki would make a 400-450 cc version that's a touch more capable off road.
Itis a high reving engine, it is made for it, tried an tested in the ninja 300. So rev it don't be afraid, go into the red even. I own the bike and love it. When you bought it, you know it is a 300, stop complaining about the only 40 horsepower. Wonderful for shorter, and lighter riders. On mine the windshield did not give problems, I still have the stock one. What you did not mention on the like side, is how easy this bike rides the long road (at high revv's).
I ride mine on the 80-90 Kph highways mostly - it's great at that speed. I put in a new front sprocket and that lowered the RPM on the highway a bit - 1st gear was so low it was almost useless. Don't buy the Kawasaki panniers - too small and way overpriced - that was a big mistake on my part - won't do that again. Overall, really like the bike.
@@motionfactoryracing5914 I agree! I will take a look at them 😆 i have battled foot peg issues with this bike for a bit. I have bent the stock ones pretty bad which you can see in this short: Crashed My Versys-X 300 on SLIMY Water Crossing ua-cam.com/users/shortsLPRbSuphgiM?feature=share
Thoughts on a 5’10, 240 lb guy packing about 40 lbs of gear, riding a bit of highway to get to country roads, logging roads and ATV trails. Underpowered? Too small? Experienced rider and ridden large sport touring and cruisers. 61 yrs old now and looking for something light to do some moto-camping. Appreciate your thoughts.
I would say it would be fine. I wouldn't think twice about loading it down with gear and riding across the country. It could easily cruise over 70mph. The only downside is it has very little, what I call “passing power.” The Versys-X has been my favorite bike and I have recently experienced bikes with more power and gadgets and always find myself wanting the Versys-X. Super reliable and would be a great companion to your moto-camping. The only point I will raise is that with your experience on bigger bikes, the high-revving and tame power may take some time to get used to!
@ Thanks for your comments and thoughts. After much research and thought, I bought a 2024 model. Sadly, I now have to wait until spring to get back to riding. Cheers.
Looking to upgrade your wind protection on the Versys-X 300? Check out this tall version windshield that made a big difference for me: amzn.to/4cMu4HU. This is an affiliate link, so if you decide to purchase, it helps support the channel at no extra cost to you-thanks for your support!
Take issue with no grey haired people in the picture showing people who should try this bike. I am a 75 year old retread, just renewed my licence, and having a really good relationship with my x300. Great for older riders , manageable weight, power and height. One thing I have done is started to use ear plugs which makes my rides more serene. Encouraged about your 31000 miles with no issues.. Thanks, a new subscriber.
I will include some grey-haired people next time 😆 Ear plugs are a must! I rode without mine a few weeks back and realized how loud my bike was. I took the baffle out a few years ago but decided to put it back in after that ride. Ride on! Thanks for watching and subscribing.
Older riders are who buys this bike. So many are over 60. That includes me and thousands of others. Ride on! Oh - and don't be afraid of changing your X300 to suite you better. Especially the seat.
@@SheldynRyder not sure about the baffle thing but I do feel that the tunnel opening in front of the gas tank allows the engine noise to funnel upwards towards the rider.
Got 2 of em ...2020 with 11,000 miles and a 2023 with 12,000 miles on it ...i love these bikes!
Me too! Thanks for watching.
From grocery gettin to motor camping this is my favorite bike.
They are pretty awesome!
G'day mate... ive just come across your channel and loving the support ur throwing at the versys300x. I rode one for a mates wife one a trip away as she wasn't confident riding it on the road we went on being a good mix of highway and gravel... after the trip she decided the bike wasn't for her... i enjoyed it that much i bought it off her and have since done some good motocamping on it to some iconic places in Victoria Australia... wont deny its under powered on the highway but love everything else about it👍
That is awesome. Thanks for watching!
I commute daily with mine. I have almost only positive things to say about it. The seat is a bit hard and the windscreen could be bigger, but those are minor and fixable issues. I was lucky to buy mine for a really great price and it has served me amazingly well.
@ubik1106 I bought a Wild Ass seat cusion and replaced the wind screen with an adjustable one from Mastad.Much better.
I have 2022…LOVE. Liked and subscribed. Some thoughts on my experience and a question for you/others:
Agree 100 with your points. I found the most “necessary” mod categories for me were
1) Maintenance and trip packing: center stand OEM/kickstand foot (GIVI) - ease of use
2) Drop/crash protection: Barkbusters/crash bars (Ricochet)/exhaust slider (T-rex) - I drop a lot due to short legs and adventurous riding 🤗
3) Lighting: LED bulbs all around/driving-fog-conspicuity lights (Denali) - stock lighting, esp headlight, is way inadequate. I LOVE riding at night now;
4) Windscreen: adjustable windscreen mount (allroundsupplier)/windscreen visor (Puig- clip on) - the combination of these two enables the stock screen to offer ~5” more height/coverage, which is fine on highway for me at 5’7” AND allows removal of extension for off road protection (of neck/chest). LOVE this set up for my height/needs!
5) Gearing: 15T front sprocket (JT - rubber bumpered) - significantly increases town and highway/touring experience, and still functional for general off road
6) Seat: aero seat cover (Sit&Fly) - stock seat is notably uncomfortable
Have done lots of other things, but these were the absolutely most important ones (for me) for full safety/functionality/enjoyment…again, for me. I LOVE this bike…it is a hidden gem to the general moto market.
Question: how often (mileage) did you do the valve adjustment maintenance during your 30k? Thank you!
Thanks for the comment! The lights were something I forgot to mention! The stocks were pretty bad! I went LED all the way around, as well! I haven't been too particular with the valve adjustments. I am at 35k now. I bought the VX3 with about 6k on it. I assume the initial adjustment/check was done before I bought it. I had a check done at 15k (no adjustment needed). I have not had it checked recently.
Thanks for reply. Believe those valve adjustments are the only major expense/“must-do” project for this super value-proposition bike.
My bike is running great at 7.2k, so trying to decide my approach - manual’s schedule or adjusted step sched like yours. Based on your experience will probably opt for some kind of stepped schedule: 7.5k. 17.5k, 30k, 45k.
Thanks again. Appreciate your channel. Ride safe.
I just discovered this channel and subscribed. Great review well laid out, and easy to listen to/watch.
Thank you!
Good vid. Intro music blew out my eardrums tho😮
Sorry about that! I will turn it down a bit on the next one. Thanks for the feedback ❤
Great video man, well done
Thank you!
I bought a used 2017 V-x 300 in March 2023 as my first motorcycle. I contend that it is the best starter motorcycle on the market. The size, weight, ease of use, and maneuverability were all conducive to learning how to ride. The motorcycle is almost as dependable as the sun. It's also a gasoline sipper. Mine gets around 70 mpg. I don't usually ride over 50 mph, so that's probably why. It doesn't seem like it weighs 386 lbs. My Suzuki DRZ400S supposedly weighs 317 lbs. and the V-x 300 feels lighter. I can take the V-x 300 just about anywhere I can take my DRZ400S, but it's harder and much slower.
I am probably going to trade it in for a larger adventure motorcycle next year. Why? The high rpm engine drives me crazy. If it had a less buzzy engine that made about 10 more horsepower, I'd keep it. I wish Kawasaki would make a 400-450 cc version that's a touch more capable off road.
Great points!! Thank you for sharing 👍
I absolutely love mine, it’s perfect for me.
I feel the same way. Thanks for watching!
All the drops you showed makes me never wanna take mine offroad. Lol. I do love it though. I have a crf300l for offroad when I want to.
Lol, yeah, I was lucky to have crash bars 😆I have heard good things about the CRF300L
Take a shot everytime I say Versys-X 300 😂
Itis a high reving engine, it is made for it, tried an tested in the ninja 300. So rev it don't be afraid, go into the red even. I own the bike and love it. When you bought it, you know it is a 300, stop complaining about the only 40 horsepower. Wonderful for shorter, and lighter riders. On mine the windshield did not give problems, I still have the stock one. What you did not mention on the like side, is how easy this bike rides the long road (at high revv's).
I ride mine on the 80-90 Kph highways mostly - it's great at that speed. I put in a new front sprocket and that lowered the RPM on the highway a bit - 1st gear was so low it was almost useless. Don't buy the Kawasaki panniers - too small and way overpriced - that was a big mistake on my part - won't do that again. Overall, really like the bike.
Just need a set of Motion Footpegs now to set that versys up properly💯
@@motionfactoryracing5914 I agree! I will take a look at them 😆 i have battled foot peg issues with this bike for a bit. I have bent the stock ones pretty bad which you can see in this short: Crashed My Versys-X 300 on SLIMY Water Crossing
ua-cam.com/users/shortsLPRbSuphgiM?feature=share
@@SheldynRyder We offer a creator's discount if you want to review a set. reach out if you are interested.
Love my 2017 x300
Thoughts on a 5’10, 240 lb guy packing about 40 lbs of gear, riding a bit of highway to get to country roads, logging roads and ATV trails. Underpowered? Too small? Experienced rider and ridden large sport touring and cruisers. 61 yrs old now and looking for something light to do some moto-camping. Appreciate your thoughts.
I would say it would be fine. I wouldn't think twice about loading it down with gear and riding across the country. It could easily cruise over 70mph. The only downside is it has very little, what I call “passing power.” The Versys-X has been my favorite bike and I have recently experienced bikes with more power and gadgets and always find myself wanting the Versys-X. Super reliable and would be a great companion to your moto-camping. The only point I will raise is that with your experience on bigger bikes, the high-revving and tame power may take some time to get used to!
@ Thanks for your comments and thoughts. After much research and thought, I bought a 2024 model. Sadly, I now have to wait until spring to get back to riding. Cheers.
@@prospector14 That is awesome! Congrats on the purchase! It will be worth the wait.
If Kawasaki would just switch the engine in the Versys-X to the one from the Z400, they’d see me running into my local dealer with checkbook in hand.
Hoping in the next few years!! We will see! Thanks for watching ❤
Pls. update links. W/shield & H/L links no good. May be more.