1600 miles on my new X300 - really impressed with the handling, on and off pavement. Been on a few bad back roads & mountain 4x4 trails. Contrary to some, I believe the X300 is, indeed, a proper adventure bike. Fine at 75 mph / getting 75 - 80 mpg. Even with the factory IRC tires, I've been able to go up some steep, loose stuff with no problem. Instrumentation is excellent and has all the info you will ever need. No, it's not a GS800 and it's not a DRZ 400, but it IS a capable bike on every trail I've been on. (I also have a Husaberg FE390 for "serious" off road stuff, but I'm riding the X300 in places I was not sure about at first. Kawasaki nailed it with this little mini adventure bike. 0-60 the same as a KLR650 or DR650. Amazing power (39 hp) from a 300 and it's all I need for commuting, some highway and lots of gravel road I have to ride to even get to pavement! Try it, you'll like it! - Ray, near Durango, CO.
Seems those who want to dual sport (or at least project the image) prefer $20k, 160 hp KTMs and the like. I think this would be an excellent bike to play around on backroads and trails. And unbelievably inexpensive. And for a few hundred extra, Kaw will warranty the darn thing for 6 years. Undoubtedly one of the best values in motorsickledom. The windscreen and dash are better than those on my Versys 1000. For whatever reason, they don't sell well around me. The only thing I'm not crazy about is how far back the brake light is recessed under the luggage rack. I'd be afraid that semis and even taller SUV and trucks may not be able to see it. Easy fix, just unbolt the luggage rack and carry stuff in a tank bag or tail pak on the back seat.
I think this is just the bike to rekindle the joy of motorcycling as I remember it to be.No more behemoth, overpriced, complicated tanks to wheel around.Great video, thank you.
Loved how you didn't spew out the specs and just rode! Your enthusiasm was an easy sell too, made me want to get home so I could take out my Versys 300!!!
I kinda don't like how they sound like they are trying to sell the bike. I feel like hes avoiding the specs because its aimed at a entry level bike. They says in the video that they only ride stuff that interest them which normally means they wont say bad things about anything type of reviewer. Those kinds of reviews are ok but kinda lacking in info. Also some specs are ok, like its an adventure bike, how big the fuel tank is important, and ground clearance is important. If it was a cruiser bike then I would only car about looks and some feel.
I think we're equally enthused about the Versys X300, I just crossed the 1000 mile mark with mine and I'm in love with it. I did put some 50/50 tires on it and I'm happier off road. Gonna put some crash bars , hand guards and skid plate on it. Enjoyed your video.
I have to agree that the Kawasaki is one cool machine. Would be a great bike for Kelley to ride. Of course you would have to test ride it often to make sure it is OK.
Hello shawn & kelly,another interesting vlog,we will never get tired of watching you,you're part of the daily routine in our house.luv to all down on the ranch 💕 Mike & Wendy 🇬🇧🇬🇧 uk
Kawasaki did a much better job than Honda did with the CB500X. It comes with spoke wheels, a 19 inch front wheel, and you even have a gear selection on the dash. Anyway, have you seen the videos/photos from EICMA and that new Yamaha 700 Tenere? That one seems to be one serious machine, hoping here Yamaha keeps it as is... Thank you for your videos.
Awe man !!! Your video makes me want to go out and buy one!!! But I am being patient, I am going to wait until April 2018, and see if I can't buy a 2017 that never sold. I did that with a 2014 Honda CB500X (purchased Nov 2015)and they knocked $2,000 off it. If not, I won't mind the 2018 red Versys 300.
A friend of mine has one of those Kawasaki's. It's an impressive little bike. I really enjoy chasing him through the twisties on my KTM 1050. It really puts a smile on my face how much he can push that bike :-)
I like your Videos, your easy to listen to. Must be nice being able to test ride all those bikes. I just bought a Kawasaki Versys. I got the grey one. I am thinking these bikes will appeal to older riders more than younger. I bought it to explore dirt roads and easy trails. Being 59 I wanted something lower and lighter but still able to handle the highway with ease. Big difference from my Victory Cross Country Tour and a nice change. Don't like thumpers and never really cared for inline twins until they came out with the Versys... Hope you get a chance to ride one after break in when you can get the revs up. That motor loves to rev. Keep the vids coming..........Rob
Nasty weather. Nice little green machine. Had a KZ250 two banger back in the seventies for production racing but chucked it into a wall and kinda stuffed it. Didn't do me any good either so ended my road bike racing.
Love the weather but I guess that's just weird old me, I prefer wind, rain & snow to hot sun haha Kawasaki is a nice bike too, can Imagine Kelly on one of those tbh. I did laugh when you said about pixel peeping, haven't heard that term in a long time. (used to own my own photo studio and have been photographer for around 15 years lol) Glad you made it home in one bit too, that weather front came in quick by the looks of it :o Hope you had a good Tuesday guys oh and just realised I have been spelling your name wrong SHAWN all along , apologies for that :/ Won't happen again Mr Smoaks Sir :D Be Safe Guys Chris & Tan
+Adventures With Woody - It’s funny, I think of you and how much fun you have on Woody... I can only imagine that this would be the perfect motorcycle for you..! Stone reliable and proven parallel twin 300 Kawasaki motor would take you around the world a time or two... Lol I would love to have one of these!! The price is very reasonable as well. I think it’s one of the best kept secrets in adventure bikes! Hope I see the beautiful view of this bike under you from your camera in the springtime!! You’re going to love it. Thanks Graham!
@@paulstanley3265 I don’t know however this stuff can usually be found out on line or ask a dealer perhaps? I actually didn’t get one of those in the end I got an Africa Twin Dct 👍
I had a Versys 650 and I really liked it. It was a little tall, though. I used it for mainly road but did a bit of gravel forest service roads and it did ok. I think the 300 would be a better ride to get to the woods and handle a lot better on the gravel and some dirt. I may have to sell my XT350. 🤠
Does the USA get the BMW F750GS? That bikes piques a lot of my interest. Good vid, I like the Versys 650, just not sure about how well the 300 will do. Hopefully very well for Kawasaki's sake. :-D
+COYOTE ADVENTURES - Yes, the US will be getting the new F750/850GS models. Have heard a date that we’ll be recieving them though. I’m really excited about these as well..! The Versys 650 is an awesome bike! The 300 fits in there nicely as it’s little brother... Lol Thanks!!
HI got one down here in new Zealand best bike I have owned great on the highway and fire roads just done 33000 km and need a new cham shaft and head all under warranty hope it's a one off thing the oil port in the cham shaft got blocked? Like I say hope it's just a one off as missing my versys 300 x Cheers
Is it true that the tail pipe runs under the motor and they don't make a skip plate that you can add on for off road use ? I noticed they didn't put it in the dual sport category on the Kawasaki web site .
hi Shawn Kelli,yea cool bike(kaw300) ive seen it but not in person I go by the looks also and the seat height cause im on the small side body frame and some of the newer bikes are to tall for me so I pass on them but lot nice bikes im still lookin at the honda rebel looks like a cool bike to,ok good video later shawn kelli.
@@TheSmoaksVlogs I would have fun on a 250 if I could have 2 bikes I would get a wr250r for off road and a klr650 for road but I can only have 1 bike right now I have a xr650L
The 2019 Honda CB 500 X would be the one for you then. They made a lot of good changes for 2019 It is my first pick then the Kaw. 300 X my second. All the others are too big of top heavy in the ADV's
1600 miles on my new X300 - really impressed with the handling, on and off pavement. Been on a few bad back roads & mountain 4x4 trails. Contrary to some, I believe the X300 is, indeed, a proper adventure bike. Fine at 75 mph / getting 75 - 80 mpg. Even with the factory IRC tires, I've been able to go up some steep, loose stuff with no problem. Instrumentation is excellent and has all the info you will ever need. No, it's not a GS800 and it's not a DRZ 400, but it IS a capable bike on every trail I've been on. (I also have a Husaberg FE390 for "serious" off road stuff, but I'm riding the X300 in places I was not sure about at first. Kawasaki nailed it with this
little mini adventure bike. 0-60 the same as a KLR650 or DR650. Amazing power (39 hp) from a 300 and it's all I need for commuting, some highway and lots of gravel road I have to ride to even get to pavement! Try it, you'll like it! - Ray, near Durango, CO.
Seems those who want to dual sport (or at least project the image) prefer $20k, 160 hp KTMs and the like. I think this would be an excellent bike to play around on backroads and trails. And unbelievably inexpensive. And for a few hundred extra, Kaw will warranty the darn thing for 6 years.
Undoubtedly one of the best values in motorsickledom. The windscreen and dash are better than those on my Versys 1000. For whatever reason, they don't sell well around me.
The only thing I'm not crazy about is how far back the brake light is recessed under the luggage rack. I'd be afraid that semis and even taller SUV and trucks may not be able to see it. Easy fix, just unbolt the luggage rack and carry stuff in a tank bag or tail pak on the back seat.
I think this is just the bike to rekindle the joy of motorcycling as I remember it to be.No more behemoth, overpriced, complicated tanks to wheel around.Great video, thank you.
Well said!
Thanks Brian!!
Loved how you didn't spew out the specs and just rode! Your enthusiasm was an easy sell too, made me want to get home so I could take out my Versys 300!!!
I kinda don't like how they sound like they are trying to sell the bike. I feel like hes avoiding the specs because its aimed at a entry level bike. They says in the video that they only ride stuff that interest them which normally means they wont say bad things about anything type of reviewer. Those kinds of reviews are ok but kinda lacking in info. Also some specs are ok, like its an adventure bike, how big the fuel tank is important, and ground clearance is important. If it was a cruiser bike then I would only car about looks and some feel.
I think we're equally enthused about the Versys X300, I just crossed the 1000 mile mark with mine and I'm in love with it. I did put some 50/50 tires on it and I'm happier off road. Gonna put some crash bars , hand guards and skid plate on it. Enjoyed your video.
Glad you and the lady made it home safe! Those roads looked horrible! But that bike looked awesome, thanks for taking the viewers on a little ride!
I have to agree that the Kawasaki is one cool machine. Would be a great bike for Kelley to ride. Of course you would have to test ride it often to make sure it is OK.
Hello shawn & kelly,another interesting vlog,we will never get tired of watching you,you're part of the daily routine in our house.luv to all down on the ranch 💕 Mike & Wendy 🇬🇧🇬🇧 uk
Don ‘t let the spec on seat height scare you ; sit on it with centerstand up . I think you’ll be surprised.
I checked out the 1000 and it is really bad ass! The only problem was the seat was hard as a rock. I tried the 300 and it was way to tiny for me
Kawasaki did a much better job than Honda did with the CB500X. It comes with spoke wheels, a 19 inch front wheel, and you even have a gear selection on the dash. Anyway, have you seen the videos/photos from EICMA and that new Yamaha 700 Tenere? That one seems to be one serious machine, hoping here Yamaha keeps it as is... Thank you for your videos.
Awe man !!! Your video makes me want to go out and buy one!!! But I am being patient, I am going to wait until April 2018, and see if I can't buy a 2017 that never sold. I did that with a 2014 Honda CB500X (purchased Nov 2015)and they knocked $2,000 off it. If not, I won't mind the 2018 red Versys 300.
A friend of mine has one of those Kawasaki's. It's an impressive little bike. I really enjoy chasing him through the twisties on my KTM 1050. It really puts a smile on my face how much he can push that bike :-)
Just love your attitude F...k all the detail I like it or I dont ???? Great up load well done fella !!
I like your Videos, your easy to listen to. Must be nice being able to test ride all those bikes. I just bought a Kawasaki Versys. I got the grey one. I am thinking these bikes will appeal to older riders more than younger. I bought it to explore dirt roads and easy trails. Being 59 I wanted something lower and lighter but still able to handle the highway with ease. Big difference from my Victory Cross Country Tour and a nice change. Don't like thumpers and never really cared for inline twins until they came out with the Versys...
Hope you get a chance to ride one after break in when you can get the revs up. That motor loves to rev. Keep the vids coming..........Rob
AuctionAdOnline Being 80 , l agree completely .
Nasty weather. Nice little green machine. Had a KZ250 two banger back in the seventies for production racing but chucked it into a wall and kinda stuffed it. Didn't do me any good either so ended my road bike racing.
Every bike you see that you ride at work you say i love to take home to have Shawn
Me too
Hi Shawn, hopping you get the chance to ride the new yamaha Tracer 900t. Would love a review and your thoughts.
Love the weather but I guess that's just weird old me, I prefer wind, rain & snow to hot sun haha
Kawasaki is a nice bike too, can Imagine Kelly on one of those tbh. I did laugh when you said about pixel peeping, haven't heard that term in a long time. (used to own my own photo studio and have been photographer for around 15 years lol)
Glad you made it home in one bit too, that weather front came in quick by the looks of it :o Hope you had a good Tuesday guys oh and just realised I have been spelling your name wrong SHAWN all along , apologies for that :/ Won't happen again Mr Smoaks Sir :D
Be Safe Guys
Chris & Tan
Nice Kawasaki! No fun driving in that rain! Glad you got home OK! Good vlog! Thanks!
That Versys was an option when I was buying my first bike this summer. Went with the CB500F instead, but i do love that Kawi
Cool Kaw ride and beautiful BMW. Weather is about the same here. Have a nice day and evening. Be Cool.
Tempted to trade my Versys 650 for one.
Shawn buddy this is the bike that really floats my boat and I'm hoping to get one come spring 💕💦
+Adventures With Woody - It’s funny, I think of you and how much fun you have on Woody... I can only imagine that this would be the perfect motorcycle for you..! Stone reliable and proven parallel twin 300 Kawasaki motor would take you around the world a time or two... Lol
I would love to have one of these!! The price is very reasonable as well. I think it’s one of the best kept secrets in adventure bikes!
Hope I see the beautiful view of this bike under you from your camera in the springtime!! You’re going to love it.
Thanks Graham!
Do you know how often to do the valve clearance. I’m looking to get a 2022 model
@@paulstanley3265 I don’t know however this stuff can usually be found out on line or ask a dealer perhaps? I actually didn’t get one of those in the end I got an Africa Twin Dct 👍
Would love to know your thoughts on the Kawasaki Vulcan s if u ever get a chance u should go for a little rip on one. LOVE your vlogs ride safe! !
I had a Versys 650 and I really liked it. It was a little tall, though. I used it for mainly road but did a bit of gravel forest service roads and it did ok. I think the 300 would be a better ride to get to the woods and handle a lot better on the gravel and some dirt. I may have to sell my XT350. 🤠
Glad you made it home safe.
Excellent bike, excellent review!
Quando vai ser fabricada versys x 400?
Thailand
Too bad Kalama’s Post Office is so messed up!
what likable folks!
The price is good too!
Does the USA get the BMW F750GS? That bikes piques a lot of my interest.
Good vid, I like the Versys 650, just not sure about how well the 300 will do. Hopefully very well for Kawasaki's sake. :-D
+COYOTE ADVENTURES - Yes, the US will be getting the new F750/850GS models. Have heard a date that we’ll be recieving them though. I’m really excited about these as well..!
The Versys 650 is an awesome bike! The 300 fits in there nicely as it’s little brother... Lol
Thanks!!
Awesome! I trust you will give one (hopefully the 750) a quick ride initial review when they come in if possible / allowed. :-D
Vancouver, wa nice place to ride
Cool ride....looks like F3 Spyder's are taking over. Can't wait to see the 2018's.
I owned one, I traveled from Thailand around Laos and I can say it’s a good bike but of course it’s 300cc so gets a bit boring.
Hey Shawn, do you have any thoughts on the new Suzuki V Strom or DL250.
HI got one down here in new Zealand best bike I have owned great on the highway and fire roads just done 33000 km and need a new cham shaft and head all under warranty hope it's a one off thing the oil port in the cham shaft got blocked? Like I say hope it's just a one off as missing my versys 300 x
Cheers
Is it true that the tail pipe runs under the motor and they don't make a skip plate that you can add on for off road use ? I noticed they didn't put it in the dual sport category on the Kawasaki web site .
steve dental 2 skid plates now available .
Would that Kawa 300 work as a commuter with highway travel? Would it be able to keep up?
Yes, but it may be too loud for you then..
Have you ever test drove the BMW
hi Shawn Kelli,yea cool bike(kaw300) ive seen it but not in person I go by the looks also and the seat height cause im on the small side body frame and some of the newer bikes are to tall for me so I pass on them but lot nice bikes im still lookin at the honda rebel looks like a cool bike to,ok good video later shawn kelli.
Nice people. May Jesus Christ bless you both.
I would buy this in a 500cc . the only thing I don t like is the 300cc
You'd have so much fun on the 300 that the extra 200cc's would be long forgotten... Lol
Thanks!
@@TheSmoaksVlogs I would have fun on a 250 if I could have 2 bikes I would get a wr250r for off road and a klr650 for road but I can only have 1 bike right now I have a xr650L
If it was 500 people would want the 650, 300 is perfect for riders whom want to tour back roads so 300 is more than enough?
The 2019 Honda CB 500 X would be the one for you then. They made a lot of good changes for 2019 It is my first pick then the Kaw. 300 X my second. All the others are too big of top heavy in the ADV's
Take out the new 2018 klx250 dual sport bike .
Here's the link of my riding the 2018 KLX250: ua-cam.com/video/OTxzPu6kLis/v-deo.html
Thanks Steve!
👍