Meet the Fleet | Kawasaki Versys-X 300
- Sean Good
- Aug 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 26
In the world of adventure motorcycles, the prevailing wisdom often points to "bigger is better". You're told you need a large-displacement engine to conquer long highway miles, a heavy-duty chassis to carry all your gear, and a commanding presence to handle everything from city streets to remote mountain passes. And I'm no exception, my current adventure bikes of choice are the Tiger 1200s.
But what if you don't need all that bulk and complexity? What if there's a smaller, more approachable machine that can do almost everything a big bike can, but with a more playful personality and a much friendlier price tag? The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS is a compelling argument for that very idea and it's why we added one to our fleet this spring.
It may not be the fastest, the most powerful, or the most technologically advanced bike out there, but as you'll see from my week-long test ride, it is a surprisingly fun and capable adventure motorcycle in the small displacement class.
Road impressions
While it is in no way a muscle bike—especially compared to the other adventure bikes in our fleet—the Versys still manages to offer an incredibly engaging riding experience. Its 296-cc engine doesn't truly come to life until at least 6,000 RPM, so winding it out to redline is not only necessary but a core part of the fun. You'll find yourself needing to plan ahead for hills or overtakes, but the light clutch and slick shifting make it effortless and fun. There are some minimal vibrations through the footpegs at around 7,000 RPM but it's smooth above and below that range.
Unlike a dual sport or dirt bike, you sit tucked into the Versys with fairings providing protection from the wind and cold. The seating position is neutral and comfortable, though you may want a vented seat pad for additional comfort in the summer. With stock gearing, it will do 80 mph but the engine is spinning at 10,000 RPM (out of its 12,000 RPM redline). This bike is more comfortable cruising Utah's secondary roads and byways, such as Route 12, US-89.
The bike's true charm, however, reveals itself in the twisties. I found its to have direct steering and a nimble chassis. It feels exceptionally flickable, diving into corners and holding lines with little effort. Its playful nature combined with a comfortable upright riding position makes it more entertaining than you might imagine.
Dirt impressions
The Versys is surprisingly capable when the road turns to dirt. Its sub-400 lb. wet weight lets it bounce over choppy bumps that would make you grimace on a full-sizer. The weight and low center of gravity also makes it incredibly easy to manage on gravel roads, narrow trails, or doubletrack. You'll appreciate the low weight it if you tip the bike over! Standing on the pegs is fairly comfortable; it's not a long reach to the handlebars even in its factory setup.
The stock suspension could benefit from more progressive damping, but it handles most situations without major drama. Even loaded with camping gear, I didn't notice the suspension bottoming out excessively, but it is not buttery smooth like you'd find on a more dedicated off-road ADV or dual sport.
The lack of excessive power means traction control isn't necessary - you won't be kicking up roostertails. However it does makes the bike incredibly forgiving and easy to handle in low-traction environments. The ABS is not switchable, but felt mostly unobtrusive on the forest roads I was riding on.
Touring & Camping
It might be small, but the Versys punches well above its price-point when it comes to long distance riding and overnighters. I spent several days and 400 miles riding in and around the Strawberry Reservoir area for an overnight moto-camp. As mentioned earlier, the fairings provided surprisingly good wind protection. With the panniers installed, however, you will notice wind resistance putting up more of a fight at highway speeds. I calculated 70 mpg with empty panniers, dropping to 56 mpg when they were loaded with my camping gear. With a 4.5 gallon tank, that's a safe 200-250 miles of range between fill-ups.
With a Nelson-Rigg Adventure top bag and Sierra panniers (now discontinued), the bike transforms into a versatile touring mule. I was easily able to pack in my "middleweight" camping setup with room to spare. The convenient USB charge port next to the instruments will keep your phone charged for navigation on the fly.
Limitations
Its small-displacement engine has a few unavoidable limitations: namely its low power and short gearing are a constant reality. Get used to high revs and frequent shifting. Its 32 horses can maintain highway speeds and climb hills, but add a headwind and you will feel it run out of steam. Below 6,000 RPM, the engine will cruise all day but can feel sluggish and slow to respond if you need a burst of speed.
A common quirk about this bike is that the engine runs hot, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. It's small, liquid-cooled, and well ventilated so you won't get toasty buns like on our Tigers, but the temperature gauge spends most of its time at the top half of the dial. We have installed a cooling fan override, a common and recommended aftermarket upgrade, to assist in keeping the engine at a lower operating temperature. Use it when stuck in traffic, or navigating slow, tight trails.
Conclusion
So what's the final verdict on this little bike? While you'll have to adjust your riding style and accept its limitations, the Versys-X 300 makes a compelling case against the "bigger is better" mindset of the ADV world. Over a week and 400 miles, I found it to be a peppy, easy-to-handle, versatile machine that delivers an engaging ride on the pavement and surprising confidence on dirt roads.
I didn't experience any major shortcomings or flaws while riding it, and the trade-offs are to be expected with a small-displacement do-it-all machine. In the end, the Versys reminds us that you don't need to break the bank to be an adventure rider.
Who this is for?
Riders looking for a lightweight, forgiving, and easy-to-handle bike
Someone who is dipping their toes into adventure riding, or who wants to tour on a budget
Commuters or urban riders looking for a durable multi-purpose bike
Who this is not for?
Power-hungry riders
Serious off-roaders
Riders who have long freeway commutes or want to do long-distance highway touring
Specifications
Engine: 296cc parallel twin cylinder, 32 horsepower
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gallons
Average fuel economy: ~63 mpg
Ground clearance: 7.1 inches
Front suspension travel: 5.1 inches
Rear suspension travel: 5.8 inches
Wet weight: 386 lbs
Seat height: 32.1 inches
This is a great option for riders of all skill levels looking for a lightweight, simple adventure bike to explore Utah's countless backroads and byways. Add luggage to your rental and have space for all your gear.
Click the link below to visit the Versys' rental page and make a reservation!
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