2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 - Surprisingly great! (Even without the 400cc engine!) - Complete Review!

[danieldevers]

I'm 72 and have been riding since I was 13 and I love my Versys X 300. The Versys isn't to tall, no vibration, comfortable to ride for extended miles, lighter than the other adventure touring bikes I have had which makes it much better off road. I currently have the Versys X300, Kawasaki KLX 230, Can Am Ryker Rally, and TW200. Life is good!

[anthonybrock]

Love this bike. I’m 59 years old and have been riding since since I was about 10. I’m done with the heavy fast bikes and the heavy Harley’s. This one just shines on the road and light off roads.

[davidalder]

Hello Peter, I am a 66 year old rider with 40 years of experience and a past motorcycle instructor. I have had my 2017 Versys X 300 for 5 years and love it. Simple, light, easy on fuel, easy on my Shinko tires and puts a smile on my face every day that I ride it.
Keep up the great reviews. Dave from Nova Scotia

[ragbag]

After 76, 000kms, all over Thailand and recently Laos and Vietnam, now the borders are open after covid. I am 76, bought it five years ago, lightness was my priority, earlier injuries and abuse had weakened my back, this bike I can pick it up, and have done on several occasions, off roading. Great little bike, had and continue to enjoy thoroughly. Off to Cambodia soon.

[juliemcgillivray]

My first bike at age 60. Great learning tool. Allows me to go on a variety of surfaces, without the threat of too much weight or power. I'm becoming very good at working the gears, as you need to on high revving bike. Only scare has been riding it on an extraordinarily windy day, (40 mph) as it is light and tall. I'll trade up to a middle weight within a year or so. Thanks!

[anthonyparkes]

I purchased my X300 in 2022 as a retirement gift to myself. I last owned a bike in my 20’s.
I typically ride county roads and a bit of gravel . The bike is comfortable, plenty of giddy up for my taste and great range due to it’s 17 litre tank and fuel consumption. I averaged 3.5liters/100km over 15000km last year. I am very pleased with my choice!

[raipa]

I use this beauty in -5 degrees celsius, in 35+, in rain, at night.... I love her!

I'm 1, 60 on 45kg and was very concerned about finding a low and lightweight bike. Now I tiptoe her one side akd she's still super stable. And so much fun on the highway as well as in the alps!

I named her Britney because I treat her terribly, yet she still performs so well.

[LibertyEver]

I love my G310GS but the Versys-X 300 has a lot to recommend it in this class of bike. I like the size and weight. I've always ridden small displacement dual sport thumpers but now that I'm in my 60s I *really* don't want a big heavy bike. My only complaint with my baby GS is the 11 liter tank so kudos to Kawasaki for making a small ADV bike with a 17 liter fuel tank. I also love the large rear rack and large pillion where a large duffel can be mounted. I prefer no panniers on a small ADV bike, and a 66L waterproof duffel inline so it's not sticking out in the wind to cause drag on the road, nor catching on trees and rocks off road. 400 cc would be the sweet spot for riding on the highway, for the rare times I do that when I need to get home to avoid rain, dark or deer at twilight on back roads. I like that sage green on the 2023 model.

[albertgjohnston]

I've owned this bike since April. I can't say enough good things about it. Best commuter bike offered this year IMHO. Even though I am in Florida I am considering a larger wind screen, heated grips, and heated seat. That tells you how enamoured I am with the Versys X-300. I can imagine riding this bike on some trails too. My only grip about the 2024 model is the lack of features that would be expected at the $6000 price point including USB power port, and Aux power for an air pump, or a camping-service light.

[sleemanman]

Thanks for the nice review which has helped me decide what to buy. Ever since i was a teenager, i've had that dream of owning a motorcycle one day. Life being what it is, i never got around to do it, but that day has finally arrived (now at 55). So about 2-3 months ago, i started looking into motorcycles and riding schools. After couple weeks, i knew what type i would want to ride : adventure bike. Never liked the custom ones nor the sporty ones, so the adventure / touring type was the best option for me. So after seeing many different reviews on Youtube, I opted for that kawasaki versys-x 300. One reason being : plate, license and insurance is more expensive past 400cc. And being a new rider, i certainly don't need something too powerful !!
That said, i decided to buy used as it is often suggested for a 1st motorcycle. Very few available which by itself tells me that this is a very good motorcycle otherwise people would sell them. When i saw a 2021 almost fully loaded (saddle bags, center stand, engine guard) with low millage for a very good price (including 2 brand new shinko 705 tires), i bought it. The bike looks like new!! And after installing the kawasaki hand guards i requested, the dealership delivered free of charge :)
It"s now sitting in my workshop with a cover on it. Can't wait to finish my riding lessons, getting my license and taking it out there on my nearby country roads !!

[BrandonAnsara]

I just bought one of these as my first bike a few weeks ago. It's super fun so far!

[mrbjay]

The best-detailed breakdown of a bike to date! Well down!

[haritkumar]

Peter,

This is the best review of a bike that I have come across. Your explanation of slipper and assist clutch, high rev vs piston travel, use of spokes is simply brilliant. A big thank you for that.

Now, a bit of help. Kawasaki has put me on the spot. The Versus 300 is to be launched soon in India, and now I need to decide whether to go for the Versys or the Eliminator?

I'm 53, getting back on bikes for long distance travel after a long time and the traffic and roads over here, are pretty rough.

Yes, both bikes are from and for different categories and uses, and I have to choose between them.

Help me decide, please.

[fredricslocum]

I'm 64, retired and living on the Big Island Hawaii. Bought this bike 2 months ago. Absolutely a great bike to ride around and explore the island and what is considered a road in some areas. Still have my 2005 HD Softail Deluxe and enjoy riding that but always end up in the rain than gotta polish all that chrome 😅

[sdarbha]

Peter, I watched a bunch of your reviews, the X300 resonated with me (asked couple of Qs below too), and I bought one earlier in the Spring. Loving it so far. The unassuming X300 feels perfect, engine-wise, weight-wise, height-wise. It's not initimidating, yet has ample spunk for different types of road - The traditional commute, or the 80km/h open country road, even hilly roads - My area has up/down and winding terrain.

Yes, faster and sportier bikes pass me by as they lean closer to the road, but that's not my reason for riding. I'm not looking to push 120 on an 80 road and have all my attention sucked up to keep both wheels on the ground. I got into biking later in life, and the X300 gives me just the right mix of power and comfort, allowing most of my attention to be on the landscape that I want to enjoy.

On that note of enjoyment.. I gathered from your review that I couldn't flatfoot with my 5'8" height - That's partly what drew me to the X300, as most shorter bikes also required my legs bent into a "fetal position" (I exagerrate but you get the idea). The slightly higher seat, higher handle bar, well-placed footrests.. All combine for a natural, upright riding posture which is very inviting, brings a smile every time I begin my ride. Seems like Kawasaki has put thought into ergonomics for the Versys line.. at least for average size riders.

I haven't done long rides of 100s of kms like some of your commenters. But it's super encouraging to hear that people have done that on this bike. Thanks for your reviews, and to your Youtube community for nudging me towards this educated choice. FYI I did reach out to Jim's PowerSports but ultimately buying it from a dealer closer to me in Ontario was more convenient.

[heretohear]

I wish the KLR looked this good, I'm actually considering one of these instead!
Great review!!

[royandtracyboling]

I have had a 2008 KLR650 for a year {bought after a 15 year riding hiatus}. I like it, but after going down several times, I started looking at smaller bikes. I bought a barely used 23 Versys X 300 (3 miles at purchase) from a local dealership. I just finished breaking it in last weekend. In high cross winds, I felt like it was going to shift underneath me, but once we found a good speed, it settled down. It was a group ride with a Goldwing and a Can Am. So far, I enjoy it. Trying to sell the KLR.

[KF]

That looks like a really nice exploring bike. I could see how the high revving engine could be a lot of fun

[WillieJohnRidesAgain]

I've had a 2022 since July. So far, it "goes where ya point it..."

[Frip]

If guy's don't like factory colors, do they often paint the bikes themselves. OR maybe have the parts paint dipped or whatever it's called. Thanks. You have great videos.