Kawasaki has brought the Versys-X 300 back to Indian shores, marking its re-entry into the small-capacity ADV segment. Priced at Rs. 3.80 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the motorcycle sits at the premium end of the entry-level adventure touring category, where competition is already fierce.
Design
The Versys-X 300 carries the familiar styling cues from its larger Versys siblings. It has a sharp, purposeful look with a tall windscreen, upright stance, and long-travel suspension—everything you’d expect from a bike aimed at touring and mild off-roading. It looks every bit the adventure bike, but when it comes to features, it plays it safe.
There’s no fancy TFT screen, switchable ABS, ride modes, or smartphone connectivity—features now becoming standard in this segment. That makes the Versys-X 300 feel a bit basic, especially when compared to rivals like the KTM 390 Adventure and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.
Engine
The motorcycle is powered by a 296cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that is borrowed from the Ninja 300. It produces a respectable 38.5bhp at 11,500rpm and 26.1Nm of torque at 10,000rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox and gets an assist and slipper clutch for smoother gear changes.
It’s a rev-happy engine, known for its refinement and linear power delivery. But it lacks the low-end grunt that ADVs typically benefit from—especially for those who plan to take it off the tarmac. Still, for highway touring and occasional gravel trails, it offers enough punch and smoothness to keep you engaged.
Chassis
The Versys-X 300 rides on wire-spoke wheels—19 inches at the front and 17 inches at the rear. However, unlike its competitors, the wheels are not tubeless. This could be a deal-breaker for some, considering both the Himalayan 450 and 390 Adventure offer tubeless options, which are far more convenient in the event of a puncture.
The bike has a kerb weight of 184kg and a ground clearance of 180mm. While these numbers are decent, they don’t really give it a standout advantage. The suspension is set up more for comfort and road touring than aggressive off-road use.
Here’s how it stacks up against the competition:
| Bike | Engine | Power | Wheels | Tubeless | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Versys-X 300 | 296cc Twin | 38.5bhp | Spoke | No | Rs. 3.80 lakh |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | 452cc Single | 39.5bhp | Spoke | Optional | Rs. 2.85 lakh |
| KTM 390 Adventure | 373cc Single | 43bhp | Alloy/Spoke | Yes | Rs. 3.60 lakh |
Verdict
The Versys-X 300 is a refined machine with smooth performance and solid build quality. But in today’s feature-packed ADV segment, it feels a little outgunned. It’s missing some important modern touches like tubeless tyres and tech features that buyers now expect at this price point.
For someone who prioritises a parallel-twin experience and road-biased touring comfort, the Versys-X 300 could still make sense. But for most adventure-seekers, bikes like the Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 Adventure offer better value and versatility.
Kawasaki has brought back a solid machine, but whether it finds enough takers in a fast-evolving market remains to be seen.
FAQs
What is the price of Versys-X 300?
It is priced at Rs. 3.80 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Which engine powers the Versys-X 300?
A 296cc, twin-cylinder engine from the Ninja 300.
Are the wheels tubeless?
No, the wire-spoke wheels are not tubeless.
What bikes rival the Versys-X 300?
KTM 390 Adventure and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.
Is it good for off-road riding?
It can handle light off-roading but lacks off-road features.
