The interest and sales among adventure motorcycles in India continue to increase. In this situation, Kawasaki has introduced its new Versys-X 300 model in the Indian market. It is an adventure touring bike, which means it is designed for long-distance travel. The starting price of this bike is Rs. 3.80 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Although it is a little more expensive than other competing models, it can be a good choice for travelers who want a premium look.
Design and Features
The new Kawasaki Versys-X 300 bike comes with a special design as per its being an adventure bike. It has a high fairing and a curved visor to protect the passenger from the wind. A one-piece seat, high-mounted exhaust, a single headlight and comfortable handlebars enhance the riding experience.
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The suspension setup includes telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Disc brakes and dual-channel ABS are provided for safety. It rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoke wheels. However, the lack of tubeless tyres is a drawback, as this feature is offered on competing models like the Himalayan and KTM 390 Adventure.
Engine and Performance
The engine used in this bike is taken from the popular Ninja 300 bike. It is a 296cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine. This engine is capable of delivering a maximum power of 38.5 bhp @ 11,500 rpm and 26.1 Nm of torque @ 10,000 rpm. It has a 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch features, which provide a smooth and easy gear shifting experience. The engine is very smooth and high-revving, making it a great touring bike for long trips.
Competition and Cons
The two main competitors of the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 in the Indian market are the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the KTM 390 Adventure. However, the Versys-X 300 is priced at around ₹1 lakh more than both these bikes. The expectation is that additional features should be offered at this price point. However, the Versys-X 300 lacks some important features, which makes it lag behind the price-related competition. Also, the bike weighs 184 kilograms and has a ground clearance of 180 millimeters. These features may be a challenge for some riders.
Versys-X 300 Technical Specifications and Performance
The key technical features of the Versys-X 300 are related to fuel efficiency and environmental impact. The bike is said to emit 103 grams of CO2 per kilometer. It is also good in fuel economy; it requires only 4.1 liters per 100 kilometers. The bike has a 6-speed return-type gearbox. It is built on a high-tensile steel backbone frame. The bike weighs 179 kg and the fuel tank capacity is 17 liters.
Overall, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a premium adventure bike that combines style, sophistication and reliability, but its price and some limited features make it a tough choice in the highly competitive market. The high cruising ability and well-tuned suspension setup make it a reliable choice for long trips. However, considering the high price and the lackluster features, who this bike is really for will depend on the rider’s preferences and needs.
