A new, lightweight, economical member of the Versys family is headed to U.S. dealerships. The Versys-X 300 features a 296 cc parallel-twin engine found in the popular Ninja 300. UPDATE: Kawasaki is telling us that they mistakenly relased U.S. MSRPs reported in our article earlier, and that the U.S. MSRP is now TBD. The exact availability date has not yet been announced.
The high-revving Ninja 300 motor has been tuned specifically for improved low-end and mid-range power in the Versys-X 300. This looks like a fun bike that is being offered with plenty of practical accessories for touring and commuting.
Follow this link for further details and specifications, and take a look at Kawasaki’s full press release below:
The setting sun and crashing waves paint a picture of bliss as you sit roadside enjoying the view. Your motorcycle is the key to adventure and adventure knows no bounds. It has no limitations or deadline, no cubical or conference calls. Where you’re going now, well that’s yet to be determined. Just man and machine, enjoying the limitless world.
The Kawasaki Versys® motorcycle family is designed for adventure-style touring. Introducing the new, nimble, easy to maneuver and low-investment, the 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS.
Versatile, capable and comfortable, the Versys-X 300 motorcycle is the new entry-level model in the award-winning lineup and Kawasaki is excited to encourage a new generation of motorcyclists set on making their own adventures.
The 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300:
- A unique combination of long-travel suspension capability and Ninja® sportbike power
- Upright riding comfort, versatile suspension, agile handling and plenty of power to tackle the freeways
- Lightweight
- Low seat height
At 296cc, the Versys-X 300 is the smallest-displacement model in the adventure-touring category. It offers the best comfort and convenience of any sub-300cc model, as you’d expect from a bike designed to be the ideal travel partner.
Not only is it light and nimble, but with the narrow chassis and low seat height, it’s an ideal motorcycle for new riders—The Versys-X 300 offers easy access to motorcycle adventuring. With a relaxed upright seating position, front fairing and windscreen, sporty and nimble handling, it’s also an ideal motorcycle for a variety of riding conditions. From the rough paved roads, to the morning commute, the Versys-X 300 is an easy-to-ride motorcycle that makes adventure-style motorcycling more accessible than ever before.
A unique package, the adventure-style Versys-X 300 motorcycle offers convenience and comfort as the first touring capable machine in its displacement category. The Versys-X 300 is categorized as a “Multi Purpose Adventure Touring on Road” bike and is the entry model to the Versys family.
STYLE
The Versys-X 300, while the youngest in the family of Versys motorcycles, sets itself apart from the rest in many ways. It’s not only a lightweight, capable machine, but it also features a rough-road adventure style and rugged look.
The front cowling is long and tall with a chin spoiler in the bottom section. This design is meant to be equal parts functional and stylish, aiding in the adventure look, while maintaining ample wind protection. Air ducts positioned under headlights also reduce hot air buildup inside the cowl, a simple engineering design that increases comfort and helps reduce riding temperature. Large side openings in the side panels offer an efficient place for hot air to be released from the radiator.
The 4.5-gallon fuel tank contributes to the adventure-style image and function while maintaining a slim design. The Versys-X 300 features a 19-inch front aluminum rim and a 17-inch rear aluminum rim, both with steel spokes.
The large two-up seat features excellent comfort and load-bearing qualities with a seat cover carefully stitched from multiple pieces, creating a premium feel on par with more expensive models.
It wouldn’t be a Versys without a rear carrier with easy to use grips and strap hooks for adding luggage. A wide variety of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories will be offered to take the Versys-X 300 even further, and to help riders create a personalized motorcycle that meets their needs.
Saddlebags will be an available accessory.
ENGINE
- The 296cc parallel-twin engine offers strong low-to mid-range acceleration and high rpm power
The Versys-X 300 motorcycle utilizes the proven performance of its liquid-cooled 296cc parallel-twin engine, which is tuned to deliver strong low- and mid-range torque for crisp throttle response, as well as excellent power on the open road. Much of its prowess can be attributed to its advanced digital fuel injection, which helps manage cold starting while providing excellent throttle response. The Versys-X 300 features a unique slim exhaust design that keeps the header pipes close to the engine, for added protection against the elements. The exhaust piping is also unique to the Versys-X 300 motorcycle, helping to produce low and mid-range torque characteristics best suited for an adventure-style touring model. It also means easy-to-manage power delivery and added ground clearance. Further aiding in the adventure styling and capability is a right-side mounted muffler that helps keep heat away from the passenger.
The radiator features a unique fan cover that helps direct hot air out and under the motorcycle, reducing heat to the rider and passenger. An optimal air cleaner box shape and intake duct layout are designed based on Kawasaki engineers’ airflow analysis. This produces great low- to mid-range power and reduces noise
CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION
- Assist & Slipper clutch
- Closed gear ratios
The six-speed sequential transmission features a positive neutral finder, making it a cinch to select neutral when stopped. A premium FCC clutch with assist and slipper functions reduces lever effort. The Versys-X 300 motorcycle features revised friction area for the assist and slipper clutch spring rate and lever ratio. This expands clutch control range, and facilitates moving off from a start, resulting in a clutch with a light pull and easy feel.
The Versys-X 300 features gear ratios ideal for adventure-style riding with a shorter final reduction ratio. This produces optimized balance between fuel consumption and power feeling and improved low-mid range feel and response.
Plenty of accessories will be available.
CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
The high-tensile, highly rigid backbone pipe frame, with great capability to handle rough paved roads, was built to handle high stress, but the construction plays an important role in simultaneously producing a lightweight motorcycle. The frame features a simplified construction with thin brackets and lightening holes. Another major engineering target was a capable front-end feeling, which contributes to rider confidence
The engine is used as a stress member of the frame further increasing the strength while keeping it low weight.
Out back is a long-stroke, bottom-linkage Uni-Trak® suspension with gas-charged mono-shock and adjustable preload. This helps ensure handling stability and allows riders to touch down with ease, increasing comfort.
The rear shock mount and rear section of the frame were built with increased amounts of bracketing and surface area, in order to increase the rigidity. This allows for more durability and increased suspension action.
Up front you’ll find long-travel 41mm Showa forks. The forks aid in great front-end feel and provide comfort on various roads. A major bonus for the Versys-X 300 is its wide steering angle which assists in low speed maneuverability and overall usability. When designing the Versys-X 300, the front suspension was an important part in terms of form and function, with great care taken into making the front suspension fit the adventure look from handlebar to axle.
The 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 motorcycle is available with and without ABS.
Colors: Candy Lime Green/Metallic Graphite Gray or Metallic Graphite Gray/Flat Ebony
Metallic Graphite Gray/Flat Ebony
MSRP: TBD
Availability: TBA
See more of MD’s great photography:
Interesting new bike, Kawasaki appears to be stepping up to the plate this year with some nice new bikes and redesigned older bikes. I read somewhere that Kawasaki intends to introduce 17 new bikes by the this time next year. they seem to be on their way.
The versys 300 looks to me like a really good beginner’s bike, good bike to use for errands and perhaps the occasional day trip. With some “adventure tires” dirt roads and trails would not be so
Anyone heard of a FJ07? European model out now. US next year? I’ll take the 700 at just 400 pounds. 78 HP
Interesting bike but the FJ07 or its European named model will probably make it to the US by next year. Pit a 300cc against the FZ07 and watch the 300 disappear in your mirrors. Put a well designed Yamaha 700 against the 300 offroad and watch the 300 adventure grow smaller too. FJ07 78 HP and high 300 weight. My choice
I’m betting those who want the 300 don’t care what goes faster than it and for the foreseeable future, Americans can’t buy the FJ07, which seems like a great bike, but if it were coming here anytime soon, we’d know.
as I consider a smaller bike in the next few years as I get into my 70’s, I certainly hope Yamaha brings the FJ-07 to the states as it’s on my watch list as well as hopefully an updated 650 Vstrom adv (an 800 would be ideal) and hopefully we will get the NC750x from Honda. I can see going that small. Having ridden a Ninja 300 and an R3 in recent years I can’t ever see me going that small again.
You’re at least partially in luck Mickey, Suzuki has announced a 2017 re-design on the V-strom 650 at intermot, with the addition of a 2nd model in that size, the 650 “XT” (spoke wheels, guards, more off-road oriented). Not sure if we’ll get both in the US, though.
Cool, thanks Dave, will keep my eye peeled. I really hope we get the FJ-07 and NC750X though as the Honda-Yamaha dealer is right down the street and I have already bought 9 bikes from them and they treat me well. About 45 minutes to nearest Suzuki dealer.
People keep telling me I should give the CB500X a shot but holy cow it’s only a 500 and with 50 something horses I think.
I’ve ridden one and really like it. If you can live with the modest power, Honda’s little 500s equate to more than the sum of their spec sheets, IMO.
Hi Mickey,
An FJ-07 would undoubtedly be a nice bike but , the Versys is a proven commodity,The Versys 650 has the lighter frame, etc. as well. I watched a video by Zack Courts, (hope I got his name right), of “Motorcyclist”, he did one of his “Daily Commute” videos with the Versys 650, and was raving about the bike. This is an accomplishment on the part of Kawasaki because Zack likes European bikes and seldom gives the Japanese bikes their due. He stated that if he could only have one bike, the Versys 650 would be it, he said the versys offers superior performance and handling compared to others in the class.
IF they made an off road version of this bike with a long travel front end fork, I would buy it hands down.
The bigger the bike, the less like a bike it becomes. Great times can be had on smaller
bikes
Great times can be had on any size bike.
Triple&XL, I agree… I have an R1200GS and other medium and large Dual-sports, but the one I enjoyed the most was my WR250R, but it was horrible on the road. I am excited about this little adventure mobile and I think a set of knobbies would make it a blast. I am not a fan of a 17″ rear, but I bet we can find something.
Now I hope that they don’t price it too close to a 650 to make buying this bike a moot point.
Cheers from Florida and Happy Holidays!!!
Jim
The importance of light weight to the riding experience cannot be overstated. I just spent a week in the Texas Hill country on a rented 2017 HD Road Glide Ultra. Visually the bike was beautiful, the engine was a gem and the seats were comfortable but the weight detracted from the experience to where I couldn’t wait to get back home to my DL650. I’m taller and stronger than the average human but having to muscle the thing around at low speed and worry about getting into situations where I might have to extricate myself from a tight spot when exploring ranch roads took away some of the fun. Having a super light bike like this one would definitely lead to racing into the unknown more often and a generally more fun experience.
If yamaha does respond soon, this 300 versy will be my next bike asap!
Kevin? It’s Kevin right? Dude, you post is kind of messed up
11,000RPMs is still better than 14,000RPMs ceiling, but I personally think that its still kinda… REVVY… Well, I’m definitely looking froward to dyno Charts of this ‘beast’…!
Look at Honda’s CBR500X which redlines at, I think, 8,500 or so RPMs and makes most of its torque at under 3,500RPMs…
They should’ve put the KLX250s engine instead which has more torque, albeit less long-drive endurance (Being a single, that’s why).
Disagree. The Versys X will sell like hot cakes precisely because of the twin. BMW G310GS will be left gasping, and the V-Strom 250 is a non starter. A 250 single just isn’t useful on a street and a 300 single is little better.
I think the vstrom 250 is also a twin.. out of the gw250.
I agree on all points. street singles in the sizes being toyed with by Honda and now BMW are not up to the challenge. The suzuki is going to be a slug. everything I have read on the kaw 300 twin is overwhelmingly positive.
If you want strong acceleration, having your torque higher in the rev range is better. This will allow lower gearing for a given speed which provides greater mechanical advantage i.e. more pull. If your engine doesn’t rev you need to gear it higher and shift up sooner. You lose performance that way. A 250/300 is going to need to have any performance advantage that can be mustered.
This bike is more than adequate to take you anywhere you want to go, even around the globe. Take a look at what Ed March has accomplished on his 90cc Honda Super Cub, you can find some of his videos on Youtube under C90 Adventures. I’ll put this link up to one of his trips here, hopefully it works.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAjlV2DdC5o
“This bike is more than adequate to take you anywhere you want to go, even around the globe.”
although technically correct, I’m afraid not with me in the saddle. Around town? Sure. Maybe across to the next state or two, maybe. Across the country? No way. Around the globe? Only as a hard headed stunt.
I wonder why Kawasaki won’t fill out the technical specs on the brochure, but can churn out six pages of marketing gobbledygook that carefully avoids any specifics like power, wet weight, and suspension travel. I found buried in a locked file cabinet, in a flooded basement, with a hand written sign saying “Beware of the Leopard” (sorry Douglas Adams, RIP), that the “long travel” forks have a whole “10mm” more travel than the Ninja 300’s 140mm!
The enthusiasm for this is puzzling to me. I’m sure this will be a efficient little commuter as long as you don’t have 85 mph freeway, and probably a mildly fun casual play bike. It has a role but in the end that role is a cheap beginner bike or commuter beater. Any speculation on wet weight and power? I predict 30 RWHP and 375 pounds. I’d just skip on to the 500X if I was in the market
I like it and could see myself buying one. It will be very interesting to see how tractable that engine is compared to the revvy Ninja 300 or the larger CB500X. This segment could explode in 2017. Adv bikes are still popular, so combine that with the hot entry-level class this could be a good year. There’s the new BMW G310GS which could instantly own this category with the GS name alone. KTM is due to make a 390 Adventure, the Suzuki V-Strom 250 will be pretty weak since it’s using the same engine as the disappointing GSX250R (GW250 sourced), and the CRF250L Rally is kinda a different thing… so now that just leaves Yamaha to make a Tenere 320 or FJ-03 with the R3 engine! Did I forget any? Exciting times for small displacement bikes!
Well it will be interesting to see if there is really a market for all these tidlers that the members here have been clamoring for.
Mickey, the tiddlers like the Ninja 300 are manufacturers best selling models in the US (maybe the whole world for all I know). It only makes sense to release more. The days of building bikes to appeal to professional bike magazine journalists and teenage poster buyers may be coming to an end.
I think that may be true for Kawasaki or maybe was true at one time, but not any longer, but I dont think it’s true for the other mfgs. Is the CBR 250 Hondas top seller? R3 Yamahas top seller? ( we know thats the FZ-09 right?) GW 250 Suzuki’s top seller?
Yamaha’s best selling model in the U.S. is actually the R6. I don’t know if it is true or not, but the sales manager at a local dealer says that his Honda rep told him that the Africa twin is expected to be their top seller for 2016 and 2017.
Nice bike. Those bags looks a bit small for adventure touring unless you’re hoteling it, but there’s always the aftermarket. A 4.5 gal gas tank with what is probably at least 60 mpg results in great range. Light, proper wheel sizes for some gravel roads (gotta buy a decent skid pan), I really can’t find much wrong with it. Wouldn’t be awful with a 400.
“Would be really great with a 400”.
I guess I’d need to compare this to a DRZ400 modded with a wider seat and bigger tank. I’m 6′-3″ so the height thing is not a problem for me. I have an XR650L that won’t take $5,700 to make as good as this so maybe I should just stick with what I have.
I can’t believe I’m saying this. I want one. I want all the accessories. But know this, I will never use the word “farkles”……………Damn it!
About the only thing that could make this bike better is stroking it out to 400cc. Which is easily doable. Then watch as Triumph announces a Tiger Trail 530 twin and Yamaha to announce at Tenere 450 twin to combat it.
This engine began life as a 250. Questionable if it and it’s transmission are engineered to reliably handle 25% more displacement/power.
Well, I wouldn’t worry, I don’t flog bikes anyway, I just like torque. And light weight.
There will always be those wanting for more. I’m one of them. As long as they could keep the weight the same, I welcome Kawasaki to stuff as powerful of an engine as they can fit in there. If it gets any heavier though, I’d stick with the 300. Heck, I’m just glad that they finally figured out that a 250 just doesn’t quite cut it anymore.
My ideal is a 450cc-550cc twin that weighs just under 400lbs. But this is a great start, because for the first time, I can say “these are all too big, but, hey, wait, this is actually too small”. Though I’d still get one over a bigger, heavier ADV bikes that exist.
They need to make a scrambler version.
Have you seen the rally raid conversion (big loop moto) for the cb500x? More costly than a bike like that should be, but pretty neat all the same.
Obligatory “needs a beak!”
This is a nice little bike. Sort of a modern day Super Sherpa with EFI, better looks, and more power. As a V-Strom 650 and WR250R owner I appreciate smaller, lighter bikes that punch above their weight class. Hopefully this little 300 truly is tuned for more low end than the high revving Ninja 300, which seriously lacks in low end power enough to be somewhat boring in my opinion. Slap some Shinko 805 or TKC 80 tires on and you will have a super cool ADV bike.
I’ll still keep my V-Strom and WR250R but some people prefer to have only one bike for some reason!
The four accessories Kawasaki has for this bike are some very popular ones for the segment.
Accessories they shouldn’t leave for the aftermarket (or competitors) to figure out? A high fender and 21/18 wheel combo. Maybe Kawasaki has an off-roadier variant of this bike yet to be announced?
Those saddlebags are so wrong. They minimize interior volume while maximizing exterior envelope. Am I the only one who cares?
Agreed. At least designing hard bag mounts should make it easier on the aftermarket.
well they certainly could have left all the indents out and made more interior room. I have a feeling they are pretty small though volume wise regardless
Aftermarket pannier makers: PISSED!
Kawasaki and X300 buyers: HAPPY/HAPPY!
Paging X300 and accessory team/product planner: show yo’s face and take a big fat bow!
I’d not be shocked if some owners spend $1500 on suspension upgrades on this bike (those who really want to rip on the dirt).
I’d gladly throw some money at the suspension if I owned one. This isn’t the modernized Big4 650 dual sport I had been waiting 15 years for, but it is close. Like you said, Kawasaki should take a bow for this one.
Great bike that you can take on vacation via trailer hitch carrier and blast back roads and even jump on highways…….gotta have one. Between the new Honda, VStrom250., and this it shows that somebody is listening…….finally. I’m getting to the age that while I love taking long trips, some parts of the trip are not enjoyable like sitting on highways during morning and evening rush. Getting there in my car, dropping the bike off the rack in the back and spending the day on some great roads would do the trick.
I think Kawasaki has done more right, with this bike than almost any recent introduction from the big four.
– decent fuel capacity
-19/17 spoked wheels
– ABS option
– center stand option
– optional hard bags
It really seems like they’re listening, but also thinking on their own. The only additional thing I’d ask for is a Yamaha 321 equivalent, so I would have a choice. A bike like this would be a perfect replacement for my aging DR650 and DL650, rolled into one.
Yep I’d say it splits the difference between those two pretty well. It’s not going to be half as capable as dual sport vs DR nor as good a road traveling bike as the DL. A downtube frame for bashplate and 21″ wheel would have been my preference. I really like it though.
First sentence x1k!
I like the concept. It would be a cheap way to tour the country, and the fuel range will surely be outstanding. It should introduce new people to long distance riding.
That front fork looks pretty fragile though. It reminds me of the spindly things on the Kawasaki triples of the 70’s. While this is obviously a street bike, primarily, I wonder about the forks ability to hold up on a rough trail or fire road.
41mm forks, not spindly.
41mm forks are what came on the Yamaha XT600E that also weighed 370 pounds wet. They are plenty big for the X-300.
They’re also what use to come on all of the 600cc supersport bikes, the VTR1000 Superhawk, the VFR’s, etc. As we’ve seen, no one metric determines how well a part will work. There are plenty examples of terrible USD forks on the market, for example.
The size is plenty, what they’re made of? That’s a different question.
It’ll also be interesting to read about how it performs. The little Ninja engine will be great for commuting and general riding. I wonder if it will be sufficient for light loaded touring, as some are suggesting this may be used.
“…There are plenty examples of terrible USD forks…”
Fox’s USD XC (cross country) mountain bike forks are among the most costly ($1400 SRP) and worst-performing, as in super flexy. These are not so-called “downhill” forks w/motorcycle type upper/lower triple clamps.
Re: “Fox’s USD XC (cross country) mountain bike forks are among the most costly ($1400 SRP)”
You’re thinking of the Rock Shox RS-1 fork, yes? Fox doesn’t make a USD fork.
I didn’t read the measurements, just looked at the photos, which must be playing tricks on my eyes. Thanks for the clarifications.
Don’t worry you’re forgiven. They do look thin in the photo and that suggests that the bike is a full size fit for adults.
Just for reference: in ’77 the best handling Japanese open class multi-cylinder (and best overall) was Suzuki’s GS1000, 540 lb curb weight/full fuel tank, mid-80hp range, sporting 37mm fork tubes.
I think Honda’s heavier/more powerful CBX had 35mm forks.
Kawasaki seems to have hit a bulls eye w/this here puppy. The other recently announced models look similarly sharp, but this small-mid size dual sport twin hits the fun button. Look at the leg room (34″ inseam here), and wind protection looks good too. This bike is looong overdue!
Who on earth would forgo potentially life saving ABS to save $300?
In a world of heavyweight all roads motorcycles this is a welcome player. The Kawasaki weighs in about 100 pounds lighter the even the Dl650 and as much as 200 pounds less than the big bore ADV machines. For many years I have wondered what motorcycle would best suit riding the Blue Ridge Parkway and the extreme variety of roads easily accessible from there. The combination of road surfaces on the feeder routes ranges from smooth hardtop to rough gravel with plenty of twists and elevation changes. For the person who wants to just keep riding this might be the perfect choice. Congratulations to Kawasaki for blending pre existing platform with new that ends with a product sure to be a favorite.
Nice! I like this bike, the way it is put together all makes sense (features and such) and it doesn’t look bad either.
AND, proof that they can put a decent size tank on a new bike! 4.5 gallons on a 300cc? That is a lager tank than some of the new 650-900cc bikes. Way to go Kawasaki, really nice..
Another great choice in the entry level segment. Now those new riders that didn’t want a cruiser or sport bike have a comfortable sportbike to cruise on 🙂
I’m not a Kawasaki fan but bravo Kawi. Way to take the lead on this. They could have easily said “for Europe only and we will gauge interest in North America. Nope, they went all in. I hope that they are rewarded for this with strong sales.
And if they do, hopefully the others follow suit and we see the V-Strom 250 stateside with options from Yamaha and Honda not far behind.
Very nice, lighter than the 650, less money, and bet not much slower
No matter what new ADV-type bike is introduced, the peanut gallery here always issues the same response: “Yeah, great, but something that large and heavy is useless offroad for us mere mortals. Offer this thing in a much smaller, lighter, more affordable package, and I’ll be the first in line to buy it.”
Doesn’t matter whether it’s a monster KTM or BMW 1200, the new Honda Africa Twin, a Triumph middleweight, or whatever, the response is always the same. “Too big, too heavy, too expensive. I don’t need all that power, or all those electronic gadgets. Make it small and simple, and I’ll be all over it.”
Well, here you go. Let’s see how many of you actually step up and buy the very thing about which you’ve been clamoring for all these years.
A baby KLR650. Neat! That’s a home run right there.
Hard to deciede between this and the HOnda CRF250L Rally. Kawasaki wins on more power and definately looks like a great KLR replacement. Just wonder if thes Kawi suspension is up to the task and what the ultimate curb weight is.
I read elsewhere that the ABS model is 375 lbs.
This is the best new bike I’ve seen for awhile. When this old fart can’t hold up my Gold Wing any longer this would be a good choice.
I think this is a smart play by Kawasaki. It would shock me if this bike isn’t a hit for them.
Nicely done Kawasaki!
Well this looks like a bike that could be as good or better than the 500X Honda and it’s $6800. I have a bet with a coworker that it will be a home run for Kawasaki.
Holy cow! $5700 for a 300? Is it made in Japan at least?
Engine size doesn’t determine price or value. That ieea is one of the ideas that the US motorcycle market is hopefully recovering from.
This comment made me chuckle being a mountain biker… Except we say $5700 for a 0?
Well put!
I doubt Ferrari 250 GT0 buyers cursed it because it’s little V-12 displaced <3.0L.
Recovering from? There’s a reason bikes like the FZR400, CB-1, etc., never sold.
Because it costs nearly the same in tooling and design to build a large displacement as a small one.
Maybe Kawasaki could build this somewhere other than Japan to lower the cost.
Yup. That $400 more than the Ninja 300, $2300 less than the Versys 650 and 1/2 the price of the Versys 1000. Motorcycles start at $5000 these days.