The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is designed as a versatile, beginner-friendly adventure tourer that balances urban usability with light off-road capability. First introduced globally in 2017, the bike was briefly available in India as a completely built-up (CBU) unit but was discontinued in 2020 due to its high ₹4.60 lakh price tag. The 2025 model, now locally manufactured, brings a more competitive price point, refreshed styling, and compliance with India’s OBD-2B emission norms. It’s an ideal choice for riders seeking a reliable, smooth-riding motorcycle for city commutes, highway cruises, and occasional off-road adventures.
Price and Availability
- Price: ₹3.79 lakh to ₹3.80 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), varying by color variant.
- Availability: Bookings are open, with deliveries scheduled to begin in June 2025 through Kawasaki’s authorized dealerships across India.
- Color Options:
- Candy Lime Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black.
- Pearl Matte Sage Green/Metallic Matte Carbon Grey.
The local assembly has significantly reduced costs compared to the earlier CBU model, making the Versys-X 300 more accessible in a price-sensitive market like India.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Versys-X 300 is a 296cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, parallel-twin engine, shared with the Ninja 300. This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and refinement, setting it apart from the single-cylinder engines found in most competitors. Key performance details include:
- Power: 39.45 bhp at 11,500 rpm.
- Torque: 25.7 Nm at 10,000 rpm.
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch, ensuring smooth shifts and reducing rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts.
- Fuel System: Fuel-injected with a 17-liter fuel tank, offering a potential range of over 400 km, assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25-30 kmpl.
- Top Speed: Estimated at 140-150 km/h, with a 0-100 km/h sprint in approximately 7-8 seconds, based on performance benchmarks of similar Kawasaki models.
- Emission Compliance: Meets India’s OBD-2B norms, ensuring environmental compliance without compromising performance.
The twin-cylinder configuration provides a refined riding experience, with minimal vibrations compared to single-cylinder ADVs like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. It’s well-suited for long-distance touring and city commuting, though its power output is slightly lower than competitors like the KTM 390 Adventure (43 bhp).
Suspension and Handling
The Versys-X 300 is equipped with a long-travel suspension setup tailored for India’s diverse road conditions, from pothole-ridden city streets to light off-road trails. Specific details include:
- Front Suspension: 41mm telescopic forks with 130mm of travel, offering good absorption of bumps and shocks.
- Rear Suspension: Uni-Trak gas-charged mono-shock with adjustable preload and 148mm of travel, ensuring stability and comfort on uneven surfaces.
This suspension setup provides a balanced ride for both on-road and mild off-road use, though it’s less aggressive than the 200mm travel found on the Himalayan 450, making the Versys-X 300 better suited for light trails rather than hardcore off-roading. The 180mm ground clearance allows it to tackle speed bumps, gravel paths, and moderate obstacles with ease.
Brakes and Tires
The Versys-X 300 ensures confident stopping power and stability with:
- Front Brake: 290mm single disc with a dual-piston caliper.
- Rear Brake: 220mm single disc with a single-piston caliper.
- ABS: Dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety on slippery or uneven surfaces.
- Wheels and Tires:
- Front: 19-inch spoked wheel with a 100/90-19 tubed tire.
- Rear: 17-inch spoked wheel with a 130/80-17 tubed tire.
While the spoked wheels enhance durability for adventure riding, the use of tubed tires is a drawback in 2025, as competitors like the KTM 390 Adventure and Himalayan 450 offer tubeless tires for easier puncture repairs. Riders may need to carry a repair kit for long journeys.
Dimensions and Ergonomics
The Versys-X 300 is designed for comfort and accessibility, with dimensions that cater to a wide range of riders:
- Kerb Weight: 184kg, relatively light for an adventure tourer, making it easy to handle in urban traffic and on twisty roads.
- Seat Height: 815mm, accessible for most riders, though shorter riders may find it slightly tall when stopped.
- Wheelbase: 1,450mm, contributing to stability at highway speeds and on uneven terrain.
- Overall Dimensions: 2,170mm (length) x 940mm (width) x 1,390mm (height).
- Fuel Tank: 17 liters, supporting long-distance touring without frequent refueling.
The upright riding position, combined with a small windshield and a rear luggage rack, makes the Versys-X 300 a practical choice for weekend getaways and extended rides. The ergonomics cater to both new riders and seasoned adventurers, with a comfortable seat and well-placed handlebars.
Features and Technology
The Versys-X 300 offers a mix of practical features, though it lags behind some rivals in terms of modern tech:
- Instrument Cluster: Semi-digital with an analog tachometer and a digital display showing:
- Speedometer.
- Dual trip meters.
- Fuel gauge.
- Average and instant fuel consumption.
- Eco-riding indicator.
- Gear position indicator.
- Lighting: Halogen headlamp and tail lamp, a dated choice compared to the LED setups on competitors like the KTM 390 Adventure and BMW G 310 GS.
- Additional Features:
- Small windshield for wind protection during highway rides.
- Rear luggage rack for carrying panniers or bags, ideal for touring.
- Adventure-oriented styling with a beak-like front fender and refreshed graphics.
The lack of a fully digital display, LED lighting, and tubeless tires may disappoint tech-savvy buyers, but the bike compensates with reliability and simplicity.
Design and Color Options
The 2025 Versys-X 300 sports a rugged, adventure-ready design with updated graphics that enhance its visual appeal. The tall stance, angular fuel tank, and compact fairing give it a distinctive look in the segment. Available in two dual-tone color schemes:
- Candy Lime Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black: A vibrant, classic Kawasaki colorway.
- Pearl Matte Sage Green/Metallic Matte Carbon Grey: A sophisticated, understated option.
These colors, combined with the bike’s practical design elements like the luggage rack and windshield, make it a stylish yet functional choice for adventure riders.
Competitors and Market Positioning
The Versys-X 300 enters a competitive segment in India, where adventure tourers are gaining popularity. Its key rivals include:
- KTM 390 Adventure (~₹3.4-3.8 lakh):
- Pros: Higher power (43 bhp), tubeless tires, TFT display, quickshifter, and adjustable suspension.
- Cons: Slightly higher price, less refined single-cylinder engine.
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (~₹2.85-3.2 lakh):
- Pros: Lower price, 40 bhp, tubeless tires, and better off-road capability with 200mm suspension travel.
- Cons: Single-cylinder engine with more vibrations, less suited for high-speed cruising.
- BMW G 310 GS (~₹3.3-3.5 lakh):
- Pros: Premium brand, refined 34 bhp engine, LED lighting, and tubeless tires.
- Cons: Lower power output, higher maintenance costs.
The Versys-X 300 stands out with its smooth twin-cylinder engine and beginner-friendly handling, but its lack of modern features like LED lights and tubeless tires may push some buyers toward competitors. Its pricing, however, is competitive, especially given the local assembly, which ensures better serviceability and parts availability.
Who Should Buy the Versys-X 300?
The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is ideal for:
- New riders entering the adventure touring segment, thanks to its manageable power and light weight.
- Urban commuters seeking a versatile bike for daily use and weekend getaways.
- Riders prioritizing engine refinement and reliability over cutting-edge tech.
However, hardcore off-road enthusiasts may prefer the Himalayan 450 for its superior suspension travel and off-road focus, while tech enthusiasts might lean toward the KTM 390 Adventure for its advanced features.
Verdict
The 2025 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a well-rounded entry-level adventure tourer that brings a smooth, reliable twin-cylinder engine to a segment dominated by single-cylinder bikes. Its 130mm front and 148mm rear suspension travel, 180mm ground clearance, and 184kg kerb weight make it capable of handling India’s diverse roads, from city streets to light off-road trails. While the ₹3.79-3.80 lakh price tag is competitive, the absence of tubeless tires, LED lighting, and a fully digital display may deter some buyers in a feature-conscious market.
For riders seeking a balance of performance, comfort, and affordability, the Versys-X 300 is a strong contender. Its local production ensures better pricing and support, making it a compelling option for adventure enthusiasts in India. Deliveries begin in June 2025, so head to your nearest Kawasaki dealership to book a test ride and experience this versatile machine firsthand.
SEO Keywords: Kawasaki Versys-X 300 India, Versys-X 300 price, Kawasaki Versys-X 300 specs, adventure tourer India, Kawasaki 300cc bike, Versys-X 300 features, Kawasaki Versys-X 300 vs KTM 390 Adventure, Kawasaki Versys-X 300 2025 launch, entry-level adventure bike India, Kawasaki motorcycle India.
