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

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!

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Lovely bike, thanks for sharing your highly appreciated work, mate 🙏

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.

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 RU-vid, 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 !!

Thanks for great review. Confirming my joy of getting one. Greetings from Sweden!!

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.

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

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

Another great review!

Great video.

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 RU-vid 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.

Great review😊

Great video, I would like more of these.

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

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 😅

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.

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

Greetings from across the border in Maine. You do an excellent job. I am an experienced rider who is considering the little Versys as a second bike to use as light weight, cost effective gravel road explorer. For my use the tubed wheels are not ideal.

Thank you for a great review. BTW don't be embarrassed showing your first bike. You should have seen me on my 1972 Yamaha R5C mosquito fogger!

I have a concours 14 and I am thinking about changing to this bike. I dont do much long distance travel and I use it to deliver Door dash. this bike would be fantastic for fuel milage. cheap maintenance ,easy to maneuver in and out of parking lots and also a bit of lane splitting or double parking . I know a lot of folks see bikes as toys so the bigger the better. as someone who has done several cross states trips and even hit the track a few times there is beauty on a bike like this specially if you use it for work or commuting.

I'd like to see a Versys 400. A stripped model. Then a Versys 400 ABS model with some off road features. And a Versys 400 luxury edition with mods including heated driver and pillion seat, cruise control, quick shifter, integrated GPS navigation, and self adjusting suspension that can be turned off when desired. The 400 wouldn't be much faster than the 300 due to the increased weight, but would offer an experience of luxury in a very comfy and safe platform.

Great video, had to convert all your nonsense units to freedom units for it to make sense BUT i'm happy that the numerated stats were there anyways! Btw for my fellow freedom unit friends, 200km is just over 120mph

Congrats! I love your reviews. Do you recommend me this bike if i am a completely beginner? I will use it only for commuting from home to work, I will not use it for off-road nor traveling… best regards from Peru, Southamerica

This is a sensible Bike. Good job Kawasaki.

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

Thanks for the review, Peter. Does the high rev mean higher engine noise?

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.

Hello good reviews. I have a question about the Versys 300 X. Is there any difference between the 2022 and the 2023 models besides the color? Thank You.

20:38 is what just sold me on this bike over the KTM 390. Your leg doesn't look all folded up and cramped. Close to 90 degree angle. Where the dudes legs on the 390 are around a foldy 75 degree angle. Well, I guess cuz the 390 is for more dirt / performance.

I think that's going to have to be my next bike

Honestly, the 300 is perfect. It's super light and can go anywhere.

Looks cool too, I like the all black ones.

I am considering either the Versys-x 300 or a KLR650. There's a brand new 2022 KLR650 on sale locally for $4889, which is very tempting. I just like the Versys-x 300 for the type of riding I want to do. I'm interested in riding local dirt/gravel/chert roads with occasional state highway riding. I think either bike would be nice, but the weight and power of the Versys-x 300 seem more appealing.

I live in Mexico City and this motorcycle is my street fighter weapon of choice.

I really like this bike. Although the front is not that nice looking, is a great machine. Hope kawa upgrade this beauty (at least with led, and include that usb charger).

I have a ninja 400 that I'm looking to replace with two bikes. One road train (concours 14 maybe) and one light and nimble multipurpose that will be great in the city and can also do some off road to an extent. no need for a dedicated off road machine, as this will be the least amount of riding I ever do. For the nimble one, I am looking at the versys x 300 right now. I really wish they made a 400 version!

Does the 300 Versys has counter weight system to help cancel vibrations ?

Looks like a great adventure bike

Would love to hear what a steady all day highway speed is possible on the x300. Most vehicles in my area run 110 -120 kph (70-75 mph)

Omg I love this bike soo much, too bad I don’t earn yet

This bike makes sense

It’s a toss up for me between the Versys x300 and the KLX 300 SM for my first bike 🥴 Continuing to do my research , thank you 👍🏼

Definitely looking at this as my first real bike. Never imagined I would drive anything on two wheels before, moved to Vietnam and it is so incredibly hard to get car drivers license as a foreigner here so ended up just getting 135cc Yamaha Nuovo 😂😂 Looked at a bunch of stuff but man this is perfect because its relatively light, has a nice back seat for my woman, and just overall seems like a great bike. I love the look of it too. Me and my buddy are both saving up for a bike to do awesome road trips through Vietnam and Laos!!! Im tall and thin so I need to sit on one of these and feel it out because i keep feeling anything is gonna be big and heavy. Gonna sit on one this Saturday! Great video!! 🤘🤘🤘

I had one. A great bike! For me the on/off jerkiness of the throttle gave me an uncomfortable wedgie that I just couldn’t get over. Replaced with with a KTM 390 which is better in almost every way but everyone worries about reliability, especially with all the sensors and computers. The Kawi has a lower narrower seat which some may appreciate.

I wish it's seat height was little less. I love this bike otherwise. Please make such a video for 2023 Z400 if not made yet. Thanks

Where is the radiator located at?

What is the difference between the 2023 and the 2022 models?

You can upgrade all of the bulbs to led . There is a youtube video covering it. All said and done about 40 bucks.

Can you please tell me the engine code for this bike? Still EX300AE?

Can we add sliders

Top

I bought this bike ☝️

Looks like with better tires, it could do well off road.

I wish the bike had a GS style beak fender.

12,000 rpm hell yeah

Just wish there were other colors

I had that shellsuit

Hi

You take the windshield off and PUM, you have yourself a "naked" bike to go arround the city in a hot day.

1st Nice one and nice color

My cylinders hardly move at all. The pistons on the other hand are screaming

needs a skid plate, LED headlight, and a seat that doesn't feel like a towel on a rock. Till then the KTM 390 ADV will sit above this one on my list. If it came with those things and cost about $300 more, it would bee a good competitor, even without the adjustable duel forks and configurable ABS that the KTM would still have over it. Could care less about it getting the 400 engine, I think the 300 is great, but it just feels outdated. Find a lower year used one and its great. At new, you have more complete options for not much more cost.

The seat on that bike is the lower one.

Well I heard your reasoning for the 300cc vs 400cc and I disagree. Kawasaki will put the 400 in here at some point and it will be a much better bike to have and to hold without obvious need to upgrade.

i think all adventure bikes should have cruise control.

Problem is that it absolutely screams on the highway at those high revvs oof

More cc doesn't mean better, it only means more cc.

I hated the engine , it was loud and sounded severely stressed , and that's sitting at a stop light !

Love the bike, disappointed in the color scheme. It's awful.