My update on the KLE300 after riding about 370 miles. - Did not do any video editing just wanted to get this posted as my last video did not have much info.
I'm 79 & been riding for 63 years . I've had everything from a 250 to an 1800 . This looks like the bike I've been looking for , for the last 10 years!
Jim Piquette I like it too ,I have a vstrom 650 love it but can't pick it up if I drop it ,.it is 100 lbs. lighter than my vstrom,..at 72 a lighter bike might be nice...cheers
Its a beast for a little beast. We ride it like I've never seen it ridden--not even close--and it just plain hasnt failed us--street and dirt. It made the cut for our upcoming journey--both my wife and son will be on one. And THAT says a lot. Hats off to this bike.
Thanks for the video it was helpful. Pretty sure I will be getting this bike. You should keep making videos on this bike as you will corner the maket as nobody else is doing it yet. Cheers
Great Video Quality! Even as a small channel, you hold great promise! I hope you'll do an update video in the future. I'm a young guy at university right now so I've got my eyes on this bike. Had a Vstrom for a while but it was so much weight and height for me. Hope the young Versys holds great quality in the future years!
Thank you for the review! I've been admiring the versys-x as a more road oriented future companion to my KLR280. I too am eager to see what accessories become available in the near future.
Accessories...everything apart for a bigger tank,but it will take you further than most ADV bikes. KLR250-22BHP, 23NM of torque, X300-40bhp, 25,7NM of torque...and a potential 100mph
Great vid! really useful, practical information. I really like this bike. Smaller adventure bikes are really starting to take off. Yes a 1000cc+ adventure bike is amazing but who wants that for small local trail
Thanks for this video! It's good to see the pros and cons of this bike which I personally really like. Nice to read how people appreciate this bike in the comments. When watching reviews from here in Germany many people just freak out about this motorcycle, literally denying its right to exist for its looks and the small engine. Just crazy.
A few folks have asked about the seat pad I bought. Here is the link to Amazon MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector www.amazon.com/dp/B006JMK7N8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_-FIbzb8EM8M58
Thanks for your videos , I am looking for a bike to ride with friends on forestry roads with and will need to use the highway to get there. Use to ride 25 years ago but haven't been on a bike since then so want something nimble , and controllable. Have had single thumpers in the past and like the idea of a small bore dual vs the single 650 klr, as well as FI vs carboration. No plans to tour the world so ease of road side mechanics not as big an issue. Price as well is a motivator. Means I have room to add accessories without breaking the bank. Like the 6th gear as well. Like your honest review.
I have been without a bike for about 3 years and I'm really enjoying this bike. I ran it across our truck scale with a full tank of fuel and it was 380 LBS. It's very simple to operate and appears fairly easy to work on. I plan to buy a shop manual at some point but for now I'm just enjoying the ride. In the last week its' been in mud, snow, sun and rain usually in one day. It's certainly worth a trip to the dealer for a look. Once the snow above 4,000 feet melts I'll get a chance to ride on dirt side by side with a friends 2015 KLR. The bikes seem to be well enough matched base on the short ride we took last week. While not required I do like having a fuel gage and mileage stats available at the push of a button. I'm looking forward to exploring and taking photos of old look out sites and mines over the summer. Might even find a way to pack my 5 watt Amateur Radio safely and make some portable radio contacts.
Very nice down to earth review. Just picked up mine today and loved the 50 miles I just put on it. The manual says don't go over 4000 rpm for first 600 miles in any gear. Yeah...right! That's pretty much impossible!
Im 67 just getting back into it. found a 2017 with 900 miles.. IM back into it!!! LOL cept seat, I love it , but mostly the weight. others I looked at least 80lbs to 150lbs heavier.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience with this bike. I am considering this bike. I am also 5' 8" with a 30" inseam. I swung my leg over one at my local dealer in christchurch nz. I was surprised to find I was not even close to flat foot on it. How do you find it heightwise?
Tim Duggan - With none of my weight on the bike I can't stand flat foot, close through. Adding just a little weight and I have no problem. I do buy a 31 inseam when I can find them and 32 for wearing boots so my legs might be slightly longer. The bike is so light I can't see it being an issue.
I live in Michigan where there are alot of snowmobile trails that pretty much run thru the whole state, want to plan a trip from the southern boarder to the northern (UP area) on a versys X300. Have been looking at them for over a year and plan to buy one this spring. Thanks for sharing your video, you made my decision an easy one.
Would you say, this motorcycle can do long distance journeys? 500 - 700 miles/ weekend? loaded with stuff in paniers? Highway speeds? Or just get the 650 Versys? Thanks...
Carlos Cal - my opinion, yes it could but if my intention was to take long road trips I would get a bigger bike. I think the Versys X is at its best running back roads.
This is my first "Adventure Bike" so I hope some others chime in. My thought is this bike is a great choice for anyone wanting to take the highway to where ever and then hit Forrest Service roads and well maintained trails. On FS roads I can travel along at 35 - 40 in 6th gear and get 70 + MPG, I can drop to 4th and 5th and have some fun. Its a very nice do-it-all bike and as such there are compromises. For example, you can ride down the freeway at 75 all day if you want but it won't be a comfy as a larger bike, it also won't hop over logs like a dirt bike. For what I want to do I would be hard pressed to find a better bike. I also think this bike would be pretty easy for a beginner although a new bike is a bit expensive to dump.
This is the seat pad I bought. It will help but I highly recommend the SeatConcepts foam and cover kit with the gripper cover when you can afford it. Coleman MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector by Coleman Link: a.co/8Ngk2sq
I saw your original review when you first got it. I get the impression that you didn't follow the manufacturer's suggested break-in of 4,000 rpm's or less for the 1st 500 miles and 6,000 rpm's or less for the next 500 miles. Is that correct?
The printed manual and the PDF manual available from the web site list different break-in instructions. The book version specifies not to exceed 4,000 RPM for the first 700 miles. I held to that as best as I could but it's not really reasonable to put 500 - 700 miles on the bike with out exceeding 35 MPH which is what you get in 6th gear at 4,000. I think 6,000 is much more reasonable number but I did not see that until I went on-line and grabbed the PDF manual.
The manual that came with my Versys 300 and the online manual that I downloaded both read the same: 4,000 for 1st 500 miles and 6,000 for next 500 miles. I did noticed that Kawasaki doesn't have the best online information. The break-in does seem to be awfully conservative. I would think that with today's technology they could make an engine that would barely need a break-in. Even my Vette engine with many more moving parts had a shorter break-in. I followed the break-in to the letter. Holding it to 35 mph was frustrating. When I changed the oil at 600 I couldn't believe all the metal fragments. I've changed a lot of oil and never saw that much. There was even a coiled piece that looked like it came off a lathe.
Break in for bikes is such a highly contested thing, especially between the manuals and then actual mechanics. I have a friend that has worked at several dealerships and basically every mechanic says the same thing...ride it as hard as you normally would from day one and everything seats where it should and can actually improve overall ownership and longevity. I have no idea if that's actually correct and I normally buy used bikes so hasn't really been something I've had to deal with much.
I talk d to a man in Sebring Fl he said he accelerates faster than KLR650's up to about 55mph and they have about the same top speed, is that what you noticed? I think with the weight disparity it would be more fun off road. I'm looking for a Kwai Green model.
Elijah Brooks I have never done a real drag with it but I think it’s a little quicker than the KLR. the KLR has more low end though so I work the gearbox more.
Matthew Schiebout - I don't really have any experience with a real off-road bike well, I did ride a Yamaha 250 once when I was 16. The KLR does seem to me to be more equipped to go on rough terrain than the KLE300. That said I'm sure people will take this bike off road regardless of the warning sticker. In my case the real question is what constitutes a road. I used my Prius the chase down folks that were trespassing on my place. The buggy they were driving was much better equipped for the access "road" but I know where to drive off the road. I'm loving the Versys X for Forrest Service roads, the highway to get to them and the occasional trip up what was a road 20 years ago.
I find I use 1st gear on steep hills and occasionally on very rough terrain. I admit I'm curious about going up 1 tooth but I am afraid it would hurt me in several places I ride. I may see what the cost is and try it at some point. At the moment not a priority.
the front mudguard seems to be too low, once you put a dual purpose tyre with some knobs on that rim, it will require a tweak to lift it up a bit. i want a versys 300 too, i do 60 on road 40 off road, but i want a capable motorcycle to work with, without having to fall into the dirt bike style (cough cough, crf rally)
Car tire sizes are measured by they outside diameter. Assuming motorcycle tires are the same clearance should not be an issue. I say assuming because I don't know. I did see a Kawasaki promo vide that had this bike tricked out with more aggressive rubber.
Anthony Compton probably it won't be an issue, in my case, my bike has a 17 inch rim at the front, i couldn't find a proper dual sport tyre for the front so i had to put a large tyre (110/90/17) and the thing was tall as hell, it touched the mudguard so i had to lift it up. What i mean about the versys front mudguard is this, it seems to not have much clearance, even if a dual sport tyre fits, it probably will damage it once it carries thick mud and rocks (i was told about that by my cousin who owns a XLR 98). But, at the end, if there's any problem, it's nothing that can't be sorted out with some homemade screw extensions hehe.
That makes sense. I have wondered what would happen if I got a lot of mud stuck to the front tire. So far hasn't happened so happily riding. If you have time to post video or photos I'd be interested in how you modified the front fender.
Funny thing is I'm 18 and you would expect me to want a fast bike and do wheelies down the street...ugh no I want an adventure bike that I can have off road and have the kawasaki concours 14 as my second bike for my future wife to ride along with me. I love the Kawasaki brand they got a bike for everything!
Many people (especially those under 40) put too much stock in what others think and not enough in what you actually want. I say ride what you want to ride as long as you can afford it, otherwise ride something you can afford and start saving.
I just bought a kawasaki ex250 for $2800 only has 7,000 miles on it and in great condition! My friends told me I should get a zx6r as my first bike but I told them I want to live past 20 with no speed charges on me and not cry when I drop the bike! The fairings for the old ex250 (1987-2007) cost under $200 and gas for 2 weeks cost me 20 bucks. Why do I need to ride a 600cc when the ex250 can do all of my daily needs for cheap?! I just don't understand my generation they're so...impulsive.
Taijean Moodie I wish I was as mature as you are. 3 months in I grew out of my ninja 250. I got a cbr600 not too long after. a bike way above my skill level. crashed it. now I'm looking to get back to riding beginner level bikes. expensive lesson learned.
I am still loving the VX3. Last week a friend and I (he has a KLR) rode for almost 12 hours. We covered twisty pavement around a large lake and across state lines via a dirt mountain pass. With 8,000 miles and counting I am still loving this bike.
what is all this crap about tubeless tire on motorcycles these days??? Every review I read some dimwit has to ask if the bike has tubeless tires. OK all you tire dimwits here are a couple tidbits of info for you. Pay attention now.... (1) Motorcycles with spoked wheels CAN NOT HAVE TUBELESS TIRES!!!!!! How would they seal with 40 or so holes for the spoke nipples??????? DUH!!!!!!!!! No big advantage to tubeless tires perhaps a tiny bit of less unsprung weight. Tubeless tires get holes too!!! They make extra HD tubes now that a bullet can't puncture I doubt. And they make tubed tires these days you can run dead flat at 40 MPH for a ways. SO what IS the BIG DEAL with tubeless tires on a motorcycle????
@@bultacowally bro lots of adv bikes have spoked wheels that are tubeless these days. It makes fixing a puncture much easier faster. There are also several ways to seal the inside of a normal spoked rim so that you can run tubeless tires But what do I know..I'm just another tire dimwit
Hmmm.....modern high tech, FI, ABS, CAD designed, CNC machined bike or an old, antiquated 1987 air cooled beater KLR? I'll take this. Every time. I don't care if the KLR has a little more power.
By george, I stand corrected. I guess in my mind I was likening the KLR as the same sort of thing as the DR650. Either way, both of them are very long-in-the-tooth.
In Brazil, the Versys-X 300 comes with Pirelli MT60 tires. I don’t know why it’s different, but I’m glad they do that. Funny thing: I’ve seen several riders here changing to a more on-road tires like yours. And given the photos in the ads are standard and they use that same tire you have, I’m surprised Kawasaki wasn’t notified yet for misleading ads here
Yea you do. If your dealership was close by I'm guessing I'd go there. Not that I'm unhappy with the dealer over all but if I got re-ended on way home... I just wish my engird guard and top case would show up.
The majority of power sports dealers are terrible because there's not much money to be made. The service shops are ran by ex-salesmen who crunch the numbers and likely paid the tech 30mins to prep your bike.
Well, I neve expect anyone to care about my vehicles as much as I do so I do what I a can myself. The trick is 1) knowing what you can't do and 2) knowing at least enough to check that the person you paid did it correctly. I'm not surprised to hear there is not much margin. The salesman was very concerned about paying the shop to install my engine guard. Still, this was an easy fix just glad I noticed.
I was talking about the assembly and the parking fees shop dealers usually ask about. I remember once I went and dealer was asking 1500 more on price shown in Kawasaki website on ninja 300.
The bikes seem to be selling well, great for Kawasaki and those of us wanting aftermarket parts, not so good for making a deal as the dealer can find full price buyers. I paid MSRP plus the $300 destination fee listed on the Kawasaki website. I ordered luggage and accessories with the bike and got about 50% off of those. Hope that helps.
Did u buy it from a dealer? I called dealer and he told me ABS out in street will cost me 6400. When I asked why 6400 instead of 5700+350,he told me he has included registration fee too which they will do. Also from where u ordered luggage and accessories? From Kawasaki or a dealer? I wud also like to go for saddle bags.
do you find the engine to be Buzzy when on the freeway?....I had the 650 versus and sold it due to the engine having to work to hard on freeways....very buzzy ! I realize its only a 250/300....but I would at least like it to go 65mph without it screaming and vibrating to much...
I guess it depends on how you define "buzzy". Compared to my Heritage Softail that was turning 3,000 RPM at 65ish I guess so. There is some vibration at highway speed but I certainly did not bother me riding 2.25 hours home from Spokane, WA. At 65 you will be running a bit over 8,000 RPM, redline is 12,000 so I see no problem with taking the freeway to get to back road I want to ride. Now that I have my GoPro handle bar mount I plan to take a ride on HWY 95 with video. Perhaps that will help. Hoping that ride will happen over the weekend.
Donny brook - perhaps the red line varies by year. My friends 2015 red lines at 7.500. With stock gears I think both bikes run about the same percent of redline. To be clear, that's in no way a knock against the KLR. If I were a little taller or had more off road riding I likely would own a KLR instead of the Versys-X.
I just rewatched this video. I hope that you’ve sold the bike, since all you do is complain about it. Every other X300 video is nothing but praise for how fun it is to ride, the great gas mileage, light weight but all you do is point out how it’s almost good enough for you. You’re a real piece of work.
Freckle Mouth - dear mr mouth, thank you for repeatedly watching my video. I deeply regret to inform you that not only have I continued to own and enjoy riding my VX3, I have also made the upgrades I mentioned in my video plus a few extras. I am sorry for the emotional distress this may have caused you. In the immortal words of William Shatner I suggest you “get a life”. Again thanks for watching.
True, the tag phrase for this bike is "Any road, any time". My experience shows it's nearly perfect for Forrest Service Roads, county roads, and even trails that don't have logs and stumps. I'd still like a little armor in case I make a mistake.
I'm going to look at a leftover 2018 next week in central PA and it's currently $3799...can't find a used one so maybe that's a good thing. I've been watching some reviews to see what others think. I'll be doing mostly paved roads but like to cruise fire roads and in the forest when I find a good trail. Tires seem like they'll need changed and the size seems a little challenging, as most of what I've found are tubeless.
