Thursday 20th July 2017

2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300: PH2

Get set for a mini adventure with Kawasaki!

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In the last decade, adventure bikes have become hugely popular in the motorcycle world, so much so that they have effectively killed off the traditional sports tourer. But for some strange reason, manufacturers have been slow to capitalise on this popularity when it comes to smaller capacity bikes. This is set to change in 2017, as we are about to see the arrival of a plethora of mini-adventure machines from (belatedly) BMW with its G310 GS and (hopefully soon) Suzuki with its V-Strom 250. However first on the scene is Kawasaki, with the new Versys-X 300.

Looking good!

Parallel power
The Versys-X 300 owes a lot to its siblings, the race rep Ninja 300 and the naked Z300. Using the same 296cc parallel twin motor (although it has been made Euro4-compliant through new fuel mapping and a bigger cat), the Versys-X houses this in a physically bigger frame and then adds the usual off-road inspired parts: long travel suspension, high bars and spoke wheels - the rear is a 17-inch item and the front 19-inch in diameter. And you have to say Kawasaki has really thought about the transformation, because the Versys comes with lots of lovely practical touches such as the luggage rack (panniers are an option), 17-litre tank with a claimed 200-plus mile range, a bit of underseat storage, a tall screen and very roomy riding position. However it's not all plain sailing, as the spec list also includes mention of a tall 845mm seat height and of an alteration in gearing to suit off-road riding...

A misguided focus
First of all, the good news. If you are a little short in the leg don't let the 845mm seat height put you off, as it feels far lower thanks to the narrowness of the parallel twin. With the Versys, Kawasaki has done a great job of making what is a very light and maneuverable machine feel roomy to taller riders and yet still low enough to the ground so that less experienced riders are reassured.

7,000rpm at 60mph? Argh!

The Versys is fairly adept in the corners, its suspension pleasingly soft and forgiving but without too much wallow that often accompanies long-travel units targeted at off-road riding. It's not amazing, but it is perfectly acceptable for what is a bike predominantly aimed at newer riders. But - and this was a frustration - the seat is overly firm and unforgiving when there is no need for it to be. That's not the Versys' biggest fault however...

The Versys has a 46-teeth rear sprocket, three teeth larger than a Ninja 300. Kawasaki claims this is to give the bike a bit of punch when taken off-road, but on the road this makes the Versys overly revvy and at 60mph the parallel twin is buzzing away at over 7,000rpm. This is a silly mistake by Kawasaki as it ruins what is a really lovely parallel twin motor and, although it doesn't vibrate while it is revving away, it's just not very pleasant to ride as it always feels like the motor is working really hard. I simply can't understand why this choice of sprocket has been made as I can't see anyone taking a Versys-X 300 off-road; this is a city slicker or fun bike for newer riders to explore country roads, not be taken up a muddy green lane.

Not bad, but there are rivals coming...

Lose teeth to take on the competition
A change of sprocket would make all the difference to the Versys-X 300 as it is so nearly there, and at £5,149 is well priced too. The engine has a lovely light clutch action (and a slipper function), beautiful throttle connection, good power and excellent fuel economy - it's just ruined by a poor gearing choice. The hard seat is irritating, but aside from that the chassis is spot on for the bike's target audience and when you add in panniers and a top box (the Adventure version includes panniers, a centre stand, hand guards, engine guards and a tank pad while the Urban comes with a top case, hand guards, centre stand and tank pad), it becomes a really practical machine for commuters. The issue for the Versys will be if Suzuki and BMW manage to get their new mini-adventurers bang on when they eventually hit the UK's showrooms; that being said, the Kawasaki will certainly gain ground by being the first on the market.

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2017 KAWASAKI VERSYS-X 300
Engine: 296cc DOHC parallel twin
Power (hp): 40@11,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 19@10,000rpm
Top speed: 100mph (est.)
Weight: 173kg (wet)
MPG: 66 (est.)
Price: £5,149 (Adventure £5,899, Urban £5,549)

[Master Bean]

Sounds like the perfect bike for me.

[Bailey93]

It certainly isn't a looker, the ninja 300 is a comfortable bike that would be my choice.

I can see why they're being made though, mind

[Craiglamuffin]

This looks like a really smart and sensible bike if they can sort out the gearing.

The ninja 300 got me interested in bikes. I hadn't really looked at them before but the ninja really grabbed me. I've now got a full license and a triumph tiger and a Honda CBR600F... The ninja was just physically too small for me to chamber on to in the end!

My point being, these smaller capacity bikes are a good fit for many existing riders, whilst appearing less intimidating to attract new riders too.

Edited by Craiglamuffin on Friday 21st July 08:03