Kawasaki Versys X-300

The Versys X-300 is the entry level touring motorcycle from Kawasaki. Unveiled at the 2016 EICMA Show, this motorcycle will join the Versys 650 and the Versys 1000 in India.

The Versys X-300 is built on a new chassis but uses the same parallel twin motor from the Ninja 300. This engine generates the same amount of power as its sportbike sibling but has been tuned differently to suit its touring needs. The gearbox is a six-speed one with a slipper clutch.

Being a touring motorcycle, Kawasaki has equipped the Versys X-300 with 41mm long-travel telescopic forks in the front and a monoshock at the rear. The Japanese manufacturer decided to use spoked wheels on this bike, unlike few other manufacturers in the segment. Kawasaki is offering the Versys X-300 in two versions– urban and adventure. While the former gets hand guards and a 30-litre top box, the latter is equipped with a tubular engine guard and a pair of 17-litre panniers. A tank pad and a centre stand are offered as optional extras.

The X-300 gets a seat height of 800mm, making it accessible to shorter riders too. The wide handlebar, large windshield and big fuel tank makes this bike friendly for long rides. The instrument console gets an analogue tachometer and two LCD screens which display instantaneous range and fuel efficiency apart from other standard functions.

Kawasaki currently offers the Versys X-300 in two colours – green and grey. The Indian market will get just one colour at the time of launch, which we expect to happen in the next couple of months. This tourer will be assembled in India and will have a launch price between Rs 3.4 lakh and Rs 3.8 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The Versys X-300 will compete with the BMW G310GS but the latter will be launched at the end of 2017.