Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Pros and Cons Explained

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Smooth twin-cylinder engine enhances touring and refinement experience.
Tour-ready design with upright stance and large tank.
Handles broken roads confidently with balanced suspension setup.
Tubed tyres reduce practicality for solo adventurers.
Lacks modern features despite premium price tag.

The adventure-touring motorcycle space in India just got more exciting with the return of a name that had once quietly exited the scene - the Kawasaki Versys-X 300. With a tempting price tag and a twin-cylinder heart, the reintroduction of this motorcycle is creating waves, especially for riders who crave long-distance comfort, off-road capability, and a refined engine experience. But like every machine, it comes with its own set of highs and lows.

Let's decode the pros and cons of the Versys-X 300 to help you make an informed decision if you should buy this machine or not. Before moving ahead, join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest automotive news.

Kawasaki Versys-X 300: Pros

1. Twin-Cylinder Refinement

One of the biggest USPs of the Versys-X 300 is its 296cc parallel-twin engine. Unlike most single-cylinder ADVs in the segment, the twin offers smoother power delivery, minimal vibrations at high RPMs, and a more relaxed cruising experience on highways - a big plus for long-distance tourers.

2. Built for Real-World Touring

With a large 17-litre fuel tank, upright ergonomics, and touring-friendly hardware like a wide pillion seat and rear carrier, this bike is clearly designed for practical, real-world riding. Whether you are commuting daily or heading into the hills for a weekend escape, this machine can adapt.

3. Balanced Suspension Setup

The Versys-X 300 strikes a good balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability with long-travel suspension, a 19-inch front wheel, and 180mm ground clearance. Its not a hardcore off-roader, but it can easily take on broken roads, gravel, and trails without flinching.

4. Reliable Japanese Engineering

Being a Kawasaki, there's a sense of reliability and finish that shines through. Everything from switchgear quality to the paint and body panels feels premium and well-screwed together. Owners can also bank on solid engine durability and lower chances of mechanical fuss.

5. Lightweight for an ADV

At 184 kg kerb weight, the Versys-X 300 is relatively light for a twin-cylinder adventure motorcycle. This translates to easier handling, more confidence for new ADV riders, and better manoeuvrability in city traffic or technical off-road sections.

Kawasaki Versys-X 300: Cons

1. Tubed Tyres in 2025?

Despite being adventure-ready with spoke wheels, the presence of tubed tyres is a sore point. In a segment where rivals offer tubeless options for quicker puncture fixes and better practicality, this feels like a step backward, especially for long-distance solo riders.

2. Outdated Lighting and Console

No LED lighting and no smartphone connectivity - that's a bit disappointing for a motorcycle launched in 2025. While the semi-digital instrument cluster is functional, it lacks modern touches like turn-by-turn navigation or app pairing which even smaller bikes now offer.

3. No Adjustable Suspension

The suspension setup, though competent, lacks adjustability. For a bike that is likely to be used across varying terrains and loads, not having preload or damping adjusters feels limiting for seasoned riders who like fine-tuning their ride experience.

4. Pricey for the Features; Afterall it's a Kawasaki

At Rs. 3.8 lakh (ex-showroom), the Versys-X 300 enters the territory of bikes with more tech and creature comforts. Yes, it offers a twin-cylinder engine, but many will find it hard to justify the cost when ADVs like the Himalayan 450 or KTM 390 ADV bring more to the table on paper.

5. Lack of Aftermarket Ecosystem

Unlike the Himalayan or KTM ADV, the Versys-X 300 doesn't yet enjoy a robust aftermarket ecosystem in India. From luggage systems to off-road enhancements, you may find fewer plug-and-play options readily available, unless things change in the coming months.

Verdict

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a unique offering in the sub-400cc ADV space - refined, practical, and ready for long rides. It caters to a niche: riders who value a smooth twin-cylinder experience over tech-laden gimmicks. If you are someone who prefers mechanical sophistication over digital fluff, the Versys-X 300 could be your next companion. However, for those seeking the most features per rupee, or true off-road prowess, better-equipped alternatives exist.