After being away from the Indian market for several years, Kawasaki has finally brought back the Versys-X 300 for 2025. As someone who’s been following the adventure bike segment closely, I’m excited to share my thoughts on this comeback story.
What Catches Your Eye First
The moment you lay eyes on the new Versys-X 300, you’ll notice Kawasaki hasn’t gone overboard with changes. They’ve kept things simple with refreshed graphics and introduced a striking blue-and-white color scheme that honestly looks quite appealing. Sometimes, less is more, and I think Kawasaki understood this well.
The Heart of the Machine
Under the hood, you’ll find the same reliable 296cc parallel-twin engine that powers the popular Ninja 300. This liquid-cooled unit delivers 40 horsepower and 25.7 Nm of torque, which might not sound earth-shattering on paper, but here’s what I appreciate about it – it’s proven, reliable, and has been updated to meet stricter emission norms.
What really stands out for me is that extra cylinder. While many competitors stick with single-cylinder engines, the twin-cylinder setup in the Versys-X 300 offers smoother power delivery and better refinement. The six-speed gearbox comes with a slip and assist clutch, making your daily rides more comfortable.
Adventure-Ready Features
When we talk about adventure capabilities, the Versys-X 300 brings some interesting specs to the table. With 180mm of ground clearance, you can tackle rough roads without constantly worrying about scraping the bottom. The suspension setup includes a 41mm telescopic fork with 130mm travel up front and a rear monoshock offering 148mm travel – decent numbers for weekend adventures.
The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels with tubed tires are exactly what you’d expect from an adventure bike. These larger wheels help you roll over obstacles more easily than smaller ones would.
What You Get for Your Money
Let’s be honest about the features – they’re pretty basic. You get a digital-analog instrument cluster with a gear position indicator and dual-channel ABS for safety. Don’t expect fancy connectivity features or multiple riding modes here. Kawasaki has kept things simple, which might actually appeal to riders who prefer straightforward functionality over complicated electronics.
The 17-liter fuel tank should give you decent range for those longer rides, though I wish it was slightly larger for serious touring.
The Price Reality Check
Here’s where things get interesting – and slightly concerning. At Rs 3.80 lakh, the Versys-X 300 costs Rs 12,000 more than the KTM 390 Adventure. That’s a significant price difference, especially when you consider what the KTM offers in return.
The KTM 390 Adventure gives you more power, better features, and arguably better value for money. So why would you choose the Kawasaki? Well, that twin-cylinder engine does make a difference in terms of smoothness and character. Plus, Kawasaki’s build quality and reliability reputation shouldn’t be overlooked.
Who Should Consider This Bike?
If you’re someone who values engine refinement over raw power, the Versys-X 300 might appeal to you. It’s perfect for riders who want a comfortable daily commuter that can handle weekend adventures without breaking a sweat. The twin-cylinder engine makes highway cruising more pleasant compared to thumping single-cylinder alternatives.
However, if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck in terms of features and power, you might want to consider other options in this segment.
The Kawasaki Versys-X 300’s return is welcome news for adventure bike enthusiasts who appreciate Japanese engineering and twin-cylinder smoothness. While it faces tough competition in terms of pricing and features, it brings its own charm to the table.
Is it perfect? No. Is it overpriced compared to competitors? Possibly. But does it offer something unique with that refined twin-cylinder engine? Absolutely.
Your choice ultimately depends on what you value more – feature-packed value or refined engineering heritage. Both have their merits, and the Versys-X 300 definitely deserves consideration if you fall into the latter category.