I picked one up in early September. Me and a sales guy went for a long test ride on some old back roads here in NH. I was hooked. And, on the highway it moves. It loves to rev. The motor just sings. I was tired of big heavy ADV bikes where I can only touch pavement on tippy toes. I could flatfoot this bike. I love it.
Just bought one off a friend of mine. Fabulous fun bike to ride, great handling and what a brilliant little motor. I've had around 50 bikes and anyone who says these types of bikes are just for beginners doesn't know what fun is. Making me feel like a kid again. Great video, you seem like like a real likeable character. Cheers
I have a 2023 300 and a 2016 Suzuki Bandit 1250. If I take the 300 for a ride, then jump on the Bandit, I hate the Superbike. I used to enjoy the triple digit speeds 30 years ago, but I am in the slow and steady phase now. So cramped on the bandit also. Love the little guy. A young gal just did a 50k trip around the world on a 300.
Whats her utube chan or did she make one... ill go see if can find . Ya girls putting guys to shame.. itchyboots been from patagonia to alaska to all over africa on a crf300 rally
@@bwncoitchyboots just messed herself up pretty good. Well, the hospital messed her up good. I have not seen a TH-cam for the gal from Minnesota or Wisconsin who did the ride.
@@trd4d Just saw that... wiped her collar bone out in middle of no where. Girls has huge Ovaries that women. Ya Doctors will kill ya! Thanks for info!... God Bless
I love your accent and more than anything I love your enthusiasm. Looking to upgrade from a little 135cc scooter here in Vietnam to my first real bike. This one just seems perfect for me. Cant wait. Saving up!! Love it!! Great video buddy!!!
Great vid Ray, thankyou........have been looking for a bike the last couple of weeks..............now you've convinced me, I will buy this bike soon. Happy Christmas Sir......................subscribed and thumbs up
I have a 2018 model I bought back in March. I would never tell you it's the best bike around, but when you consider bang for the buck, it's amongst the best. It is definitely a great first bike. It handles well and doesn't make too much power, but has enough to get moving pretty quick. Like you said, it won't get away from you. The brakes and clutch all work easy. It took me a while to get used to the high revs. I am at the point I want something a little more off road capable with more power. I hate to sell my V-x 300 because it is a great dependable bike. It would be nice to have more suspension and power, but then, it wouldn't be such a bargain. IF I end up buying a Tenere 700, I may keep my little Versys.
I totally understand and Agree with you on everything! It's a super fun bike!!! Hey thanks for watching 🙏🏻 and don't be a stranger!! Let me know what you eventually do.
@@RayBowdenRides I have a pair of Shinko 804/805 tires on the way, which I believe will make the bike more fun off road. Those new tires may convince me to keep the V-x 300 longer. The stock tires are terrible off road and they vibrate the bike as they get more miles on them according to what I've read and my own experience. I will try to remember to let you know if I get a Tenere 700. A guy let me sit on his and it felt great. I want to test ride one. I think those 650-800 cc mid size adventure bikes are the sweet spot off road. I'm also going to check out a Transalp, V-strom 800DE, and Tuareg 660. Nice review, BTW..
@GLHS592 sounds good , all those bikes are killer, of course they should be - there more money. Man it's so good to hear in your conversation that you love Riding. I do to!! Stay in touch and be as safe as you can and have fun, life is short so enjoy it while you can! Talk to you again I hope.
I've got one, 2022 on mine almost at 2 years / mostly commuting at times, about 4,000 miles (almost), for me, it's my third moto, after getting a Sanyang 125 4 speed clutch moto in Taipei in 1991, and a twist and go 150cc Cheap China Scoot in 2008. Most folks in the USA are focused on large, but much of the world is on 150cc's.
nice video i ve got a klr 650 2004 and thinking of changing it with this one because of fuel consumption and allways wanting something new.do you think i m going to be ok with this one i think its about the same.not to small for a 300?
It's a little down on power compared to that klr, If that's not a big deal your ok - but you will definitely notice it. Thanks for Watching and Commenting 🙏🏻, anymore questions don't hesitate to ask!
I am an older guy and got one because it’s light. On the road, I’m fine with a heavier bike. Off road, the 659 GS was just too heavy. The Versys X300 is perfect for riding the logging roads in the mountains. I would not say it’s just a beginner bike. It will keep up with interstate traffic across Nebraska so you can get to Colorado. If you want it to be faster, you can change the front sprocket. First gear is such a granny gear that you still have plenty of power. It really likes to run above 6000 rpm.
I'm getting about 58mpg with mine, but i have the Kawasaki Brad O2 eliminator. It adds 3% more fuel all the time, instead of just when accelerating. My friend has the same bike but without the O2 mod, he gets 62mpg, he also rides more conservatively than me.
I rode dirt bikes in high school. Im now 67 in really good shape but. Looked at dox Mid range adv bikes. Found a 2017 300 Versys with 900 miles. Got it.. Im so so so so glad I got a lighter bike then the others I was looking at. well I couldnt find a honda 300rally anywhere for decent price.. I like Enfield, the new ones, again cant find.. but I love this little guy! Plenty fast. If I need adrenline Ill go jump out plane, climb or rope more steers! except the Seat .... I love it so far, but just starting havent ridden for years but got right on an away I went.
@@RayBowdenRidesLoL love your honesty..ha ha." I screwed up my first marriage"... awesome you own that...nice... i used to ride tons at mansfield an Mesquite! Not bikes..Bulls.. .. love the texans... ❤❤
I rode a KE125 (I think) as a youngster. Picked a lot of miles on it out in the backcountry of Western North Dakota. Was a dog, but better than walking. Wish I had my 300 back then. Love this bike. Like my 1250 Bandit too, but I will say for sure that the Versys is my first choice.
I have been trying to take in as much about riding a motorcycle as possible before I take the CMSP course. I am glad to hear that this is a more beginner friendly bike, as I was considering the KLR 650. But I think with the Versys assist/superclutch and the lighter weight it would be alot safer for a commute. Thanks for the breakdown.
Im no expert...but i tried the KLR an bought the versys. Also 67 havent ridden since college..so beginner.. I'm so glad I got the verse. Has all the power you need to do whatever you want?I do mountains gravel pavement. The Let's wait on the 300 for me.Anyway, was huge and I'm in pretty d*** good shape.And what not but I struggled to get the KLR picked up in dirt.Or gravel or sand I could just barely get it up..
I'm looking very hard at this for my first motorcycle. I'm 40 i just want something to cruise around on, maybe go on the highway if i have to. Was looking at honda rebels and the vulcan s but I'm 6'1" and afraid they would be too small. Nice video thanks. You did a good job giving a feeling of what this bike is about
Just have to keep your head on a swivel, everyone is on there phones - but yes it's a great state to ride in ROY- THANKS for watching and Commenting my friend🙏🏻, Don't be a stranger.
Well, everything has risks, pretty friendly overall in Texas, but I am in the RGV part of the State almost have 4000 miles on my 2022 Vesys, just be sure your bike fits you/ I'm tall so flat footing it is no worry, although it is high enough my thighs are not horizontal at stop lights.
@@RayBowdenRides I added a phone mount, and use a dash cam app, it is crazy what you can record daily for bad driver behavior/ but overall pretty good state to ride in/ *RGV part for me.
A lot of people are too macho to buy a bike like this, and I don't get it. Sure, a big sportbike is a lot faster, but how fast can you actually go on a public road? How often can you really use all that power? These things are fast enough for public roads, reliable, cheap, and surprisingly good off road too. They can't keep up with a real dirtbike, but they come pretty close. That opens up all sorts of possibilities you don't have otherwise. You can take this bike camping or fishing and then ride it home. Try that on a sportbike.
من از کشور زیبای ایران هستم همه ادونچر سوارها را به ایران دعوت میکنم در امنیت کامل در ضمن من یه ورسیس اکس گرفتم خیلی دوستش دارم به نظر من کاوازاکی ورسیس جز بهترین ادونچر حجم پایین جهان است واینا مدیون مهندسان ژاپنی هستیم ❤
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF BREAKING IN AN ENGINE! I HAVE THE SAME MODEL AND THE MANUAL SAYS TO -ABOUT 300 MILES TO NOT- NOT- TAKE IT OVER 4 GRAND.... NO WONDER YOU RIDE THEM FOR FREE!!!!
I picked one up in early September. Me and a sales guy went for a long test ride on some old back roads here in NH. I was hooked. And, on the highway it moves. It loves to rev. The motor just sings. I was tired of big heavy ADV bikes where I can only touch pavement on tippy toes. I could flatfoot this bike. I love it.
I bet you do! I loved it to- Hey thanks for watching my friend 🙏, Ride Safe and don't be a stranger!!
I saw a lot of reviews already ,but none of them told anything about the ready to drive weight! Could you help me ?
@vogelwild382 about 385lbs 👍Thks for Watching my friend 🙏🏻, Ride safe and don't be a stranger..
@@RayBowdenRides amazing! Thanks for your quick response! Ride safe!
@vogelwild382 👍
Just bought one off a friend of mine. Fabulous fun bike to ride, great handling and what a brilliant little motor. I've had around 50 bikes and anyone who says these types of bikes are just for beginners doesn't know what fun is. Making me feel like a kid again. Great video, you seem like like a real likeable character. Cheers
David same to you my friend!! Have a great Thanksgiving and thanks for the kind words 🙏🏻.
I have a 2023 300 and a 2016 Suzuki Bandit 1250. If I take the 300 for a ride, then jump on the Bandit, I hate the Superbike. I used to enjoy the triple digit speeds 30 years ago, but I am in the slow and steady phase now. So cramped on the bandit also. Love the little guy. A young gal just did a 50k trip around the world on a 300.
I totally agree with you,I'm 55 and in no hurry most of the time😉,hey man thanks so much for Watching 🙏🏻Ride Safe and don't be a stranger!!
Whats her utube chan or did she make one... ill go see if can find . Ya girls putting guys to shame.. itchyboots been from patagonia to alaska to all over africa on a crf300 rally
@@bwncoitchyboots just messed herself up pretty good. Well, the hospital messed her up good. I have not seen a TH-cam for the gal from Minnesota or Wisconsin who did the ride.
Bridget McCutchen is her name.
@@trd4d Just saw that... wiped her collar bone out in middle of no where. Girls has huge Ovaries that women. Ya Doctors will kill ya! Thanks for info!... God Bless
I love your accent and more than anything I love your enthusiasm.
Looking to upgrade from a little 135cc scooter here in Vietnam to my first real bike. This one just seems perfect for me. Cant wait. Saving up!! Love it!! Great video buddy!!!
oh man ,thank you for the kind words. You will love it! super fun bike!! Ride Safe and don't be a stranger!!!
Ray's Reviews! I love it!
Thanks man, 👊
Good video, mate. And great bike.
Thank you!! Hey thanks for watching my friend 🙏🏻, Ride safe and don't be a stranger!!
Great vid Ray, thankyou........have been looking for a bike the last couple of weeks..............now you've convinced me, I will buy this bike soon. Happy Christmas Sir......................subscribed and thumbs up
Thank you for the kind words!! And thanks for Watching and Commenting 🙏🏻, Merry Christmas to you my friend!! Let me know when you get it.
I have a 2018 model I bought back in March. I would never tell you it's the best bike around, but when you consider bang for the buck, it's amongst the best. It is definitely a great first bike. It handles well and doesn't make too much power, but has enough to get moving pretty quick. Like you said, it won't get away from you. The brakes and clutch all work easy. It took me a while to get used to the high revs.
I am at the point I want something a little more off road capable with more power. I hate to sell my V-x 300 because it is a great dependable bike. It would be nice to have more suspension and power, but then, it wouldn't be such a bargain. IF I end up buying a Tenere 700, I may keep my little Versys.
I totally understand and Agree with you on everything! It's a super fun bike!!! Hey thanks for watching 🙏🏻 and don't be a stranger!! Let me know what you eventually do.
@@RayBowdenRides I have a pair of Shinko 804/805 tires on the way, which I believe will make the bike more fun off road. Those new tires may convince me to keep the V-x 300 longer. The stock tires are terrible off road and they vibrate the bike as they get more miles on them according to what I've read and my own experience.
I will try to remember to let you know if I get a Tenere 700. A guy let me sit on his and it felt great. I want to test ride one. I think those 650-800 cc mid size adventure bikes are the sweet spot off road. I'm also going to check out a Transalp, V-strom 800DE, and Tuareg 660. Nice review, BTW..
@GLHS592 sounds good , all those bikes are killer, of course they should be - there more money. Man it's so good to hear in your conversation that you love Riding. I do to!! Stay in touch and be as safe as you can and have fun, life is short so enjoy it while you can! Talk to you again I hope.
Thanks for the great video. I'd love to have one just don't know if I'd get tired of the high rpms. 👍
Thanks for the kind words 🙏🏻. Thanks for Commenting and stay in Touch!!!
I've got one, 2022 on mine almost at 2 years / mostly commuting at times, about 4,000 miles (almost), for me, it's my third moto, after getting a Sanyang 125 4 speed clutch moto in Taipei in 1991, and a twist and go 150cc Cheap China Scoot in 2008. Most folks in the USA are focused on large, but much of the world is on 150cc's.
Yep, Thanks for Watching and Commenting 🙏🏻. Don't be a Stranger!
nice video i ve got a klr 650 2004 and thinking of changing it with this one because of fuel consumption and allways wanting something new.do you think i m going to be ok with this one i think its about the same.not to small for a 300?
It's a little down on power compared to that klr, If that's not a big deal your ok - but you will definitely notice it. Thanks for Watching and Commenting 🙏🏻, anymore questions don't hesitate to ask!
Great review....
Thanks my friend! Thank you for Watching 🙏🏻. Ride Safe and don't be a stranger.
Great job ray you the man
Thank you Roy , thks for Watching 🙏.
Very nice bike, and review Ray, appreciate your consistent informative videos!!
Thank you for Watching and commenting, your too nice my friend!!
I am an older guy and got one because it’s light. On the road, I’m fine with a heavier bike. Off road, the 659 GS was just too heavy. The Versys X300 is perfect for riding the logging roads in the mountains. I would not say it’s just a beginner bike. It will keep up with interstate traffic across Nebraska so you can get to Colorado.
If you want it to be faster, you can change the front sprocket. First gear is such a granny gear that you still have plenty of power. It really likes to run above 6000 rpm.
Wow thanks for Commenting and participating in the channel 🙏🏻. Great info Ronald!! Thanks again and have a AWESOME weekend!!!
I'm getting about 58mpg with mine, but i have the Kawasaki Brad O2 eliminator. It adds 3% more fuel all the time, instead of just when accelerating. My friend has the same bike but without the O2 mod, he gets 62mpg, he also rides more conservatively than me.
Good to know!! Hey thanks for watching my friend 🙏🏻, Ride safe and don't be a stranger!!!
My first bike was a Honda XL70, kelly green. Never rode it in an unpopular graveyard, however.
Your too funny my friend 🤣, Hey thanks for watching and commenting my friend 🙏🏻, You made my day!!
I rode dirt bikes in high school. Im now 67 in really good shape but. Looked at dox Mid range adv bikes. Found a 2017 300 Versys with 900 miles. Got it.. Im so so so so glad I got a lighter bike then the others I was looking at. well I couldnt find a honda 300rally anywhere for decent price.. I like Enfield, the new ones, again cant find.. but I love this little guy! Plenty fast. If I need adrenline Ill go jump out plane, climb or rope more steers! except the Seat .... I love it so far, but just starting havent ridden for years but got right on an away I went.
That's Awesome to Hear!! Thanks for being apart of the Channel 🙏🏻. Stay in Touch!!
@@RayBowdenRidesLoL love your honesty..ha ha." I screwed up my first marriage"... awesome you own that...nice... i used to ride tons at mansfield an Mesquite! Not bikes..Bulls.. .. love the texans... ❤❤
@bwnco Dang your the Real deal Badboy! Hats off too you my friend! Please Stay in Touch, I love your Style my friend!!
I rode a KE125 (I think) as a youngster. Picked a lot of miles on it out in the backcountry of Western North Dakota. Was a dog, but better than walking. Wish I had my 300 back then. Love this bike. Like my 1250 Bandit too, but I will say for sure that the Versys is my first choice.
Yes sir , Hey thanks so much for Watching and Commenting my friend 🙏🏻. Ride Safe and don't be a Stranger!!
Sou do Brazil, comprei uma Versys X300 há 3 meses e estou muito satisfeito com a motocicleta.
Thks for Watching my friend 🙏!! Ride Safe!!!
Também tenho. Tenho um canal que fala sobre minha vivência com Versys. Dá uma olhada lá:
th-cam.com/video/1gKg0uEWLks/w-d-xo.html
@@wilsonmirandaporai Opa, que legal! Já vou seguir o seu canal no TH-cam e assistir os seus vídeos sobre a Versys X300.
Thanks!
My girl friend lives..Soure para! !! CHOW!!
I have been trying to take in as much about riding a motorcycle as possible before I take the CMSP course. I am glad to hear that this is a more beginner friendly bike, as I was considering the KLR 650. But I think with the Versys assist/superclutch and the lighter weight it would be alot safer for a commute. Thanks for the breakdown.
300 is a great starter bike! Thanks for watching and Commenting my friend 🙏🏻, let me know how it goes!!!
Im no expert...but i tried the KLR an bought the versys. Also 67 havent ridden since college..so beginner.. I'm so glad I got the verse. Has all the power you need to do whatever you want?I do mountains gravel pavement. The Let's wait on the 300 for me.Anyway, was huge and I'm in pretty d*** good shape.And what not but I struggled to get the KLR picked up in dirt.Or gravel or sand I could just barely get it up..
@bwnco Good for you!!
Does anyone notice a very different tone in the exhaust between 3500 and 4200 rpm?
Both acceleration and deceleration..mine is like a load buzz.
Hmm, Didn't notice that. Hey thanks for watching my friend 🙏🏻, Ride safe and don't be a stranger!
I'm looking very hard at this for my first motorcycle. I'm 40 i just want something to cruise around on, maybe go on the highway if i have to. Was looking at honda rebels and the vulcan s but I'm 6'1" and afraid they would be too small. Nice video thanks. You did a good job giving a feeling of what this bike is about
You'll love it! Perfect bike with your height. Promise me you'll let me know when you get it!! Thanks for Watching and Commenting my friend 🙏🏻.
If you’re still looking. I think it’s a great bike. I would recommend taking the MSF basic rider course. It’s well worth the time and $75.00.
I have a Kawasaki Z 400. Have you ever ridden one? If so, is there any difference?
I haven't-ITS ON MY LIST TO DO'S. Hey thanks for watching my Friend 🙏🏻, Ride Safe and don't be a stranger!!
Is Texas motorcycle friendly?
Just have to keep your head on a swivel, everyone is on there phones - but yes it's a great state to ride in ROY- THANKS for watching and Commenting my friend🙏🏻, Don't be a stranger.
Well, everything has risks, pretty friendly overall in Texas, but I am in the RGV part of the State almost have 4000 miles on my 2022 Vesys, just be sure your bike fits you/ I'm tall so flat footing it is no worry, although it is high enough my thighs are not horizontal at stop lights.
@@RayBowdenRides I added a phone mount, and use a dash cam app, it is crazy what you can record daily for bad driver behavior/ but overall pretty good state to ride in/ *RGV part for me.
That bike looks like loads of fun. A good option for taller riders who don’t want to look like grape ape😆 like you would on other 300s
Yep for sure, Thanks for watching 🙏, Don't be a Stranger!! Ride Safe 👊
Love Grape Ape
A lot of people are too macho to buy a bike like this, and I don't get it. Sure, a big sportbike is a lot faster, but how fast can you actually go on a public road? How often can you really use all that power?
These things are fast enough for public roads, reliable, cheap, and surprisingly good off road too. They can't keep up with a real dirtbike, but they come pretty close. That opens up all sorts of possibilities you don't have otherwise. You can take this bike camping or fishing and then ride it home. Try that on a sportbike.
Boy you are so Right!! Thanks for Watching and Commenting 🙏🏻.
It’s a great bike. I haveone
I had a blast on it , Thanks for watching my friend 🙏🏻, Ride safe and don't be a stranger!!
من از کشور زیبای ایران هستم همه ادونچر سوارها را به ایران دعوت میکنم در امنیت کامل
در ضمن من یه ورسیس اکس گرفتم خیلی دوستش دارم به نظر من کاوازاکی ورسیس جز بهترین ادونچر حجم پایین جهان است واینا مدیون مهندسان ژاپنی هستیم ❤
Totally agree 👍, Thanks for Watching and Commenting 🙏🏻.
Use to own one. Nice bike but $1500 for a valve adjustment every 9k. No way! Shim an bucket hope your a good mechanic.
Oh 👍, Hey Jess Thanks for Watching and Commenting my friend 🙏🏻. Have a Awesome 2024!! Don't be a Stranger!!
Youre hilarious man!! 😂😂
You think- tell me what was so funny.😜
@@RayBowdenRides You're just funny man 🤘🤘
@LivinProoof thank you other people say that too! You have a good weekend my friend!!!
I thought you're Scotty Kilmer..😅
Who is that? I'll look it up- Hey thanks for watching my friend 🙏- Ride Safe and don't be a stranger!!!
Wasnt a very popular graveyard!!! 😂😂😂
Your too much my friend!!!😜
The engine makes 40hp not 49hp
👍,Thanks for watching 🙏my friend. Ride Safe.
40 PS which is about 39 bhp.
@mindspinn311 👍Thanks
You are parked in a fire lane.
Ooops🤪, Thanks for Watching and Commenting Brian!! Have a Great Holiday Weekend!! Don't be a Stranger!
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF BREAKING IN AN ENGINE! I HAVE THE SAME MODEL AND THE MANUAL SAYS TO -ABOUT 300 MILES TO NOT- NOT- TAKE IT OVER 4 GRAND.... NO WONDER YOU RIDE THEM FOR FREE!!!!
Thank you , thanks for watching my friend 🙏🏻.
I would say 8 grand not 4 this bike is balanced at 13000 rpm I think so you'd be fine going to 8 grand in the break in period
@Ricefamilyt.v. gotcha, Thanks for being apart of the Channel 🙏🏻
Did I hear "49 horsepower" in the opening moments?
I can't remember if I said that or not if I did i was wrong! Thanks for Watching and Commenting 🙏🏻.