Who else would ride the Versys on this single track? Let me know below! 🏍 GEAR I USE AND RECOMMEND - bit.ly/ea-links 👕 STICKERS, SHIRTS & MERCH - bit.ly/ea-merch 🙌 HELP SUPPORT THE CHANNEL - bit.ly/ea-patreon
if i had 80/20 tires on it, I'd take my ninja 300! I'd go a lot slower though. (Yes, i do take my streetbike offroad and over jumps, but i tend to avoid rocky areas)
I’m not sure I’d ride on that bumpy a single. I ride National Forest Roads a lot with gravel, red mud and sand but not sure about this one. I’d love to try it …maybe?
I ride this trail all the time on my DRZ400 just got my son a 2023 DRZ400 taking him Friday with a couple more friends on DRZ400 s meeting at the gas station in lytle creek off 15 and Sierra 845 am . Been watching your vids
Props to the Versys rider. Perfect example of how being a good rider and improving your skills is better than buying a super expensive bike but not working on learning the skills to ride it. Good rider on average bike > average rider on a good bike.
I love my X300 it will do 90 MPH and rip through the switchbacks and if I see a dirt road it wlll do that well too. The stock IRC tires suck I wore them out and put on Continental Trail Attack 2 tires on and now it sticks to the road like glue. Almost like a different bike and it was an awesome bike even with the shit stock tires.
That Versys had no skid plate, no crash bars, no problem! Gutsy! I picked up a Versys 300 and in less than 5 months put over 5k miles on it, absolutely love mine.
In today's video we go riding again with my buddy Matt on his new Kawasaki Versys-X 300 adventure bike. Join us as we hit the trails to see if the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 can hang with a Suzuki DRZ400S on some epic single track... or maybe it's the other way around? Enjoy!
Love this video. I'll never ride my versys that hard, but cool to see it done. I used to have a drz 400. It may be a bit better on rough stuff, but crap on the 4 lane. Other than rump comfort, I could run 70 all day on the versys. No regrets trading up!
No problem! Glad you enjoyed the video. I really enjoyed my test ride on the Versys and I think it would be perfect for the type of riding that I typically do. I'm glad to hear from all the happy owners out there! The new KTM 390 Adventure looks pretty appealing also... but then again it's a KTM...
This was definitely one of those trails! Wait until you see the mess we got ourselves into earlier in the day though... we weren’t smiling too much then 😆
Dang this is one of the best real-trail x300 videos I've seen. I was tossed up between the Versys x300 and the RE Himalayan. I ended up getting the Himalayan (primary because of Jesse K's videos). I'm liking the Himalayan but now that I see the Versys on the kind of single tracks I ride/explore I'm thinking "dang!" LOL. F9 has a good and thorough review on the x300 as an Adv moto.
nmFreeWheeler I was in the same boat as you (Thanks Jesse!) but decided to take a chance on the Versys-X for two reasons: highway riding is so much better. This will cruise 80 mph no problem. And I was able to get this as old new stock for cheaper than any of the RE Himalayan’s near me. It certainly is a great bike but man, I miss torque haha. You have to ring this bike out to get power to the ground. Have fun on your Himalayan!
I’m torn between the two also. I know the Himalayan would probably be more fun in the dirt, but I really want a bike that I don’t hate riding on the highway. I got to do about a mile of highway in the Versys and it was pretty darn good even though it doesn’t pick up as fast as my DRZ does. The Himalayan looks freaking cool though.
So far this is the only video on youtube that shows what the little versys can really do! Bags on and everything! That bike rides really good! Seriously considering trading the DRZ for one to get better road manners without giving up too much off road. This video sells it!
Thanks man! I am glad you enjoyed it. The Versys is definitely a capable bike and much more road friendly than the DRZ. There is definitely a trade off when it comes to the off road capability, but for the majority of dual sport style riding that I usually do the Versys would be perfect.
@@EachAdventure I'm hoping so! I dont have my 19' yet, but I think I'm sold, I'm already trying to figure out how to mod or frankenbike the forks! Honestly I bet a set of drz400sm USD forks on the front would absolutely rock with an upgraded rear shock! The seat height is so low, it could easily gain 2" without being a problem, and I bet it wouldn't be too hard to do!
Kawasaki should make KLR400 using the ninja 400 engine. If they can get weight to be under 400lb with decent enough offroad suspension, they will sell a lot of those.
ChaohChen I keep saying the same thing. They should’ve waited on the versys til after the 400 was released. I would really consider it if it had that 400cc engine instead.
That would be the perfect bike I think. Kawasaki seems to have the right idea so far... let’s hope the continue to innovate since the KLR has gone the way of the dinosaurs 🦕
It's always a pleasure to watch skilled riders take unlikely bikes into places we don't expect them to manage. If Matt had a good bash plate (like a Ricochet) on the Versys I bet he could take it into even rougher country. Great video!
I think he has a skid plate on it already... I'll have to double check with him. But I agree watching and especially riding with skilled riders is a pretty awesome experience. Thanks for watching!
@@EachAdventure I ended up going with a KLR650 due to the types of riding and the fact that I felt the Versys was a bit too small for my size but I did enjoy riding it at the dealership! Either way, it's stuff like this that helps newbies like me make an informed decision and for that, I thank you!
This wasn't really meant to be a comparison video between the two, but rather showing that the two bikes can surprisingly handle similar terrain. I will however be posting a first impressions video in the coming weeks, and I have made quite a few already for the DRZ. Thanks for watching!
I wish there was a way to post photos here. I rode my 300 in the Ouachita or Ozark National Forest every weekend, pretty much because no told me, "you can't take that bike here"
The Versys-X 300 is at the top of my list when I get a motorcycle, though I'm hoping that it will be an Versys-X 400 by the time I buy. Hopefully you will do more Versys content.
The Versys 300 is a really awesome bike. A 400 with a bit more suspension travel would be perfect IMO, but the 300 is still plenty capable. I have a few more videos coming 😉
Nice looking trail! It was fun watching that Versys go over the bumps. I didnt think it was possible to see a bike with softer suspension than the 250L 🤣
I am particularly impressed by Matt driving skills. Was the suspension able to handle that without bottoming up ? Is it not a bit too fast for that kind of bike and shortening his life too ?
Matt is a crazy man on a motorcycle. I'm pretty sure he bottomed the suspension more than once, and we were probably going a bit fast for that bike on that kind of trail. That said... it was pretty amazing to watch and definitely impressive given the bike he was riding. Thanks for watching!
@@EachAdventure I was hesitating between dual sport and adventure. I just purchased Versys partly because of the capabilities shown on your video. Nevertheless, I don't intend to do that kind of stunt but more light trail. Good video still.
Good.. Hey, was the Versys bottoming out much? Was he running stock tires? Cool ride. Thanks for sharing. That was the 300 right? Oh.. I see in the title. Duh.. Lol
I think the KLR might be a bit more capable in the dirt because of the tire size, torque and suspension... but no question the Versys is better on the highway and gets much better gas mileage. They both will probably get you to the same places though. Pros and cons of each as with most things, but I think I would choose the Versys between the two... it was pretty awesome.
Totally different machines. If you any a true 50-50 bike that can do pretty much anything, the DRZ is the way to go. If you want a longer distance bike and won’t be riding stuff like this, the Versys is a good option. Basically the DRZ is a street capable dirt bike, whereas the Versys is a dirt capable street bike.
Seems to me you could buy a power plug to keep camera and other things charged up as you are using them instead of relying on batteries and use them for back up when off the bike.
Wow nice video. The more i see videos about the Kawasaki Versys-X 300, the more im impressed by that little adventure bike. I would love to see the new CB500X 2019 in those same trails to see how its doing. It would be nice if Kawasaki would create an adventure version of their Versys 650: a Versys-X 650.
I have seen a CB500X off road and it’s a pretty capable bike, even the older model with the smaller front wheel. The new one would probably be even better with the increase in suspension and wheel size, but I think the Versys is a better overall package with its lighter weight, spoked wheels, larger dimensions and stock cargo rack.Also, I rode a 500x briefly about a year ago and I much prefer the ergonomics on the Versys.
This video lays to rest all the criticism of the 300 and it's off road capability. People can say what they want about stuff but a picture is worth a thousand words.
It was pretty impressive to watch, but if I remember correctly the exhaust took a few hits since it is mounted so low. We could have probably ran that trail a little slower... but my buddy on the Versys doesn't know how to ride slow. 😆
Kudos for riding the wheels off that Versys. I'm torn between this and the cb500x. Engine seems great on the Honda but the off-road ergos look far superior on the Kawi. Great vid 👍
I rode an older CB500X once, and I really did not care the ergos at all. It has more of a street bike feel than the Versys did, which is a bit awkward when riding off road. The Kawasaki just seems like a better value overall to me (better ergos, spoked wheels, longer wheelbase, etc), as long as you are okay with less power.
@@EachAdventure that's helpful, thank you. I'm certainly impressed with the pace you're able to attain on the Versys. Just point down trail and twist to WOT 😂 I love it
I agree 100%... although a better bike will make a better rider even better. I’m scared to ride with Matt when we get a chance to ride real dirt bikes... 😬
Who else would ride the Versys on this single track? Let me know below!
🏍 GEAR I USE AND RECOMMEND - bit.ly/ea-links
👕 STICKERS, SHIRTS & MERCH - bit.ly/ea-merch
🙌 HELP SUPPORT THE CHANNEL - bit.ly/ea-patreon
if i had 80/20 tires on it, I'd take my ninja 300!
I'd go a lot slower though. (Yes, i do take my streetbike offroad and over jumps, but i tend to avoid rocky areas)
I’m not sure I’d ride on that bumpy a single. I ride National Forest Roads a lot with gravel, red mud and sand but not sure about this one. I’d love to try it …maybe?
I ride this trail all the time on my DRZ400 just got my son a 2023 DRZ400 taking him Friday with a couple more friends on DRZ400 s meeting at the gas station in lytle creek off 15 and Sierra 845 am . Been watching your vids
Props to the Versys rider. Perfect example of how being a good rider and improving your skills is better than buying a super expensive bike but not working on learning the skills to ride it.
Good rider on average bike > average rider on a good bike.
100% agree! Less is more IMO. Thanks for watching!
I own a Versys-x 300, and it's great on the road, and you can have lots of fun on the trail as well. Nice video!
Thanks for the comment! I'm glad to hear you are enjoying your Versys-x 300, I am hoping to get one myself around this time next year 😀
I love my X300 it will do 90 MPH and rip through the switchbacks and if I see a dirt road it wlll do that well too. The stock IRC tires suck I wore them out and put on Continental Trail Attack 2 tires on and now it sticks to the road like glue. Almost like a different bike and it was an awesome bike even with the shit stock tires.
That Versys had no skid plate, no crash bars, no problem! Gutsy! I picked up a Versys 300 and in less than 5 months put over 5k miles on it, absolutely love mine.
That's awesome man! Glad you are enjoying the Versys, it's such a cool little bike!
Amazing capabilities from a 300cc parallel twin.
Know several that ride n love them.
In today's video we go riding again with my buddy Matt on his new Kawasaki Versys-X 300 adventure bike. Join us as we hit the trails to see if the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 can hang with a Suzuki DRZ400S on some epic single track... or maybe it's the other way around? Enjoy!
@R Mcdud - no problem, thanks for watching!
Love this video. I'll never ride my versys that hard, but cool to see it done. I used to have a drz 400. It may be a bit better on rough stuff, but crap on the 4 lane. Other than rump comfort, I could run 70 all day on the versys. No regrets trading up!
No problem! Glad you enjoyed the video. I really enjoyed my test ride on the Versys and I think it would be perfect for the type of riding that I typically do. I'm glad to hear from all the happy owners out there! The new KTM 390 Adventure looks pretty appealing also... but then again it's a KTM...
You got to love those trails that put a grin on your face the whole time you're riding on them!
This was definitely one of those trails! Wait until you see the mess we got ourselves into earlier in the day though... we weren’t smiling too much then 😆
Each Adventure, did you post the video of that? I haven't seen it! I'd love to see just how tough it has to get for the versys to struggle!
Dang this is one of the best real-trail x300 videos I've seen. I was tossed up between the Versys x300 and the RE Himalayan. I ended up getting the Himalayan (primary because of Jesse K's videos). I'm liking the Himalayan but now that I see the Versys on the kind of single tracks I ride/explore I'm thinking "dang!" LOL. F9 has a good and thorough review on the x300 as an Adv moto.
nmFreeWheeler I was in the same boat as you (Thanks Jesse!) but decided to take a chance on the Versys-X for two reasons: highway riding is so much better. This will cruise 80 mph no problem. And I was able to get this as old new stock for cheaper than any of the RE Himalayan’s near me.
It certainly is a great bike but man, I miss torque haha. You have to ring this bike out to get power to the ground.
Have fun on your Himalayan!
@@msaul85 Haha thanks man. There's always trade-offs. Old new stock is awesome! 👍
I’m torn between the two also. I know the Himalayan would probably be more fun in the dirt, but I really want a bike that I don’t hate riding on the highway. I got to do about a mile of highway in the Versys and it was pretty darn good even though it doesn’t pick up as fast as my DRZ does. The Himalayan looks freaking cool though.
You might find more videos like these on my channel, but i have to say, the action cams make any ugly road, look like it was just fixed.
If you plan to ride a highway faster than 60 mph, the Versys is better- it will do over 80 easy and with only a little buffeting by a big truck.
So far this is the only video on youtube that shows what the little versys can really do! Bags on and everything! That bike rides really good! Seriously considering trading the DRZ for one to get better road manners without giving up too much off road. This video sells it!
Thanks man! I am glad you enjoyed it. The Versys is definitely a capable bike and much more road friendly than the DRZ. There is definitely a trade off when it comes to the off road capability, but for the majority of dual sport style riding that I usually do the Versys would be perfect.
@@EachAdventure I'm hoping so! I dont have my 19' yet, but I think I'm sold, I'm already trying to figure out how to mod or frankenbike the forks! Honestly I bet a set of drz400sm USD forks on the front would absolutely rock with an upgraded rear shock! The seat height is so low, it could easily gain 2" without being a problem, and I bet it wouldn't be too hard to do!
@@southerndualsport3827 has anyone done this?
@@IAmYourReflection not that I'm aware of, but it can't be too hard many have done it to other bikes. I've seen a cb500x with motocross forks.
Great to see the verseys out on trails. Thanks Josh!
No problem! Glad you enjoyed it 😁
Kawasaki should make KLR400 using the ninja 400 engine. If they can get weight to be under 400lb with decent enough offroad suspension, they will sell a lot of those.
ChaohChen I keep saying the same thing. They should’ve waited on the versys til after the 400 was released. I would really consider it if it had that 400cc engine instead.
That would be the perfect bike I think. Kawasaki seems to have the right idea so far... let’s hope the continue to innovate since the KLR has gone the way of the dinosaurs 🦕
Exactly, I really hope they release a 400 cc version of the Versys-X
Probably not. Although there was a KLR250, the KLR tag is now synonymous with the 650. A 400 might be a KLX.
Nice one Josh, so awesome seeing the Versys being put through its paces and rocking it! :-)
Thanks man! I was thoroughly impressed with the Versys that day.
Two thumbs up to your mate's riding skills on the little Versys. You set him up but he performed admirably.
Hahah! It was his idea... he's a madman on a motorcycle. 😜
Man, the moment I'm done with the breaking in period of my versys x I'm taking it to the nearest dirt trail around. Can't wait!
Do it! You won’t be disappointed 👍
It's always a pleasure to watch skilled riders take unlikely bikes into places we don't expect them to manage. If Matt had a good bash plate (like a Ricochet) on the Versys I bet he could take it into even rougher country. Great video!
I think he has a skid plate on it already... I'll have to double check with him. But I agree watching and especially riding with skilled riders is a pretty awesome experience. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for this video! I think you have convinced me to go with the Versys X 300 for my first on/off road bike.
That’s awesome! Hope you enjoy it.
@@EachAdventure I ended up going with a KLR650 due to the types of riding and the fact that I felt the Versys was a bit too small for my size but I did enjoy riding it at the dealership! Either way, it's stuff like this that helps newbies like me make an informed decision and for that, I thank you!
Well you just sold me on the 300x. Nice riding skills. But at 70 years old I don't think I'll be pushing quite that hard.
That's awesome! Did you end up getting one? It really is a cool bike.
Not yet
A summary/commentary at the end would have actually been useful, especially for less-experienced riders ...
This wasn't really meant to be a comparison video between the two, but rather showing that the two bikes can surprisingly handle similar terrain. I will however be posting a first impressions video in the coming weeks, and I have made quite a few already for the DRZ. Thanks for watching!
I agree. A little commentary at the end would have been nice.
Best ride ever on video, thanks for sharing.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. 🙏
I wish there was a way to post photos here. I rode my 300 in the Ouachita or Ozark National Forest every weekend, pretty much because no told me, "you can't take that bike here"
Haha! Man I would love to see that. I think you might be able to attach photos to the comments on my Facebook page if you really want to share!
Dude has some skills.... I ride a DR650 off road and that Versys surprised me!!
Yeah, my buddy is a madman on a motorcycle. The Versys surprised us both that day!
The Versys-X 300 is at the top of my list when I get a motorcycle, though I'm hoping that it will be an Versys-X 400 by the time I buy. Hopefully you will do more Versys content.
The Versys 300 is a really awesome bike. A 400 with a bit more suspension travel would be perfect IMO, but the 300 is still plenty capable. I have a few more videos coming 😉
Nice, I'll keep an eye on your channel.
Nice looking trail! It was fun watching that Versys go over the bumps. I didnt think it was possible to see a bike with softer suspension than the 250L 🤣
Hahah! Not bad though considering the Versys has about half the suspension travel as the 250L... 😬
I too ride my versys x-300 hard on trails and gravel! Its so enjoyable!
That’s awesome! It’s such a cool little bike.
Great quality video, really enjoyed.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊
I am particularly impressed by Matt driving skills. Was the suspension able to handle that without bottoming up ? Is it not a bit too fast for that kind of bike and shortening his life too ?
Matt is a crazy man on a motorcycle. I'm pretty sure he bottomed the suspension more than once, and we were probably going a bit fast for that bike on that kind of trail. That said... it was pretty amazing to watch and definitely impressive given the bike he was riding. Thanks for watching!
@@EachAdventure I was hesitating between dual sport and adventure. I just purchased Versys partly because of the capabilities shown on your video. Nevertheless, I don't intend to do that kind of stunt but more light trail.
Good video still.
Great video! What tires were on the Versys on this trail? He’s clearly a very skilled rider. Thanks for this very helpful and fun video!
Glad you enjoyed the video! I believe the tires were Shinko 244's. Ride safe!
Good.. Hey, was the Versys bottoming out much? Was he running stock tires?
Cool ride. Thanks for sharing. That was the 300 right? Oh.. I see in the title. Duh.. Lol
I’m not sure if it bottomed or not, but he did get a small dent in the exhaust shroud. The tires were Shinko 244s. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing the Versys! I have one and my friend has a DR650. I have been loving mine.
No problem! I have had my eye on the Versys ever since it was announced, so it was really cool to see it in action. Thanks for watching!
can you tell us what the tire setup is on the 300 in this video? thanks!
I believe it was a set of Shinko 244’s. Thanks for watching!
I have a small group of friends who all own x300 and they outright punch above their weight. Best little mini Adventure touring bikes
That's awesome! I'm still amazed when I re-watch this video... my friend is a crazy man taking the Versys-X 300 on this trail. 😂
FANBLOODYTASTIC mate😁👍
keep well and ride safe 😎👍
Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed it! 😁
I just sold my 2009 KLR 650 and I think that a Kawasaki 300 Versys is my next adventure bike...
I think the KLR might be a bit more capable in the dirt because of the tire size, torque and suspension... but no question the Versys is better on the highway and gets much better gas mileage. They both will probably get you to the same places though. Pros and cons of each as with most things, but I think I would choose the Versys between the two... it was pretty awesome.
I was thinking decades ago the ninja 250 motor would be great for a dual purpose bike, and now we have it!:)
It really is a cool bike. It's not really suited for the stuff in this video, but as a slower paced ADV platform I think it is great!
@@EachAdventure I'm now seeing the peak torque is at 10k rpm, singles are the way to go for smaller engines on trails...great video!
So what were your thought comparing the bikes?
Totally different machines. If you any a true 50-50 bike that can do pretty much anything, the DRZ is the way to go. If you want a longer distance bike and won’t be riding stuff like this, the Versys is a good option. Basically the DRZ is a street capable dirt bike, whereas the Versys is a dirt capable street bike.
Seems to me you could buy a power plug to keep camera and other things charged up as you are using them instead of relying on batteries and use them for back up when off the bike.
Yeah I need a better system for power for sure, but the video ended up being the perfect length so I can’t really complain 😁
Where was this ride? I wanna hit that trail!
Baldy Mesa - I can’t remember the trail number but it’s off the main ridge.
Dude I'm in for next time. Let me know when :-)
It would be fun to ride with you again! No roosting though... 😉
The dream 😍
Indeed! 🍻
Wow nice video. The more i see videos about the Kawasaki Versys-X 300, the more im impressed by that little adventure bike. I would love to see the new CB500X 2019 in those same trails to see how its doing. It would be nice if Kawasaki would create an adventure version of their Versys 650: a Versys-X 650.
I have seen a CB500X off road and it’s a pretty capable bike, even the older model with the smaller front wheel. The new one would probably be even better with the increase in suspension and wheel size, but I think the Versys is a better overall package with its lighter weight, spoked wheels, larger dimensions and stock cargo rack.Also, I rode a 500x briefly about a year ago and I much prefer the ergonomics on the Versys.
This video lays to rest all the criticism of the 300 and it's off road capability. People can say what they want about stuff but a picture is worth a thousand words.
It was pretty impressive to watch, but if I remember correctly the exhaust took a few hits since it is mounted so low. We could have probably ran that trail a little slower... but my buddy on the Versys doesn't know how to ride slow. 😆
Which trail was this?
I think it's 6W26... it runs along the north side of 3N24 at Baldy Mesa.
Kudos for riding the wheels off that Versys. I'm torn between this and the cb500x. Engine seems great on the Honda but the off-road ergos look far superior on the Kawi. Great vid 👍
I rode an older CB500X once, and I really did not care the ergos at all. It has more of a street bike feel than the Versys did, which is a bit awkward when riding off road. The Kawasaki just seems like a better value overall to me (better ergos, spoked wheels, longer wheelbase, etc), as long as you are okay with less power.
@@EachAdventure that's helpful, thank you. I'm certainly impressed with the pace you're able to attain on the Versys. Just point down trail and twist to WOT 😂 I love it
Have a 300. Had a 500. My tip is get the 300. Better suspension more room.
Did you drop your bike on the right side?
It’s been dropped on both sides a couple times haha.
My DRZ has been dropped on all the sides... 😆 - but yeah I did drop it earlier that day.
@@msaul85 do you have any crash bars on yours? I just purchased some and also have nice off road tires on my 300.
No crash bars. My CRF450X has ASV foldable levers so they bend out of the way instead of break. As far as the KDX, I just carry extra levers.
People always underestimate us.......on the X300
Hahah! Pretty impressive to be honest. I’ve ridden this trail a few times since this video, and I don’t think I’d want to ride the Versys on it. 😆
What tires is he running on the 300X?
No, he swapped them for Shinko 244s.
Like they say..... it’s not the bike....
I agree 100%... although a better bike will make a better rider even better. I’m scared to ride with Matt when we get a chance to ride real dirt bikes... 😬
I have a versys 300 it is a very capable bike.
That's awesome! I really enjoyed the short time I had with it.
Broo that versys have more power than your Suzuki drz!!
Hahah! Rider skill definitely was at play here... but I was super impressed with how well the Versys-X 300 handled this trail!
@@EachAdventure driving is not about motorcycle drivers is more important 😑
@@EachAdventure biker on versys is definitely good off road riders 👍
@@EachAdventure anyway i like video!!
Everyone else is bored goodbye Josh .
Bored of being bored because being bored is boring.