Kawasaki Versys 300 - Test Ride & Review
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Kawasaki Versys 300, 2018 - Test Ride & Review.
In this episode of the best lightweight touring motorcycles I will test the new Kawasaki Versys 300. It is a very well made little motorcycle. The engine is only 300 cc, but it is a parallel twin and deliver 40 H.P. It comes with 41 mm forks, 19 Inch in the front and 17 Inch on the rear. The seat high is 84sm and it is definitely not for really short riders. I test it for about 1 hour and I was surprised how well the engine is made. It pulls on almost every gear, it doesn't really matter with what speed. What I don't like was the high number of the rpm on the highway. I was riding with 120 km/h on more than 9,000 rpm. Yes, the clock is for 15,000, but I still believe that this is too much. Anyway the new Kawasaki Versys 300 could be one very nice option for many of you.
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With only 296 cc, an ultra short stroke, with peak power of 40 ps (39.5 bhp) designed to arrive at 11,500 rpm, & maximum torque set to arrive at 10,000 rpm, with the rev limiter only kicking in at 12,800 - just where exactly would you expect this tiny engine to be happiest in its rev range? It is a massively over square engine design (large bore/short stroke) specifically to generate high power from small displacement by accessing very high revs. If its rev ceiling were 8500 rpm, it would only be developing about 30 bhp. This is why the gearing is deliberately set short, at 8.4 mph per 1000 in top, to allow the engine to access the revs it was designed to excel at. It can see 175 km/hr by speedo @ 12800 rpm in perfect conditions, which is pretty incredible for a 296 cc 4 stroke twin in a wide handlebar tall trail bike. It is a genuine 100 mph motorcycle, & all day cruising at 80-85 mph, though tiring on your ears, is inside its capabilities, & smack dab where the engine is most efficient in specific fuel consumption vs power developed. it's a fantastic little unit. To put it into perspective, it's only 6.5 bhp shy of Honda's 500 cc twin! But whether you like its power characteristics or not, is entirely down to your own sensibilities, NOT the engine's designed capability.
Good coment couldn't said it better.
Have had several bigger bikes including a 660 offroad with the Rotax engine. Considering this for light trail riding and dirt roads. 40bhp is actually not bad at all. I think my 660 had just below 50. Yes it had more torque of course but it was also heavier and vibrated more. I think this bike seems like a little gem :)
Excellent comment. Pavlin's doubts about reliability @9000rpm are certainly unfounded because short stroke lowers the speed of the piston. Also on a 2 cylinders, the moving parts are smaller and have less inertia, then they maybe very very reliable. I do not know about this specific Kawasaki, but Honda has made since ages a very long series of 125cc 2 cylinders able to rev all day long @10 000rpm and these little bikes can cover a stunning mileage. It is also very efficient in terms of fuel consumption. This being said, what may be really annoying is the hairdryer noise.
So honda cb500x is a bit more powerful than this? But still which is better?
The difference may be 6 hp.
But the fault tolerance?
While you probably can use the (under-tuned) 500 cc Honda's full designed potential all day, the little 300 cc mill will give up the fight within an hour on max speed. It is a fine little bike, as long you know and respect its limits.
But tuned to 40 hp, I don't think it has a lot of reserve.
No wonder 40 year old Mercedeses are still being used as taxi, having a million+ miles on the clock. At that time they have been designed for 60-80 hp. They had a lot of reserve by design. And they still serve. Today's modern diesel cars bring 150+ hp from the same displacement.
And fall apart at 5 years.
Thank you for accurate introduction to this bike. I have this exact bike but added the following: Dual sport tires 70% dirt, Larger off-road foot-pegs, bar raised 1", Bark Busters and heated grips to keep hands warm on freezing mornings, 12V plug, tank bag, saddle bags, skid plate, tank grips for my knees. When the seat feels hard, I can easily stand up. I live 3 miles down a dirt road in Oregon and commute ~ 18 miles each way on this bike, It is GREAT for exploring smaller paved roads and dirt roads, it loves wet gravel and windshield work very well in Oregon rain and cold wind. I do not jump or wheelie it, but do have a lot of fun rural dirt road touring. Lean forwards around gravel corners and it will slide predictably. I get consistent 65 mpg. and have had no problems in 5000 miles.
Thanks for taking the time! Enjoy your rides!
I am a Versys X300 owner and you just confirmed what I already knew it is a better bike than the BMW.
Thank you for an excellent review.
Thanks Robert! Enjoy your bike!
Robert Fancher .. hi is it expensive to maintain?
albadi247 it is very inexpensive to maintain and it gets great gas mileage
Real Suzuki. .Fake BMW
I like the fact that it has a much larger tank than the BMW. What kind of range do you get during everyday usage between fill ups?
I have a 300x. Changed the front sprocket to 15 tooth. 130 km/hr is about 9000 rpm. Recently rode 1000 km round trip from Pennsylvania to Virginia ,mostly at 130km/ht. This is effortless for this engine. The short stroke design allows this. I do not believe this will shorten engine life. It is a great bike!
I am not going to argue with anyone about it, it is only my opinion and the time will show us who is right.
@@motorcycleadventures Bike's been out for SIX model years now. Riders report 100,000 km reliability.
What an excellent review. I too like many of your subscribers ride one of these little gems. Initially I was weary of the high revs but after much research found that the stoke is fairly short thus minimising wear. Yes it does rev high but it was developed for the Ninja 300 and has proven very reliable in that bike. I live in South Africa and use my bike as a daily commuter and tourer. In 10 months I've done 12000km. Never had a moment's trouble and about 3000km of that was on African dirt roads. The weight makes it so easy to ride on loose gravel. Give it a try....... you'll love it.
I know where the engine come from, but what many of you missed is that Kawasaki Ninja is not bike for long trips. These 12,000 rpm could be good for the track, for couple of minutes or an hour, but definitely not for all day on the highway. 12,000km without any problems....let go to 100,000 and than we can talk again... I am sure that it will be great for off road.
@@motorcycleadventures Nobody is going to ride it 'all day'
@@motorcycleadventures how come you praise the engineers knowledge, time and money invested in bike development when making a point against extra lights or top cases, but now you seem so sure kawasaki engineers failed to predict and design for long rides with 9-10k rpm? If peak power id at cca 11k, peak torque at 10k, riding at 9k (120kmh) should not put too much stress on the engine.
Also I've seen many people switch from 14 to 15 tooth front sprocket to lower the rpm at high speeds... which could also be a solution
Oliver here from Cape Town. Just picked up a 300, what a great little bike.
I have been using it for 1 year and I am very hepy.
And I'm planning a tour this summer. From Istanbul to Italy via the balkans
Thank you for an excellent rewiew.
You are welcome any time! Enjoy your trip!
Have a safe trip Ferdi!
Thanks dude.
Iyi yolculuklar
Thank you very much for the fair and honest review of the Versys-X 300. (And thank you for all your videos!) I have had my Versys-X 300 for 11 months now (about 7500 km so far) and I very much like it. While your observations about high rpms at highway speeds are correct (i.e., 9000 rpm @ 120 kmh), you might consider that the Versys-X 300 engine is the Ninja 300 engine which has proven itself over many years to be very strong and which, if properly maintained, typically lasts many thousands of kms. The redline on the engine is 12,800 rpm.. One more thing, in Europe the Versys-X comes with the high seat option (840 mm height) but in North America and Asia (and other markets?) it comes with the standard seat option (815 mm height).
Good to know, thanks for adding!
I know where the engine come from, but what many of you missed is that Kawasaki Ninja is not bike for long trips. These 12,000 rpm could be good for the track, for couple of minutes or an hour, but definitely not
for all day on the highway.
I'm delighted you are covering these smaller bikes, they've certainly gained a foothold in the past year and allow those on more modest budgets and perhaps who don't want a big heavy bike to have their own adventures. I certainly fall into this class of rider and I have just bought the Honda 250 Rally, which has even less power than the two you have looked at so far. Of course I've looked at all these smaller capacity machines and i only chose the Honda over the Kawasaki because it has greater off road capability. I have no desire to travel at speed, and if possible I prefer to take the more minor roads (or no road at all). People are travelling the world on the Honda 250, it's bullet proof engineering is proven along with it's reliability and parts are available everywhere. Standard dirt bike wheel sizes mean a huge selection of rubber is available and ground clearance is the best in class. That was enough to tip the scales towards the Honda. The Kawasaki is excellent though.
I like the Honda. It will be my next review as longer they have it in the shop.
Hi Pavlin, I have almost 15,000km on my Versys X 300, no problems. Yes, it revs a bit, but once you get used to riding like that, even offroad, it is a great lightweight tourer, especially for a shorter rider like me (174cm, 75kg). I have taken mine over quite a number of off-road trails and passes in South Africa, no problems, just negotiate them a little slower when it gets technical. For cruising on good dirt roads, I stick with guys on bigger bikes no problem. I prefer this bike to my Triumph 800XCX actually. Thanks for the great review!
Good to know that Louie. Enjoy your trip and always ride safe!
Hi you all. Allow me to take that comment as a base for my question. I am short (166cm) and heavy today (80kg). I need to make a 1800km trip, 90% highway, and some luggage (at least a top case + a bag on the passenger seat). All trip needs to be done in 3 days, which means about 600 km/day.
I’ve ridden motorcycles above 200 kg and they are usually on the heavy and too tall side when it comes to comfort in the city (for me being short).
Would you recommend to buy this bike?
Of course, I’ve also considered the Honda CB500x but since it is more expensive, and a bit heavier and taller (seat height wise)...
Louie Bodenstaff - dankie - you've answered a lot of my questions. 👍
Mauricio HZ Where do you live?
In the EU the standard seat height of this motorcycle is 845 mm.
In the USA (and Australia) it's 815 mm (32.1 inches).
I live in the EU, and have this motorcycle. I am 173 cm and would not recommend this motorcycle to anybody under 170 cm (unless you buy the optional OEM lower saddle 99994-0994, which I think they use in the US-version).
Size isn't everything. (My good lady told me..)
Excellent honest appraisal.
Thanks Richard!
I find real world touring speeds are around 50 - 55 mph if you want to see the scenic views of the places your traveling through .I considered this bike as I have to downsize due to age a health reasons & needed a lighter bike .I only travel down motorways as a last resort for the odd few sections at around 70 mph & find this bike far too revvy at that speed .Also I don’t do any heavy off roading the odd cinder or hard gravel / Earth track is the most I ever get to off roading .I don’t need the wire spoked wheels ,& find the cast wheels & tubeless tires easier to repair with a simple string plug to get me on my way .I chose the Suzuki V strom 250 only 25 HP top speed of 85 mph although revvy not as revvy as the Versys as it’s engine is slightly long stroke .The other reason I chose the little 250 V strom is it was an ex demonstrator with less than 1000 miles on clock & still looked factory mint condition ,from a reputable dealer I have had bikes off before .Although a demonstrator the bike had been run in properly & always with supervised test rides & runs like a Swiss watch .Its a Suzuki & I never had one new or old break down on me ,only the odd puncture .I got the bike for a very good price fully serviced & with a guarantee .As for the BMW GS 300 I wouldn’t give one garage space ,at any price .The 300 Versys is a bit more off road focused than the 25O v strom & has the more suitable spoked wheels ,But for my purposes which is mainly local runs ,& the odd short adventure / tours of around 200 miles daily riding on A & B roads ,with the odd section of motorway ,the Suzuki suits me the best & has a good fuel range & economy .A good honest review of the Versys 300 👍
Very good review. Just to say, as a x300 user, you won't destroy the engine at 9000 or 10000 rpm... It's totally reliable and following many x300 groups I haven't read about a broken engine...
Ok
Thanks for the nice review. Would love to see ur review of CB 500x
Well pavlin, I've now bought one! Absolutely love it. Seat lowered cause I'm small and softened. 76mpg.perfect for 90% of of general riding. Loow insurance, cheap road tax, yeah it revs a little too much on the highway. But remember who designed it... THE JAPANESE. it will be almost indestructible. Certainly one, if not the best bike I've ever owned, and I've owned a lot
Good, enjoy it!
Hi Pavlin, a interessting review. The Versys 300 seems to be the better alternative to the BMW 310. I guess, the high revs are not really a problem. Kawasaki is one of the best motor-builder in the world. To the topic "lightweight": My good old DR600 DAKAR has 45 hp and only 165 kg ... but of course no electronic gadgets. Ride safe, Hans
This is very true Hans, but today these are the lightweights. Anything else is above 200kg.
Saw one of these for the first time on the road the other day riding to work. Really good looking bike, I could see myself picking one up in a few years when they start showing up on the used market. The Kawi 300 engine is honestly pretty solid, one of my riding buddies has a Ninja 300 he takes on longer trips with our group and we've put a lot of miles on it with zero issues. I know it sounds bad to be revving it so high but the twins seem to hold up better than some of the smaller single cylinder bikes.
Good to know, but let's wait for a bit more miles on it.
U always saing: Travel lightweight. So I choosed this. After 2K km, it is amazing first bike. Thank you for all your videos. in 2 weeks going on it Thailand-Laos-Vietnam and back... will be fun :)
Happy to hear that!
Kawasaki now has a Ninja 400. Hopefully they will use that engine to make a Versys x 400 in the near future without an increase in overall weight. That might make it a better highway bike.
I hope so...
The Ninja 400 unfortunately is the same engine as the bigger Versys 650 but bored to 400cc instead. That means you don't get the advantages of a lighter engine. You just get a heavy crippled 650 really. Unless they develop a new 400 engine that is.
@@Sunrazor I doubt that is correct. The ninja a z 400's are lighter than the 300's they replaced. I believe the engine is totally new
Great video Pavlin, thanks for sharing with us all. Safe travels. 👍🇬🇧
Thanks 👍
I've been waiting for a review of this bike. Great!
Good. It was my pleasure to show you this bike!
Kawazaki Verzys Drei Hundred, I love it
Long Distance has NO problem. I just ran 1,500 km in 4 days on Northern Thailand and LOVE it.
BTW, BMW GS 310 could not catch up with the 300cc Versys-X
Good to know, thanks!
I have this motorcycle, along with a Triumph Tiger 800XRt and a Honda CB500X. I bought it because of its looks, especially in the green.
As you say, it revs very high, but after fitting a one tooth larger front sprocket the ride has improved, and I am happy with it now. I believe that any further increase will upset the gear position indicator, which is unfortunate because another tooth on the front sprocket would be perfect...
Good to know, thanks!
You should turn on your indicaters when you change lanes
Should I?
Awesome review, thank you for deciding to do smaller bikes! Good content and very honest and unbiased presentation, keep it up!
Thanks, I will!
I am a Versys X 300 owner and it is a great bike for city and twisty country roads. Just got mine so still breaking in the engine and have not run it up above 100 kph yet.
Good, enjoy your new toy!
Nice review, I’m enjoying this set of small capacity reviews.
Thanks!
I also own a Versys-X 300 as a second bike (my first is a V-Strom 1000) and love it. Kawasaki told me the rpm's are fine at 70 mph all day long and day after day. They said don't re-gear it like so many are. The Ninja 300 engine which it uses was meant to run at those rpm's with it's short stroke and other things.
Ok, and what you expect from Kawasaki to tell you...
Interesting they made it a parallel twin, assume for smoothness but with the power delivered over two smaller pistons come the ability to rev higher with less stress on the engine. I’m sure it would happily sit at 9k revs all day even if it’s screaming away, as the manufactures have well and truly ensured that redline matches the capabilities of the engine. But probably doesn’t sound very comfortable. You are used to your thumper Pavlin. 😀
Yes, you might be right, but for me even 9,000 sound like a lot. I always try to keep the rpm in the middle of the clock and it doesn't matter what bike or car. In this Kawa the middle is 7,500 rpm. My 50 cents...
Its a ninja 300 engine. They just retuned it, much cheaper than making a new from scratch
Love these reviews Pavlin, how have you access to so many bikes ?
Martin Fisker from what I read internally engine hasn't changed, all is due to different exhaust and airbox. Cycleworld (or motorcyclist?) did Dyno comparison with CRF 250 and Versys X 300 and VX makes more torque then CRF at any RPM. Torque curve is very flat that's why engine feels at home at different situations.
Yes, the used engine is same as Ninja300 and Z300. My daughter rides a Z300. To my opinion it is a perfect engine! Keeps enough power and torque at all revs (even above 9k, no problems...), light, reliable, comfortable in and out the city - couple of times we traveled without any problems together on that bike, I am 90 kg, she is above 60! Of course we didn't race... And most important advantage is the consumption - when it is group riding other guys fill the tanks almost twice more often than my doughter!
:-)
Good review: straight, simple and with an opinion at the end. Good job, thanks.
Hi I've just finished running in my new versys 650 which is good and I'm already thinking of 300 next bike when I'm much older and want lighter smaller bike it's amazing how good off road considering low pipes.. fellow American utuber has been in desert off road in places it shouldn't really be👍👍cheers from dave in england
Thanks for watching Dave!
A city scooter with pep! The high RPMs is a concern for fuel economy and highway use.
Good review,very helpful,thanks!
The owners of this bike seem satisfied. I have heard many owners of ancient Honda 125CB and more modern 125 Varadero assuring that these little bikes can ride very long time at high revs. Even my CRF 250L seems capable to log runs at almost max speed, though it is a monocylinder. This Kawasaki should very efficient. I feel very confident that it can endure long rides at high revs. As people wrote, the noise might be more an issue than the reliability.
Yes..Pavlin review proof that the Green machine honestly is the winner in its category..thnx man..
I honestly prefer the Honda. Even that the engine is not that powerful.
Motorcycle Adventures do you mean crf250l..?!
Every Kawasaki parallel-twin I've ever ridden had an RPM range at which it felt like it was really strained, followed by a Smooth Spot and it even higher RPM
My old Ninja 500R, sold as the GPZ 500 in Europe I believe, was smooth as glass at about a hundred miles per hour, and we'll over 7000 RPM
Hi Pavlin,
Nice Review. I own a Versys X300 in the Philippines. In my opinion this is a PERFECT bike for the roads and riding conditions here.
Very easy to maneuver, fast breakaway acceleration from scooters trikes and cars. All the fun on this bike is in the Higher Revs. In the 8 to 11K Revs range this bike screams and performs very well.
As I said the roads in the Philippines are not very good and many roads suddenly end and turns into off roads (dirt, gravel, rock, holes,etc). The X300 handles this perfectly until you get back onto pavement. Overall a very Fun Bike to ride in The Philippines.
Cheers!
Good to know, enjoy it and always ride safe!
Loved the review I’m a big Kawasaki fan I was looking at the versy 300 but like my klr650 to much so I think I will stay with that all the best keep up the great reviews and videos
Thank you Geoff! Ride safe!
yes! please do honda crf250l and rallye
Already did it, the video coming on Saturday 5th May.
Hello Pavlin. I saw almost all of your great videos. Keep going! You talk about protection, safety but I still miss something about ear protection. This is such an important topic but a lot of people don't care about it. Maybe you could do a video related to this?
In some of my videos I have explain about the ear plugs. I cannot just make a full video on that topic.
Versys X-300 has the same engine as the Ninja 300. Many ninja 300 owners rev their bikes to 12,000rpm all the time with no problems.
That engine was an update to the ninja 250cc engine and it is a very solid design. It came out in 2013 and many owners have 30-50,000km with no problems.
I know where the engine come from, but what many of you missed is that Kawasaki Ninja is not bike for long trips. These 12,000 rpm could be good for the track, for couple of minutes or an hour, but definitely not for all day on the highway. 30-50,000km without any problems....let go to 100,000 and than we can talk again...
Motorcycle Adventure You are right, that is why I ride mine only in the city as a commuter.
I rented a Ninja 500 twin in England. It doesn't have the engine characteristics I prefer, but I had fun 'bikepacking' on the country lanes.
Nice option thought...
Hi Pavlin my friend, thats gona be my next bike! Ride safe, ciao
Great, enjoy it!
Many thanks for doing the review, thumbs up!
You are welcome!
It has a spoked wheels. Funny and usefull bike.
Cant wait for Tenere 700 i think it will be real proper ADV bike.
Me too.
Belive it high RPMs are of no concern; the stroke on engine is only 49mm so at 9000 RPM pistons are moving slower than on your Tenere at 5000. And engine will last many thousands miles. There was a guy who did Iron Butt Rally on earlier version of that engine, 10 days 11,000mi
Than's why I never ride my Tenere on more than 4,500 rpm and still run well after more than 130,000km. For me in the middle of the RPM scale is where we have to keep our cruising line.
I understand we are the creatures of the habit, there are some things you can't easily to change.
Many years ago I had Ninja 250 which I used for commuting for 3 years and put 60000mi, no issues with engine. So I won't have issues with this one either, but hey everyone is different.
Are you planning to review SWM SuperDual and Royal Enfield Himalayan? They fit category perfectly, thanks!
Just to back it up with math: 300 engine has 49mm stroke and xt660 has 84mm. 9000*49/84=5250, 9000 RPM on Versys X is like 5250 on Tenere.
Factory gearing is quite low most of Versys-X/Ninja 300 owners switch front sprocket to 15t to reduce highway RPMs. Some also reduce rear sprocket size though it may cause some errors as rear ABS sensor is used for odometer/speedo.
I can tell you for sura that if I was riding my Tenere with 5,200 rpm it would not survive the mileage I have now 130,000 without any problems. What many of you missed is that Kawasaki Ninja is not bike for long trips. These 9,000 rpm could be good for the track, for couple of minutes or an hour, but definitely not for all day on the highway.
No plans to test those bikes, because they don't have dealers in Berlin.
Thank you for a very good and informative review!
Great review mate, thanks
Thanks for watching it!
I think is a great motorbike. Power/weight ratio is very good for long rides alone.
For many, yes.
Again great review!
Thanks!
Keep going... very informative... badi from Oman
Thanks Badi!
You touch in every point I'd like to know about it, very nice review!
Thanks!
Hi man, great reviews! I suggest reviewing the Suzuki Vstrom 250 next as well as the Tenere 250. Cheers!
No chance, they are not for sale in Germany.
Thank you for this video
You are welcome anytime!
Another great review.....thank you
Thanks!
Nice review. It seems like there is same engine as in 300cc Ninja. I am wondering about comparison 650cc Versys and Suzuki V-Storm
I cannot test the Suzuki, the dealer is very small in Berlin and they even don't have bikes for test ride.
I am not a big fan of all the plastic fairing panels, I know the reason behind the design but if I was a new rider, especially on dirt roads I would worry about damage.
Drop the bike a few times and it could damage the bike enough to make it unrideable, not always a deal breaker but just something to think about.
I will agree with you, but on the long trip the fairings are must.
Another great review! Very enjoyable thanks for the info
Glad it was helpful!
Hai when will you be test riding the royal enfield himalayan?? I have been waiting for a long time. Anyway you have been doing a great job with your reviews.
I cannot do it, because they haven't shop in Berlin, sorry!
I want this bike...but with there 650cc engine in! The 650 is a huge bike for what it is IMO.And the 1000cc is a Monster! Especially with all the luggage. Surprised to hear that you have to change gear more on your 660cc Single cylinder than this though?? Also that vibration is more on this bike, as the press did criticise your Yamaha for vibration. (who cares what they think?) I think you like simplicity of large cc single cylinder motorcycles.....like me :)
True, I really like the single cylinder very much.
Thanks for the review. Just thinking ... with the Ninja 400 out already, I wonder if they will come out with a Versys 400 X soon.
We will see...
The Z comes with a 400 as well. It's basically a naked Versys.
Hi there great idea for the new series of videos, are you going to review the Honda cb500x?
Yes, as longer they have it in the shop.
Hi Pavlin. Thanks for your great reviews. Did you manage to do a review of the Suzuki V Strom 250? I am looking at buying that bike as my first machine. Perhaps you could make a video if not. Cheers
Not yet!
Thank you for this look over small machines. I guess that two cylinder engine has better results regarding emissions than singles and, in my opinion, the profit is better for manufacture if the engine can be used on differents types of bikes. Which is more easy to do with twins than singles. Just have a look over the endless use of CB 500 by Honda...
Once again, Pavlin, thank you for your very good chanel!
Thanks for taking time and watching it Olivier!
This bike is designed to be comfortable in high rpm don't worry about the high rpm.
Maybe...
No really! The engine's comfort zone is the high rpm. The engine is the same as the Ninja 300 (just with different ecu and other settings). Check out other reviews and information online this is fact. People always tell new riders to the Versys 300 that "the high rpm is normal don't worry." Your bike didn't shake or vibrate violently even if it was high rpm, right?
One criticism of this bike is that it's too loud and buzzy even at low speed (high rpm). It's not your typical thumper dual sport/adventure bike.
Enjoyed your review on the Versys and the G310GS. While not an adventure bike I would appreciate your thoughts on the KTM 390 Duke?
I will do it when I have the chance.
Hvala! Very objective review !!!
Thanks!
Thanks for the video(s) and, above all, your honest assessments. Very rare stuff these days, congratulations.
Do you think the Versys 300 could manage a passenger, structure wise (pegs, etc) and engine-wise?
Greetings from Portugal!
Thanks man! I think that it is not exactly for passenger, but why not?
It's not really a touring bike. 300cc is just not enough. I ride a Versys 650 and I already think that is bit high in RPM sometimes while covering longer distances. I think this Versys 300 is a great machine to start riding on. Cheap, easy handling, reliable and fun. I think it will sell like hot cakes. Especially for the A2 license (
True
HI SIR, VERY INTERESTING THE PRESENTATION. THE SAME TYPE WITH SMALLER CC VERSYS 250, ALREADY USED ON 30.000 KM TOURING FROM JAKARTA/INDONESIA TO LONDON/UK, BY MR. STEPHEN LANGITAN, INDONESIAN SOLO RIDER. THE BIKE WAS QUITE EXCELLENT, EASY TO RIDE BOTH HI WAY AND RURAL ROAD, AND GOOD MANEUVER ON THE TURNING HILL SITE AND ECONOMIC RIDING COST. HAVE A JOY RIDE, KAWASAKI....TWO THUMB UP.
Great review again! I only wish it would be longer test, and more on gravel/ dirt roads. How about review of NC750X? :)
I cannot test any bike off road. These are test bikes from the shop. I might try NC 750 soon.
Motorcycle Adventures Wow, thanks for fast reply! Even better, test Suzuki V-Strom 650 or BMW Xchallenge or Husq 701 :) Keep the good work and living your dream, greets from Balkans.
thanks for the review
My pleasure!
As long as you break the motor in right. Change the oil with the best oil you can buy. You can ride these things at just below the redline all day long with no worries.
I am not so sure about that, but okay.
Those are cool little bikes !!
great review, thanks a lot!
Thanks!
Do you think that a smaller rear sprocket will help bring the revs down at higher speed but still give enough power in lower gears?
Definitely will bring down the rews on the high speed, but you will lose a power on the lower gears.
I got my versys back in June one of the best bike I have owned I ride it every day and love it got 62000 km on it I like the engine as keeps me at 100 km per hour just nice but will sit on 120 OK thinks for the review
Thanks for watching James!
Very good review! Waiting for the Honda cb500x review! Looking to buy one but in Romania the Honda idiotic dealer does not have one for test ride.
I hope they will have one here.
Very Nice!! What about Honda CB500 X?
Renato Figueiredo that l think is a great bike...my son has a cb500n and its about the same as the X version. Beautiful to ride and l think you get a lot of bike for your money.
It is in my list, as linger they have it in the shop.
Renato Figueiredo
I plan to do an around the world trip on the cb500x, I'll add the rally raid conversion kit and then it's off to China, and Vietnam and all that good stuff.. 👍👌😁
Hello!
Will you make a test ride on Suzuki V-Strom 250cc?
Thank you!
No, I cannot, no test bike in Berlin.
I believe Honda made a 6 cylinder 250 cc racing motor once , reved to 15000 rpm .
This is different type of motorcycle.
Nice video Pavlin.Recently watched your video on the BMW G310GS.However in my country the Versys X comes with 250cc engine so it is hard to compare with the GS.I think the 300cc on this bike solved the torque that the 250 lacks.
Hm, interesting to hear that. Where are you from?
Motorcycle Adventures I'm from Malaysia.In South East Asia the versys x 250 is the model available.Anyway any versys 250 care to comment on their experience.
Like you I didn't like the high RPM's I would of thought that if Kawasaki and BMW would make high RPM engines they would of just went with two strokes. I decided when it comes time to buy a different bike it will probably be a 650-800 lower RPM and higher torque. I don't like having to choke a motorcycle around the neck demanding performance, it makes me feel like I'm on a sport bike.
Exactly!
I want to get the 2019 CB500X but having trouble, they said May 15 but now May 18, if not hear by the 21 will be going to the Kawasaki dealer and try to make a deal on the Versys 300. The only thing is not use to high rev. engines.
Please Review Suzuki 250 V Strom... Thanks
Wjhen I have the chance!
Nice review - what city are you doing the review ?
Berlin, Germany.
I've noticed this about your reviews...you review a bike to you and your needs...you should be reviewing a bike to the bikes designe and its market.
I have to ask if you understand how big bore short stroke engines work? Its designed specifically to cruise at 9 to 10 thousand rpm. These engines will run a few hundred thousand kilometers no problem if proper maintenance is done.
Of course the reviews are my point of you, what you expect? I know how they are design to work, but I also know that usually this engines are use for sport bikes. To twist the throttle for a short period of time. To travel with something like this is different story.
@@motorcycleadventures because if you rate a motorcycle based on how it works for you instead of how good the bike is what does your review mean to me? Do you have a bad knee so an aggressive riding position is uncomfortable for you? Your friends know that so they understand that when you give your opinion, I however don't.
Does the sound of a high reviving engine make you cringe? If so then you'll say the engine is revs to high...but that's an opinion not a review.
I'm shocked that I have to tell you the difference between a review and an opinion and far to often we get "reviews" on TH-cam then at the end say "well that's just my opinion".
A good review gives facts, both good and bad, then at the end gives their opinion on it normally explaining why they have that opinion. Your giving opinions wrapped as if facts...that's the problem.
As for the engine turning 9000rpm for long periods of time a short Google search will show you that this bike has excellent reliability...so ya...it will last.
BMW is not the best bike in the world, its only German propaganda and price. I fully agree with this review and additionally this bike looks very good. I would not be afraid of rpm. Twin engine is a little bit different from single cylinder engine and is much more flexible. From my experience for long trips you have to buy minimum 500 ccm motorbike (better twin than single-work culture).
I will agree that the 500-700cc is the better compromise between weight and engine power.
Moto Troter BMW's are pretentious crap.
BMW builds motorcycles because Mercedes doesn't.
Great bike like the review. Will you try the Italian-cinese bikes Swm and Benelli or are they too big
I cannot find them in Berlin. I love to test it, but...
Which gloves are these?
But how it works on off-road???
No idea, never rode it off road.
I don't know if you already had the chance to test the Zontes 310T2X, but if you did, could you compare it to the Versys 300? Thankyou Pavel.
No, not yet.
very good review. Will you make a review of Honda cb500x ? 🙏
Yes, very soon.
A useful review. Thank you. Unfortunately, as I'm even taller and heavier than you, it seems unsuitable for me. Pity. 😕
Definitely not for tall people.
Awesome bike. I bought the adventure model with paniers etc. I put on a lightweight pipe, removed the emisions rubbish, new air filter, added a power commander and had it tuned on a dyno and its so much fun. Yes, its a high revving engine but it loves it. Suspension is well balanced and on the tight twisty stuff its a laugh a minute. Every time I sit on it I smile.
Great!
Which better versys 300 or royal enfield himalayan?
What do you want your bike to do? RE is a better off road bike (not by a whole lot in my opinion) but Kawasaki is a better everything bike.
If I could only have 1 bike I'd take the Kawasaki...but, my next bike (I have a ST1100) I want more off road oriented so it will be the RE or the KLR and I'm leaning towards the latter.
Thank you for an interesting and informative review. It would be great to see you review Royal Enfield Himalayan and Zongshen RX3 if those bikes are available in your country :-)
I cannot, no dealers in Berlin.
Rice review sir.. How about the throttle response at all rev range? Is it accurate and smooth?
Apart from the rock hard seat it is a good machine - except it has been designed for getting the most HP out of the diminutive engine, rather than cruising comfort and decent gearing. The tiny stroke means Kawasaki had to attain all the torque very close to max rpm. That makes this bike grossly under-geared. Very entertaining for quick bursts of energy but incredibly tiring to hear that engine screaming away on longer journeys. It won't harm the engine much but for long distances you'd need an aftermarket softer seat and much higher geared sprockets as the alternative is to rev the pants of it permanently. In all other respects it's a great little bike.
Like any bike it has some pros and cons...
This bike is a piece of crap. Don't buy it. Why? Because you won't find anything to upgrade to!!! It's got everything I really need. An amazing quickshifter, great gas mileage, awesome suspension (even though I lowered mine since I just city ride), upright seating position, super light, hauls arse in town, revs to the moon without breaking speed limit too badly, reliable, doesn't vibrate annoyingly, can maintain 85 or so on the freeway... So now what, well, I want something that is a bit better at 75-95mph speed range easier... Great. Good luck finding anything that is lightweight, has great handling characteristics fast and slow, has an amazing quick shifter (UP AND DOWN), light clutch, great gas mileage, with something worth more than just power to upgrade to. Like cruise control... Wish I just bought a ninja, then I could just be ignorant.
Agree, this bike is practically a do-it-all have-it-all right off the showroom floor aside from personal add-ons and mods.
Are you going to do a review on the NC750X ? I would be interested in your opinion of the DCT version. I have one and love it, have been making beautiful trips through the Black Forest with it and really like the DCT... In your reviews can you maybe mentikn adventure bike specific things like, how long before the seat starts to become uncomfortable, how is the handling affected by heavy luggage, can tires be fixed easy by side of the road (tube versus tubeless), how easy to do fixing by the road side (for instance are spark plugs easy accessible or not etc)
Oh, and how easy is it to fuel up with luggage strapped down ? (The main disadvantage of my NC750X, fuel under passenger seat)
Ok, if I have it for test will try to cover these questions.