Kawasaki India has reintroduced the Versys‑X 300 adventure‑touring bike, positioning it in the ₹3.79–3.80 lakh ex‑showroom bracket (Delhi) for the 2025 model year. Rarely do sub-300 cc bikes command such a premium, making this relaunch notable not only for its price but also for Kawasaki’s strategy.
🔧 Engine & Performance: Smooth Twin Power
At the heart of the Versys‑X 300 lies a 296 cc liquid‑cooled parallel‑twin—essentially a tuned version of the Ninja 300 mill. Now compliant with OBD‑2B emission norms, it delivers around 40 hp and 25.7 Nm of torque. High-revving and refined, this engine stands out in a segment dominated by single‑cylinder rivals, promising buttery smoothness and a distinctive twin-cylinder note rarely found in this class.
Power is routed through a 6‑speed gearbox equipped with assist‑and‑slipper clutch, aiding in smooth upshifts and controlled downshifts—a boon for touring and spirited rides alike. This combo gives riders a potent blend of nimble city commuting and confident highway cruising—a rare trait at this displacement.
🧭 Chassis & Ride Quality: Comfort Meets Capability
Built on a backbone high‑tensile steel frame, the Versys‑X 300 features a 17‑litre fuel tank and an upright riding posture, complemented by a comfortable single‑piece seat. Suspension duties are handled by a telescopic fork (130 mm travel) up front and a link‑type monoshock (148 mm travel) at the rear, achieving a solid 180 mm ground clearance.
The bike rolls on classic adventure dimensions — a 19‑inch front and 17‑inch rear spoked wheels, shod with tubed dual‑purpose tyres. While the tubed tyres may seem a step behind modern tubeless setups, they maintain a traditional rugged charm, ready for mild off-road challenges.
Ground clearance, comfortable ergonomics, and adequate suspension travel give the Versys‑X a commanding presence both on tarmac and broken trails. Kawasaki has aptly marketed it as a lightweight yet capable tourer.
🛡 Brakes, Safety & Instrumentation
Stopping power comes from a 290 mm front disc and a 220 mm rear disc, both with dual‑piston calipers. Dual‑channel ABS is standard—a necessary safety inclusion.
Instrumentation is minimal yet functional: a digi‑analogue console featuring an analogue tachometer, digital speedo, gear indicator, and warning lights. While lacking TFT screens or smartphone connectivity, it delivers essential information simply and clearly EVO India. Halogen lighting adds a classic feel, even if LED tech is becoming the norm.
🎨 Design & Colour Options
Drawing cues from its larger Versys siblings, the X‑300 gets a bold adventure silhouette: high front fender, tall windscreen, sporty side fairings, upswept exhaust, and a sturdy grab rail and carrier hooks at the rear.
Available in two attractive paint schemes—Candy Lime Green with Matte Black, and Metallic Ocean Blue with Pearl White—the aesthetics are striking, giving it a premium and ready‑for‑adventure look.
💰 Price & Competition: Justified or Overpriced?
At ₹3.79–3.80 lakh (ex‑showroom), the Versys‑X 300 sits above its closest competition: the KTM 390 Adventure (₹2.92–3.03 lakh) and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (₹2.85–2.98 lakh). While pricier, Kawasaki justifies this premium through twin‑cylinder refinement, higher build quality, and CBU (completely built unit) import status.
Autocar India notes it’s about ₹12,000 costlier than the KTM 390 Adventure, but highlights the X‑300’s unique multi‑cylinder engine as a key differentiator.
🏁 Pros & Cons: What to Consider
✅ Strengths:
- Smooth & refined parallel‑twin engine
- Light (around 179 kg kerb), easy to handle
- Comfortable ergos and adventure‑ready suspension
- Premium equipment and brand assurance
⚠️ Limitations:
- Higher price point versus rivals
- Lacks modern tech like TFT, ride modes, or quickshifter
- Tubed wheels—less convenient than tubeless
- Halogen lights and basic instrument console
📈 Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Versys‑X 300?
The Versys‑X 300 stands out as a unique offering in the entry-level adventure category. It caters to riders who prioritize engine smoothness, comfortable touring, and premium feel over sheer feature-packed value. Kawasaki’s reputation, the reliable twin-cylinder motor, and touring comfort make it ideal as a second bike or a commuter for weekend adventures.
If you crave structured adventure with a distinctive engine feel and don’t mind paying a premium, the Versys‑X 300 is a compelling choice. For those chasing raw value, tech features, or off-road dominance, the KTM 390 Adventure or Himalayan 450 might be more appealing.
🏍️ Final Thoughts
Kawasaki’s reintroduction of the Versys‑X 300 in 2025 proves there’s still enthusiasm for lightweight, twin-cylinder ADV bikes. With its ₹3.8 lakh tag, it might polarize opinions—but the overall package is cohesive, well-rounded, and true to Kawasaki’s adventure identity.
Whether you’re a beginner seeking a reliable adventure tourer or an experienced rider fond of refined ride dynamics, the Versys‑X 300 deserves serious consideration.
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