Kawasaki Unveils Versys 300: A New Contender in Adventure Biking
Introduction to the Versys 300
In response to the growing competition in India's adventure biking market, Kawasaki has introduced the Versys 300, a fresh addition to its Versys lineup. This motorcycle will compete with established models like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the KTM 390 Adventure. Given the Versys brand's strong reputation in the motorcycle industry, this new model is expected to meet market demands effectively.
Pricing and Color Options
The Versys 300 is priced at ₹2.85 lakh ex-showroom, with another variant available at ₹2.98 lakh. Customers can choose from two color options: Candy Lime Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black and Pearl Horizon White.
Design and Comfort Features
The design of the Versys 300 mirrors that of its global counterpart, featuring a tall windscreen and a fuel tank designed for comfortable long-distance rides. To minimize wind resistance, the bike is equipped with a semi-fairing.
Specifications and Features
The Versys 300 boasts 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoked wheels, with a ground clearance of 180mm and a kerb weight of 185kg. Its riding triangle has been optimized for comfort during extended highway journeys, featuring mid-set footpegs and raised handlebars, making it suitable for both touring and off-road adventures.
Additional features include an assist slipper clutch, dual throttle valves, and an economical riding mode indicator. The bike shares its engine with the Ninja 300, featuring a 296cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine that produces approximately 40 PS of power and 26 Nm of torque. The suspension setup includes conventional telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, complemented by dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety.
Comparison with Competitors
| Comparison | Kawasaki Versys 300 | KTM 250 Adventure | Himalayan 450 | Royal Enfield Scram 440 | KTM Enduro R | KTM Adventure 390 |
| Price | ₹3.80 lakh | ₹2,59,850 ex-showroom | ₹2,85,000 to ₹2,98,000 | ₹2.08 to ₹2.15 lakh | ₹3,36,500 | ₹3.41 to ₹3.64 lakh |
| Power | 296cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine, 40 PS | 249.07cc engine, 31 PS @ 9250 RPM | 452cc engine, 40.02 PS @ 8000 RPM | 25.4 PS | 45.37 bhp @ 8500 RPM | 43.5 PS |
| Torque | 26 Nm | 25 Nm @ 7250 RPM | 40 Nm @ 5500 RPM | 34 Nm | 39 Nm @ 6500 RPM | 37 Nm |
| Suspension | Front: Telescopic fork, 41 mm, 130 mm travel | WP APEX USD forks, 43 mm, 200 mm travel Rear: WP APEX Monoshock, adjustable for preload |
Showa USD 43mm forks, 7.9 in wheel travel Rear: Showa Monoshock with linkage |
Inverted forks/Monoshock | 43mm WP Apex open cartridge fork, 230 mm travel Rear: WP Apex separate piston shock absorber |
WP Apex Suspension inverted, open cartridge forks |