Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Review (2025) India’s Surprise Understated Explorer
Searching for a Japanese-reliable high-revving tourer? Read the 2025 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 review. Price, performance, features & touring tips for Indian bikers.
THE SILENT WARRIOR RETURNS
In an era where motorcycles yell with over-the-top design and feature-laden instrument clusters, Kawasaki quietly dropped a bombshell in 2025. No flashy launch events. No yelling advertisements. Just a quiet reintroduction of the Versys-X 300 to the Indian ADV market — and those who do, realize this bike is special.
Once discontinued and fondly remembered by adventure enthusiasts, the Versys-X 300 has been reimagined in India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). It competes with the likes of the Himalayan 450, KTM 390 Adventure, and the Yezdi Adventure. But whereas those machines make a noise, the Versys-X 300 prefers to glide by them.silently and assuredly.
So, what justifies this adventure bike at almost 3.80 lakh (ex-showroom)? Let’s hit to the road and explore.
BUILD QUALITY and FEATURES: BUILT LIKE A BULLETPROOF BACKPACK
Kawasaki’s reputation for dependability is apparent right from the start. The Versys-X 300 is not only well-built; it’s built to tackle.. With a sturdy tubular diamond-type frame, long-travel suspension, and spoke wheels, it provides the sort of toughness you’d come to anticipate from an upscale Japanese brand.
Key Features:
19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels — perfect for harsh roads
Long-travel telescopic front and Uni-Trak rear suspension
Assist and slipper clutch for easier downshifts
Analogue-digital instrument cluster (no TFT, but clear and easy to read)
Dual-channel ABS
But sure, we hear you — halogen headlamps in 2025? That’s like a floppy disk in a MacBook age. But the lighting is still good and reliable, just not flashy.
PERFORMANCE: REVS THAT SING, MILES THAT FLY
Propelling this tourer is a 296cc liquid-cooled parallel twin — the same unit used in the previous Ninja 300. It makes 39 hp at 11,500 rpm and 25.7 Nm at 10,000 rpm. That may not sound impressive in a world obsessed with torque-rich singles, but believe us, this motor adores the redline.
Why It Works:
Smooth top-end power delivery ideal for freeway touring
Quick throttle response and low vibrations, even at 120 km/h
6-speed transmission that’s smooth and precise
It’s not a drag bike, but on a ride from Delhi to Spiti, it will cruise happily all day without theatrics.
SAFETY FEATURES: BECAUSE ADVENTURE SHOULDN’T MEAN RISK
Adventure riding is uncertain. Kawasaki’s dual-disc braking system with ABS gives stable stops whether on dirt or a slick urban road. Slipper clutch avoids rear-wheel hopping during aggressive downshifting.
Safety Highlights
Dual-channel ABS – standard and effective
High-mounted windscreen for reduced fatigue and better visibility
Excellent upright posture that promotes better road awareness
CAPABILITIES: GO WHERE THE ROAD ENDS
The Versys-X 300 isn’t a hardcore off-roader. But it’s a soft-roader with serious guts. It’ll take on broken tarmac, loose gravel, and long-distance highways like a seasoned veteran.
Real-World Scenarios:
Highway touring: Rock-solid stability at triple-digit speeds
City riding: Surprisingly nimble with smooth clutch action
Mild trails: Long-travel suspension and ground clearance handle the task
And, of course, it packs a 17-litre tank. That’s more than 350 km of real-world touring range.
PRICE and AVAILABILITY: THE COST OF JAPANESE PEACE OF MIND
Ex-showroom India Price: ₹3.80 lakh
On-road Delhi: Approx. ₹4.27 lakh
Yes, it’s pricey. But it’s also a CBU import, so quality control is the highest. Now on sale at Kawasaki dealerships, available in:
Candy Lime Green Type 3, Metallic Flat Spark Black
Metallic Ocean Blue / Pearl Robotic White
PROS and CONS: THE NITTY-GRITTY
Pros:
High-revving and refined twin-cylinder engine
Excellent fuel economy with large fuel tank
Good for long-distance riding
Light and forgiving for new riders
Excellent build quality
Cons:
No LED headlight or contemporary electronics
Tube-type tyres (less convenient to repair on the move)
Pricier than more feature-packed competitors Limited off-road capability
FINAL VERDICT: FOR THE RIDER WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY WANT
The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 isn’t going to be everything to all people. It’s not here to win spec sheet wars. It’s here for the adventure rider who appreciates smoothness, reliability, and long-distance comfort more than ego trips.
If you need a no-frills, dependable bike that’ll take you from Mumbai to Manali and still be going like a top, this is your ride.
“Fine, it doesn’t have riding modes or Bluetooth. But it’ll take you there and back. Twice. Without breaking a sweat.”
This isn’t just a bike. It’s a road partner. The Versys-X 300 returns, and for those who actually ride, it never left.
FAQs
Q2: Is the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 suitable for touring? A: Yes, the Versys-X 300 is great for touring due to its twin-cylinder engine, long-travel suspension, and 17-litre fuel tank that provides a longer range.
Q3: Is Kawasaki Versys-X 300 equipped with ABS? A: Yes, it is equipped with standard dual-channel ABS for enhanced braking stability on and off-road.
Q4: What is Kawasaki Versys-X 300 mileage? A: The Versys-X 300 provides actual mileage of approximately 25-28 km/l, with a range of over 350 km on a full tank.
Q5: How does Versys-X 300 fare against KTM 390 Adventure?
A: Though the KTM 390 Adventure has more electronics, the Versys-X 300 excels in engine finesse, reliability, and effortless highway cruising.
Q6: Is the Versys-X 300 appropriate for new riders? A: Yes, it is light (179 kg), has an easy power band, and is equipped with rider-friendly options such as an assist and slipper clutch.
