2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS Review

2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS
2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS

 

2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS
2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS

 

2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS
2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS

 

2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS
2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS

 



 

2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS Review

 

2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS on www.Totalmotorcycle.com

 

THE NEW VERSYS®-X 300 ABS, WHERE EVERY HIGHWAY HAS POTENTIAL FOR EXCITEMENT .

 

The setting sun and crashing waves paint a picture of bliss as you sit roadside enjoying the view. Your motorcycle is the key to adventure and adventure knows no bounds. It has no limitations or deadline, no cubical or conference calls. Where you’re going now, well that’s yet to be determined. Just man and machine, enjoying the limitless world.

 

The Kawasaki Versys® motorcycle family is designed for adventure-style touring. Introducing the new, nimble, easy to maneuver and low-investment, the 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS.

 

Versatile, capable and comfortable, the Versys-X 300 motorcycle is the new entry-level model in the award-winning lineup and Kawasaki is excited to encourage a new generation of motorcyclists set on making their own adventures.

 

The 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300:
” A unique combination of long-travel suspension capability and Ninja® sportbike power
” Upright riding comfort, versatile suspension, agile handling and plenty of power to tackle the freeways
” Lightweight
” Low seat height

 

Designed to be the ideal travel partner, the Versys-X 300 is built for adventure. Having a compact and responsive, ninja-derived 296cc twin cylinder engine makes it one of a kind. Sporty and nimble handling comes thanks to a lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension. Whether commuting or long distance riding, the Versys-X 300 is your ticket to adventure.

 


ANY ROAD ANY TIME

 

The “any roads” Versys X 300 combines big bike adventure styling with small machine running costs. Long travel suspension, wide reach bars and a low seat aid the manoeuvrability of the twin cylinder machine while genuine accessories meet adventure or city commuting needs.

 

At 296cc, the Versys-X 300 is the smallest-displacement model in the adventure-touring category. It offers the best comfort and convenience of any sub-300cc model, as you’d expect from a bike designed to be the ideal travel partner.

 

Not only is it light and nimble, but with the narrow chassis and low seat height, it’s an ideal motorcycle for new riders-The Versys-X 300 offers easy access to motorcycle adventuring. With a relaxed upright seating position, front fairing and windscreen, sporty and nimble handling, it’s also an ideal motorcycle for a variety of riding conditions. From the rough paved roads, to the morning commute, the Versys-X 300 is an easy-to-ride motorcycle that makes adventure-style motorcycling more accessible than ever before.

 

A unique package, the adventure-style Versys-X 300 motorcycle offers convenience and comfort as the first touring capable machine in its displacement category. The Versys-X 300 is categorized as a “Multi Purpose Adventure Touring on Road” bike and is the entry model to the Versys family.

 

The all-new Versys®-X 300 is a lightweight, nimble, adventure-style motorcycle that ensures every road has the potential for excitement.

 

 

STYLE
The Versys-X 300, while the youngest in the family of Versys motorcycles, sets itself apart from the rest in many ways. It’s not only a lightweight, capable machine, but it also features a rough-road adventure style and rugged look.

 

The front cowling is long and tall with a chin spoiler in the bottom section. This design is meant to be equal parts functional and stylish, aiding in the adventure look, while maintaining ample wind protection. Air ducts positioned under headlights also reduce hot air buildup inside the cowl, a simple engineering design that increases comfort and helps reduce riding temperature. Large side openings in the side panels offer an efficient place for hot air to be released from the radiator.

 

The 4.5-gallon fuel tank contributes to the adventure-style image and function while maintaining a slim design. The Versys-X 300 features a 19-inch front aluminum rim and a 17-inch rear aluminum rim, both with steel spokes.

 

The large two-up seat features excellent comfort and load-bearing qualities with a seat cover carefully stitched from multiple pieces, creating a premium feel on par with more expensive models.

 

It wouldn’t be a Versys without a rear carrier with easy to use grips and strap hooks for adding luggage. A wide variety of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories will be offered to take the Versys-X 300 even further, and to help riders create a personalized motorcycle that meets their needs.

 

 

ENGINE
” The 296cc parallel-twin engine offers strong low-to mid-range acceleration and high rpm power
The Versys-X 300 motorcycle utilizes the proven performance of its liquid-cooled 296cc parallel-twin engine, which is tuned to deliver strong low- and mid-range torque for crisp throttle response, as well as excellent power on the open road. Much of its prowess can be attributed to its advanced digital fuel injection, which helps manage cold starting while providing excellent throttle response. The Versys-X 300 features a unique slim exhaust design that keeps the header pipes close to the engine, for added protection against the elements. The exhaust piping is also unique to the Versys-X 300 motorcycle, helping to produce low and mid-range torque characteristics best suited for an adventure-style touring model. It also means easy-to-manage power delivery and added ground clearance. Further aiding in the adventure styling and capability is a right-side mounted muffler that helps keep heat away from the passenger.

 

The radiator features a unique fan cover that helps direct hot air out and under the motorcycle, reducing heat to the rider and passenger. An optimal air cleaner box shape and intake duct layout are designed based on Kawasaki engineers’ airflow analysis. This produces great low- to mid-range power and reduces noise

 

 

CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION
” Assist & Slipper clutch
” Closed gear ratios
The six-speed sequential transmission features a positive neutral finder, making it a cinch to select neutral when stopped. A premium FCC clutch with assist and slipper functions reduces lever effort. The Versys-X 300 motorcycle features revised friction area for the assist and slipper clutch spring rate and lever ratio. This expands clutch control range, and facilitates moving off from a start, resulting in a clutch with a light pull and easy feel.

 

The Versys-X 300 features gear ratios ideal for adventure-style riding with a shorter final reduction ratio. This produces optimized balance between fuel consumption and power feeling and improved low-mid range feel and response.

 

 

CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
The high-tensile, highly rigid backbone pipe frame, with great capability to handle rough paved roads, was built to handle high stress, but the construction plays an important role in simultaneously producing a lightweight motorcycle. The frame features a simplified construction with thin brackets and lightening holes. Another major engineering target was a capable front-end feeling, which contributes to rider confidence

 

The engine is used as a stress member of the frame further increasing the strength while keeping it low weight.

 

Out back is a long-stroke, bottom-linkage Uni-Trak® suspension with gas-charged mono-shock and adjustable preload. This helps ensure handling stability and allows riders to touch down with ease, increasing comfort.

 

The rear shock mount and rear section of the frame were built with increased amounts of bracketing and surface area, in order to increase the rigidity. This allows for more durability and increased suspension action.

 

Up front you’ll find long-travel 41mm Showa forks. The forks aid in great front-end feel and provide comfort on various roads. A major bonus for the Versys-X 300 is its wide steering angle which assists in low speed maneuverability and overall usability. When designing the Versys-X 300, the front suspension was an important part in terms of form and function, with great care taken into making the front suspension fit the adventure look from handlebar to axle.

 

The 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 motorcycle is available with and without ABS.

 

 

 

 


 

2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS www.Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

 

• UPRIGHT RIDING POSITION PROVIDES ABUNDANT COMFORT BOTH IN THE CITY AND ON THE OPEN ROAD
• PARALLEL TWIN CYLINDER ENGINE TUNED FOR WIDE RANGE OF RIDING CONDITIONS
• ASSIST AND SLIPPER CLUTCH HAS LIGHT PULL AND IS EASY TO USE
• FULL-SIZE PHYSIQUE FOR A LIGHTWEIGHT STREET BIKE
• AVAILABLE WITH ABS AND MANY KAWASAKI GENUINE ACCESSORIES

 

 




 

 

2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS www.Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

 

ENGINE
The Versys-X 300 uses the Ninja® 300 engine as a base, with intake and exhaust tuning tweaks that provide better low and mid-range power characteristics more suitable to an adventure bike while maintaining a smooth top-end for comfortable highway riding
Parallel Twin Engine
Strong low- to mid-range torque makes it easy to pull away from a stop.
Optimum airbox shape and intake duct enhance engine performance. The airbox is also slim and compact which contributes to a slimmer overall chassis width allowing riders to touch their feet to the ground more easily.
Light pistons help boost performance at all rpm.
A lower compression ratio helps reduce piston temperatures so that the Versys-X 300 runs on regular gasoline.
Oil jets spray the pistons, which have grooves to help direct the oil to the entire underside of each piston, to aid piston cooling.
Short piston pins help reduce reciprocating mass to maintain high-revving engine character.
Open-deck sleeveless aluminum die-cast cylinder with T-treatment(KP) plated cylinder bores is light and increases heat dissipation.
Crankcase design features a large-volume, finned oil pan that increases cooling performance.
Equipped with a spin-on oil filter for easy maintenance.

 

Digital Fuel Injection (DFI®)(KP)
DFI provides easy starting, smooth idling, increased performance and better fuel mileage.
Equipped with dual throttle valves(KP) for optimum performance and rideabilty. Sub-throttles, located before the main throttle valves in the throttle bore, are controlled by the ECU to precisely control airflow for natural, linear throttle response.

 

Tuned Exhaust System
Exhaust header tucks close to the engine and helps enhance low and mid-range power for adventure-style riding.
Large-diameter header pipes and center pipe help boost top-end power.
Complex cross-section muffler provides appropriate volume to meet sound regulations and allows good lean angle for cornering. The short, compact design also helps centralize mass.

 

ENGINE CONTINUED
Assist & Slipper Clutch(KP)
Using the rotational forces of the clutch hub and pressure plate, the clutch is forced together during acceleration (Assist function) so that fewer and lighter clutch springs can be used for a lighter feel at the lever. During high back-torque, such as when too low of gear is selected, the Slipper function allows some clutch slippage to help prevent engine lock-up and stalling, and rear-wheel hop.

 

Six-Speed Transmission
Roller-type shift drum provides smooth actuation and great shift feel.
Short final gearing enhances low- to mid-range power feel and response.

 

Kawasaki Air Management System (KAMS)(KP)
A cover for the fan at the rear of the radiator directs hot air down to the ground below the engine to help keep it away from the rider and fuel tank for increased rider comfort, especially when idling at a stop.

 

Positive Neutral Finder(KP)
Just lift the shift lever from first gear at a stop to easily select neutral.
An exclusive Kawasaki user-friendly feature.

 

CHASSIS
Rigid Frame
Specifically designed for the Versys-X 300, the new frame provides increased capability to handle rough paved roads.
Simplified construction and strategically-placed thinner brackets and lightening holes contribute to a low overall weight.
Designed to provide ample front-end feel for rider reassurance.
Uses the rigidly-mounted engine as a stressed member for added stiffness and weight reduction.
The frame was kept slim beneath the seat to help reduce the rider’s reach to touch the ground.

 

SUSPENSION
Long-Stroke Suspension
41mm front fork is 4mm larger than that on the Ninja 300 and has 10mm more travel for increased capability on rough paved roads.
Front fork conveys excellent feedback for a more reassuring ride.
17mm hollow front axle adds to front end rigidity and stability while reducing weight.
Bottom-link Uni-Trak® rear suspension is also tuned for rough paved roads and contributes to ride comfort.
Long swingarm contributes to handling and riding stability.

 

Wheels/Tires
19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels with lightweight aluminum rims.
Multi-purpose tires add a strong adventure-style image.

 

Available ABS
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) helps assist braking under certain conditions.
New Bosch 9.1M control unit provides more precise electronic management and is more compact to save space and weight.
Revised ABS settings match the lighter chassis.

 

Adventure Styling
Rugged design features rally bike styling.
Imposing styling also gives the impression of a bike with much larger engine.
Upper cowl epitomizes aggressive Kawasaki style and is topped with a large windscreen to enhance riding comfort. Air ducts below the headlight helps reduce hot air build up inside the cowl in warm weather.
Side cowl has large opening for efficient heat dissipation from radiator.
Lower engine guard style cowls appear to cradle the engine and add to the adventure look.

 

Comfortable Cockpit
Upright riding position provides a comfortable perch both in the city and on the open road.
Wide handlebars and steering angle assist low-speed maneuvering.
Large-size seat is slim between the thighs to make it easier for riders to reach the ground while the rear of the seat has ample width for passenger comfort.
Large-diameter rear grab bar adds to passenger comfort.
Flat rear carrier is level with the seat for excellent cargo-carrying performance.
Rubber-cushioned footpegs reduce vibration for increased ride comfort. The cushions are removable for a more direct feel and increased boot traction.
Modern instrument panel with analog tachometer, and multi-function display that includes digital speedometer, gear position indicator, fuel range, current and average fuel consumption, Economical Riding Indicator(KP) and coolant temperature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS – www.Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See dealer for pricing in USD

 

ENGINE
Displacement 296cc
Type 4-stroke, Parallel Twin
Bore and stroke 62.0 x 41.2 mm
Cooling Liquid
Compression ratio 11.3:1
Valve system DOHC, 8 valves
Fuel system 28 mm x 2 with dual throttle valves
Ignition Digital
Lubrication Forced lubrication (semi-dry sump)
BRAKES
Front: type Single 290 mm petal disc
Front: calipers Single balanced actuation dual-piston
Rear: type Single 220 mm petal disc
Rear: calipers Dual-piston
DIMENSIONS
Overall length TBA
Overall height TBA
Wheelbase TBA
Ground clearance TBA
Seat height TBA
Fuel capacity TBA
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed, return
Final drive Chain
Primary reduction ratio TBA
Gear ratio: 1st TBA
Gear ratio: 2nd TBA
Gear ratio: 3rd TBA
Gear ratio: 4th TBA
Gear ratio: 5th TBA
Gear ratio: 6th TBA
Final reduction ratio TBA
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
FRAME
Type Backbone, high-tensile steel
Wheel travel: front TBA
Tire: front 100/90-19M/C 57S
Wheel travel: rear TBA
Tire: rear 130/80-17M/C 65S
Caster (rake) TBA
Trail TBA
Steering angle (left/right) TBA
PERFORMANCE
Maximum Power‡ TBA
Maximum Torque‡ TBA
SUSPENSION
Suspension, front 41 mm telescopic fork
Suspension, rear Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock and adjustable preload
DETAILS
Warranty 12 months warranty

 

 

 

 


 

2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS – www.Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $ See dealer for pricing in CAD

 

ENGINE
Displacement 296cc
Type 4-stroke, Parallel Twin
Bore and stroke 62.0 x 41.2 mm
Cooling Liquid
Compression ratio 11.3:1
Valve system DOHC, 8 valves
Fuel system 28 mm x 2 with dual throttle valves
Ignition Digital
Lubrication Forced lubrication (semi-dry sump)
BRAKES
Front: type Single 290 mm petal disc
Front: calipers Single balanced actuation dual-piston
Rear: type Single 220 mm petal disc
Rear: calipers Dual-piston
DIMENSIONS
Overall length TBA
Overall height TBA
Wheelbase TBA
Ground clearance TBA
Seat height TBA
Fuel capacity TBA
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed, return
Final drive Chain
Primary reduction ratio TBA
Gear ratio: 1st TBA
Gear ratio: 2nd TBA
Gear ratio: 3rd TBA
Gear ratio: 4th TBA
Gear ratio: 5th TBA
Gear ratio: 6th TBA
Final reduction ratio TBA
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
FRAME
Type Backbone, high-tensile steel
Wheel travel: front TBA
Tire: front 100/90-19M/C 57S
Wheel travel: rear TBA
Tire: rear 130/80-17M/C 65S
Caster (rake) TBA
Trail TBA
Steering angle (left/right) TBA
PERFORMANCE
Maximum Power‡ TBA
Maximum Torque‡ TBA
SUSPENSION
Suspension, front 41 mm telescopic fork
Suspension, rear Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock and adjustable preload
DETAILS
Warranty 12 months warranty

 

 


 

2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS – www.Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See dealer for pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

 

Engine
Engine type
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Displacement
296 cm³
Bore x stroke
62 x 49 mm
Compression ratio
10.6:1
Valve system
DOHC, 8 valves
Fuel system
Fuel injection: Ø 32 mm x 2 with dual throttle valves
Starting System
Electric
Lubrication
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Brakes & Suspension
Brakes, front
Single 290 mm petal disc. Caliper: Single balanced actuation dual piston
Brakes, rear
Single 220 mm petal disc. Caliper: Dual piston
Suspension, front
41 mm telescopic fork
Suspension, rear
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock and adjustable preload
Performance & Transmission
Maximum power
Tbc kW {Tbc PS} / Tbc rpm
Fuel consumption
Tbcl/100 km
CO2 emission
Tbcg/km
Maximum torque
Tbc Nom {Tbc kgfom} / Tbc rpm
Transmission
6-speed
Final drive
Sealed chain
Primary Reduction Ratio
Tbc
Gear Ratios 1st
Tbc
Gear Ratios 2nd
Tbc
Gear Ratios 3rd
Tbc
Gear Ratios 4th
Tbc
Gear Ratios 5th
Tbc
Gear Ratios 6th
Tbc
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame & Dimensions
Frame type
Backbone, high-tensile steel
Trail
Tbc mm
Wheel travel front
Tbc mm
Wheel travel rear
Tbc mm
Tyre, front
100/90-19M/C 57S
Tyre, rear
130/80-17M/C 65S
L x W x H
Tbc x Tbc x Tbc mm
Wheelbase
Tbc mm
Ground clearance
Tbc mm
Fuel capacity
17 litres
Seat height
Tbc mm
Curb mass
Tbc

 

 

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

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