ANY ROAD. ANY TIME.

2018 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS Review on Total Motorcycle:

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

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

Fresh for 2018, and available in dealerships from October 2017, 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 while genuine accessories meet adventure or city commuting needs.

THE RETURN OF THE VERSYS® FAMILY MEANS EVERY ROAD IS AN ADVENTURE
The Kawasaki Versys® family of motorcycles is designed for adventure-style touring.

The award-winning lineup starts with the nimble, easy to maneuver Versys®-X 300 ABS motorcycle. The Versys-X 300 ABS was met with rave reviews when it was introduced to the public earlier this year. It is now returning with new color options, while retaining its adventure capability.

The new colors for the 2018 Versys-X 300 ABS includes Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Raw Graystone and Passion Red/Metallic Flat Raw Graystone.

The Versys® 650 ABS and Versys® 650 LT motorcycles are capable machines designed for fun and comfortable riding. Known for Kawasaki’s torquey 650cc parallel twin engine and lightweight chassis, the Versys 650 LT has smooth handling and responsive feedback. It’s a capable motorcycle that sits nicely in the middleweight category, meeting a variety of riders’ needs. The Versys 650 LT models come standard with hand guards and saddlebags.

The Versys 650 ABS and Versys 650 LT are both returning for 2018 with new color offerings in Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Carbon Gray and Pearl Blizzard White/Metallic Spark Black.

The Versys® 1000 LT rounds out the Versys family of motorcycles, offering the most powerful engine in the lineup, with premium suspension components. ABS is standard on all models along with accessories like saddlebags and hand guards. The Versys 1000 LT has been highly regarded by the media and customers for its immense performance, smooth maneuverability and the ability to eat up miles with ease.

The Versys 1000 LT is returning in 2018 with a new color: Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black.

 

 

2018 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS 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

 

 

2018 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

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.
• Lightweight 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 ease of 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
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.

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.

CHASSIS

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.
• Bosch 9.1M ABS control unit provides precise electronic management and is compact to save space and weight.

SUSPENSION
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 cargocarrying 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.

 

 

 

2018 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: ABS: $5,399 / ABS: $5,699 USD

Power
Engine
4-stroke, 2-cylinder, DOHC, water-cooled
Displacement
296cc
Bore x Stroke
62.0 x 49.0mm
Compression ratio
10.6:1
Fuel System
DFI® with 32mm throttle bodies (2)
Ignition
TCBI with digital advance
Transmission
6-speed, return shift
Final Drive
Sealed chain
Performance
Rake / Trail
24°/4.3 in
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel
Telescopic fork/5.1 in
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel
Uni-Trak® swingarm/5.8 in
Front Tire
100/90-19M/C 57S
Rear Tire
13/80-17M/C 65S
Front Brakes
Single Disc, ABS
Rear Brakes
Single Disc, ABS
Details
Frame Type
Tubular, diamond
Overall Length
85.4 in
Overall Width
33.9 in
Overall Height
54.7 in
Ground Clearance
7.1 in
Seat Height
32.1 in
Curb Weight
385.9 lb**
Fuel Capacity
4.5 gal
Wheelbase
57.1 in
Color Choices
Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Graphite Gray, Passion Red/Metallic Flat Raw Graystone
Warranty
12 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional)
12, 24, 36 or 48 months

 

 

 

 

2018 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $6,499 CDN

Engine

Displacement  296cc  Type  4-stroke, Parallel Twin  Bore and stroke  62.0 x 49.0 mm  Cooling  Liquid  Compression ratio  10.6:1  Valve system  DOHC, 8 valves  Fuel system  Fuel Injection: ø32 mm x 2 with dual throttle valves  Ignition  Digital  Lubrication  Forced lubrication (wet 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  2,170 mm  Overall width  860 mm  Overall height  1,390 mm  Wheelbase  1,450 mm  Ground clearance  180 mm  Seat height  815 mm  Curb mass**  175 kg  Fuel capacity  17 litres
Drivetrain

Transmission  6-speed, return  Final drive  Chain  Primary reduction ratio  3.087 (71/23)  Gear ratio: 1st  2.714 (38/14)  Gear ratio: 2nd  1.789 (34/19)  Gear ratio: 3rd  1.409 (31/22)  Gear ratio: 4th  1.160 (29/25)  Gear ratio: 5th  1.000 (27/27)  Gear ratio: 6th  0.857 (24/28)  Final reduction ratio  3.286 (46/14)  Clutch  Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame

Type  Backbone, high-tensile steel  Wheel travel: front  130 mm  Tire: front  100/90-19M/C 57S  Wheel travel: rear  148 mm  Tire: rear  130/80-17M/C 65S  Caster (rake)  24.3  Trail  108 mm  Steering angle (left/right)  40 / 40
Performance

Maximum Power‡ 29 kW {39 PS} / 11,500 rpm  Maximum Torque‡ 26 N.m {2.7 kgf.m} / 10,000 rpm
Suspension

Suspension, front  41 mm telescopic fork  Suspension, rear  Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock and adjustable preload
Details

Warranty  12 months warranty

 

 

 

2018 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £TBC 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

Performance & Transmission
Maximum power
29.3 kW {40 PS} / 11,500 rpm
Fuel consumption
4.1 l/100 km
CO2 emission
103 g/km
Maximum torque
25.7 N•m {2.6 kgf•m} / 10,000 rpm
Transmission
6-speed
Final drive
Sealed chain
Primary Reduction Ratio
3.087 (71/23)
Gear Ratios 1st
2.714 (38/14)
Gear Ratios 2nd
1.789 (34/19)
Gear Ratios 3rd
1.409 (31/22)
Gear Ratios 4th
1.160 (29/25)
Gear Ratios 5th
1.000 (27/27)
Gear Ratios 6th
0.857 (24/28)
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual

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

Frame & Dimensions
Frame type
Backbone, high-tensile steel
Trail
108 mm
Wheel travel front
130 mm
Wheel travel rear
148 mm
Tyre, front
100/90-19M/C 57S
Tyre, rear
130/80-17M/C 65S
L x W x H
2,170 x 860 x 1,390 mm
Wheelbase
1,450 mm
Ground clearance
180 mm
Fuel capacity
17 litres
Seat height
845 mm
Curb mass
Tbc

 

 

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