Adventure motorcycling, finally, is seeing some action in India. This segment has been stagnant for quite some time – Hero Impulse was an opportunity missed – until the Royal Enfield Himalayan ruffled up some feathers. Of course, there are the likes of the iconic, Honda Africa Twin, but that is on the other end of the price spectrum. With the arrival of Kawasaki Versys-X 300, the adventure enthusiasts and wannabes have more than one reason to be excited. The Versys-X 300 is a street bike that has some off-road potential and this opens several doors for those who look for a parallel twin bike and/or an entry level adventurer.
Let’s take it straight off the road, shall we?
The Versys-X 300 is not a sports bike that is about triple digit speed and how fast you achieve them. The bike gets the same 296 cc parallel twin engine that powers the Ninja 300. But here, the engine has been tuned for better low and mid range response and more linear power delivery. Much effort has been done to give that extra oomph in the low rev range with changes to the intake, gear ratios and exhaust. The engine loves to be revved and redlines at 11,500 with peak torque coming at 10,000 rpm. But then, this is not the bike that it is built to be. Yes, the higher rev band offers the Versys-X 300 great rideability, especially in low-speed-high-gears scenarios, but it is not enough for a bike that should be more relaxing to ride.
Yes, you don’t have to put much effort on those tough overtakes on the highways. But when the engine comes alive only post 7,000 rpm, it gets an identity crisis. When the dust arrives, the Versys-X 300 proves to be an able handler thanks to its higher ground clearance, long travel suspension and a high riding seating position that doesn’t intimidate. That being said, the off-roading capabilities are obviously limited as this is not a hardcore off-roader. The exhaust headers that are placed right beneath the engine would stop you from exploring deeper without damaging them in the absence of a skid plate.
On the highways, the engine feels effortless to haul you and your baggage. The tall windscreen diverts the wind wonderfully and the seat – a tad firmer for our liking, foot peg and handle bar triangle offer good ergonomics. So, after riding for long miles or hours, you would arrive in reasonable comfort without much stress on your body. Braking duties are upheld by single 290 mm disc and 220 mm disc to the front and rear respectively. ABS is standard but cannot be disabled. The brakes have good feedback and bite while the clutch is on the lighter side, but the levers are non-adjustable and that might prove to be a problem for those with short fingers.
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Over its several layers of varying characters, Versys-X 300 wears a great skin. The bike looks great, proudly showing off its adventure-inspired styling with its high set handle bars and windscreen, wire spoke wheels and a raked rear end. The analog-digital instrument cluster makes for a good reading on the go and all the information is laid out neatly.
To make a bike that is light with off-road capabilities, can hold its own while cruising on the highways and not-so-heavy on your wallet, is not easy. Kawasaki has succeeded on many counts here with the Versys-X 300. It is not an alternative to the bigger adventure motorcycles but a great bike for beginners to take a ride in to adventure motorcycling.
