Kawasaki to Relaunch Make In India Versys-X 300 By End of 2024

Kawasaki is bringing back the Versys-X 300 to the Indian market, this time with a crucial difference - it will be locally manufactured. The previous iteration of the ADV bike was, launched before the BS6 emission regulations came into effect in 2020. It struggled to find buyers due to its high price tag of ₹ 4.60 lakh (ex-showroom). 

With local production, Kawasaki hopes to offer a more competitive price, though it remains to be seen if it will dip below ₹ 4 lakh (the current price of the Ninja 300, another Kawasaki motorcycle manufactured in India).

The return of the Versys-X 300 was hinted a few months ago when camouflaged test mules were spotted. The news of official confirmation now clarifies that Kawasaki has been working on localising the motorcycle for the Indian market, with a launch slated for later this year.

Check out the spyshots

Kawasaki plans to increase the local content of the Versys-X 300, similar to what they've done with the Ninja 300. This means a significant portion of the motorcycle's parts will be made in India, including body panels, some electronics, tyres, and potentially even few parts of the engine. This will make it the third localised motorcycle in the Kawasaki lineup after the Ninja 300 and the W175.

Kawasaki is likely to stick with the same formula for the Versys-X 300's specifications, styling, and equipment. The engine will be a familiar one - the 296cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder unit found in the Ninja 300, putting out 39 bhp and 26 Nm of torque. In terms of features, the Versys-X 300 is expected to keep its basic semi-digital display and skip on any advanced rider aids beyond dual-channel ABS.

The ADV motorcycle will retain its 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels with tubed tyres. Weighing around 185 kg and offering 180 mm of ground clearance, the Versys-X 300 is better suited for rough roads than serious off-road adventures.

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is expected to compete with players like the KTM 390 Adventure, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the BMW G 310 GS in the Indian market. There are also more adventure players coming in the market from KTM. Read about it here

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