Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Returns With A Massive Price Drop

After much anticipation and a couple of spy shots, Kawasaki has finally launched the Versys-X 300 in India. Priced at ₹3,79,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the brand’s entry-level adventure bike is almost ₹80,000 less expensive than its debut price back in 2017 which was set at ₹4.60 lakh (ex-showroom). Despite the price drop, Kawasaki has not cut short any aspect of this basic ADV. However, there are few subtle revisions which include two new colour options: Candy Lime Green and Metallic Flat Spark Black. 

The overall design of the bike has remained exactly the same from before. Right from the half-fairing design down to its hardware components. It continues to be built around the same diamond frame made out of tubular steel that is suspended by a 41 mm telescopic fork and a swingarm-mounted rear shock absorber with 129 mm and 147 mm of travel, respectively. It rides on 19-/17-inch spoke wheels fitted with 290-/220 mm front and rear disc brakes.

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 tips the scales at 175 kg (kerb) which make it one of the lightest adventure bikes in the segment. For reference, the KTM 390 Adventure S weighs 182 kg, and that packs in more equipment and features. 

Mechanically, the Versys-X 300 has remained the same. It continues to be powered by the same Ninja-derived 299 cc, parallel-twin mill that churns out 40 bhp and 25.7 Nm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with an assist-and-slip clutch available as standard. The engine is fed by a big 17-litre fuel tank which should help translate to lesser fuel stops while touring. On the features front too, the new Kawasaki Versys-X 300 will not wow you with a long list. For it gets a semi-digital analog instrument cluster without any connectivity whatsoever. 

So, despite being a basic package, the new Kawasaki Versys-X 300 costs ₹12,201 more than the KTM 390 Adventure which costs ₹3,67,699 (ex-showroom, Delhi). However, with a parallel-twin engine the Versy-X 300 should feel more refined than the KTM. But Kawasaki’s service network is not as widespread as Bajaj-KTM’s. The ADV segment keeps growing and we expect more twin-cylinder offerings from BMW Motorrad, CF Moto and Aprilia to expand this segment further.