Kawasaki Versys-X 300 vs KTM 390 Adventure S: Spec Comparison

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 has made a comeback and this time at a slightly more reasonable price of ₹3,79,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi). This makes the adventure tourer almost ₹80,000 cheaper than before when it was launched at ₹4.60 lakh (ex-showroom) back in 2017. While the overall bike has not changed much, except for a bunch of new colour options, it’s still the only ADV in the sub-500 cc segment to be powered by a parallel-twin mill. So should you consider the Kawasaki over the KTM 390 Adventure S?

Kawasaki Versys-X 300 vs KTM 390 Adventure S: Engine and Transmission

The 390 Adventure S is the most exciting of the lot and riding one feels like the hot shot of espresso in the morning. The Kawasaki, in comparison, will be more refined and unlike the KTM should feel calmer too. Both are ideal for long distance touring. But the KTM gets cruise control which should help make the ride feel more relaxing, unlike the Kawasaki which will require constant throttle inputs.  

Kawasaki Versys-X 300 vs KTM 390 Adventure S: Suspension, Brakes And Tyres

The KTM 390 Adventure S is the more versatile ADV bike here with fully adjustable suspension at both ends. Plus it also gets more travel which makes the KTM the ideal bike in off road conditions. The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 might read more road-biased in comparison, but it is lighter than the KTM and that should help make it more manageable and predictable in off road conditions. Hence, the KTM had to go for bigger disc brakes for better stopping power, while the Kawasaki could make do with smaller discs that can do the job equally good. 

Kawasaki Versys-X 300 vs KTM 390 Adventure S: Dimension

The KTM 390 Adventure S is the longer, taller, and heavier bike here and that translates to quite the menacing stance. The Versys-X 300 feels less premium and slightly petite in comparison, but its ground clearance is not as confidence-inducing as the KTMs. But this lack in ground clearance makes up for a slightly accessible seat height. However, with a 3.3-litre bigger fuel tank, the Versys-X will require lesser fuel stops during your long distance trips.  

Kawasaki Versys-X 300 vs KTM 390 Adventure S: Features

The KTM 390 Adventure S is hands down the most feature rich bike here. From a fully digital instrument console to three ride modes, cruise control, traction control, cornering ABS and much more. The Kawasaki feels like a basic bike in comparison. It gets a semi-digital instrument console at best but there’s no connectivity feature whatsoever. Even the headlight and tail light are halogen units here. 

Conclusion

The KTM 390 Adventure S clearly has the advantage here. Despite packing in more features and a more powerful engine, it is still ₹12,201 less expensive than the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 at ₹3.68 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Plus, Bajaj-KTM’s widespread service network will ensure that customers won’t have much of a hassle securing parts. But if you want the refinement of a twin-cylinder engine, there’s no alternative to the Kawasaki right now in this segment. So, should you go that extra length for the Kawasaki Versys-X 300, you won’t be disappointed, but you won’t be very excited everytime you ride, which will be the case on the KTM.