When it comes to ADV, there is no shortage of motorcycles with liter-plus size engines. It’s much less crowded in the small displacement division, with the 2020 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 carving out its own niche.
Powered by the 296cc twin that we first saw in the Kawasaki Ninja 300 sportbike—with a torquier tune for the ADV—the Versys-X 300 is a sub-400-pound adventure motorcycle that favors agility and manageability over high-speeds and brute force.
There’s certainly enough power for off-road excursions. However, street riders will have to keep the little twin spinning at high rpm to be competitive on the pavement. Certainly, the Versys-X is better for short weekend jaunts on backroads—just add Kawasaki’s inexpensive accessory plastic panniers—than mileage burning on transcontinental rides.
For more, read our Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Review.
2020 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Parallel-twin
- Displacement: 296cc
- Bore x stroke: 62.0 x 49.0mm
- Maximum torque: 19 ft/lbs @ 10,000 rpm
- Compression ratio: 10.6:1
- Fueling: EFI w/ two 32mm throttle bodies
- Valvetrain: DOHC
- Cooling: Liquid
- Transmission: 6-Speed w/ Positive Neutral Finder
- Final drive: O-ring chain
CHASSIS
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 41mm fork; 5.1 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted spring-preload adjustable shock; 5.8 inches
- Tires: IRC Trail Winner GP-210
- Front tire: 100/90 x 19
- Rear tire: 130/80 x 17
- Front brake: 290mm petal disc w/ 2-piston caliper
- Rear brake: 220mm petal disc w/ 2-piston caliper
- ABS: Optional ($300)
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 57.1 inches
- Rake: 24.3 degrees
- Trail: 4.3 inches
- Seat height: 32.1 inches
- Ground clearance: 7.1 inches
- Fuel tank capacity: 4.5 gallons
- Curb weight: 382 pounds (ABS: 386 pounds)
2020 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Colors:
- Pearl Blizzard White/Metallic Matte Carbon Gray
2020 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Price:
- $5499 MSRP
