Latest news with #Versys
Mint
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 vs KTM 390 Adventure: Which ADV should you buy?
Kawasaki has made a bold move in the adventure touring space with the relaunch of its 2025 Versys-X 300, signaling its renewed focus on the small-capacity ADV segment. However, the Japanese brand's return pits it squarely against the KTM 390 Adventure, a motorcycle that's become a one of the most popular motorcycle in the category. With both machines closely matched in price, it's time to see how they stack up against each other in terms of hardware, features, and on-paper performance. At the core of any motorcycle lies its engine, and this is where the Versys and KTM take two distinct paths. The Versys-X 300 employs a 296 cc parallel-twin engine, producing 38.8 bhp and 26 Nm of torque. Its twin-cylinder configuration ensures smoother power delivery and better refinement—ideal for riders who spend more time on highways or touring long distances. On the other hand, the KTM 390 Adventure packs a punchier 398.6 cc single-cylinder motor, generating a robust 45.3 bhp and 39 Nm. This gives it a significant edge in terms of raw output, especially when tackling steep climbs or rapid overtakes. The KTM also features advanced touches like ride-by-wire throttle and a quick shifter, offering more responsive performance and smoother gear transitions. Adventure motorcycles need rugged hardware to tackle the unpredictable, and KTM has clearly gone all out. The 390 Adventure comes equipped with a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheel setup, both shod with tubeless tyres—ideal for touring. Supporting this setup is a fully adjustable WP suspension system, offering precise tuning to the rider. In contrast, the Versys-X 300 is slightly more road-biased with a 19-inch front wheel and tube-type tyres. Its suspension setup includes non-adjustable telescopic forks and a basic monoshock at the rear. Brake-wise, the KTM again leads with larger disc brakes and switchable ABS, while the Versys offers only the basics in comparison. When it comes to dimensions, on paper, the KTM 390 Adventure is the more off-road capable machine. It boasts longer suspension travel—205 mm up front and 210 mm at the rear—resulting in a ground clearance of 237 mm. This makes it ideal for rough, rocky trails. However, this off-road prowess comes at the cost of practicality, with a taller seat height of 830 mm, which may be a challenge for shorter riders. The Versys-X 300, by comparison, offers a more accessible seat height of 815 mm, and its ground clearance of 180 mm is more suited to tarmac and light trails. Despite being a bit more road-focused, it has a weight advantage, tipping the scales at 179 kg, which is 3 kg lighter than the KTM. Tech-savvy riders will find the KTM 390 Adventure loaded with modern features. From switchable ABS and traction control to multiple riding modes, cruise control, cornering aids, and a Bluetooth-enabled TFT display, the Austrian machine pulls no punches in this department. In contrast, Kawasaki has kept things minimalist with the Versys. It offers dual-channel ABS and a semi-digital instrument console, catering more to traditionalists who prefer a no-fuss and a traditional approach. Despite all its high-end tech and superior hardware, the KTM 390 Adventure is priced more competitively at ₹ 3.68 lakh (ex-showroom). Surprisingly, the Versys-X 300 is slightly more expensive at ₹ 3.80 lakh, making it a tough sell for those who weigh performance and features heavily in their buying decision. On paper, the KTM 390 Adventure emerges as the more compelling option. It offers better power, more advanced technology, superior off-road equipment, and is even more affordable than its Japanese rival. However, the Versys-X 300 may still appeal to riders who prioritize simpler controls, and long-term touring reliability. Ultimately, the true verdict can only be delivered after real-world testing—but for now, KTM seems to have the upper hand in this thrilling ADV face-off.
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
2025 Kawasaki Versys-X 300: Five key highlights you should know
The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 has returned to the Indian market with a MY25 update. The entry-level adventure motorcycle receives a price drop and is now listed at ₹3.80 lakh (ex-showroom). This makes it significantly more affordable than when it was launched a few years ago at ₹4.60 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2025 Versys-X 300 comes with new colour options while retaining the design ethos and DNA of the larger-capacity Versys siblings. With the launch of the updated model, here is everything you need to know about the Kawasaki Versys-X 300: The 2025 Versys-X 300 is slotted into the highly competitive entry-level adventure touring segment against rivals such as the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the KTM 390 Adventure. 1 Kawasaki Versys-X 300: Design In terms of the visuals, the 2025 Versys-X 300 is identical to the outgoing model while putting on new graphics. Kawasaki has added a new blue and white colour scheme to the available options, bringing in a fresh new look for the adventure tourer. It carries forward the same design language seen in the larger Versys models, incorporating a long touring-style visor fitted above a single-piece headlamp, a sculpted tank and fairing design, and a long tail section. 2 Kawasaki Versys-X 300: Features The updated ADV remains quite barebones in terms of its feature set, dropping its value proposition in the face of better-equipped segment rivals. The Versys-X 300 comes with dual-throttle valves, anti-locking brakes, and an assist and slipper clutch. 3 Kawasaki Versys-X 300: Engine and performance The Versys-X 300 is powered by a Ninja 300-derived 296 cc, parallel-twin engine that is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. This powerplant is tuned for 38.5 bhp at 11,500 rpm and 26.1 Nm of peak torque at 10,000 rpm. The motor features dual-throttle valves to ensure a refined, linear power delivery while retaining its rev-happy nature. 4 Kawasaki Versys-X 300: Hardware and specifications The engine is fitted within a backbone frame that supports a 17-litre fuel tank. It is held up by 41 mm telescopic front forks with 130 mm of travel and a rear monoshock with 148mm of travel. The Versys-X 300 rides on a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheel setup with tubed tyres. Braking duties are taken care of by disc brakes at either end with dual-channel ABS. Also check these Bikes Find more Bikes Kawasaki Versys X 300 296 cc 296 cc 24.39 kmpl 24.39 kmpl ₹ 3.80 Lakhs Compare View Offers Kawasaki Versys 1100 1099 cc 1099 cc 17.85 kmpl 17.85 kmpl ₹ 12.90 Lakhs Compare View Offers Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 452 cc 452 cc 30 kmpl 30 kmpl ₹ 2.85 Lakhs Compare View Offers KTM 390 Adventure 398.63 cc 398.63 cc 180 kmph 180 kmph ₹ 3.68 Lakhs Compare View Offers Kawasaki KX65 64 cc 64 cc 30 kmpl 30 kmpl ₹ 3.12 Lakhs Compare View Offers Kawasaki KLX 140R F 144 cc 144 cc 60 kmpl 60 kmpl ₹ 4.11 Lakhs Compare View Offers 5 Kawasaki Versys-X 300: Rivals The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is positioned within the highly-competitive, small capacity adventure tourer segment that is currently flooded with a range of options. Buyers interested in this segment can consider options such as the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the KTM 390 Adventure. The new Versys, while coming at a reduced price point, is still more expensive than these products, while offering fewer features. It arrives as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) despite previous speculations around local assembly and commands a slight premium over its rivals as a result. Check out Upcoming Bikes In India. First Published Date:
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 launched in India: Check price, features, power & more
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 price & specifications: Kawasaki has reintroduced the much-awaited Kawasaki Versys-X 300 in the Indian market for 2025. Earlier launched and later discontinued, the adventure tourer is back with a refreshed look and trusted performance. This entry-level ADV (Adventure) bike is designed for new riders looking to explore highways and off-road trails with confidence. Let's take a closer look at its price, features, and specifications. Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Price in India The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 price in India has been set at Rs 3.80 lakh (ex-showroom). Since it is imported as a completely built unit (CBU), the premium pricing reflects import duties and quality components. At this price point, it competes directly with other adventure bikes like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the KTM 390 Adventure. Although it's on the costlier side, Kawasaki's engineering and performance reputation help justify the tag. Engine and Performance Specifications Powering the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a 296cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that complies with OBD-2B emission norms. This reliable engine is the same as the one used in the popular Kawasaki Ninja 300. It produces an impressive 40 hp of power and 25.7 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox and comes with a slip-and-assist clutch, which ensures smoother gear changes and reduces rider fatigue during long rides. Thanks to these strong specifications, the bike offers a balanced mix of city performance and highway cruising capability. Standout Features of the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 While Kawasaki has kept the feature list practical and focused, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 features all the essential tools needed for adventure touring. Key highlights include: Digi-analogue instrument console for easy reading Gear position indicator for added convenience Dual-channel ABS for safer braking Comfortable one-piece seat for long-distance comfort Large front windscreen to block wind at high speeds Sporty upswept exhaust that adds to its rugged appeal These features of the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 make it a solid and reliable option for anyone looking to begin their adventure biking journey. Design and Colour Options The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 stays true to the Versys design DNA with a bold and muscular look. It features a unique headlamp, large side fairings, and a generally rugged appearance suitable for off-road as well as urban riding. It is available in two exciting colour options: Candy Lime Green Type 3 with Metallic Flat Sparkle Black Metallic Ocean Blue with Pearl Robotic White These colour schemes enhance the bike's visual appeal and give it a premium, adventure-ready vibe. Frame, Suspension and Braking Setup The motorcycle is built on a strong,high-tensile steel backbone frame, offering great stability even on rough terrain. The suspension system is designed for comfort and control: Front: Telescopic fork with 130 mm travel Rear: Monoshock with 148 mm travel For braking, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 gets: 290 mm front disc with dual-piston caliper 220 mm rear disc with dual-piston caliper The bike rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheels, offering a good balance between off-road grip and on-road handling. Is the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Worth Buying? The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is an ideal bike for those looking to enter the adventure segment with a dependable and versatile motorcycle. Its specifications and features make it suitable for both beginners and experienced riders who want a lightweight tourer. Though the price may seem slightly high for a 300cc bike, the smooth twin-cylinder engine, Kawasaki's global reputation, and the overall build quality offer solid value. With its return to the Indian market, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 brings a perfect blend of performance, practicality, and comfort. Whether you're planning weekend getaways or daily commutes, this bike is built to deliver. Backed by Kawasaki's quality and engineering, and equipped with essential features and specifications, the Versys-X 300 is ready to win hearts in India's growing adventure bike segment. Stay updated with the latest car launches, EV trends, and auto news—your ultimate destination for everything on wheels! Click here
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
2025 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 launched in India, priced at ₹3.80 lakh
₹3.80 lakh data-item-target-url=/auto/two-wheelers/ data-item-story-segment=Mass Vehicles> The 2025 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 arrives with new graphics and paint scheme while the engine and other mechanicals remain the same Notify me India Kawasaki Motor has launched the 2025 Versys-X 300, bringing the adventure motorcycle back to the market. The 2025 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is priced at ₹ 3.80 lakh (ex-showroom) and is notably more affordable than it was first launched a couple of years ago for ₹ 4.60 lakh (ex-showroom). Much like its larger siblings, the new Versys-X 300 carries the same adventure DNA with every day ride ability. 2025 Kawasaki Versys-X 300: What's New? Visually, the new Kawasaki Versys-X 300 looks identical to the older model, barring the refreshed graphics. There's a new blue and white paint scheme that brings a fresh look to the otherwise familiar design. Interestingly, the Versys-X 300 comes to India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), even though previous spy shots suggested local assembly was in the works. 2025 Kawasaki Versys-X 300: Specifications Powering the 2025 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a Ninja 300-derived 296 cc,, parallel-twin engine tuned for 38.5 bhp at 11,500 rpm and 26.1 Nm of peak torque at 10,000 rpm. The motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox along with a slipper clutch. Other mechanical bits include 41 mm telescopic forks with 130 mm of travel at the front, while the rear gets a monoshock unit with 180 mm of travel. Braking performance comes from disc brakes at either end with dual-channel ABS. The bike rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels with tube-type tyres. This engine is housed in a back-bone frame supporting a 17-litre fuel tank. Suspension duties are handled by a 41mm telescopic fork with 130mm of travel upfront and a monoshock with 148mm of travel. Ground clearance stands at 180mm. The bike rolls on a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheel setup with tubed tyres. The baby Versys gets a sizeable fuel tank at 17 litres and has a kerb weight of 184 kg. The ground clearance measures 180 mm. 2025 Kawasaki Versys-X 300: Rivals The 2025 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 enters the segment at a time when the segment is flooded with options. The Versys will compete against the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 Adventure while commanding a higher price tag and fewer features. Check out Upcoming Bikes In India. First Published Date: 22 May 2025, 08:46 AM IST
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
First Ride: 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 Is the Best New Sport Tourer
Living with a Kawasaki Versys 1100 motorcycle is a dangerous thing. Like sharing your home with the devil herself, it's always there whispering in your ear, beckoning you out to the garage, tempting you to hit the road and go live deliciously every time the weekend draws near. By Thursday morning my ears were already tingling. That tingle graduated to a burn around noon, and by the time 5 o'clock rolled around I could positively hear the thing talking me out of my weekend commitments. 'I bet we could make it to the casino before sunset…If we hit the road now, we'll be in Key West by happy hour…I know a great restaurant 200 miles from here...' I fought it for as long as I could, but when you've got a touring bike in the garage, you've got the only excuse you need to go very far, very fast. I was up before the sun on Friday morning, stuffing everything I'd need for the weekend into the Versys' factory hard bags: a change of clothes, a passport, and a toothbrush. That's the beauty of a bike like the Versys 1100, you don't need much of a plan to go take a big trip. In this case, I knew there was a private hot spring on a Mexican hillside with my name on it, and that was all the motivation I needed. An eight-hour ride would land me in Valle de Guadalupe, a scenic valley in Baja's burgeoning wine country, and with a little luck I'd be neck deep in hot water in time to watch the sun slip behind Monte Ulloa. This is precisely what the Versys 1100 is made for. No reservations, no hesitation, just get on it and go. If it doesn't fit on the bike, it doesn't make the trip, and that's a beautiful way to travel if you ask me.A lot of people don't know what to make of the Versys 1100, so they mistakenly call it an adventure bike. Look beyond the tall stature and wide handlebar and you'll see the Versys for what it really is: a sport touring bike with better ergonomics. As such, a good sport tourer like the 2025 Versys is made up of two equally important components—there's the thrill-seeking 'sport' character that thrives on a curvy road, and then there's the comfort-oriented 'touring' stuff that makes the bike a pleasure everywhere else. The first leg of my journey was mostly interstate, so I reckon I should start with the touring bits. Day One was an eight-hour slog of four-lane blacktop, the sole purpose of which was getting across the Mexican border and into my hotel as fast as possible. I'd pay good money to avoid 200 miles of high-speed interstate on my naked bike, but the Versys is a different animal. You sit perfectly upright on a comfortable seat, tucked behind a tall (and adjustable) windshield, and simply watch the miles melt away. Hop in the fast lane, set the electronic cruise control to your preferred velocity, and crank up the music in your headset. I left at sunrise with heated grips pampering my hands through the chilly morning hours. I stop to shed a layer around midday, then it's back to the grind for a final stretch of highway before the border crossing. Kawasaki gave the Versys a bump in displacement this year, and the new 1,099cc engine cruises with minimal vibes, barely breaking a sweat at 80 mph. The stroke is longer, the cylinder head is taller, and everything from the ECU to the flywheel has been refined for better low and midrange torque. Power is ever-present and buttery smooth in the way only an inline-four can deliver. The result is a machine that never feels stressed and always has more to give. I never need to drop a gear to get around big trucks, and even at the upper limits of acceptable highway speeds, the big Versys still returns a reliable 40 mpg. When shifting is required, Kawasaki's newly refined up-and-down quickshifter is clean and precise. It even works well down in the lower revs as I short-shift my way through the busy streets of Tijuana. Once I've crossed into Mexico, there's one final stretch of big ocean views along the coast, then it's time to cut inland and snake my way into the fertile valley outside Ensenada. An hour later, I'm parking the Versys on the cobblestones of Banyan Tree resort, and before long I'm soaking my birthday suit in a steaming hot pool under the clearest night sky I've seen all year. This is what a touring motorcycle will do for you if you let stay was short and sweet, everything you could ask of a weekend getaway. Unfortunately, rain was in the forecast for Sunday afternoon, which meant I had to boogie home if I wanted to stay dry. This is where the 'sport' part of the 'sport touring' equation comes into play. For all its smooth-cruising finery, it's important to remember that the Versys 1100 shares a motor with its more aggressive cousin, the Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX. To that end, I planned my return route along a string of winding mountain passes, heading north into El Testerazo before dropping down into Tecate to cross back into the U.S. From there, it's billiard-smooth curves through Dulzura and Jamul before finally dropping back on the interstate above San Diego. Truth be told, it's easy to forget you're on a sporting machine at all until you get the Versys above 6,000 rpm. Once you cross that line, however, the intake howls, the engine builds steam fast, and the Kawasaki feels more like a superbike and less like a stagecoach. On these fast canyon roads, all the Versys' convenience features became performance upgrades. The quickshifter, the lean-sensitive traction control, the electronic rider modes: This full-service electronics suite had been there all along, but now it was working in service of fun rather than comfort. The crown jewel of the bike, however, is by far the suspension. The Versys 1100 gets Kawasaki's impressively refined 'KECS' system (Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension), which automatically adjusts the bike's damping 1,000 times per second to ensure you're getting the best ride possible, regardless of how you're riding. This system takes into account your speed, suspension preload, lean angle, and whether you're speeding up or slowing down, and then spits out picture-perfect performance for every conceivable road condition and riding style. The end result is a bike that's extra plush when you're racking up highway miles, but automatically switches to attack mode when you're pushing it around corners. In other words, it's a magic carpet ride that gives you exactly what you need before you can even think to ask for it. I cruised back into town just as the first raindrops began to fall, which is the kind of trail magic all seasoned travelers are familiar with. Sometimes things just fall into place, and serendipity seems to be a lot more common when you travel on two wheels. As a weekend travel companion, I'd argue the Versys is nearly faultless. Its 'get on it and go' character is just as effective for long hauls down the interstate as it is twisty mountain passes, and between the electronic rider aids and utterly dialed electronic suspension, the bike is never more than a button press away from perfectly sorted for any scenario. As far as complaints go, however, there are only a few worth registering. The first and most glaringly obvious is that while the addition of USB-C charging is nice to have, the giant pager-sized dongle Kawasaki added to the left handlebar seems borderline insane. There's room inside the fairing for something much cleaner and less intrusive; this massive brick and accompanying bracket have got to go. The second is the Versys' windshield, which provides great coverage but requires a complete stop and both hands to adjust. I know quick and easy single-hand adjustments are possible because I've ridden Triumph's latest Tiger 900, I just wish more bikes had them. Last but not least, the seat is a little firm for my taste. In my experience, it's better to go too firm than too soft on a touring bike, but if I owned a Versys myself, my first upgrade would probably be an aftermarket saddle from Corbin, Sargent, or Seat a sport touring motorcycle is done right, it pays compounding dividends. Not only will it get you traveling more often, but it'll also make the traveling you do infinitely more enjoyable. Kawasaki's Versys 1100 SE LT is the prototypical bike for that sort of travel, equal parts comfort and capability with loads of advanced technology to boot. You won't find a European competitor with electronic suspension and factory hard bags for this kind of money, and you may not find an easier bike to simply ride and enjoy anywhere at any price. With that being said, price may be a sticking point for some, as the latest 2025 Versys 1100 SE LT now retails for $19,499. There are definitely cheaper ways to enjoy seeing the world on two wheels, but for a discerning sort of rider who wants all the bells and whistles at a fair price, the Versys remains the best option under $20k. Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4 stroke, DOHC, inline 4-cylinder Displacement: 1,099cc Transmission: 6-speed manual Horsepower/Torque: 133 hp/82.5 lb-ft Weight: 571.1 pounds (wet) Fuel Capacity: 5.5 gallons Seat Height: 33.1 inches Price: $19,499
