New for 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300

The Versys-X 300 is a new adventure-styled touring model from Kawasaki that builds on the ‘any-road any-time’ performance of the Versys models by adding increased capability on unpaved roads.

At 300cc, the Versys-X 300 is the smallest-displacement model in the touring category, and like you would expect from a bike designed to be the ideal travel partner, it offers the best of comfort and convenience.

More manageable in both weight and power, and more readily available than many larger-displacement models, the Versys-X 300 offers easy access to motorcycle adventure and is ideal for commuting.

A powerful 296 cm3 parallel-twin engine mounted in a rugged backbone frame, long-travel suspension and 19in/17in spoke wheels form the basis of a highly versatile, lightweight package that builds on the Versys’ family performance.

The Versys-X offers a high level of riding excitement and rider confidence in a wide variety of riding situations – ranging from pristine tarmac to unpaved roads – and accommodates a variety of riding styles.

While still not designed for off-road use, the Versys-X’s capability to handle unpaved road riding situations gives it even greater potential for motorcycle adventure than its larger brothers.

The efficiently-tuned 296cc parallel-twin engine produces smooth, torquey power at low and medium rpm and powerful acceleration at high rpm.

Smooth power delivery and strong low-end torque facilitate slow-speed manoeuvres, offering both a high level of control when making small throttle adjustments and a gratifying acceleration in the lower rpm ranges, while low vibrations care of a balancer, and ample top end offer comfortable highway cruising.

The all-new highly rigid backbone frame was designed to handle external shocks, contributing to the Versys- X’s unpaved-road capability. The sturdy frame is also able to support a passenger and luggage, making the Versys-X a very capable touring partner.

Using long-travel suspension enables the Versys-X to deliver riding excitement across a wide range of riding situations. Not all streets in the real world are made of circuit-smooth pavement.

Excellent feedback from the front end contributes to rider confidence and a high level of riding excitement, while the linked rear suspension offers both riding stability and ride comfort.

The Versys-X’s large-volume bodywork and adventure styling also give it the imposing appearance of a much larger-displacement machine.  In contrast to the street-focused Versys models, the rugged design of the Versys-X looks very much at home off the pavement.

The combination of a tall upper cowl design inspired by adventure models, and a large-size windshield provides superior wind protection, adding to long-distance riding comfort and contributing to adventure-style looks.

The Versys-X’s slim, upright riding position and a wide handlebar offer high controllability combined with a relatively low seat height of 815mm and a seat design that is slim at the front, to make it easy for a wide range of riders to easily reach the ground.

Complementing the rider’s comfortable seat, a wide rear seating area and ergonomically sculpted grab bars deliver superior passenger comfort. The rear seat area is flat and together with the rear carrier offers an excellent platform for securing luggage.

Sophisticated instrument design features a large analogue tachometer flanked by warning lamps on one side, and a gear position indicator and multi-function LCD screen on the other.

Numerous accessories make it easy to increase the longdistance potential of the Versys-X. Like hard panniers, LED fog lamps, DC outlet, hand guards and centre stand, are optional accessories should riders want to enhance their ride.

2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 main features:

• Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve parallel-twin delivering smooth, responsive power at low and medium rpm and hard hitting power at high rpm.
• The engine features a balancer to help dampen engine vibrations, contributing to a very smooth ride feel as well as comfortable cruising.

• Lightweight pistons feature a hard alumite coating (on the piston crown and extending past the top  land and top ring groove) for increased durability.
• Sleeveless, aluminium die-cast cylinder features plated bores, just like the Ninja supersport  machines.
• The cylinder features an open-deck design, offering excellent heat dissipation, and contributing to  weight savings.
• 32 mm main throttle valves, complemented by larger sub-throttle valves measuring 40.2 mm help flow a great volume of air, contributing to engine performance.
• Optimised airbox shape and intake duct layout were designed using airflow analysis. Intake funnels were optimised for low-mid range torque, contributing to easy-to-manage power delivery. Air is ingested via the airbox’s upper section, reducing the chance of foreign objects entering the intake.
• Slim design of the airbox contributes to a slim overall chassis design that makes it easy for riders to touch down their feet with ease.

• 2-into-1 exhaust system, made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, contributes to low- and mid-range performance and a smooth, step-free power curve.
  Short-style right-side silencer is positioned away from rider and passenger.
• Relatively short gearing offers a balance between fuel economy and low to mid-range power feeling and response.
• The light clutch lever pull and easy control afforded by the Assist & Slipper Clutch greatly contributes
  to comfortable, stressfree riding – especially when spending long stints in the saddle.

• 41mm telescopic front fork handles suspension duties up front.
• At the rear, Bottom- Link Uni-Trak is paired with a gas-charged monoshock.
• Rugged, high rigidity frame, includes lightening holes, helping to keep chassis weight to a minimum. Area around the rear shock mount is reinforced.
• Rigid-mounted, the engine is used stressed member, contributing to both the frame’s high rigidity and light weight.
• Dual petal disc brakes (ø290 mm disc at the front; ø220 mm at the rear), with Bosch ABS
• 19in front, 17in rear spoked aluminium-rimmed wheels taking tubed tyres.

• 17L fuel tank with narrow profile towards the seat, large double-seat also narrow at the front to allow easy reach to the ground 815mm seat height.
• Lightweight, flat aluminium rear carrier for luggage and four luggage hook points.
• Available in Candy Lime Green / Metallic Graphite Gray and Metallic Graphite Gray / Flat Ebony
• Full specs to be announced

2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Gallery: