2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 300

Make Model	Kawasaki Versys-X 300
Year	2017
Engine	Four stroke parallel twin, DOHC, 8 valves
Capacity	296 cc / 18.1 cu in
Bore x Stroke	62 x 49 mm
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio	10.6:1
Lubrication	Forced, wet sump
Exhaust	Two into one
Emissions Standard	Euro 4
Induction	EFI Ø 32 mm x 2 with dual throttle valves
Starting	Electric
Max Power	29.3 kW / 40 hp @ 11500 rpm
Max Torque	26.0 Nm / 19.2 lb-ft @ 10000 rpm
Clutch	Wet, multiplate
Transmission	6 Speed
Final Drive	Chain, sealed
Gear Ratio	1st 2.714 (38/14) 2nd 1.789 (34/19) 3rd 1.409 (31/22) 4th 1.160 (29/25) 5th 1.000 (27/27) 6th 0.857 (24/28)
Frame	Backbone, high tensile steel
Front Suspension	41 mm Telescopic fork
Front Wheel Travel	130 mm / 5.1 in
Rear Suspension	Bottom-Link Uni-Trak, gas-charged shock and adjustable preload
Rear Wheel Travel	147 mm / 5.8 in
Front Brakes	Single 290 mm petal disc, single caliper balanced actuation dual piston
Rear Brakes	Single 220 mm petal disc. Caliper: Dual piston
Wheels	Aluminum, multi-spoke
Front Tyre	100/90-19 M/C 57S
Rear Tyre	130/80-17 M/C 65S
Rake	24°
Trail	110 mm / 4.3 in
Dimensions	Length 2169 mm / 85.4 in Width 861 mm / 33.9 in Height 1389 mm / 54.7 in
Wheelbase	1450 mm / 57.1 in
Ground Clearance	180 mm / 7.1 in
Seat Height	815 mm / 32.1 in
Wet Weight	175 kg / 385.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity	17 Litres / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal

This small twin should be a perfect match for this lightweight adventure-commuter, and whether negotiating back lanes or potholed high streets, the long-travel suspension should contribute to a comfortable ride. Up front there’s a 19in rim wearing a 100/90 IRC ‘Trail Winner’, which is backed up at the rear with a 130/80 17.

Highlights

New small capacity Versys
296cc parallel-twin
Adventure styling
Assist & Slipper clutch

The incredibly popular Kawasaki Versys family grows once more in 2017 with the announcement of the Versys-X 300, a machine destined to make the Versys “Any road, any time” concept available to a vast cross-section of new riders.

Offering the established Versys values of comfort with an upright riding stance and a thirst for distance, the Versys-X 300 displays its adventurous soul with an impressive standard specification plus a duo of special “Editions” available in European Kawasaki dealers for the 2017 season.

At the heart of the rugged looking machine beats a 296cc water-cooled parallel twin engine tuned for low and mid-range power equipped with a soft pull Assist and Slipper clutch. Fine atomizing injectors and dual throttle valves contribute to combustion efficiency and favorable fuel consumption.

A comfortable ergonomically designed riding position reveals a large windshield to deter the elements while wide handlebars aid in and out-of-town maneuverability. The meter package offers a digital gear indicator, dual trip meters, remaining fuel range plus current and average consumption and an eco-riding indicator allowing over 400kms between tank re-fills.

The all new steel backbone frame uses the engine as a stressed member, contributing to high rigidity and light weight. Suspension duties are taken care of thanks long travel 41mm telescopic front forks and a bottom link Uni-Trak gas charged shock at the rear housed in a reinforced framework anticipating the unpaved roads capabilities of the Versys-X 300.

Styling has been a key feature of the Versys family since the original 650cc machine was launched in 2006 and the new Versys-X is no exception. The large-volume bodywork displays fashionable adventure styling delivering the “big bike looks” that so many aspiring riders are attracted to. Combined with the low seat height the accessibility of the latest in the Versys line is undeniable.

It’s not just the Versys that is versatile, the range of accessories also allows a range of options including an ERGO-FIT optional higher seat plus a wide variety of other parts including luggage and touring oriented options.

For those looking for a “walk-in-ride-out” solution, Kawasaki dealers will offer two accessory editions in 2017 as well as the standard model of Versys-X.

The Versys-X 300 Urban features Tank pad, hand guards, centre stand and a 30l Top case while the Versys-X 300 Adventure boasts tank pad, tubular engine guard, centre stand and panniers of 17l capacity each.

With a distinct personality, a reassuring ride in challenging unpaved road conditions plus impressive in-town city street maneuverability, the new Versys-X 300 is a worthy addition to the established and popular Versys family.

Powerful Parallel Twin Engine
Efficiently-tuned 249/296 cm3 Parallel Twin engine produces smooth, torquey power at low and medium rpm and powerful acceleration at high rpm.

Economical Riding Indicator
Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider's control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an "ECO" mark appears on the instrument panel's LCD screen. By riding so that the "ECO" mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced. While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the "ECO" mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimise negative impact on the environment.

Rugged Backbone Frame
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.

Long-Travel Suspension
Using long-travel suspension enables the Versys-X to deliver riding excitement across a wide range of riding situations.The long-travel suspension is designed to easily soak up road imperfections, even when travelling on unpaved roads.

19”/17” Spoke Wheels with Multi-Purpose Tyres
While the Versys-X was not designed for off-road use, 19” front and 17” rear
spoke wheels give it greater capability on unpaved roads than its larger, street-focused
brothers.