Kawasaki Versys-X 300 MY 2017, don't call it a small Crossover [ROAD TEST]

Versys-X 300 MY 2017 - Wide handlebars, low weight and low saddle; these are the three components that catch our eye at our first approach. It is a motorcycle created for young people, but which can prove extremely accessible even for the most experienced riders.

Among the novelties of Eicma 2016 in Milan, the new Versys-X 300 crossover is the new entry level dual purpose from Kawasaki. A motorbike from angular and incisive lines and a slim silhouette, which presents itself as a small adventure capable of tackling any type of road. Versys owes its name to the contraction of the phrase “VERsatil SYStem“, to indicate the versatility of use both on the road and on dirt roads; this little Kawasaki inherits an important name from its bigger sisters (the first 2006 was launched in 650) and is capable, despite its small displacement and low weight, of tackling any type of adventure.

The engine remains the now known and loved one parallel twin of 296 cc capable of delivering 40 hp at 11.500 rpm. Of course it is a Euro 4 and, compared to those mounted on the Z300 and Ninja 300, it has been revised to have greater thrust at medium-low rpm. It is reactive and high-performance at medium and low-medium revs with surprising acceleration at high revs which the Japanese company declares a range of almost 400 km with a full 17 liter tank.

The clutch however is completely new, equipped with a system that limits the effort to operate the lever, putting us before the doubt of the existence of the clutch, given the delicacy in compressing the lever (servo-assisted clutch). It starts and picks up speed easily, thanks to a reduced weight and to an impeccable bass torque; its docile, but at the same time aggressive character and an enormously successful balance confirm the personality of the bike, both on the road and on dirt roads, where we put our little Versys to the test, which turned out to be a really fun bike.

On a cycling level we find, in addition to rear swingarm 27 mm longer than the Ninja 300, a robust monocoque chassis, with thenew steel frame which uses the engine as a load-bearing element, helping to increase rigidity and lightness, ultra resistant capable of guaranteeing safety even on the most uneven terrain. It also makes it an ideal motorbike, a perfect travel companion, thanks also to the suspension (41 mm Showa telescopic fork it's a mono Uni-Trak) with long excursion, which allow you to face the most varied conditions by better absorbing the imperfections of the road surface, even on roads with several dips.

In addition to the suspensions, what makes all this possible are the rims. We find a 19" spoked tire at the front, of the classic type, therefore with a non-tubeless type cover, but with the presence of an inner tube; while at the front the wheel is 17". Braking is also safe, thanks to two petal discs measuring 290mm at the front and 220 at the rear. ABS is not missing (now by law) to assist its operation.

The instrumentation is well looked after and complete, with clearly legible rev counter and speedometer, as well as the indicator of the gear engaged, two partials, residual autonomy and eco-riding indicator. If the engine and power are "small", appearance, attention to detail and ambition are not at all. Beyond this, the Versys-X 300 doesn't stop there. To the “basic” version, which will arrive in dealerships shortly, alongside two other setups: Urban and Adventure, available from May and which take advantage of dedicated accessories from the aftermarket catalogue.

The Versys-X 300 Urban is more oriented towards urban travel and differs from 30 liter top box, hand guards, central stand and tank protection adhesive. The Versys-X 300 Adventure instead enhances the tourer characteristics, with the adoption of side cases, hand guards, central stand, engine guard, and tank protector adhesive. For these two versions the price that Kawasaki declares is 6.380 euros (Urban) and 6.880 euros (Adventure), respectively 500 and 1.000 euros more than the base, which starts from the list price of 5.890 euros. The new Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is available in two colors: Green “Candy Lime Green” and Metallic Gray “Metallic Graphite Gray”.

Our test

One of the greatest curiosities that arose was to verify the behavior of the new small Versys with such a small displacement, but capable of taking us around the Veronese hills of our test.
The bike feels low for its category, with one height of 845 mm (but it can be lowered by 25 mm), very easy to maneuver when stationary thanks to the weight contained in just 175 kg, with a successful and comfortable driving position, with wide arms and an upright torso. A real pleasure to walk between one fold and another, even when the pace increases significantly between the curves and hairpin bends we face. We found the gear ratio is also spot on, perhaps we would have liked a slightly longer first, while when overtaking you need to be careful so as not to be caught off guard, given that the delivery is all concentrated in the medium range.

When you want to have fun, you must therefore slide the small Kawasaki crossover through the center of the curve, using the best gear to allow it to exit the curves with the right speed. On medium or long range roads, stability is excellent, as well as on narrow roads and hairpin bends, where braking can be prolonged. The braking system is very effective, after proper running-in of the pads and the intervention of the efficient ABS (the control unit is the Bosch 10M), without being at all invasive or annoying. The suspensions are well calibrated, they are stable on fast speeds, but they copy the bumps well on ugly and bumpy asphalt. And off-road? You can launch yourself unhindered into the dust. Of course, to get serious you need adequate tires, but the perception is that the limit on dirt roads is very high. Easy, intuitive and manageable, thanks also to the low height from the ground. The small Versys allows good support on the ground in short radius curves, while, if you want to find a flaw, the handlebar is more suited to riding on asphalt than standing on the footrests (for the taller ones), precisely due to the shape, while the footrests are made of rubber (cannot be removed) and in wet conditions the grip with the boot becomes a little complicated. On the other hand, the habitability when riding while standing is excellent for those who do not have a record height, where the shape of the part of the tank emerges positively which allows easy support for the inside of the legs, bringing the center of gravity forward and guaranteeing the right balance. On the autonomy front, the small Versys-X 300 is generous, in terms of consumption which easily allows mileages well over 25 km/l and a 17 liter tank. In conclusion, a fun motorbike, easy to use and with the advantage of being able to be used both on road and off-road. A grown-up appearance that well hides record-breaking handling and lightness, in short, for a motorbike that promises to take its buyers everywhere and effortlessly.

Test clothing:
Boots: Stylmartin – Stealth, racing motorcycle boots, perfect for track competitions, but also comfortable and safe for touring use. Made with air mesh lining, malleolus, shin and gear protectors. A 360° product. ideal for use on the road as well as on the track. List price 355 euros.

Jacket: Mtech – RAINFOREST MESH, the adjustable Airflow system allows maximum ventilation and the HYPERLITE MESH internal jacket, made of high tenacity mesh, can be used alone when the temperature becomes unbearable. The included RAINJACKET will be very useful for sudden summer showers.

Trousers: Mtech – Storm, usable in all weather conditions thanks to its three-layer construction, these trousers are equipped with the 100% waterproof and breathable M-RAIN membrane and with a robust thermal lining, both removable and interchangeable. Equipped with 6 pockets, 4 of which are waterproof, it also has inserts in reflex material for optimal visibility.

Gloves: Mtech – Hero, with TPU injected protections, protect the knuckles, fingers, ulnar area and scaphoid of your hands from possible trauma. The Neoprene cuff makes the fit comfortable, while spandex inserts allow the glove to fit your hands perfectly.

Helmet: Suomy Mx Tourer SPECIAL YELLOW/BLACK, represents a milestone in Suomy production, in fact with this product it enters a completely new market for the company, namely that of Enduro helmets. List price 479 euros.