Kawasaki Versys-X 300 in the test

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Kawasaki Versys-X 300 in the test

How is the entry-level enduro doing??

The Z 300 and Ninja 300, which are no longer available for Euro 4 reasons, are now replaced by the Kawasaki Versys-X 300. How does the entry-level enduro fare in the test?

Commonly one associates with the name Kawasaki big, strong and sporty, also like a bit nasty and shirt-sleeved and above all green motorcycles. But even at the lower end of the performance scale, bikes from the smallest of the Japanese Big Four are quite successful. Even in the land of unlimited freeway speeds, almost 800 copies of the Z 300, which were no longer available in 2017, have been brought under driving people in the last two years. This "Bonsai-Zett" donated her heart for the small Kawasaki Versys-X 300, which is now available from Kawa dealers in gray and green. Small modifications to the inlet and outlet periphery make the easy-to-turn twin fit for Euro 4. One opposite the naked one The predecessor’s secondary gear ratio, which has been shortened by a whopping four teeth, is intended to at least partially compensate for the significantly enlarged face at higher speeds.

Kawasaki Versys-X 300 in the test

How is the entry-level enduro doing??

Insane speeds

As it turned out on the first trip, for which the Germany importer selected the beautiful and hilly Taunus and organized a pleasantly warm intermediate high, the project can at least subjectively be viewed as successful. Even if at the price of insane speeds. At 100 km / h in sixth gear there are already around 7,700 rpm. This is also the area from which the fine, but annoying vibrations on the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 begin. On the one hand, the counter-rotor needs high, even five-digit speeds if it is to move forward quickly, on the other hand, it pulls from just over 2,000 revolutions without grumbling and jerking the chain.

Strengths and weaknesses

The inevitable back-and-forth movement when taking photos, including the associated turning maneuvers, simultaneously reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the small Kawasaki Versys-X 300. One of the strengths is the good balance, which thanks to the large steering angle allows turning maneuvers in the smallest of spaces (turning circle 4.85 m). Even though the seat height of 845 mm short-legged Versysten should make your forehead sweat. In the Kawa original accessories there will soon be a 25 mm lower bench, which is not offered as an option, but has to be purchased separately. Despite the lever being mounted directly on the gearshift shaft, the transmission, which can be operated by means of an extremely smooth clutch, is strangely only stubborn when downshifting. A big two or even one in the cockpit then indicates that the search for idling was once again rather unsuccessful. The Twin doesn’t care, it gets the Versys going again without a big coupling loop. Despite the fact that the overall translation is clearly too short in the eyes of the author of these lines, the small Versys has exactly four liters over the consumption distance.

Kawasaki Versys-X 300 made in Thailand

On this moderately driven lap there is enough time to deal with the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 made in Thailand. It is noticeable that the fork and the shock absorber are quite tight, but you hardly get any feedback from the front. This is possibly due to the IRC Trail Winner rubbers, which give little confidence in their abilities, especially on wet roads. It is also noticeable that the driver and copilot are ergonomically well accommodated. On the one hand. On the other hand, despite the comfort described in detail in the press documents, you soon get to feel every single one of your four letters on the tough one-piece bench. Anyone who drives the possible range of a good 400 kilometers in a row while sitting is undoubtedly a candidate for the medal of bravery.

Wind protection behind the rigid pane is good

You don’t need a medal to master any panic braking, the Bosch 10 M ABS ensures that the load remains vertical, albeit with a lot of manual force, clearly noticeable control impulses and occasional rear-wheel jerks. The windbreak behind the rigid pane is good. With a price of 5,795 euros, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is really priced in, so that the 500 units ordered by Kawasaki can be brought to travel-loving people without contortions.

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