Kawasaki Versys-x 300 Review

Used Buyer Review

The Versys-X 300 is one of those bikes that does a lot of things reasonably well without absolutely nailing any single one. It's a proper little adventure bike — not a pretend one — with genuine wire-spoke wheels, a skid plate, and that 296cc parallel twin that pulls cleanly from low revs. Used examples are everywhere now, and they're mostly well-treated because the people who bought them were sensible riders rather than squidding teenagers. That engine, though. It's smooth and rev-happy, but you will be working it hard on motorways. Sitting at 70mph is doable, but the motor sounds strained and your wrists will ache before lunch. It genuinely shines on A and B roads, mountain passes, light gravel tracks — anywhere you're not pinned at high speed for extended periods. Check the chain and sprockets on anything past 10k miles — owners often neglect them. Forks are soft and the rear shock is agricultural, so budget for suspension upgrades if you're serious about off-road use. Fantastic learner-friendly package otherwise.