OUTDATED, & CONFUSED BUT PACKS A CHARM

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 has made a return to the Indian market after a five-year absence, and its comeback invites an important question: does this motorcycle still make sense in today's rapidly evolving adventure touring segment?

- WORDS MANDAAR SAWANT

KAWASAKI VERSYS-X 300

PRICE: ₹3.49 lakh (ex-showroom)

ENGINE: 296cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled

POWER: 39bhp

TORQUE: 26Nm

FOR: Top-end performance, handling, touring comfort

AGAINST: Low-end performance, lacks features, price

First introduced eight years ago, the Versys-X 300 was once appreciated for its approachable nature and twin-cylinder refinement. However, time has moved on, and the competition has grown stronger, more advanced, and more feature-packed. And its serious ₹3.5 lakh price tag begs just one question: should it even be on your consideration list? Well, here's the answer.

At first glance, the Versys-X 300 looks largely unchanged from its earlier version. Its tall stance, slim proportions and adventure-style bodywork give it a purposeful appearance that still holds appeal. The beak-style front, upright windscreen and wire-spoke wheels reinforce its touring intent. Kawasaki has added two new two-tone colours - lime green with spark black and ocean blue with pearl white - to freshen things up, but overall, the design feels familiar rather than new. This may be comforting to fans of the original model, though some riders may feel it lacks the modern edge seen on newer rivals. It does have good road presence though and because of its big size, it feels like a proper “big bike”.