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| {{Infobox motorcycle
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| |name = 2021 Kawasaki Versys-X 300
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| |image = [[File:Versys-X-300-2021.jpg|300px]]
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| |caption = The Ultimate Adventure Companion
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| |manufacturer = [[Kawasaki]]
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| |aka = Baby Versys, VX300
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| |production = 2017–present
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| |model_year = 2021
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| |class = [[Adventure touring]] / [[Dual-sport motorcycle|Dual-sport]]
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| |engine = 296 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin
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| |power = 40 hp @ 11,500 rpm
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| |torque = 19 lb⋅ft @ 10,000 rpm
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| |transmission = 6-speed
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| |frame = Tubular steel diamond
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| |suspension = F: 41mm telescopic fork, 5.1 in travel<br>R: Uni-Trak monoshock
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| |brakes = F: Single 290mm disc<br>R: Single 220mm disc, ABS
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| |tires = F: Shinko 805 100/90-19<br>R: Shinko 805 130/80-17
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| |wheelbase = 57.1 in (1,450 mm)
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| |seat_height = 32.1 in (815 mm)
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| |dry_weight =
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| |wet_weight = 386 lb (175 kg)
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| |fuel_capacity = 4.5 US gal (17 L)
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| |related = [[Kawasaki Ninja 300]]
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| }}
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| The '''2021 Kawasaki Versys-X 300''' is a lightweight [[adventure touring]] motorcycle that embodies the spirit of go-anywhere exploration. This particular example, with over 15,000 miles of hard-earned adventure, represents the perfect synthesis of reliability, capability, and pure riding joy.
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| ==Overview==
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| Based on the proven [[Kawasaki Ninja 300|Ninja 300]] engine platform, the Versys-X 300 transforms a sport bike heart into an adventure-ready soul. At 386 pounds wet and producing 40 horsepower, it strikes an ideal balance between manageable weight and sufficient power for both highway touring and technical off-road riding.
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| This specific machine serves as its owner's primary vehicle year-round in upstate New York, proving that adventure isn't limited by displacement or season.
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| ==The Machine==
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| ===Engine===
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| The 296cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, derived from Kawasaki's successful Ninja platform, delivers power in a way that perfectly suits adventure riding:
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| * '''Peak Power:''' 40 hp @ 11,500 rpm - enough to cruise highways comfortably
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| * '''Peak Torque:''' 19 lb⋅ft @ 10,000 rpm - delivered smoothly for technical terrain
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| * '''Character:''' Loves to be revved out, starts reliably in all conditions
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| * '''Assist & Slipper Clutch:''' Reduces lever effort and prevents rear wheel hop during aggressive downshifts
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| ===Modifications===
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| * '''Shinko 805 Tires:''' Replacing the stock rubber with these 40/60 on/off-road big blocks transformed the bike's capability
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| * '''Mosko Moto Bags:''' Essential adventure luggage for multi-day expeditions
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| * '''Maintenance Philosophy:''' "Baby her with chains and new parts as often as I can"
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| ==The Tires That Changed Everything==
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| The switch to '''Shinko 805''' dual-sport tires elevated this Versys from a capable tourer to an unstoppable adventure machine:
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| * '''Design:''' 40% on-road, 60% off-road big block pattern
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| * '''Performance:''' Exceptional in snow, rain, gravel, and dirt
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| * '''Durability:''' Approximately 4,500-5,000 miles per rear tire
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| * '''Value:''' ~$200 for a complete set
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| * '''Most Importantly:''' "Even in the fresh snow"
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| ==Adventures & Battle Scars==
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| ===The Evolution===
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| Beginning life after its owner graduated from a [[Honda Grom]], this Versys-X was chosen specifically for its ability to "go further and go offroad." That promise has been fulfilled beyond expectation.
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| ===Memorable Moments===
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| ====The Maine Farm Expedition====
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| A defining moment came during a trip to a buddy's farm in Maine, where the Versys conquered roads that defeated even trucks. The combination of lightweight agility, ground clearance, and those Shinko 805s proved that sometimes less is more.
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| ====The Catskill Snowstorm====
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| Near Phoenicia in early April, caught in a sudden snowstorm with nowhere to pull over:
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| * '''"If it gets to the point where I can't see the road in front of me, we're gonna pull over"'''
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| * That moment came with no safe haven in sight
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| * Solution: "buckle up and keep truckin"
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| * Result: The Shinkos kept rolling through fresh snow, cementing the bond between rider and machine
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| ====The Ithaca Deluge====
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| Multiple trips from Ithaca trapped in heavy rain, "nowhere to stop" - the kind of rides that test both machine and rider, forging character in the crucible of adverse conditions.
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| ===The Drops===
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| Because adventure riding means sometimes testing gravity:
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| # '''Indian Head Wilderness:''' Dropped on a fire/ATV trail in the rain near sunset. Had to rotate the bike 180 degrees on its side before picking it up to retreat.
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| # '''Mt. Washington Parking Lot:''' The classic embarrassment - dropped in front of gawking spectators. An old lady's judging stare burned hotter than the engine.
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| ==Daily Life==
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| ===Year-Round Primary Vehicle===
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| This Versys doesn't hibernate:
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| * '''Winter Riding:''' Down to 40°F, though extreme weather means hacking time instead
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| * '''Maintenance:''' Local shop love and regular TLC
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| * '''Philosophy:''' When the weather's too bad to ride, it's perfect for coding
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| ===What Makes It Special===
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| In the owner's words: "I love the shit out of it"
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| * '''Revability:''' "I love that I can rev her out"
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| * '''Reliability:''' "I love that she starts right up"
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| * '''Capability:''' "I love that she rides over anything"
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| * '''Practicality:''' "I love that I can drop her and pick her back up again"
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| ==Future Dreams==
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| ===The California Run===
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| The ultimate goal: 14 days each way to California, plus hang time
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| * '''Budget:''' $7,777
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| * '''Purpose:''' Because every great motorcycle deserves a transcontinental adventure
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| ===The Perfect Mount===
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| When asked about the dream ride: "versys x 300, for me, right now"
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| * Maybe a [[Husqvarna Norden 901]] someday
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| * But for now: "I love how light and nimble and how much I know her now"
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| ==Technical Specifications==
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| {| class="wikitable"
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| ! Feature !! Specification
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| |-
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| | Engine Type || Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke parallel-twin
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| |-
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| | Displacement || 296cc
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| |-
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| | Bore × Stroke || 62.0 × 49.0 mm
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| |-
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| | Compression Ratio || 10.6:1
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| |-
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| | Fuel System || Fuel injection: ø32 mm × 2
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| |-
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| | Ignition || Digital
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| | Starting || Electric
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| |-
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| | Transmission || 6-speed, return
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| |-
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| | Final Drive || Chain
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| | Front Suspension || 41 mm telescopic fork, 5.1 in travel
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| |-
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| | Rear Suspension || Bottom-link Uni-Trak, 5.8 in travel
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| | Front Brake || Single 290 mm petal disc, 2-piston caliper
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| |-
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| | Rear Brake || Single 220 mm petal disc, single-piston caliper
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| | Front Tire || 100/90-19 (Shinko 805)
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| | Rear Tire || 130/80-17 (Shinko 805)
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| | Wheelbase || 57.1 in (1,450 mm)
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| |-
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| | Seat Height || 32.1 in (815 mm)
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| |-
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| | Fuel Capacity || 4.5 US gal (17 L)
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| |-
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| | Curb Weight || 385.8 lb (175 kg)
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| |}
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| ==See Also==
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| * [[Kawasaki Versys]]
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| * [[Adventure touring]]
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| * [[Dual-sport motorcycle]]
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| * [[Kawasaki Ninja 300]]
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| ==External Links==
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| * [https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/motorcycle/versys/adventure-touring/versys-x-300 Official Kawasaki Versys-X 300 page]
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| * [https://www.shinkotireusa.com Shinko Tires USA]
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| [[Category:Kawasaki motorcycles]]
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| [[Category:Adventure touring motorcycles]]
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| [[Category:Dual-sport motorcycles]]
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| [[Category:Motorcycles introduced in 2017]]
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| {{Navbox Field}}
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| {{Navbox Skills}}
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