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| {{Infobox motorcycle
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| |name = 2021 Kawasaki Versys-X 300
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| |image = [[File:Moto Guzzi V85 TT, 2020 (2).jpg|300px]]
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| |caption = Adventure touring - lightweight agility meets capability
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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 = [[wikipedia:Adventure touring|Adventure touring]] / [[wikipedia: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 = [[wikipedia:Kawasaki Ninja 300|Kawasaki Ninja 300]]
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| }}
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| The '''2021 Kawasaki Versys-X 300''' is a lightweight [[wikipedia:Adventure touring|adventure touring]] motorcycle. At 386 pounds wet with 40 horsepower, it strikes the balance between manageable weight and sufficient power for highway touring and technical off-road riding.
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| This particular machine, with over 15,000 miles of hard-earned adventure through upstate New York seasons, proves that adventure isn't limited by displacement.
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| == The Machine ==
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| Based on the proven [[wikipedia:Kawasaki Ninja 300|Kawasaki Ninja 300]] engine platform, the Versys-X 300 transforms a sport bike heart into an adventure-ready soul:
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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
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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 capable tourer to 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:''' Works even in fresh snow
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| == Adventures & Battle Scars ==
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| Beginning life after its owner graduated from a [[wikipedia:Honda Grom|Honda Grom]], this Versys was chosen specifically for its ability to "go further and go offroad." That promise has been fulfilled beyond expectation.
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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 - the kind of ride that tests both machine and rider, forging character in 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
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| # '''Mt. Washington Parking Lot:''' The classic embarrassment - dropped in front of gawking spectators
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| == Daily Life ==
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| This Versys doesn't hibernate:
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| * '''Winter Riding:''' Down to 40°F
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| * '''Maintenance:''' Local shop love and regular TLC
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| * '''Philosophy:''' When weather's too bad to ride, it's hacking time
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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 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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| When asked about the dream ride: "versys x 300, for me, right now"
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| * Maybe a [[wikipedia:Husqvarna Motorcycles|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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| | Power || 40 hp @ 11,500 rpm
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| |-
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| | Transmission || 6-speed
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| |-
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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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| | 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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| * [[wikipedia:Adventure touring|Adventure touring]]
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| * [[wikipedia:Motorcycle engineering|Motorcycle engineering]]
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| * [[Field Kit]] - what you bring with you
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| [[Category:Kawasaki motorcycles]]
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| [[Category:Adventure touring motorcycles]]
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| [[Category:Field Operations]]
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| {{Navbox Field}}
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| {{Navbox Skills}}
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