Motorcycle
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.
Overview
Based on the proven 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.
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.
The Machine
Engine
The 296cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, derived from Kawasaki's successful Ninja platform, delivers power in a way that perfectly suits adventure riding:
- Peak Power: 40 hp @ 11,500 rpm - enough to cruise highways comfortably
- Peak Torque: 19 lb⋅ft @ 10,000 rpm - delivered smoothly for technical terrain
- Character: Loves to be revved out, starts reliably in all conditions
- Assist & Slipper Clutch: Reduces lever effort and prevents rear wheel hop during aggressive downshifts
Modifications
- Shinko 805 Tires: Replacing the stock rubber with these 40/60 on/off-road big blocks transformed the bike's capability
- Mosko Moto Bags: Essential adventure luggage for multi-day expeditions
- Maintenance Philosophy: "Baby her with chains and new parts as often as I can"
The Tires That Changed Everything
The switch to Shinko 805 dual-sport tires elevated this Versys from a capable tourer to an unstoppable adventure machine:
- Design: 40% on-road, 60% off-road big block pattern
- Performance: Exceptional in snow, rain, gravel, and dirt
- Durability: Approximately 4,500-5,000 miles per rear tire
- Value: ~$200 for a complete set
- Most Importantly: "Even in the fresh snow"
Adventures & Battle Scars
The Evolution
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.
Memorable Moments
The Maine Farm Expedition
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.
The Catskill Snowstorm
Near Phoenicia in early April, caught in a sudden snowstorm with nowhere to pull over:
- "If it gets to the point where I can't see the road in front of me, we're gonna pull over"
- That moment came with no safe haven in sight
- Solution: "buckle up and keep truckin"
- Result: The Shinkos kept rolling through fresh snow, cementing the bond between rider and machine
The Ithaca Deluge
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.
The Drops
Because adventure riding means sometimes testing gravity:
- 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.
- Mt. Washington Parking Lot: The classic embarrassment - dropped in front of gawking spectators. An old lady's judging stare burned hotter than the engine.
Daily Life
Year-Round Primary Vehicle
This Versys doesn't hibernate:
- Winter Riding: Down to 40°F, though extreme weather means hacking time instead
- Maintenance: Local shop love and regular TLC
- Philosophy: When the weather's too bad to ride, it's perfect for coding
What Makes It Special
In the owner's words: "I love the shit out of it"
- Revability: "I love that I can rev her out"
- Reliability: "I love that she starts right up"
- Capability: "I love that she rides over anything"
- Practicality: "I love that I can drop her and pick her back up again"
Future Dreams
The California Run
The ultimate goal: 14 days each way to California, plus hang time
- Budget: $7,777
- Purpose: Because every great motorcycle deserves a transcontinental adventure
The Perfect Mount
When asked about the dream ride: "versys x 300, for me, right now"
- Maybe a Husqvarna Norden 901 someday
- But for now: "I love how light and nimble and how much I know her now"
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke parallel-twin |
| Displacement | 296cc |
| Bore × Stroke | 62.0 × 49.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel System | Fuel injection: ø32 mm × 2 |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Starting | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Front Suspension | 41 mm telescopic fork, 5.1 in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Bottom-link Uni-Trak, 5.8 in travel |
| Front Brake | Single 290 mm petal disc, 2-piston caliper |
| Rear Brake | Single 220 mm petal disc, single-piston caliper |
| Front Tire | 100/90-19 (Shinko 805) |
| Rear Tire | 130/80-17 (Shinko 805) |
| Wheelbase | 57.1 in (1,450 mm) |
| Seat Height | 32.1 in (815 mm) |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
| Curb Weight | 385.8 lb (175 kg) |