India Kawasaki rolls out Versys-X 300 priced at Rs 460,000

Confirming Autocar Professional’s July 6 report, India Kawasaki Motor (IKM) today rolled out the entry-level adventure motorcycle, Versys-X 300.

Priced at Rs 460,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi / Mumbai), the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is powered by a liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, four-stroke, 39bhp, 296cc engine which also powers the Ninja 300 which is assembled by the Japanese bikemaker at its facility in Chakan. Likewise, the Versys-X 300 will also be locally assembled by the company at its all-new unit near Pune.

The Versys-X 300 blends Kawasaki Versys 650’s capabilities with the Ninja 300’s proven engine – both assembled-in-India models.

The introduction of the Versys-X 300 reiterates IKM’s product strategy of building its portfolio based on the two midsize - 300cc and 650cc – engine platforms, a point highlighted in earlier Autocar Professional reports.

Commenting on Kawasaki’s latest launch for the domestic market, Yutaka Yamashita, managing director, IKM said, “The Versys-X 300 will offer a high level of riding excitement and rider confidence in a wide variety of roads. What makes the Versys-X 300 versatile is comfortable highway cruising and easy riding in the city.”

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300, which was first unveiled at the EICMA Show in Milan last year, attempts to tap the demand for comfortable adventure touring motorcycles in the emerging as well as developed markets globally. Besides the proven 300cc engine, the model offers comfortable rides (via 41mm long travel suspension), wide reach handlebars along with confidence-inspiring low saddle height.

According to the company, the Versys-X 300 also boasts of a noteworthy heat management technology, which helps in redirecting the engine heat away from the fuel tank and the frame adding to rider’s comfort in the city as well as on highways.

Smallest capacity adventure bike in India
With the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 entering the domestic midsize motorcycle market today, it becomes the smallest capacity (yet at the entry-level midsize segment) adventure model in India. In terms of engine displacement, it is smaller than Royal Enfield’s air-cooled, single-cylinder, 24bhp, 411cc Himalayan model. However, Kawasaki’s proven twin-cylinder, 300cc powertrain is known for being comparatively superior in terms of output, performance and refinement.

Kawasaki has opened bookings for the Versys-X 300 today across its network of 22 dealerships across India. The launch of this model, which appears to be overpriced for now, marks yet another important milestone in the growing adventure motorcycle market. The category is all set to open up with a long line-up of incoming models including KTM’s entry-level adventure bikes, BMW Motorrad’s G 310 GS, Suzuki’s DL250 V-Strom, DSK Benelli’s TRK 502 and most importantly Hero MotoCorp’s X-Pulse, among many other models.

Also read: Kawasaki's product strategy around 300cc + 650cc engine platforms

Kawasaki's all-new Chakan plant

Adventure bike market in India taking off