When the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 was announced last fall, many of the specs were not announced; now, we’ve got some more of those details.
According to ADV Pulse, the Versys-X 300 will make 39 hp at 11,000 RPM, probably the most of the rising mini-adventure class (including the Honda CRF250 Rally, BMW G310 GS, Suzuki V-Strom 250, and CSC Cyclone RX3). Projected torque output is 20 ft-lb of torque at 10,000 RPM.
Those numbers are the same as Kawasaki’s Ninja 300, which is where the Versys-X 300 derives its powerplant from. This is surprising, as typically you’d expect a sportbike engine to be somewhat retuned if dropped into an ADV chassis, with an emphasis on low-end torque. If the numbers ADV Pulse published are correct, the new Versys-X will have roughly the same power delivery as the baby Ninja.
I checked out this bike at the show as well and was really impressed. The ergonomics were fantastic for my 5’8″ body, yet the bike doesn’t look or feel small. Fit and finish looked great also. Would make a really versatile, do-all, (yes, I know, not hard-core off-road but there are other bikes for that), motorcycle, except… I also don’t like the idea of such a high-revving power-plant for this type of bike. I would have liked to see a “tuned for more mid-range” motor. Or better yet, a 270 degree crank to give it a bit of a v-twin feel and sound. Oh well, can’t have everything.
180 degree seems best for a parallel twin, otherwise, you need balancers (more weight and cost). Having the two power pulses closer together also makes it a bit more predictable on slippery ground (dust, gravel). If you want a V-twin sound, go for a V-twin; with a single-throw crankshaft (lighter and more responsive) and its perfect primary balance.
I recently sat on this bike, liked it, and was surprised to see a 12,000 rpm redline on the tach.
With this engine output similar to the Ninja it’ll be interesting to see how it copes off tarmac. That flatter lower rpms should really negate the need for traction control. Dry conditions and a more biased tire will have the most bearing. Surely anyone with a lick of common sense will not consider this a hardcore off roader even if Kawasaki did decide on a 19″ front wheel.