Lightweight motorcycles like the 2020 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 are approachable and highly enticing options to enter the adventure-touring segment. Sure, there are the faster and better-equipped options of flagship ADV models, but rider-friendly and budget-conscious machines like the Versys open up the segment to less-experienced riders without limiting the opportunity for adventure.
The Versys-X 300 is powered by the same 296cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin engine that was utilized in Kawasaki’s Ninja 300 supersport machine. In transition to the Versys platform, however, Kawasaki re-geared the powerplant to better tackle low-speed situations.
We ran the Versys-X 300 on our in-house Dynojet 250i dyno, measuring horsepower and torque figures. The Kawasaki produced a modest 32.33 hp at 11,370 rpm and 16.68 pound-feet of torque at 8,600 rpm, but with an admirably flat torque curve and linear power delivery.
