With the rising popularity of the 300–500cc adventure touring segment in India, Kawasaki has decided to bring back the Versys X 300 to the market. For the 2025 model year, it receives updates to comply with emission standards, along with a refreshed color scheme and new graphics. Aside from these updates and cosmetic changes, the motorcycle largely remains the same. In this article, we compare it with its main competitors based on specifications and features.
Kawasaki Versys X 300 vs rivals: engine and output
| Engine and output |
|
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 |
KTM 390 Adventure |
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 |
| Engine |
297cc, parallel-twin, liquid cooled |
399cc, single cylinder, liquid-cooled |
452cc, single cylinder, liquid-cooled |
| Power |
40hp at 11,500rpm |
46hp at 8,500rpm |
40hp at 8,000rpm |
| Torque |
26Nm at 10,000rpm |
39Nm at 6,500rpm |
40Nm at 5,500rpm |
| Gearbox |
6-speed |
6-speed |
6-speed |
| Power-to-weight |
223.46hp/tonne |
252.74hp/tonne |
204.08hp/tonne |
The Versys features a unique parallel-twin engine
The Kawasaki stands out in this comparison with its twin-cylinder engine, although it has the smallest displacement. While it provides power levels similar to its competitors, its torque is notably lower. Additionally, due to the characteristics of its twin-cylinder engine, performance is delivered at higher RPMs compared to the other bikes.
Kawasaki Versys X 300 vs rivals: weight and dimensions
| Weight and dimensions |
|
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 |
KTM 390 Adventure |
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 |
| Seat height |
815mm |
830mm |
825mm-845mm |
| Ground clearance |
180mm |
237mm |
230mm |
| Wheelbase |
1450mm |
1470mm |
1510mm |
| Fuel capacity |
17 litres |
14.5 litres |
17 litres |
| Kerb weight |
179kg |
183kg |
196kg |
The Himalayan is the heaviest, while the Versys offers a lower seat height
The Himalayan ranks as the heaviest among the three, with the other two bikes being comparable in weight. The Versys-X 300 has the most convenient seat height but has the least ground clearance; however, the 180mm it offers is more than adequate for navigating Indian roads.
The KTM 390 Adventure and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 have similar seat heights as standard. However, with an optional low seat accessory, the Himalayan’s height can be adjusted down to 805mm-825mm. Even though the Kawasaki is the lightest, it matches the Royal Enfield in fuel tank size while the KTM features a slightly smaller capacity by 2.5 litres.
Kawasaki Versys X 300 vs rivals: brakes and suspension
| Brakes and suspension |
|
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 |
KTM 390 Adventure |
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 |
| Brakes (F/R) |
290mm disc/ 220mm disc |
320mm disc/ 240mm disc |
330mm disc/ 270mm disc |
| Suspension (F/R) |
Telescopic fork / monoshock |
USD fork / monoshock |
USD fork / monoshock |
| Suspension travel (F/R) |
130mm / 148mm |
200mm / 205mm |
200mm / 200mm |
| Tyre size (F/R) |
100/90-19 / 130/80-17 |
90/90-21 / 130/80-17 |
90/90-21 / 140/80 R-17 |
The KTM 390 Adventure offers adjustable suspension
The Kawasaki employs a standard telescopic fork and also has the least suspension travel, indicating its focus on road performance. Contrarily, both the Royal Enfield and KTM demonstrate similar suspension systems, with the KTM featuring adjustable settings.
The KTM also leads with tubeless spoke wheels as standard equipment. On the Himalayan, these wheels are available as an optional extra, while the Kawasaki offers no such option.
Kawasaki Versys X 300 vs rivals: features
The KTM is equipped with IMU-assisted safety features
The Versys X 300 is the least equipped among the three models. It showcases a digital-analogue instrument cluster with a gear position indicator, along with safety features like dual-channel ABS and a slipper clutch. The KTM 390 Adventure stands out with its extensive feature set, including a 5.0-inch TFT display, IMU-assisted traction control, ABS, cruise control, and multiple riding modes. The Himalayan 450 provides a middle ground, boasting a 4.0-inch TFT display with Google Maps integration, switchable ABS, and different riding modes.
Kawasaki Versys X 300 vs rivals: price
| Price |
|
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 |
KTM 390 Adventure |
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 |
| Price |
Rs 3.80 lakh (ex-showroom, India) |
Rs 3.68 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
Rs 2.85 lakh – Rs 2.98 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai) |
The Versys-X 300 commands the highest price
The Versys-X 300 is the most expensive option here but features a sophisticated twin-cylinder engine. Nevertheless, it is evident that this design is becoming outdated. The KTM 390 Adventure offers a lower price point, undercutting the Kawasaki by Rs 12,000 while being equipped with more features. Meanwhile, the Himalayan’s pricing is approximately a lakh less than that of the Kawasaki, raising questions about how many customers will choose the higher-priced Kawasaki over these capable Indian adventure bikes.
