Kawasaki Versys x300 - 3 PET PEEVES!

I'm over six feet and own the same bike. Great for BKK city or short trip 2-3 hours. Nothing more. Price and quality is great. Even the 650 isn't comfortable for trips longer than 2 hours. Anything remotely more comfortable is a pinch on the wallet when sticking to a adventure style bike which is ideal for Thailand.

Used Africa twin or Yamaha tenere would be nice

I know it's pricey but the new Tenere 700 could be an excellent bike for Thailand, if I were still in country it would be my first choice. Maybe wait for a second hand one next year. I've got about 100 videos in a playlist on my channel on the T7 if you have time to take a look at a few. I agree with new tires, changed the tires on my bike in Europe not too long ago, as you said, it feels different, more confident, planted etc. Ride Safe.

I see you're getting the itch for a different bike. I like your idea of renting one first to see it would suit you (Versys 650). I've been a bike rider all my life but have only done street bikes over my later years. Last year I downsized from my 2001 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1500 to a 2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT. The reason is as I've gotten older (currently 67), I am appreciating a lighter bike. I also know what you mean about being tall. I'm also around the 6'4"-6'5" area and yes, the knees are my problem. Although now this winter, I'm having both knees replaced (one done in November and the other in 2 weeks). That may give me more comfort on longer rides. Whatever you decide Ian, the key is enjoyment! I heard that in your narration in this video. Thanks for sharing....gave you my $0.0000002 worth. :)

Did Pie sell the 650 Versys, if not maybe she would sell it to you, just throwing things out? On the PCX I bought I'm having the seat altered taking 11/2 inches off the back tier, I'm 6+ and longer rides (2-3hr) get my butt sore and my legs should feel better. Keeps us informed, wow, a 650, too big for my city riding but rock on.

HI Ian in regards to a naked bike I don't think you will find any that have a sit up and beg posture all sport bike seating to greater and lesser degrees. As far as the high reving engine that's just the nature of the beast hard on the ears and vibrating the hands at 8 or 10 K but it could do it all day abd not blink an eye. A Vulcan or an Sight work for you. I know you have said you didn't think the H 500X was tall enough for you but I don't know for sure but think I read that there is some adjustments for exactly that mean ride hight. Good luck with your search I have enjoy riding along with from the start. Good hunting

January 1st, they just instigated a ZERO alcohol law in Vietnam, anybody with alcohol on their breath or any register of alcohol on the breathalyzer and up to #1,700 USD, that's going to cut down on riders who drink, not even a beer, so a beer with lunch and you're on your own.

I am no help I like the green machine 😊

Timely Vlog for me, Ian. I've been toying with getting a Versys 650 for ages, but I have wondered a couple of times if I should go for the 300. Watching this, I think you've convinced me that the 650 would be the better choice.

Lot's to ponder. Thank you Ian. Best wishes. Mitch

The 300 is nice, but Kawasaki should have made it a 400cc, and went a little heavier on the frame. You might want to look at a Royal Enfield Himalayan, or their 650 line, as you might have noticed, I like both. If the gearing on the 300 is bothering you, you can go up two teeth on the front sprocket, that will drop the RPMs.

Have you considered the 650 Royal Enfield. Good seller in UK at a very competitive price. Torquey comfortable and very easy to ride and a good load carrier for longer journeys. Maybe a Honda CB500X. Semi trail bike and should be available second hand if cost is an issue. Always fun choosing a new bike, good luck with it.

Gday ian well what you have to ask yourself is will you use the larger bike ? what i mean is will you be doing away trips more frequently or if you get it will that make you able to do more trips away . There is a guy who rides around all of south east asia he rides a nc750x honda at last count it had 176,000 km on the original engine and still going strong . The nc750 is a dream to work on for the person who does there own maintenance the worst part is the air filter but when timed it took 12 minutes to remove ,plugs are easy as to get at with the engine inclined at 45degrees tappet adjustment is easy oil changes are easy as well plus they have the massive boot where the tank would normally be i think its about 14 litres big enough to hold a full face helmet and other small gear . this is another of my favorites as the ease of maintenance ect .I follow guy here in aus who does a series of do it yourself videoes plus trips and he rekons it is one of the best he has ever ridden .They dont put out break your arms power but the fueleconomy is very good check them out before making a decision take care .

My Versys x300 has back box and side panniers and it's no problem even when fully laden, and even with a pillion passenger on the back. The seat can be refurbished to make it more comfortable also. I think it's a great bike for the price and the lack of power compared to a 650 or more actually just prevents me from being silly with speed as here in Thailand we all know there can be surprises around any corner. I can cruise at 110-130 kmh anyway on the bigger roads so that's enough for me in this crazy beautiful country when I want to actually take in the scenery. I prefer to ride smaller lanes around the villages and therefore don't go over 80 most of the time.

Hi Ian,

Have you looked at the Vulcan 650 S, they sell it with 3 different front peg settings, may be more comfortable for the old knees.

Ian, I would get rid of the bike and buy a car. It's much safer and, as you said yourself, you're not getting any younger. Test drive Gordon's car and to avoid any accidents don't switch on his Cd player! Please refrain from using the "F" word in your reply. Lol and best wishes.

everything is a comprimise . Your 'bike is light and easy to handle . I am surprised that it can't take a few kilos in weight given that it can carry a Pillion passenger . You are a "steady" rider (i've ridden with you) so the 300cc should go fast enough . The seat height is right for you and that is important considering your knees . Is there no way to fit Saddle bags ? "The devil you know" and all that . 30,000Km is not that much given how you ride and how well you've looked after it . I have just done a complete top-end rebuild on my single 250cc and it wasn't that expensive . The 'bike had done 49,000Km and only needed doing because a Valve mysteriously broke (SUZUKI Marauder) . I believe it could have done 60,000 easily before needing reconditioning . Whatever you decide will be the right decision (unless you buy a Harley LOL)

Go hire a Yamaha XSR700 or MT07 in chiang mai Very light weight superb engine and comfy

A padded seat cover will solve issue #2. With issue #3 I don’t see how having a top box and saddle bags at the same time is an issue when there is a seat for a 2nd rider and those are calculated to handle riders who are 73 kilos. I doubt you’d have 73 kilos worth of gear in your top box and saddle bags at the same time. In fact I’ve seen so many X300 riders that have both and don’t have an issue. I suppose as long as you don’t have a passenger you’ll be quite all right.

If you enjoy it and it has been fault free why replace it. The bike will hold a rear pillion; therefore with no passenger it will easily carry two saddlebags {panniers} as well as a top box. Just do not buy the largest ones you can and add more than the weight of a average pillion. With a sturdy frame and 2 x 20 ltr panniers and a standard type {about 30 ltr} top box the bike will be fine. {Well my 150cc scooter is anyway as well as the under seat storage.} You would also be able to strap on a modest tent if that is your thing.


They have a 49mm stroke. 8,000rpm is a snack for them. They can do it all day long and not suffer in the least. If you are not suffering any vibrations get used to the sound and know the engine loves you for it. Straining an engine is about the forces generated to do with piston speed due to stroke length at a given rpm. Those little pistons with the short stroke could sit at 10,000 rpm all day and do not harm. I would probably not do that but with a 12,000 red line which is conservative enough to ensure you do not harm the engine and a rev limiter built in think of 8,000 as what it is very happy at.

I had a Vtwin cruiser then went to a 150cc scooter. I am near as old as you and suffer at least similar if not more things than you mentioned. The scooter is great for shopping and really good for cruising if I sit around 80 to 90 kph max. 80 is better for comfort but I have sat at 100kph for hours on smooth highways. That is about max speed for it. Rougher roads I prefer not over 80kph. I am considering going to what you have or same size in another brand, only so it is more comfortable at 100 to 110 kph on highways and open roads. More weight or power would be mostly useless to me other than fun factor but I am practical over fun factor these days. Too easy to get booked. Think on it long and hard before you change to something not really worth while. If you are not after more speed and prefer the lightness of that bike over larger why change.

You're faulting a predominantly dirt-bike for your particular on road reasons/requirements? Something needs to be "re-thunk"!

Good idea removing the screen, better to feel a bit of wind, rather than go deaf. Maybe try a more comfortable seat and stuff what Kawasaki says, fit a small top box.

Never mind the bike (a great bike with significantly good reviews if you know where to look) .... how did you accomplish your very engaging cinematography?

Do you still have the Versys 300X?
For what it's worth, I ride a Versys 1000 and I also have a little Yamaha 155 scooter. The Versys is for rides out of town and touring. The scooter is for commuting and local transit; it's a great combo. Yet... the big Versys leaves me missing a small motorcycle. I miss my old Kawasaki Ninja 250. Same type of engine character as your Versys. It didn't start making power until 7,000 RPM, redline was 14,000 and it was perfectly happy cruising at 12,000. It was really fun to rev through the gears and not be going too terribly fast. The light weight is the gift that keeps giving.
It seems you're looking for a One Bike Solution. How often do you find yourself wanting to go over 100 kph for hours at a time? If it's not often, I'd suggest staying with the little Versys, as there is always a trade-off. On my Versys 1000, it starts making some serious engine heat on the hot days. To go fast for a long time you need good wind protection, which makes it hotter at lower speeds. Then, there's the weight, which on this style of bike is carried high. Each pound feels like two compared to a bike with a lower center of gravity.
A good one-bike solution might be a Versys 650, but go into it realizing that you'll lose something to get that bigger power. You'll add weight, heat, a bit of fuel consumption and you'll lose that small bike character. Dirt or gravel roads will also be more dangerous, and picking up the bike in case of a drop will be harder too.
I had a Suzuki SV650 for my first bike and it was just the right size for an all-around bike in the US. Not too big, heavy, hot, powerful.

What I don't understand is how you can ride two up - but not have a top case and panniers? Surely without a pillion passenger it'd be fine to have both panniers and top case on?

I put Trekker 33 lt. Side bags on mine, the mounting bracket goes to the rear foot pegs, and are guite solid. Put all heavy stuff in them, getting a trekker 46 lt for a top box, to put my helmet and riding gear in when stopped. Tent and sleeping bag on back seat. More than enough room for long trips. As for more speed on highway up one tooth on front sprocket is what some are doing. A great all round bike keep it, and add a S 40 650 cc to your stable. 2 bikes for the price of one big bike. 2 different bikes bough put a bag smile on your face.

Cool video!

Versys 650 sounds like the bike for you. Im going for Versys x300.

Getting a new 300 saturday. I keep going smaller with my bikes. I will keep my klr650 though. Started with a harley. Could never have a crotch rocket. Would kill myself. This is going to be a good second bike

Had one for a year...very boring motorcycle

Hey mate, having the same bike i exactly know what you are talking about!
I am using SHAD's 3P system with integrated side mounting, and i love it! Side paniers can be used together with the rear box. For problem 2 i agree Paul below, a padded seat cover could be a solution. However i rather went to motorcycle seat upholstery workshop. They customized the seat for me: completely rebuilt the padding with comfort foam, added silicon inside, rose the seat height by a few cm. And also added a new cover. It was $350 but worth every cent!

Generally : if the seat is the biggest issue of a bike, you are lucky, that is the easiest mod. If you need more power or better break or suspension... that is much more complicated, you better change the bike.

2021 Versys X300 Adventure bike basics (related to video). (Sorry, I'm going to unload a chapter, lol)

1: Long-distance travel. I've ridden 100cc-250cc compact-small bikes, 35-50cc mopeds, 200cc scooters for very long distances.

People do it all the time and have the time of their lives. Yes, on some bikes you have to modify the seat for long rides. I have a gel pad that I use for the X300 and it's so soft and comfortable I tend to doze off if I'm not careful.

2. Load//gear weight bearing, etc. You see that rear seating area and foot pegs? That's not for a child but an adult. If the chassis were so flimsy they'd not hold top case and saddles, well, it would be sheer madness to own it, as when needed in the trenches grabbing it by the rear rack area and lifting would mean it would just bend or break with the weight of the lift. The bike is anything but a light bike.

They warn of this due to the fact it is in the "adventure class" now; people will load the tail end of their bike higher than their passenger's head even, they will load it down to the point the front end is coming off the ground.

It isn't a light bike, but it's not as heavy as your standard adventure bike that's 650cc and up and has thicker stronger everything and can handle carrying everything even the kitchen sink.

Ther X300-everyone has seen the image searches that show top case and side cases, even very large ones as if it's just like the "big bikes". It can handle saddles and top case.

This bike is one of thee best on the market when considering all the cons when considering "budget", input vs. output, etc, etc, mine is actually paying for itself due to petrol prices.

A quick trip down memory lane: I was 17, had no real job, and decided I wanted to ride far and wide, very far and wide. I did though have the resources to buy a brand new bike. This was 1982, gas was around a dollar a gallon I think, you could find leaded very cheap at farms and such.

I needed the best bang for the buck. So (at much laughter by the salesmen in the shop) I bought a Yamaha DT100 (new, around 800$) since I had learned to ride on a neighbor's DT80, which was just a tad too small. The DT100 while small, was just enough to hit 55 on the level and maintain it easily, wound out tight, but with a sprocket job it would handle it all day if desired.

I knew I'd be possibly//could be begging, "excuse me sir, mam, this is insanity but could I please ask you to spare 50 cents?" I'd do that a few times and ride on for 300 miles. I'd stop at diners and ask for a cuppa water and then ask for some change, "pennies are fine!"

That never happened because with just one or two hundred dollars you could go and survive, with good gear, for several months otg//tm.

A nomad's life is best when traveling by small displacement; you adapt to carry less and do more. Anyways, the Versys X300 is my dream machine. There are a few other small-displacement bikes though I'd love to add to my arsenal.

2022-they have several small displacement bikes out now that could easily be modded into adventure bikes. They all weigh less than the Versys also. One of the best I've seen is the Yamaha MT-03 which is just 4500 new. It's a hyper naked, then the YZF-R3 which is classed as a supersport. These bike could easily be modded into adv bikes.

Super cheap bikes that have just enough horsepower to do it all in relative ease if you aren't a speed demon and ride 1 up only. My woman rides an XT225, lol, now there's a real pooch. Sorry for this massive ramble, best to you all. kk

Sorry for rambling, peace, America bless God!

This is sadly why I like short vids Sorry fella but Jesus just get on with it !!!!!!!!!!!!

Use tackless saddle bags like the Rhino walks then u have only a few kilos for even the 48 litre capacity .use a rollbagon the carrier..and a tank bag and you've storage galore! Gel seat covers are about ,15 quid and made my TDM 900 all day comfy! A few teeth less on the rear sprocket will reduce buzzyness without sacrificing too much acceleration. Get a bigger Bike if you wanna go faster, as that's about all a bigger bike does, but then up goes the weight and the arthritis won't thank you for it. It will be my next bike in a few years as the TDM at 220 odd Kilos before luggage is getting a bit of a problem for my dodgy lower back and arthritic knees.. Just be careful what you wish for!!