Kawasaki Versys X 300 vs Ninja 300: differences explained

The Kawasaki Versys X 300 has made a return to our shores after a lengthy hiatus. This bike is essentially a road-biased adventure tourer utilising the same 296cc parallel-twin as the popular Ninja 300 sportbike. Here are all the differences between these two entry-level twin-cylinder Kawasakis. 

Kawasaki Versys X 300 vs Ninja 300: engine and output

Both the Ninja 300 and Versys X 300 are powered by the familiar 296cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled screamer but the small Kawasaki ADV actually makes a little more power. The Versys is rated for 40hp at a sky-high 11,500rpm, while the Ninja makes a smidge less peak output at 39hp, delivered at a relatively lower 11,000rpm. 

While both bikes have the same internal gear ratios, the final drive gearing is much shorter on the Versys. It uses a 46-tooth rear sprocket, as against the Ninja's 42-tooth one. This difference is likely to account for the fact that the Versys will be taken off-road where you need grunt more urgently and since the engine’s power delivery is rather peaky, this shorter gearing will help. 

Kawasaki Versys X 300 vs Ninja 300: suspension and ergonomics

This is an area where the two Kawasaki 300s have the biggest difference. While both use a telescopic fork and monoshock setup, the Versys has 130mm/148mm of travel at the front and rear, respectively, compared to the Ninja’s 120mm/132mm (F/R). The Versys also runs on a 19/17-in tubed wire-spoke wheel setup compared to the Ninja’s 17-inch alloys. 

While most ADVs and sportbikes based on the same platform have weight disparities, the Versys and Ninja weigh exactly the same, at 179kg, and both also have the same 17-litre fuel tank capacity. Since they have different form factors, the rider’s triangle is also rather different. Predictably, the Versys has a spacious, neutral riding position while the Ninja has a relatively more focused and tight position. At 815mm, the Versys has a taller perch, and it also has a generous 180mm of ground clearance. In comparison, the Ninja’s 785mm seat height is more approachable for shorter riders but its 140mm ground clearance number will demand some caution on our roads. 

Kawasaki Versys X 300 vs Ninja 300: pricing and colours

The Ninja 300 has long been the stepping stone into multi-cylinder Kawasaki ownership with its Rs 3.43 lakh price tag. The Versys is Rs 37,000 more costly with its Rs 3.80 lakh asking price. While it is more expensive than the Ninja, it is significantly more affordable today than it was back in the day, when it was priced at Rs 4.69 lakh. 

The Ninja 300 is available in three colours (two shades of green and one shade of black), while the Versys-X 300 is available in two dual-tone paintjobs (green/black and white/blue).

All prices ex-showroom, India