RX3 Visits With the X-300

jbfla · 03-23-2017, 09:45 PM

I received a call from a nearby dealer to come take a look at the new Kawasaki Versys X-300....couldn't resist....

Took a 10 mile test ride:

First impressions:

Fit and finish is very good.

Body panels fastened with bolts, not sheet metal screws.

Engine is smooth, and exhaust is quiet, compared to my RX3.

Clutch lever pull is incredibly light, (1 finger if you like ). It has "clutch assist" and a slipper clutch.

The bike is well balanced and handles with a light touch on the handlebars.

High revving engine, like the RX3.

Power comes on around 5,000 rpm and higher. Red line ~11,000 rpm.

It will be difficult to keep it under the recommended 5,000 rpm for the first 500 miles.....don't tell anyone I had it up to 65+ mph with no effort.

Wheels have aluminum rims with heavy duty spokes.

Single radiator, as opposed to the RX3's two.

The exposed header pipes will limit its off-road worthiness.

Made in Thailand label on the headstock.

There are a couple of guys on ADVrider that have already purchased one.

A very nice bike and I would like to have one.

The only thing stopping me from buying it is the dealer price.

ABS model is $5,700 USD. Add sales tax and all the dealer BS fees and I was quoted an OTD price of $7,500 USD.

...and that is with no accessories. Similarly equipped, it will easily be the price of two RX3's.

.....hmmmmmmmm.

jb

03-23-2017, 09:45 PM	#1
jbfla Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: FL, GA, NC Posts: 771	RX3 Visits With the X-300 I received a call from a nearby dealer to come take a look at the new Kawasaki Versys X-300....couldn't resist.... Took a 10 mile test ride: First impressions: Fit and finish is very good. Body panels fastened with bolts, not sheet metal screws. Engine is smooth, and exhaust is quiet, compared to my RX3. Clutch lever pull is incredibly light, (1 finger if you like ). It has "clutch assist" and a slipper clutch. The bike is well balanced and handles with a light touch on the handlebars. High revving engine, like the RX3. Power comes on around 5,000 rpm and higher. Red line ~11,000 rpm. It will be difficult to keep it under the recommended 5,000 rpm for the first 500 miles.....don't tell anyone I had it up to 65+ mph with no effort. Wheels have aluminum rims with heavy duty spokes. Single radiator, as opposed to the RX3's two. The exposed header pipes will limit its off-road worthiness. Made in Thailand label on the headstock. There are a couple of guys on ADVrider that have already purchased one. A very nice bike and I would like to have one. The only thing stopping me from buying it is the dealer price. ABS model is $5,700 USD. Add sales tax and all the dealer BS fees and I was quoted an OTD price of $7,500 USD. ...and that is with no accessories. Similarly equipped, it will easily be the price of two RX3's. .....hmmmmmmmm. jb __________________ 2016 Honda CB500F......2017 Triumph Street Twin 2014 XT 250........ Last edited by jbfla; 03-24-2017 at 12:29 AM.
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