The much-anticipated 2026 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 has landed in India! For adventure touring enthusiasts looking for an accessible yet capable twin-cylinder ADV, this is big news. The best part? The ex-showroom price remains aggressively set at Rs. 3.49 Lakh , making it a key contender in the affordable ADV segment in India.
🎨 The Only Change is a Striking New Look!
Kawasaki knows a good thing when they see it, as the 2026 model retains its proven mechanical package. The sole update is a fresh coat of paint: a dynamic dual-tone black and green scheme with updated graphics. This new colour option injects some modern flair into the rugged Kawasaki Versys family design.
🚀 Performance: Twin-Cylinder Thrills Intact
At its core, the Versys-X 300 remains the most affordable twin-cylinder adventure tourer in the country.
- Engine: A refined 296cc parallel-twin engine.
- Power & Torque: It delivers a spirited 38.8bhp and 26Nm of torque.
- Transmission: Paired with a smooth six-speed gearbox featuring an essential assist and slipper clutch.
This powertrain promises a comfortable and reliable touring experience, especially on highways, which is what the small-capacity Versys does best.
🛣️ Comfort Over Cutting-Edge Tech
The Versys-X 300 is a machine built for the long haul, even if it skips the latest digital trends.
| Feature Area | Kawasaki Versys-X 300 Specification | SEO Keyword Focus |
| Ergonomics | Upright, neutral riding position, spacious seat | Comfortable riding position, Long-distance touring |
| Suspension | Absorbent telescopic forks & monoshock, spoked wheels (19-17-inch) | Adventure suspension, Spoke wheels for rough roads |
| Brakes | Single discs front/rear with Dual-Channel ABS (non-switchable) | Dual-channel ABS motorcycle |
| Electronics | Dated semi-digital cluster, no Bluetooth/Traction Control | Simple instrument cluster, Reliable ADV bike |
It trades fancy electronics like Bluetooth connectivity and Traction Control (found on rivals) for pure, unadulterated riding comfort and mechanical simplicity, appealing to the purist ADV rider.
⚔️ Competition Check: ADV Battle Royale
The 2026 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 goes head-to-head with some fierce competition: the feature-loaded KTM 390 Adventure and the new-generation Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. The Versys-X 300’s primary draw remains its accessible price point for a premium Japanese twin-cylinder ADV.
The Versys-X 300 is the perfect choice for riders who prioritize the refinement of a parallel-twin engine and unparalleled touring comfort without breaking the bank!
Both the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 and the KTM 390 Adventure are excellent entry-level adventure touring motorcycles, but they offer quite different riding experiences.
Here is a breakdown of their key specifications and a comparison to help you decide which one might be better for you:
🏍️ Kawasaki Versys-X 300 vs. KTM 390 Adventure Comparison
| Feature | Kawasaki Versys-X 300 | KTM 390 Adventure |
| Engine | 296 cc, Parallel-Twin | 398.63 cc, Single-Cylinder |
| Max Power | approx 39 bhp @ 11,500 rpm | approx 45 bhp @ 8,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | approx 26 Nm @ 10,000 rpm | approx 39 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 1 |
| Refinement | High (Parallel-Twin is generally smoother on highways) | Good (Single-Cylinder has more vibration at high RPM) |
| Weight (Kerb) | approx 175-179 kg | approx 182 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 17 Litres | 14.5 Litres |
| Mileage (Claimed) | approx 24.39 kmpl | approx 27-30 kmpl |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm | approx 237 mm |
| Front Wheel | 19-inch Spoke (Tube-type tyres) | 21-inch Spoke (Tubeless tyres) |
| Suspension | Telescopic Forks (Non-adjustable) | WP USD Forks (Fully Adjustable) |
| Key Features | Dual-Channel ABS, Slipper Clutch, Semi-digital console | Cruise Control, Quickshifter, Traction Control, Cornering ABS, TFT Display, Ride Modes |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | approx ₹3.49 Lakh | approx ₹ 3.69 Lakh |
🛣️ Which is Better for Your Riding Style?
1. For Long-Distance Touring & Highway Use (Kawasaki Versys-X 300)
- Engine Refinement: The parallel-twin engine of the Versys-X 300 is known for being smoother and more refined at high speeds compared to the single-cylinder KTM, making long hours on the highway more comfortable.
- Fuel Range: With a larger 17-litre fuel tank, the Versys-X 300 offers a better riding range, meaning fewer fuel stops on long trips.
- Accessible Seating: A lower seat height of 815 mm can make it more manageable for a wider range of riders.
2. For Off-Roading & Aggressive Riding (KTM 390 Adventure)
- Power and Torque: The KTM has a significantly punchier and more powerful engine with higher peak torque, which is available at a much lower RPM (6,500 vs 10,000). This translates to better acceleration and torque for off-road obstacles and quick overtakes.
- Off-Road Hardware: The KTM is far more focused on the trail, featuring a 21-inch front wheel (better for obstacles), long-travel, fully-adjustable WP suspension, and massive 237 mm ground clearance.
- Advanced Electronics: The KTM is loaded with technology like Traction Control, Cornering ABS, Quickshifter, and Cruise Control, which enhance both safety and rider comfort on long hauls.
In Summary:
- Choose the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 if your priority is smooth, reliable highway cruising, maximum fuel range, and a more accessible, basic machine.
- Choose the KTM 390 Adventure if you want maximum performance, advanced electronics (like Cruise Control), and superior off-road capability right out of the box.
Source
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 vs KTM 390 Adventure Comparison (BikeWale)
Kawasaki Versys X 300 vs KTM 390 Adventure Comparison (ZigWheels)
KTM 390 Adventure vs Kawasaki Versys X 300 Comparison (BikeDekho)
Kawasaki Versys-X 300 vs KTM 390 Adventure: Which ADV should you buy? (Mint)
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