The Kawasaki Versys X 300 has made a long-awaited comeback to India, bringing with it an adventure-touring twist to Kawasaki’s twin-cylinder lineup. Sharing its heart with the Ninja 300, the Versys X 300 offers a more upright and rugged alternative to the sporty Ninja. Let’s break down how these two 300cc twins differ across key areas.
Engine and Performance
Both motorcycles are powered by the same 296cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine — a high-revving unit known for its sporty character. However, there’s a slight difference in output figures.
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Versys X 300 produces 40hp at 11,500rpm,
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Ninja 300 delivers 39hp at 11,000rpm.
Despite identical internal gearing, the Versys gets a shorter final drive ratio thanks to a larger 46-tooth rear sprocket (compared to the Ninja’s 42-tooth). This setup benefits the Versys in off-road or low-speed situations, where quicker torque delivery is more useful — compensating for the engine’s high-revving nature.
Suspension, Wheels & Ergonomics
This is where the two bikes diverge significantly.
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Suspension Travel: The Versys X 300 offers longer travel — 130mm front / 148mm rear, versus the Ninja’s 120mm front / 132mm rear — improving its ability to handle rough terrain.
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Wheels: The Versys is equipped with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheel setup (with tube-type tyres), which is typical for adventure bikes. The Ninja gets 17-inch alloy wheels front and rear, suited to tarmac use.
Despite the Versys’ ADV nature, both bikes weigh the same at 179kg and come with 17-litre fuel tanks, giving them similar range potential.
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Ergonomics: The Versys offers a more upright, relaxed riding position, while the Ninja’s setup is tighter and more aggressive — better suited for sport riding.
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Seat Height: The Versys sits taller at 815mm, and also offers a generous 180mm ground clearance — much better suited to Indian road conditions. The Ninja is more accessible for shorter riders with a 785mm seat height, but its 140mm ground clearance is noticeably less forgiving on bad roads.
Pricing and Colours
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Ninja 300: Priced at ₹3.43 lakh (ex-showroom), this has long been Kawasaki’s entry-level twin-cylinder model in India.
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Versys X 300: Costs ₹3.80 lakh (ex-showroom), making it ₹37,000 dearer than the Ninja — but it’s also more affordable than its earlier avatar, which retailed for ₹4.69 lakh.
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Colour Options:
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Ninja 300 is available in three paint options – two greens and a black.
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Versys X 300 comes in two dual-tone colour schemes – green/black and white/blue.
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Verdict
While both motorcycles share a common engine and weight, they serve very different purposes. The Ninja 300 is aimed at sportbike enthusiasts who spend most of their time on paved roads, while the Versys X 300 caters to those seeking versatility, mild off-road capability, and long-distance comfort. Your choice ultimately depends on how — and where — you intend to ride.
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