Kawasaki Versys X300: Nobody’s buying them and here’s proof

The Kawasaki Versys X300 is probably the biggest flop for the Japanese motorcycle major in India. In all of 6 months, Kawasaki has sold only 2 units of the Versys. In contrast, the Versys 650, a much pricier motorcycle, sold 21 units in April 2018. It’s not hard to figure out why the Versys X300 is selling so poorly. The motorcycle’s steep price tag of Rs. 4.6 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi, means that it’s almost as pricey as its 650cc elder sibling, the Kawasaki Ninja 650N. Kawasaki has priced the Versys X300 so high despite assembling it in India through the completely knocked down (CKD) kit route.

The high price tag by Kawasaki is intentional. The Japanese motorcycle brand is trying to keep its premium appeal intact, and not dilute it with lower priced models. However, such steep pricing only means that entry level Kawasakis are simply not finding any takers. Indian motorcycle buyers, especially those opting for high-end models, are quite aware of the various options they have. They’re also value conscious, especially in a market where other brands such as KTM and Yamaha offer much cheaper offerings, with similar performance levels. Unless Kawasaki starts pricing its entry-level models more aggressively, sales aren’t likely to improve.

Competition to the Versys X300 will only increase in the coming months and years. The 300cc, parallel twin motorcycle – based on the previous generation Ninja 300 – features long travel suspension and touring-focused ergonomics. At a price tag near the Rs. 3 lakh mark, the Versys X300 could have been a brisk seller, for it offers high quality, reliability and excellent performance. The 300 cc, four stroke parallel twin engine of the Versys X300 is liquid cooled and fuel injected. It features four valve heads and twin overhead camshafts. Peak power is rated at 39 Bhp while peak torque is rated at 25.7 Nm. A 6 speed manual gearbox is offered and dual channel ABS is standard.