Versys-X 400 speculations thread

I think Kawasakis web site crashed. trying to log on now. Ain't happening.

Yep. Awfully anti-climactic.

NOPE. No Versys 400 of any type. =(

On the bright side, they did introduce a KLX 300 Supermoto: https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/moto...LESLANDING-_-FEATUREDVEHICLES-_-VEHICLEBUCKET

"Stay tuned for more excitement on January 26th..." Grrrrr.

Skip first 10 min.

It wasn't what WE were looking for, but at least it goes beyond the ubiquitous 250cc mediocrity. Same goes for the Honda CRF300L. Yamaha's turn next. XT350?

No, I do not think we can reach that conclusion. Last year Kawasaki introduced the KLX 230 with MSRP of $5299 CDN. And they had the KLX250 for MSRP $5999 CDN. And Kawasaki has a 292 cc engine that is largely a drop-in replacement for the 249 cc in the KLX 250. So, put that 292 cc powerplant in the KLX250 chassis, make a few cosmetic changes, and increase the MSRP from $5999 CDN to $6499 CDN. The KLX300 is a parts-bin bike that Kawasaki can sell for $500 more than the KLX 250.

But it's telling there is not KLR replacement, not even an adventurised version of a Versys 650 that the mainstream MC media were touting? The KLX300 sounds like a token gesture - like Honda's CRF300L/Rallies will be. And at this point Suzuki is looking like the internet explorer of motorcycle manufacturers in the ADV market..

That was almost all right, except that the bike with the 17" front and relatively smaller brake rotors ended up being another version of the H2...

Oh, well, maybe I can get one of those Colove/Macbor 500 past the DOT/EPA...


Gustavo

I think its great kawi and honda are bumping the displacement. 250s are fun but around 24hp limits some of it, and makes a 50-60 mph pass an adventure. Even 5 more hp would be nice.

Now people will be making a big stink about the possibility of a fuel injected terd. Lol

Kawi just revealed a klx300 dual sport and a klx300 supermoto, that is what we are discussing.

So...I installed a KLX300 cylinder and piston to my '06 KLX250S way, way back and was only 14 years ahead of the Kawasaki factory. I'm amazing.

As far as I know, the only difference between the outgoing klx250 and the "new" klx300 is a larger bore and piston, parts which they have already produced for some time. That $500 jump in price is total BS, might as well buy last year's klx250 and spend the $500 on a Blue Bill 351 big bore.

I can't help but feel left behind with my measly 250 engine, now I need a big bore so some guy on a brand new klx300 doesn't smoke me!

My initial assessment of the KLX 300 may have been a bit hasty. Comparing the specs published at kawasaki .ca we can see that there are a few more subtle differences (other than displacement) between the KLX 300 and the KLX 250 than perhaps we initially thought:
- KLX300 has a wider, flatter, thicker seat w/ seat height 35.2 in vs 35.0 in (250)
- Ground clearance: 9.8 in (300) vs 11.2 in (250)
- Wheelbase: 56.7 in (300) vs 56.3 in (250)
- Rake / Trail 26.7° / 106 mm (300) vs 26.5° / 105 mm (250)
- Steering angle (L/R): 41° (300) vs 45° (250)
- Curb mass: 302 lb (300) vs 304 lb (250)
- KLX 300 appears to have revised engine heat management
- KLX 300 appears to have a new heat shield between the right-side rear plastic and the muffler
- In photo at kawasaki.ca, klx 300 has a small rear rack and a revised tool case, and brush guards (I assume these are optional accesories)
- KLX300 has the same camshaft profiles as the KLX300R which is different than KLX250 camshaft profile.

So, it does appear that Kawasaki made a few tweaks to KLX300 but are these enough to warrnt a price increase of $500 CDN?

Cold air in, hot air out!!
Disc brakes!!
Full size wheels!!

It's gonna be a nice bike though, hope it comes to Europe too.

The rumor is that KLR replacement isn't ready and will be introduced in January.. yeah right don't hold your breath. I'm thinking used 390 ADV if wire wheels not prohibitively expensive and bug is over and my XCo ends up shipped to cartagena from miami..

I certainly wouldn't mind having one of the KLX 300's in my garage. In terms of being anti-climactic, I was referring to the website being crashed for the first 20 or so minutes of their big announcement.

I think the one thing the Kawasaki launch event demonstrated is that rumours have little or no credence because almost none of the rumours including the ones from "reliable sources" proved to be true.

My brother has a well-loved and well-used KLX250. Its carb'd not EFI. He will likely buy a new KLX300.

I think you would like a 390 adventure. Use the mags for street and get some spokes for the dirt.

Rumer is, India is making good bikes these days.