The 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 250 which was introduced earlier this year has been dubbed one of the most affordable adventure bikes in the current market.
This very unique option has filled the ever growing demand for the small capacity adventure bike segment which has been receiving a huge number of demands.
Priced at a very reasonable RM23,789 (basic price with GST), the multi-purpose dual sport machine allows for great fun both on and off the paved roads no matter the riding conditions.
Everyone wants a bit of an adventure in their lives. Whether it’s heading to the office during weekdays or going on weekend rides to experience some freedom from the harsh realities of the everyday life, we tend to look for that extra special bit just to make things a bit more exciting.
When it comes to the motorcycling world, there are many options to choose from especially from Japanese giant, Kawasaki. There’s always something for everyone from Team Green which comes in a plethora of shapes and sizes to fit any budget. The thing that we Malaysians are always looking out for is something that won’t burn a hole in our bank accounts. This is when we begin our search in finding the best affordable option to add life to our riding days.
Looking at Kawasaki Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KMSB), they seemed to have answered our calls and prayers by providing us with a huge selection of motorcycles to fit any type of rider in the country. One of the latest additions to this wide variety is the 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 250 which has been labelled one of the most affordable adventure bikes in the market to date.
The Versys-X 250 was designed specifically to cater to huge gap in the small capacity adventure bike segment where there’s little to none other options to choose from. This makes the Versys-X 250 a very unique bike that presents a grand opportunity for riders who wish to go on amazing adventure rides without spending a big fortune.
When it made its first appearance during our visit to last year’s EICMA show in Milan, we were blown away at how the bike was designed – full of edginess and attitude. With its larger than life appearance especially looking at the large spoke rims (19-inch front, 17-inch rear) and suspension package (long travel 41mm telescopic front fork & Uni-trak gas-charged type rear shock), the Versys-X 250 was meant to perform as good as it looks.
To know more about our exclusive coverage of the Verys-X during the 2016 EICMA show in Milan, CLICK HERE.
Priced at RM23,789 (basic price with GST), a lot of motorcycle enthusiasts agree that the Versys-X is indeed an interesting bike considering its specification, riding abilities and overall performance. Labelled as a dual-sport/adventure bike, the Versys-X is essentially a road bike that can take you for some off-road conquests.
To take the bike one level higher, slap on a few GIVI boxes and side panniers and you’re basically ready to take it around the world. To handle super tough road conditions, get it fitted with some premium knobby tyres and we won’t be surprised if you ride this baby to the ends of the Earth.
We were given multiple opportunities to test out what the 2017 Versys-X 250 is capable of both on and off the paved roads. Back in April, KMSB organised a very special test ride session for motoring media members to really showcase what this little adventure bike is capable off. This is truly a mini adventure bike that has been built for toughness. No excuses, no BS.
In short, we were truly impressed on how the Versys-X performed as a whole. From how smooth it runs on the highway to how it brilliantly tackled the muddy tracks in the middle of a palm plantation, it’s a huge double thumbs-up even with its stock road tyres.
Built for robustness, the Versys-X 250 comes with an all-new high-tensile backbone frame which can handle rough paved roads as well as absorb any external disturbances. The overall chassis package offers a greater front-end feel that further elevates the riding confidence even for newer riders. The Versys-X 250 has the perfect balance between robustness and comfort which makes it a perfect option to all riders old and new.
To know more on our first impressions about the 2017 Versys-X 250, CLICK HERE.
Powered by a 249cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin engine, the Versys-X 250 punches out a respectable 33hp at 11,500rpm and 21.7Nm of torque at 10,000rpm. Together with a reworked air intake and exhaust systems, this mean mini adventure bike has been tuned for great low to mid range power and torque delivery as well as an exhilarating acceleration experience upon opening the throttle.
At high gear, the Versys-X 250 provides a smooth and relaxing cruising experience which means that it can literally take you anywhere in style and comfort. Paired with its amazing “Assist & Slipper” clutch mechanism, it’s a darling to ride even at low speeds that require a lot of clutch lever work which functions as smooth as a hot knife through butter.
Like all adventure and dual-sport bikes, the Versys-X 250 has been fitted with a huge 17-litre fuel tank. In our test session of real life riding scenarios, it is able to cover a distance of more than 300km easily. If you’re the type that’s not into high revs and full gas all the time, we reckoned that it can cover almost 400km no problem. With this theoretical calculation, you can basically ride this baby all the way to Kuala Terengganu (from Kuala Lumpur) if you’re really careful with the throttle. Now that’s what we like to call “fuel efficiency”.
For beginners, the Versys-X 250 is just what the doctor ordered as a first bike option as there are no complicated electronics to overwhelm the riders or get in the way. All you have to do is start the bike and it’s ready for any adventure that awaits. The 250cc engine capacity has been designed for low maintenance rates especially at the Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centres (KESC) across the country. This is something that even veteran riders will take their hats off for in sign of approval.
All in all, the 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 250 is a small capacity adventure bike unlike any other. A bike that’s tough to handle multiple terrains, smooth to the touch and comfortable to ride, the Versys-X 250 is arguably one of the best and affordable dual-sports bikes in the current market to date. No matter how you look at it, you can never go wrong with the Versys-X 250.
To know more about the Versys-X 250 and its full specification, CLICK HERE or head to any of the authorised KMSB dealers located across the country.
