We ride section 6 of the Oregon BDR on a Kawasaki Versys X-300, taking the more difficult alternate routes to Olallie Lake.
Пікірлер: 62
@ma77bc2 ай бұрын
I just bought one as my first bike. I'm picking it up on June 18th, with a 3.5hr trip home from the dealer... I'm so excited. I'll be doing mostly highway riding, but have tons of gravel logging roads to explore.
@FreeTimeAdventures2 ай бұрын
Congrats 🎊 that's going to be awesome!!!
@paulelden10517 ай бұрын
Riders that are new to the Versys-X 300 often complain about the bike "running hot." It doesn't. It just READS hot. This has been verified on the Versys-X 300 FB group, where people obtained specific temp readings for each bar on the display. Bottom line is that Kawasaki calibrated their display wrong. I'm on three different user groups, and this perception comes up fairly often from new owners. I've never seen any follow-up posts that it actually *was* running hot, it's just that the display can be worrying. I've got 30,000 miles on mine so far, including a 100+ degree Iron Butt ride across The Plains on the way to Colorado, and have never had the bike overheat.
@FreeTimeAdventures7 ай бұрын
That's wild! I was completely thrown the first time it happened while we were on a group ride. We were crawling down a slick gravely trail at maybe 10-15mph in 45°F weather, when the Versys went all the way up past 5 bars and the red overheating light came on. Just on casually riding it, the thing will go from 3 bars while riding to 5 when stopped at a long traffic light and then back down again. I would be really curious to see what those temp readings are. Unfortunately, I don't have a FB and probably never will again.
@paulelden10517 ай бұрын
@@FreeTimeAdventures yea that FB info was from a couple of years ago, and at this point, like you I don't use FB. The problem with that group on basically a social media platform, rather than a dedicated motorcycle forum, is that the old, important info gets buried under all of the new fluff posts. I wish I could access the correlating display-to-actual-temp information, but I believe what they did was run an OBD scan-tool to provide the temperatures that read out relative to the number of bars on the display. However, I will say that I don't recall reading that the "check engine" light was coming on at the same time, so that's different. When I rode to Colorado and was doing part of the Alpine Loop, that was during a heat wave, and a lot of that climbing was done in first gear. The bike never overheated but I did take a couple of breaks to rest both the bike and my own middle-aged body. (LOL, first time riding at 10,000 - 12,000 feet elevation, coming from Michigan!) If I can find that temp-vs-display information, I'll post it here. For what it's worth, I've had many other bikes, all with bigger displacement and/or physically larger and heavier, but this little Versys is the most fun and overall capable bike I've owned yet. Thanks for the video!
@tallyshay2175 ай бұрын
I currently own a versys 300. I learned adventure/gravel/harder trails on my klx 250 before getting my 300. over the last 3 years ive added more mods to my versys to make it more BDR worthy; added T-rex racing skid plate (the beefier one), T-rex racing engine guards, hand guards, wider off road foot pegs, and pannier rack. Out of all the protective peices i recommend a skid plate, ive never bottomed out my suspension, but ive gone too slow down a "step" and bashed the plate pretty good several times. It held up great and has the scars to show it has been used lol Quality of riding and safety (i tend to stay out too late and catch myself riding home during sunset) was definitely improved after i added auxiliary lights, mounted to the front of the crash bars. I can point them far out for road riding, or aim them more down or a combo. I only last year changed my tires to a more off road oriented tire, and let me tell you- it made me realize how much grip off road the stock tires DONT have 😅 I have done even more difficult terrain than you showed in the vid on stock (aired down ~8psi) and its do-able.....but it is soooo much easier on a dedicated adventure tire! Will you be riding this bike for a while longer? Thanks for sharing!
@FreeTimeAdventures5 ай бұрын
What tires did you end up going with? Also, I had hoped to do a few more videos with this bike, but the owner seems set on selling it and I don't have the garage space to take up another bike, which is very unfortunate 😕.
@MFJ652 ай бұрын
Nice the see the 300X handle its business.
@louispaulter87337 ай бұрын
I think you found me a reasonable all around fun “ explorer “ MC that touches a lot bases & 1 that I can start on sane & slow and grow into over time carefully. UR review vids on the KV300X demoed all aspects of what I was looking for on this MC. Great job, - THANKS !!!
@607rocket4 ай бұрын
I run my 2022 Versys for 4500 miles not a single hiccup. Just put a new rear tire on it. I love this bike the fuel range is amazing.
@JoseAlvarez-dl3hm11 күн бұрын
great to know, and many reccomend the 390 adv over this, I gues it is a matter of tastes, the ktm fan boys are more prone to pick faster and torquier machines, but the reliability of this versys cannot be beaten by that ktm
@Anath5255 ай бұрын
I absolutely loved this video! You really showed off the capabilities of this bike even with the hindrances of hard panniers and street tires. Very impressive. Also phenomenal quality on the footage!
@Fiatmannen15 ай бұрын
Just bought my 2nd versys. All extras 3 cases crasbars aux 12v aux lights wind deflector headlamp guard gps mount new tires mitas e7 serviced. Abd only 4500km on the clock. It is a great bike.
@MumanRides6 ай бұрын
Great video bro. I have a 2022 model X-300 with about 14,000 miles on it. I love it. I ride the type of terrain you’re on frequently and I never have overheating issues. In the section where you’re running hot - the bike is mostly in 1st gear from what I can see. I run mine at that speed in 3rd gear. Not 1st. On this bike, 1st is extremely short. Hit it and quit it. Shift on up to 3rd in that situation and see how she responds. 90+ degree days are no problem. 3rd gear and up are very long on this bike. Makes the power delivery very smooth for this type of riding. No torque though, so if you need to clear an obstacle, downshift and bring the revs up a bit and you’re good. You have to ride it with its ninja 300 engine differently off road - anticipating the terrain ahead and shifting and controlling the rpm’s more - it’s an engine that was meant for a small sport bike but that’s also why it’s been for a long time the only 300cc lite adv that’s actually also capable and fun on the highway. What other 300cc adv cruises along at 85mph on the highway and can still accelerate to 100mph to move in and out of highway traffic? I absolutely love my X-300 because that engine is awesome and if you understand how to get the most out of it - it does everything well that you would want a small adv to handle and it’s so much fun.
@newlife1554 ай бұрын
Hello, have you done the valves with 14k miles?
@Dfm_Versys6505 ай бұрын
Amazing off-roading trip! I liked this versys color, congrats. I have one, year 2022 green color with 10.000 km, my first bike 300 but I had had two versys 650, I'm Kawasaki fan. Other side, I'm loving how this bike is so fun in different roads. In Brazil, I've visite "Serra do Rio do Rastro" and "Serra do corno branco" two amazing places also look at the fotos if you have time. I haven't nothing about problem after 2.200 km roaded. Regards! Your new registered.
@foxblack40187 ай бұрын
Awesome music to go with such a great ride!
@matthewgodfrey8175 ай бұрын
Camping at Olallie is superb, definitely recommend. They have nice camp spots with lake and Jefferson views, a cash only store that sells cold beer and snacks and clean vaulted toilets. I did the alternate route on section 6 as the main route around Olallie wasn’t open Summer 2023. Section 3 is my fav.
@FreeTimeAdventures5 ай бұрын
That's awesome I am going to have to try and get up there this year!
@ADSCoachSimonB2112Ай бұрын
Really appreciate this video thank you, the x300 is the most underrated mini Adventure bike with a full acro exhaust system and efi comander extra tooth on the sprocket ⚙️ I feel is much better than bigger bikes, I can push it 1 km and pick it up ( I practice a lot at the ADV riding school)
@jrobwebb7 ай бұрын
Nice vid showing the potential of the Versys 300. You mentioned you were using GAIA. I do as well and have a Garmin Zumo XT for backup. I noticed you were manually advancing the map on your phone. You may know this but it does have a setting that advances the map automatically. It is a great app and has never failed me. Anyways, keep up the good work.👍
@FreeTimeAdventures7 ай бұрын
I actually didn't know! I only used it the one time and haven't messed with it since. I will look for that next time I'm using it!
@Donnie64inPa6 ай бұрын
Thanks for posting the video with the versys, I'm strongly considering buying one. My last bike was a 96 voyager 1200 but I miss the dual sports.
@FreeTimeAdventures6 ай бұрын
Oh dual sport life is the best life!
@Donnie64inPa6 ай бұрын
Just bought a 2013 BMW F800GS. Cheers, thanks for responding!@@FreeTimeAdventures
@FreeTimeAdventures6 ай бұрын
@DRJordan64 🔥🔥 congratulations 👏 that's awesome! Ride safe and keep it shiny side up!
@mindspinn3117 ай бұрын
Gorgeous video and great ride. Hugely overlooked and underrated bike. I’ve wanted one for awhile and I might finally do it. I think the 296cc engine is actually very good even though everyone says they want the 399cc engine in this bike. Now with all the new models coming out of Kawasaki with the 451cc engine a new small Versys might actually happen.
@FreeTimeAdventures7 ай бұрын
That would be rad, I would love to see some choice upgrades for the Versys, it's a great bike as is, but it could still use some updates.
@RetiredAdventureRider6 ай бұрын
It's always harder to ride those rocky sections than the camera shows. Well done! I like the Gaia app. I've been using it for years for backcountry hiking, and I've never had a problem getting a signal. The only caveat is that you need to download maps of the area before you lose your cell signal. Otherwise, the base map lacks details.
@moistoregon7 ай бұрын
Must recreate this section ride in 2024!
@FreeTimeAdventures7 ай бұрын
@moistoregon Let's do it!
@zahirjlg4 ай бұрын
Very good video. I wanted to comment that temperature is not a problem on this motorcycle. If the temperature rises too high, turn on the electric fan. I have driven it at low speed with 40ºC and there have been no problems. Greetings from Argentina
@JoseAlvarez-dl3hm11 күн бұрын
so, does the fan can be switched on and off manually?
@zahirjlg11 күн бұрын
@@JoseAlvarez-dl3hm No. And it is not necessary. The temperature sensor does its job without any problems.
@trd4d6 ай бұрын
Was thinking of heading down for a spin on section 6 until you ran into the oh shit and dammit part. I’m a fair weather and fair road rider. Started riding off-road 50 years ago, but nothing rocky like that. I too have a X300. 2023 version. Gotta find better tires that will work on hard sand, but hold the blacktop on the way across the country from Washington to Milwaukee. And maybe to the Giant Loop Rally.
@FreeTimeAdventures6 ай бұрын
I think you would fine honestly, just don't take the Olallie Lake alternate route. I've been the told the main route that bypasses that is chill like the rest of it. You could also go to Ollalie the easy way and then double back...
@MumanRides6 ай бұрын
@trd4d I run the Shenko 705s on mine. Inexpensive choice and better off road than the stock, with a slight decrease in top speed and how smooth the stock tires feel on the highway.
@nemo53353 ай бұрын
i think with a little bit more offroad focused tire, these would do much better. it wouldn't have to be extreme, just something like a Continental TKC 70 or a Dunlop Trailmax. You'd still have really good on road performance, but it'd be much safer off road.
@sacredrelaxingland9373Ай бұрын
What a steady camera at the front.
@DouglasRosser19 күн бұрын
100% new rider in Portland. I've kind of got my eye on the KTM 390 Adventure, but it looks like the Versys X300 can be found around $1500 cheaper. In the grand scheme of things, that's not a huge difference to me. TL;DR - Which would you recommend?
@FreeTimeAdventures18 күн бұрын
@DouglasRosser I enjoy both bikes a lot, but for very different reasons. They're both fun in the twisties, and they both go offroad well. I think where they diverge a bit is that the Versys is much easier to get your foot down if you're shorter, and I find it to be more enjoyable for commuting, errands, and general road riding. The 390 is substantially taller, and I wouldn't really recommend it for anyone under 5'7" or with a less than say 29" inseam. That said, if you are taller, it has more leg room from seat to peg. I also find the KTM to feel a bit more lively, and it has really darty fast handling in town. The TLDR being that I'd recommended the Versys for shorter riders, more practically minded riders, or those who do a lot of commuting/road riding and the 390 for taller riders or those who want a darty playful machine. That's not to say you can't weave through traffic on a Versys or use a 390 to commute. Those are just my feelings on, and preferences with each machine.
@natepotter69117 ай бұрын
Rad video, brutha!
@billwalsh36727 ай бұрын
Great video. I’m considering getting an X300 . I have lots of narrow back roads as well as non maintained roads which cane be more like ATV trails. Question: how did you find the ABS , especially when going down hill. I understand there’s no off button for it. Thanks
@FreeTimeAdventures7 ай бұрын
Honestly, the ABS didn't really create any scenarios where I was concerned. For the most part, it was perfectly fine, and as others have commented, it's easy enough to pull the fuse under the seat for it. It definitely is a fun backroad bike. You'll love it if you grab one, I'm sure. Heck, borrowing this one has had me thinking about one for myself!
Great vid, love to see what these are capable of! For the heat issue, wouldn't shutting the engine off stop the coolant from pumping through the radiator too? I'd think letting it idle would be better.
@johnherian7815 ай бұрын
I bought one used and luckly the previous owner told me about the temp. display.Dont worry if it shows full bars.Still don't know why Kawaski dont fix.
@trekOCLVone5 ай бұрын
What Klim jacket are you wearing? Klim Baja S4 ? More of this content please! X300 please! The X300 can be made into just about anything you want.
@FreeTimeAdventures5 ай бұрын
The jacket is the Klim Dakar in Striking Petrol. It's in their offroad specific section and doesn't show up on the motorcycle gear. It is really affordable compared to other Klim gear. I have both of the pants as well, the in the boot and over the boot pants, and those are great as well. Two years of riding in this gear, and I still love it. Also, I will try, but the Versys's owner is going to be selling it soon, so I may not get to make more content on it, unfortunately :(
@audioarchetype176 ай бұрын
Which do you like better, your KTM Adventure or the Versys-X 300?
@FreeTimeAdventures6 ай бұрын
Honestly it kind of depends on the type of riding I want to do. But overall, I'm happy to own the 390 Adventure. That said, I prefer the 390 for offroading and Adventures that are more off the beaten path. As for the Versys, I think it's a much more practical ride for commuting, errands, etc... I also prefer it for long rides through the hills or on the highway as I like the way it handles and the wind protection. I don't think you can go wrong with either, they are both wonderful bikes, it really comes down to preference.
@moulin68019 күн бұрын
Ktm more fun, Versys way more reliable… Would never do DBR on a KTM… and I owned 2 !
@careybruce1937 ай бұрын
Doesn't the fan kick on when hot?
@FreeTimeAdventures7 ай бұрын
It does, it's a really small fan and only one right in the middle of the radiator with a small shroud. It's very quiet and we had to remove one of the fairing panels to even verify that it was going. The dealership also checked it out and gave it a clean bill of health. After researching on some forums it looks like others have had this issue as well, the fix seems to be switching to a better coolant and flushing the system from what it looks like, but we haven't tried that yet.
@Donnie64inPa6 ай бұрын
Thanks for posting the video with the versys, I'm strongly considering buying one. My last bike was a 96 voyager 1200 but I miss the dual sports.
@JimSiverts2 ай бұрын
What tires and tire pressures were you running?
@FreeTimeAdventures2 ай бұрын
They're the OE IRC Trail Winner tires that come on the bike, and they had about 6k miles on them. Also, set to street pressure. I think this bike would be a riot with a set of Motox Tractionator Adventure's or something like that..
@careybruce1937 ай бұрын
Just do not understand why the bike gets hot.
@paulelden10517 ай бұрын
It doesn't. It just READS hot. This has been verified on the Versys-X 300 FB group, where people obtained specific temp readings for each bar on the display. Bottom line is that Kawasaki calibrated their display wrong.
@Fiatmannen15 ай бұрын
It does not get hot. Look in the manual and u will see it reads normal. I got.one.and it is.ok