Kawasaki (2017-2018) Versys-x 300 *tall* Seat Concepts Review

ERGOS

The ergonomics on the Versys-X 300 are pretty good for long-altitude traveling, other than the rock hard seat. Yet in the dirt, the narrow handlebars and non-removable rubber peg covers make information technology a scrap awkward to ride aggressively standing up. The spindly ⅞"-bore steel handlebars are too susceptible to bending in a fall. We went about addressing some of these issues by changing upward several impact points.

Rox Speed FX Pivoting Anti-Vibe Bar Risers

The handlebar peak was decent on the Versys-10 300, simply we wanted to raise it a bit for a more than ambitious off-route riding position. These Rox risers offer several advantages for setting up ergos. Non only exercise they arrange for height, yous can besides gyre the risers forward to open the cockpit area a bit. Additionally, they come with polyurethane inserts that assist soak up shock on the trail and vibrations on the highway. Even better, they allow you to catechumen those skinny ⅞" bars into i-⅛" fatty confined.

Mika Metals Pro Series BBT 1-⅛" Handlebars

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With our fat bar riser adaptors in place, nosotros were fix to slip on a set of sturdy 1-⅛" tapered aluminum confined. The Mika Pro Serial confined are made with aerospace aluminum for maximum strength but are engineered with a niggling flex to reduce arm fatigue. The black anodized finish is one of the most scratch-resistant we've seen on a set of bars every bit well. They come up with a cross-bar for extra strength, but are strong plenty to become without it if you aren't planning on striking the doubles at the motocross rail.

Rizoma Rally Footpegs

The Italian company Rizoma may exist an unfamiliar brand in the states, but they've been effectually for years overseas. We've been eyeing their beautifully CNC-machined aftermarket components for some time and when we saw they made off-road footpegs for the Versys-X 300, nosotros were eager to requite them a try. The Rally footpegs have a nice wide platform to give you good support while standing for hours on the pegs, and a serrated surface that keeps your feet from slipping. The pegs also characteristic an opened up interior which makes keeping them clean in the mud much easier. Lots of details to look at similar a polished anodized finish and laser engraved branding besides.

Seat Concepts Comfort Seat

To improve the highway comfort of the Versys-X 300, nosotros installed a Seat Concepts seat foam and cover kit. The high-quality foam offers cushier seating than stock and the comprehend has a grippy top surface that helps you lot maintain body position off-road. The unique shape has a similar profile to stock at the front end of the seat and then the rider'southward legs are not spread farther apart, merely tapers out towards the mid-indicate to distribute rider weight over a greater expanse. The Comfort Seat retains roughly the aforementioned stock seat height, but the company also offers a alpine version (1-¼" higher) for those with longer legs.

TRAVELING

Long-range off-road travel requires you accept durable luggage that can withstand the abuse of rough terrain. Y'all also demand proficient navigation tools and the ability to know where yous are going at a glance. We wanted to have our Versys-X setup with everything it needs to navigate to the back of across, while carrying all our gear for several comfy nights nether the stars.

GIVI Gravel-T GRT709 Soft Panniers (70L)

With a combined 70 liters of carrying capacity, GIVI'south new rack-mount soft panniers have enough of infinite to carry your camping gear, spares, clothing and more. And with this much carrying capacity, a large superlative bag isn't necessary. All the weight is carried low on the sides, keeping the center of gravity down for improved handling characteristics. The GRT709 soft panniers are synthetic with durable 1200WR polyester that tin take a fall.Tension straps proceed contents in place, even if you aren't using the total capacity. They also come with waterproof inner numberless (IP65 rated) and apply MOLLE fasteners for strapping on external accessories. Best of all, they feature lockable quick-release backing plates that make it easy to disassemble your luggage and carry it to your tent or hotel room.

GIVI PL4121 Pannier Racks

The GIVI pannier racks offering a sturdy and secure mounting bespeak for our soft panniers. The racks remove many of the typical hassles of soft numberless – no need to end and re-conform mounting straps during rigorous rides, or worry nearly bags sliding out of place and burning on the hot exhaust. Constructed with potent steel tubing, they provide additional protection for the subframe, and a black powder-coat finish enhances corrosion resistance.

GIVI Gravel-T GRT707 Tool Bag (5L)

With most of our gear carried down depression in our panniers, nosotros wanted to put our tools on the height rack for like shooting fish in a barrel access. The GRT707 Tool Bag is the ideal size for conveying your basic tool kit, plus a spare inner tube and a rag. Information technology keeps these items at the tip of your fingers when you lot need to catch a screwdriver or nix tie. The bag is also fully waterproof, so you tin can keep your spare layer, flashlight, or electronics dry during a failed river crossing.

Trail Tech Voyager Pro GPS

Trail Tech's new Voyager Pro GPS unit features a large 4″ color touch screen to make navigating your journey all the more than easy. It lets y'all import GPX files, tape tracks, set waypoints, and personalize maps. But what really sets information technology apart is the Buddy Tracking feature that lets you monitor the position of each rider in your group on the screen. If a rider is in need of help, he can plow on an emergency beacon to alert other riders in the group. We mounted our unit with a RAM Mounts one" ball base and small double socket arm attached to the pinnacle of the console where information technology is piece of cake to view tracks at a glance.

FARKLES

We couldn't resist a few extras to give our Versys-X a little bling and some added functionality.

Rizoma Gas Cap

The stock gas cap on the Versys-X 300 always seems to get in the style when we are trying to make full up, especially with the big prophylactic boots on fuel pumps hither in California. Rizoma offers a replacement gas cap that is completely removable and lockable with its own key. It's precision machined from billet aluminum with a bi-color stop – a nice item on the Versys-X to give it a custom look.

GIVI ES4121 Sidestand Foot

Whether parked on hot asphalt, sand, soft dirt, or mud, we've all had our bike's tip over completely on their ain. Nothing is more frustrating than unnecessary harm to your wheel, and typically your helmet gets defenseless up in the carnage besides. Then instead of constantly searching for solid ground or a rock to put your kickstand downwards on, we wanted to avoid the hassle with a kickstand human foot. Basically, it'south like a snowshoe for your kickstand that increases the surface area, keeping it from sinking downwards into the ground. GIVI'south Sidestand foot is solidly built with aluminum and stainless steel – an essential farkle for any off-road rider!

Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ADV Build Parts Listing

Aftermarket Product	Price USD
Ricochet Aluminum Skid Plate	$241.45
GIVI Engine Guards (TN4121)	$162.00
Doubletake Take a chance Mirrors	$125.00
Acerbis X-Potent Supermoto Handguards	$134.96
Barkbusters Bar Stop Weights	$39.95
Rox Speed FX Pivoting Anti-Vibe Bar Risers	$118.00
Mika Metals Pro Serial BBT 1-1/8″ Handlebar	$109.99
Rizoma Rally Footpegs	$180.00
Rizoma Touring Footpeg Mounts (PE755A)	$42.00
Seat Concepts Comfort Seat (Carbon Fiber Sides/Gripper Top)	$194.99
Extended Forks with DDC Valves	$514.95
Extended Monotube Shock	$639.00
Motoz Tractionator Adventure Forepart Tire (110/fourscore-xix)	$128.99
Motoz Tractionator Adventure Rear Tire (130/80-17)	$149.99
Akrapovic Slip-On Line (Titanium)	$534.56
Akrapovic Rut Shield	$95.42
GIVI Gravel-T Soft Panniers (GRT709)	$629.ten
GIVI Pannier Racks (PL4121)	$171.00
GIVI Gravel-T Tool Bag (GRT707)	$39.00
Trail Tech Voyager Pro	$599.95
RAM Mounts Double Socket Arm (Modest)	$xiii.49
RAM Mounts 1″ Ball Cradle Adapter	$8.31
Rizoma Gas Cap (TF011A)	$201.00
GIVI Sidestand Foot (ES4121)	$46.lxxx

Photos by Stephen Gregory

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20'southward and 30's he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and thou. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and risk riding. Rob's never-ending quest to discover what's around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in United mexican states, North Africa, Europe, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.

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Source: https://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/kawasaki-versys-x-300-bike-build/2/