Buyer's guide

Versys-X 250: Modenas Kawasaki’s Affordable Entry to Adventure Touring

Hazique Zairill

October 30, 2024

In a market where sportbikes and naked models dominate, the Versys-X 250 offers an affordable entry into adventure touring for Malaysian riders.

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In Malaysia, most riders lean towards sportbikes and naked bikes over touring models. The reason? It’s simply the trend here. Adventure touring bikes are often associated with the older crowd, who tend to ride with a pillion, making it a familiar scene. But that’s perfectly fine; the touring bike market remains solid and continues to have a strong local following.

Touring bikes attract those who prioritize comfort over the aggressive riding posture of sportier bikes, providing a fantastic experience for anyone looking to explore new routes with ease. However, for many everyday riders, especially those with a B2 license, touring bikes seems heavy, massive, and expensive.

The reality is that there are entry-level options that make touring accessible, like the Modenas Kawasaki Versys-X 250—a budget-friendly, approachable adventure bike designed for new riders.

Does affordability mean cutting corners? Not really. After riding the Versys-X 250 over the past few days, I found it surprisingly capable and well-suited for beginners who want to dip their toes into touring without breaking the bank.

Engine

Modenas, in partnership with Kawasaki, offers locally assembled (CKD) models ranging from 250cc to 650cc. The Versys-X, initially launched six years ago, quickly gained popularity among touring fans with B2 licenses, capping engine size at 250cc.

Sharing an engine platform with the Ninja 250 but tuned for rugged, long-distance rides, the Versys-X 250 comes with the same bore, stroke, compression ratio, and smooth assist-and-slipper clutch. At 250cc, it stands as the smallest touring option on the market, offering both comfort and convenience in a more manageable package than larger touring models.

Designed for commuting and light adventure touring, the Versys-X 250 is tuned to deliver smooth, torquey power at low to mid RPMs and a solid punch when you need it at higher revs. It’s a well-rounded choice for anyone looking to embark on their first adventure bike experience.

Appearance and Build

The Versys-X 250 looks massive for a 250cc bike but remains manageable, weighing in at around 181kg curb weight—far lighter than many larger touring bikes. The model also has a fresh black and green colour scheme, with protective fairings and new fog lights, lending it a more touring-oriented look.

This model came with additional accessories, including left and right rear storage boxes, which use the same key as the bike’s ignition—a practical touch. While these changes are largely cosmetic, they enhance the bike’s suitability for long-distance rides. However, it still uses the same analogue-digital meter as the 2017 model and Ninja 250, which some might find outdated, and standard bulbs instead of LEDs for headlights and other lights.

The bike’s spoked wheels measure 19 inches at the front and 17 inches at the rear, fitted with multipurpose tyres that handle various terrains well. The lack of an adjustable windscreen limits customization, but the handle-mounted hand protectors offer some extra comfort and safety.

Riding Experience

Riding the Versys-X 250 was actually a pleasant surprise. I’ve ridden its siblings—the Z250 and even the sporty ZX-25R SE—so I went in with a bit of scepticism. But honestly, this bike gave me a unique touring experience that stands out.

At lower RPMs, it’s not super torquey, but the power picks up in the higher range, making for a nice cruising experience. The comfort is there, even with a pillion, and the bike gives you that big-touring-bike vibe without the high specs or intimidating bulk. It feels surprisingly confidence-inspiring in town or on the highway, letting you enjoy that “adventure bike” feel without pushing it to extremes. The suspension system also performs admirably, and the NISSIN brake system is dependable, as expected from 250cc models.

Of course, there are some downsides. The standard headlight is dim at night, so the LED fog light comes in handy. The engine is also a bit on the grumbly side in first gear, and the initial pickup is slower than I’d like. Sometimes, in tight spots, you need that instant power, but the Versys-X doesn’t quite deliver until it hits around 6,000 to 7,000 RPM, similar to the latest Z250.

Overall, the ride is smooth, though. The mirrors and side boxes are perfectly aligned for a hassle-free commute, even in heavy traffic. As for top speed, it’s decent for a 249cc bike; hitting around 140+ km/h was about all I could get on this model. I think the side box might be the factor, adding a bit of drag on the highway, and also causing some wobble when cornering at high speeds.

The Versys-X 250 may not be lightning-fast or torque-heavy, but it’s a solid, comfortable entry-level touring bike for everyday use or weekend adventures.

Final Thoughts

With a price tag of around RM24,900, the Versys-X 250 steps into a competitive space, where some competitors could get much below the price. While its updates are mostly cosmetic like fog lights, hand guards, and a protective fairing, a functional upgrade like a quick shifter would have been a nice touch to elevate its ride experience.

Though the local market is seeing an inrush of appealing, budget-friendly models from China, the Versys-X 250 remains a solid option for riders on a budget looking for a versatile touring bike that’s as comfortable in daily commutes as it is on longer rides. All in all, it’s a great entry point and worth buying for anyone wanting to jump into touring.